Archaeologists have unearthed a groundbreaking discovery at Ostia Antica, an ancient Roman port city near Rome. This remarkable find includes the oldest Jewish ritual bath found outside of the Middle East, shedding light on the continuous presence and significance of the Jewish community in Ostia during the Imperial age of Rome. According to Alessandro D’Alessio, the director of the Archaeological Park of Ostia Antica, this discovery is a testament to the enduring legacy of the Jewish people in the region.
The excavation took place in the heart of Ostia Antica during the summer of 2024, revealing a narrow, rectangular room with a staircase leading down into a plaster-lined pit. This structure, identified as a mikvah, a Jewish ritual bath used for purification, is a significant archaeological find. The mikvah was designed with a pipe that supplied water to fill it up, showcasing the meticulous planning and engineering of ancient civilizations.
The artifacts found within the mikvah site provide further insight into the cultural and religious practices of the Jewish community in Ostia. Fragments of plaster and marble, intricate black-and-white mosaics, statues, and oil lamps were among the discoveries. One oil lamp, adorned with a menorah on the top and a lulav on the bottom, offers a glimpse into the religious symbolism and traditions of the Jewish autumn holiday Sukkot.
Riccardo Di Segni, the chief rabbi of the Jewish Community of Rome, highlighted the significance of this find, suggesting that the mikvah site may have served as a hub for the Jewish community in Ostia. The historical context provided by these artifacts enriches our understanding of the ancient Jewish settlement in Rome and the cultural exchanges that took place in this cosmopolitan city.
The Jewish community in Rome has a long and storied history, dating back to the second century B.C. During the Roman Empire, the Jewish population in Rome flourished, with Ostia serving as a vibrant center of cultural diversity and tolerance. Minister of Culture Alessandro Giuli emphasized the historical importance of Ostia as a melting pot of different cultures, united under the umbrella of Roman civilization.
The discovery of the mikvah at Ostia Antica adds to the growing body of evidence regarding the presence of mikva’ot in the Roman world. While the oldest known examples of mikva’ot date back to the late first century B.C. in Judaea, the find at Ostia represents a well-dated instance of this ritual structure outside of its traditional region. Victor Fadlun, president of the Jewish Community of Rome, praised the mikvah as a symbol of continuity and identity for generations of Jews.
As the archaeological park works to make the mikvah site accessible to the public, the significance of this discovery continues to resonate. The rich tapestry of history woven by the Jewish community in Ostia Antica serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring legacy of cultural exchange and tolerance in ancient Rome. Through meticulous excavation and analysis, archaeologists are able to piece together the puzzle of the past, revealing stories of resilience, tradition, and community that transcend time and space.
