An extraordinary Jewish ritual bath was discovered during archaeological excavations in the ancient Roman port city of Ostia near Rome. The mikveh, used by religious Jews for ritual purification, was found within the ruins of the city, which was the first Roman colony and an important urban center located 16 miles from Rome. The bath was fed by either spring or rainwater, following religious guidelines. Alessandro D’Alessio, director of the Archaeological Park of Ancient Ostia, described the discovery as remarkable and significant for confirming the Jewish community’s presence in Ostia during the Imperial age. The mikveh was part of the Ostia Synagogue, covered in blue plaster and shells, and surrounded by columns. Other artifacts found at the site included small statues, marble fragments, a lamp with a menorah image, and a glass goblet dating back to the 5th and 6th centuries AD. Italy’s minister of culture, Alessandro Giuli, highlighted the historical importance of Ostia as a cultural crossroads. The ongoing excavations are part of a research project involving the Archaeological Park of Ancient Ostia, the University of Catania, and the Polytechnic of Bari, aimed at further exploration of the buried city.
Italy’s cultural heritage promotion department urged for the monument to be opened to the public promptly. Chief Rabbi of Rome, Riccardo Di Segni, supported this appeal, emphasizing the significance of the monument in showcasing the rich history and traditions of the Jewish community in Rome. Di Segni praised the functionality and elegance of the discovered site. To stay updated with CNN news and newsletters, sign up at CNN.com.
