In brief
A significant archaeological discovery in Ostia Antica sheds light on Jewish history and heritage in ancient Rome.
Archaeologists in Ostia Antica, Italy, have uncovered what might be the oldest Jewish ritual bath, or mikvah, found outside Israel, dating back to the late fourth or early fifth century. This unexpected find occurred during an excavation led by Luigi Maria Caliò from the University of Catania, who initially anticipated uncovering warehouses or port structures.Instead, the team stumbled upon this ancient mikvah, a significant discovery that deepens the understanding of Jewish life in the region. Riccardo Di Segni, Rome's chief rabbi, hailed the find as crucial for showcasing the vibrant history of Jews in the Rome area.Jews began settling in Rome around the second century B.C., and the area is rich with Jewish heritage, including ancient inscriptions, a synagogue, and even catacombs. This recent excavation highlights the longstanding cultural presence of Jews and their contributions to the historical tapestry of Ostia Antica and Rome itself.
