Discovery of Mysterious Ancient Pillar in Jerusalem Could Rewrite History of the Menorah Symbol
Funny how history sometimes feels like a bad game of archaeological Jenga, right? Picture this: a hefty stone pillar head—tipped upside down and tossed into the rubble of what looks like a Byzantine building from the 6th or 7th century C.E.—just casually recycled as construction material. But wait, this isn’t just any old block of rock. Scholars reckon it might be sporting an image of a menorah, that iconic Jewish candelabrum. So here’s the kicker: this curious artifact probably started life at a Roman settlement over 1,500 years ago—or maybe even earlier at a Jewish site wiped out in turbulent times. How does a sacred Jewish symbol end up hitching a ride into Roman architectural hangouts and later get flipped on its head in a Byzantine ruin? It’s like a cultural mash-up wrapped in limestone, begging us to unravel its secrets. Archaeologists are buzzing—and rightly so—calling this a “rare” and downright “unparalleled” discovery. If stones could talk, this one might spill some serious tea about the past. Wanna dive deeper? LEARN MORE
The pillar head was found lying upside down in the ruins of a Byzantine structure from the 6th or 7th century C.E., and it was likely repurposed as construction material for this building.
Israel Antiquities Authority/FacebookUnlike anything unearthed before, this ancient pillar head has no “archaeological parallels,” according to the Israel Antiquities Authority.
During excavations on the outskirts of Jerusalem in 2020, archaeologists were surprised to find a stone capital — the top of a pillar or column — that seemed to be adorned with an image of a menorah. Archaeologists suspect that this pillar head was originally constructed at a Roman settlement at least 1,500 years ago, though it’s possible that it was created even earlier at a Jewish settlement that was later destroyed.
For now, many questions remain about this unique artifact, though archaeologists have some fascinating theories. In the meantime, experts are celebrating this ancient pillar head as a “rare” and “unparalleled” find.
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