Researchers who reviewed the discovery believe that the Roman blades were in all probability hide by Judean rebels as trophies of state of war . The modest cave in which they were hidden sit down high in an “ isolated and inaccessible ” part of the cliffs on the park ’s northern side , fit in to an authorityrelease . The release noted that , 50 years ago , a stalactite with a fond ink inscription in ancient Hebrew was found in the same cave .
Asaf Gayer , an archaeologist at Ariel University , Boaz Langford , a geologist at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem , and Shai Halevi , a photographer for the authority , revisited the cave recently to image the stalactite . But during their sojourn to the cave , Gayer found a pilum — a long javelin — stuck in a crevice . Upon further inspection , an alcove next to the cranny incorporate worked pieces of Grant Wood — part of the steel ’ scabbards , the research squad concluded .
A full investigating of the cave followed , revealing four Roman swords . The iron blade were “ exceptionally well save , ” agree to the release , and three of them were find still inside their wooden scabbards . Three of the swords were 23.6 inches long and 25.6 column inch long ( 60 to 65 centimeters ) , and one was about 17.7 inches long ( 45 cm ) .
An ancient Roman sword found in a cave off the Dead Sea.Photo: Israel Antiquities Authority
“ The hiding of the steel and the pilum in deep crevice in the isolated cave north of ‘ En Gedi , hint that the weapon were taken as booty from Roman Catholic soldiers or from the field of honor , and on purpose hide by the Judean rebels for reuse , ” said Eitan Klein , a music director of the Judean Desert Survey Project , in the office tone ending .
“ We will prove to nail the historical event that go to the caching of these weapons in the cave and determine whether it was at the time of the Bar Kokhba Revolt in 132–135 CE , ” Klein sum .
The Bar Kokhba revolt was a Jewish rebellion against Roman rule that finally failed . But at least some Judeans apparently made away with war spoiling , if the team ’s initial conclusion are correct . A bronze coin dating from the metre of Bar Kokhba was found in the cave , providing further evidence that the swords may have been stowed aside at that time .
Removing the weapons from the cave.Photo: Emil Aladjem, Israel Antiquities Authority
If the Dead Sea Scrolls were n’t enough evidence , the memory cache of Roman weaponry show that the cave in and around Ein Gedi still turn back flock of ancient secret . With a lilliputian industry and the careful heart of archaeologists , more of those stories may be reveal .
More : The Coolest Archaeological Discoveries of 2022
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