Around 1,900 years ago, archaeologists in Israel found a strong weapon and four Roman swords in a cave near the Dead Sea. The “Pailom,” a unique discovery, was found in the En Gedi Nature Reserve and meticulously preserved in wood and leather sheaths.
Finding one sword is uncommon; finding four? Like a dream, that is! The researchers were in awe of what they saw.
The unique treasure trove of weapons, meticulously preserved in wood and leather sheaths, was discovered in the En Gedi Nature Reserve, according to a news release from the Israel Antiquities Authority released on Wednesday.
The authors of a study paper that was published in the collection “New Studies in the Archaeology of the Judean Desert: Collected Papers” on Wednesday contend that these weapons were probably taken during a fight by Jewish rebels from the Roman army.
First Proof: While examining a damaged ink inscription on a stalactite, archaeologists discovered pieces of wood and inked inscriptions as khurpi (hoe) in a distant and difficult cave.
Further research, according to the statement, turned uncovered four swords imbedded in the cave’s higher floor and concealed in nearly impermeable fissures.
Along with the “exceptionally well-preserved” swords, fragments of leather, wood, and metal were discovered. The lengths of the four swords ranged from 45 centimeters (18 inches) for the fourth to 60-65 centimeters (24-26 inches) for the other three, all of which had iron blades enclosed in wooden handles.
One of the directors of the Judean Desert Survey Project, Eaton-Krauss, stated that swords and a pailom found in a separate cave to the north of En Gedi “indicate that the weapons were either taken from Roman soldiers or looted from the battlefield, deliberately concealed by Jewish rebels for future use.”
“It is obvious that the rebels did not want the Roman authorities to learn about these weapons. To find out who had the swords and where, when, and by whom they were produced, we are starting study on the cave and the weaponry discovered inside of it.
Further investigation reportedly turned up a copper “Bar Kokhba” coin from 132-135 CE, which was probably connected to the swords. Jews in the area rose up in the Bar Kokhba insurrection, often referred to as the Second Jewish insurrection, at this time to rebel against Roman power.
Eli Eskozido, director of the Israel Antiquities Authority, described the find as “a dramatic and thrilling discovery that touches a specific moment in time.” “Not everyone is aware that the Judean Desert’s dry climate allows for the preservation of antiquities that cannot be found in other regions of the nation. A fragment of a scroll, money from the Jewish Revolt, sandals, and now-well-preserved swords that appear to have been secreted just yesterday can all be found in this incredible time capsule.
The swords and the Bar Kokhba coin offer an intriguing window into a pivotal historical era when Jewish rebels struggled against Roman rule in the area.