Israel Reveals Details of ‘Tomb of Salome,’ Jesus’ Midwife; see pictures

Israeli authorities on Tuesday 20th unveiled “one of the most impressive burial caves” ever discovered in the country, which would be around 2,000 years old and which was dubbed “the tomb of”. Salomé‘, one of the midwives present at the birth Jesusaccording to certain currents of Christianity🇧🇷

The site was found 40 years ago by antiquities scavengers in the Lachish Forest which lies in between Jerusalem and the Gaza Stripwhich led to archaeological excavations that uncovered a vast esplanade which archaeologists say testifies to the importance of this burial cave.

Inscriptions left by pilgrims in the burial cave associated with Salome in Israel. Photo: Ammar Awad/Portal

The room where boxes of bones were found includes several rooms and niches carved into the stone and has been described by the Antiquities Authority (AIA) as one of the “most impressive” and “most elaborate” caves discovered Israel🇧🇷

First used for Jewish funeral rites, it belonged “to a wealthy Jewish family who put a lot of effort into preparing the grotto,” according to the same source.

Aerial photo taken with a drone shows the work of archaeologists in the tomb area. Photo: Menahem Kahana/AFP

Later the place became a Christian chapel dedicated to Salomé, a fact attested by the presence of crosses and a dozen inscriptions engraved on the walls, referring to her.

“Salomé is a mysterious figure,” emphasized the AIA. “According to (orthodox) Christian tradition, the Bethlehem midwife did not believe that she was asked to help a virgin give birth, her hand withered and healed only while holding the baby,” the entity explained.

The room where boxes of bones were found includes several rooms and niches carved into the stone and has been described by the Antiquities Authority (AIA) as one of the “most impressive” caves. Photo: Menahem Kahana/AFP

The cult of Salomé and use of the site lasted until the 9th century, after the Muslim conquest, according to the AIA. “Some of the inscriptions were written in Arabic while Christian believers continued to pray at the site,” he added.

Excavation of the 350squaremeter esplanade unearthed tents that archaeologists say housed clay lamps.

The cave was found 40 years ago by antiquities looters in the Lachish Forest between Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip. Photo: Maya Alleruzzo/AP

“We have found hundreds of complete and broken lamps from the 8th to 9th centuries,” said Nir ShimshonParan and Zvi Firer, directors of AIA excavations in southern Israel.

“Perhaps the lamps were used to illuminate the cave or for religious ceremonies, just as candles are placed in tombs and churches today,” they said. /AFP

Continued after the ad

Clay lamps discovered in tomb cave in Israel. Photo: Maya Alleruzzo/AP