1,600-Year-Old Mikveh Unearthed in Italy, Marking Oldest Such Discovery in Europe

A 1,600-Year-Old Mikveh Unearthed in Italy

Archaeologists in Italy have uncovered a 1,600-year-old Jewish ritual bath, known as a mikveh, at the archaeological site of Ostia Antica. This discovery marks the oldest mikveh found in Europe.

The mikveh, dating back to the 4th or 5th century AD, was discovered last summer and announced by Italian officials on March 10th. It consists of a small, semi-underground room with a well underneath. Ancient stairs lead down to the bath, showing signs of wear and flanked by masonry shoulders covered in hydraulic plaster.

A hole in the masonry suggests a pipeline for water supply, and the well itself measures roughly 3.5 feet in diameter. A lamp decorated with a menorah and a lulav, dating to the same period as the mikveh, was also found at the bottom of the well.

These features, along with the hydraulic plaster walls and the presence of the lamp with Jewish symbols, strongly suggest the site's use as a mikveh. Mikvehs are used by Jews for ritual purification purposes and typically appear as rectangular basins with steps, connected to a water source.

This discovery is significant as it is the only known ancient Roman-era mikveh found in Europe. The only other ancient mikveh in Europe is located in Sicily and dates back to the 6th or 7th century AD, placing it after the fall of Rome.

The decline of mikvehs in Europe is attributed to the Roman persecution of Jews in the first century. However, this discovery highlights the deep-rooted presence of Jews in the heart of Roman times.

The Italian Minister of Culture, Alessandro Giuli, emphasized the historical significance of the find, highlighting Ostia Antica as a crossroads of cultures and tolerance. Victor Fadlun, president of the Jewish Community of Rome, expressed emotion and pride at the discovery, seeing it as a testament to the enduring Jewish presence and identity.