A rare ancient oil lamp, dated between the 4th and 6th centuries CE, was recently discovered almost fully intact at Zippori National Park in the Lower Galilee. The lamp likely served the local residents during the Byzantine period.
Dr. Dror Ben-Yosef, a regional archaeologist with the Israel Nature and Parks Authority, said it is an uncommon find.
"This is a relatively rare discovery in Israeli archaeology," according to Ben-Yosef. "It’s uncommon to find intact oil lamps during excavations. Since this was uncovered in Zippori, a city once home to the Jewish Sanhedrin and where Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi completed the Mishnah (a collection of originally oral laws supplementing scriptural laws), it’s reasonable to assume the lamp was used by the Jewish community in the area."
According to the Israel Nature and Parks Authority, the lamp is 7 inches in diameter and 7.5 inches tall and was crafted by a skilled artisan. It features a rectangular opening at the front and approximately 55 perforations around it, which acted as "light slots." The lamp was lit by placing a burning oil candle inside, after which it could be hung where needed.
Ben-Yosef also explained the significance of these objects. "Unlike other household items, lamps and oil lamps carried deeper ritualistic meanings. Their use in homes, public spaces, and even in burial practices led their owners to decorate them with cultural and religious motifs. It’s no surprise that lamps are key archaeological finds, revealing much about the beliefs and daily lives of their users,"he said.
The lamp will now undergo further research and conservation by the Israel Antiquities Authority and will later be displayed at the National Archaeology Campus in Jerusalem.
The history of Zippori
Zippori National Park, located in the Lower Galilee, lies among the limestone hills between the Zippori Stream in the south and the Beit Netofa Valley (also known as Sahl al-Battuf Valley) in the north. The village of Zippori served as the capital of the Galilee as early as the Roman conquest in 63 BCE. During the 2nd century CE, Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi moved the Sanhedrin to Zippori, where he completed the Mishnah.
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Christian tradition also regards Zippori as significant, identifying it as the home of the parents of Mary (Maria), the mother of Jesus.
By the mid-3rd century CE, the Sanhedrin relocated to Tiberias, and Zippori lost its status as the Galilean capital. Despite this, it remained an important Jewish center until the 5th century CE, when its Christian population grew and became a significant part of the community.
For years, teams from the Israel Nature and Parks Authority have worked to preserve the site’s public buildings, mosaics, streets and structures. Today, Zippori National Park is open to the public, offering a glimpse into the rich history of the once-proud city.