Jakarta, CNNI Indonesia —
For archaeologist reveals an interesting discovery while searching for the funeral of Salome, a midwife who witnessed the birth process Jesus Christ.
Israeli authorities said the search for the artifacts at the historic site began on Tuesday (12/20) in the hills southwest of Jerusalem.
While researching the cemetery, archaeologists discovered that the place was once worshiped by some Christians.
This is because Christians associate this burial complex with Salome, the midwife of Jesus mentioned in the Bible. Salome’s Cave itself is located near the ancient city of Lachish, about 30 miles southwest of Jerusalem.
Reported by Associated pressinside the cave there are several inscriptions carved on the wall by pilgrims, some of which are written in Arabic.
This is the first time archaeologists are excavating to examine the cave forecourt. However, grave robbers discovered the cave 40 years ago and archaeologists excavated the site in 1984.
The 350 square meter venue has a mosaic floor and is surrounded by a stone wall. Next to the courtyard, the entrance to the cave is decorated with symbolic carvings of roses, pomegranates and acanthus vases or vases covered with ornamental leaves of the acanthus plant.
According to the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA), the vase has a distinctly Jewish design.
IAA researchers say Christian pilgrims visited the cave during the Byzantine era, from the 5th century AD However, other evidence suggests that a wealthy Jewish family originally used the cave for burial some 2,000 years ago.
“The family tomb proves that the owner is a high-ranking family in the shefelah [dataran rendah] Judea in the Second Temple period which lasted from 516 BC to AD 70,” the IAA said in a statement.
Salome’s name probably appears in ancient times on one of the ossuaries (stone boxes) in the tomb, and traditions link the site to Salome.
(lom/rds)