New evidence of ancient pagan rituals in Judean caves points to attempt to speak with the dead
More than 120 well-preserved ancient oil lamps and pottery next to human skulls have been uncovered
A team of Israeli archaeologists has reportedly discovered evidence of necromancy, the pagan practice of talking with the dead, at a rare site located at the Twins Cave in the Jerusalem Hills region.
Prof. Boaz Zissu of Bar-Ilan University in the Tel Aviv district, along with his team, unearthed more than 120 well-preserved ancient oil lamps and pottery next to human skulls.
Archaeologists have explored the Twins Cave area since the 18th century, which is believed to have been used by humans during the Middle Bronze Age some 4,000 years ago.
Zissu claims there are similarities between the new find and ancient papyrus sources discovered in Egypt.
“Now, there are traces of a pagan ritual, with more than 120 oil lamps, much earlier weapons hidden together with the oil lamps, and fragments of three human skulls, and very interesting parallels to written sources and papyrus found in Egypt,” the archaeologist said, adding they continue to explore "the very interesting options."
It is believed the cave was “consecrated to a chthonic (underworld) deity," according to Zissu, who explained the caves were “used mostly for secret rites involving necromancy and communication with the dead, mainly by witches.”
“We understand perhaps the reason for concealing these artifacts, so we started fishing for them. Once you understand the reason, and you know where to look for the finds, they are simply lying there, waiting for scholars to uncover them and study them,” he said.
Israel offers a wealth of archaeological treasures concentrated within a small area totaling about 290 miles north-to-south and 85 miles east-to-west.
The Holy Land is strategically located at the intersection of Asia, Africa and Europe and therefore, many civilizations have passed through the small Jewish nation over time.
A team of American archaeologists recently discovered additional ancient mosaics of the biblical Israelite warrior Samson in a Roman-era synagogue located in northern Israel.
The All Israel News Staff is a team of journalists in Israel.
