On March 27, the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) announced that archaeologists have discovered a rare oil lamp used by Roman soldiers approximately 1,600 years ago in the Negev Desert, located in the southern part of the country.
This artifact was discovered by a student at the ancient fortress during a class trip. (Source: ynetnews).
According to the IAA, the lamp was used by soldiers at night while stationed at Mezad Tzafir, a fortress dating back to the late Roman period, located on the Scorpions Ascent in the eastern Negev Desert.
This artifact was discovered by a student at the ancient fortress during a class trip.
IAA archaeologists indicate that Mezad Tzafir is one of several forts constructed by the Romans in the area to protect shipments transported from the mines in the Arava Valley, east of Negev.
The oil lamp, which is only partially intact, was produced in the ancient city of Petra (Jordan).
Ninety years ago, a similar oil lamp was also excavated at the same site.
