archeology
Researchers discover a cave with excellently preserved Roman swords at the Dead Sea
The researchers from Israel classified the swords as so-called spathe models due to the length of their blades
© Emil Aladjem / DPA
Archaeologists have found four ancient swords that were probably once hidden by Judean rebels.
Israeli archaeologists have found four ancient Roman swords in a Dead Sea cave. They were probably hidden by Jewish rebels almost 1,900 years ago during the Bar Kochba revolt against the Romans, the Israel Antiquities Authority said on Wednesday. “This is dramatic evidence of a specific moment in history,” the statement said.
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The Jewish uprising under rebel leader Bar Kochba broke out in 132 and was crushed by the Romans around three years later. The researchers reportedly discovered the weapons in a small crack in a difficult-to-access cave near the Ein Gedi Nature Park. The rebels probably took them from Roman soldiers and then hid them. They were “exceptionally well” preserved.
Swords in Israel identified as spatha models
Three of the swords were found with the blades still hidden in the rock, preserving the steel, with hand-crafted handles made of iron and wood, and the accompanying wooden scabbards. The researchers classified the swords as so-called spathe models due to the length of their blades of 60-65 centimeters.
“Finding a single sword is rare – but four? That’s a dream. We rubbed our eyes and couldn’t believe it,” said the researchers. Further investigations should now provide information about exactly when the swords were hidden. Traces of DNA may even be found on the swords and examined.
The dry climatic conditions in the area made it possible to preserve artifacts quite well. “It is a unique time capsule in which fragments of scrolls, coins from the period of the Jewish uprising, leather sandals and now even swords in their scabbards look as sharp as if they had been hidden just today,” said the director of the antiquities authority, Eli Escusido, with.
Sources: Israel Antiquities Authority, “Jerusalem Post”DPA