Rare Hasmonean-era oil lamp discovery near Jerusalem revealed on first night of Hanukkah

A rare clay Hasmonean period oil lamp from the Second Temple era was discovered outside Jerusalem, Israel's Civil Administration’s Archaeological Unit revealed on Sunday, the first evening of Hanukkah.

The discovery was made at the Nebi Samuel archeological site northwest of Jerusalem, which is considered the burial place of the prophet Samuel. 

The Civil Administration noted that the new discovery offers additional evidence of continuous ancient Jewish settlement 2,000 years ago near Jerusalem. 

Binyamin Har-Even, head of the Civil Administration’s Archaeology Unit, welcomed the discovery of the rare ancient Jewish artifact, which was uncovered beside a Second Temple-period writing implement. Researchers believe the writing implement was used on wax tablets. 

“With the lighting of the first candle of Hanukkah, a holiday that symbolizes the steadfastness of the Jewish people in their land, we are privileged to a moving discovery that once again illustrates the deep roots of our people in the Land of Israel," Har-Even said. 

"The discovery of artifacts from the Hasmonean period strengthens the historical and cultural bond of the Jewish people to their land and underscores the importance of the research and excavation work we lead to preserve this heritage. We will continue to act with dedication to deepen the research and preserve the archaeological sites in Judea and Samaria for the benefit of future generations. Happy Hanukkah,” he continued. 

Officials from the administration revealed that the ancient artifact will eventually be placed on public display after undergoing professional conservation and analysis. 

Israel contains an impressive and diverse number of archaeological sites within a geographically very tiny territory. 

In September, the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) announced the launch of the Israel National Archaeological Database. The online project enables people from all over the world to gain access to the Jewish state’s vast treasures. 

“In a country with a rich heritage like Israel, a huge collection of archaeological information from all periods has been collected over the years,” Alby Malka, head of the Technologies Division at IAA, stated. 

“By Israeli law, every archaeological find that is uncovered must be reported, documented and deposited in the National Archives. As a result, data constantly gathers under the aegis of the Israel Antiquities Authority on many archaeological digs, as well as on hundreds of thousands of ancient items – from scrolls and coins to pottery, jewelry and archaic architectural elements,” Malka added.

Malka stressed the importance of making the archaeological treasures accessible online to the younger generation. 

“A national archaeological database, which gathers and makes all this knowledge accessible both to the lay public and to researchers, is a tool of paramount importance for scientific research, for preserving the country’s heritage, and for deepening public knowledge, with tools accessible and inviting to the younger generation.”