Preface
For years, archaeologists have worked to uncover clues to history. Recently, with the combined efforts of the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) and archaeologists, a startling discovery has provided an insight into the military history of ancient Rome.
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On September 6, 2023, according to foreign media reports such as the BBC, the Israeli Antiquities Authority (IAA) announced that researchers found four Roman-era swords in caves near the Dead Sea.
This major archaeological discovery quickly attracted global attention. The sword was excavated near the famous Dead Sea in the Middle East, the site of the current Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The cave was discovered on a cliff in Ein Gedi National Park in the Judean Desert region.
It is estimated that these weapons date back nearly 1,900 years, demonstrating their high historical value. In addition, other military equipment, such as leather shoes and belts, has been discovered, providing researchers with a unique insight into the military uniforms and weapons of ancient Rome.
A flawless sword
These near-perfect Roman swords are documented in the report of the Antiquities Bureau of the Jewish Desert.
The story of the archaeologists' excavations began in a remote cave in the Engedi Nature Reserve. Here they found four well-preserved Roman swords and a weapon with a handle (javelin). After research and identification, these weapons are believed to be about 1,900 years old, and it is likely that they were once equipment of the Roman army, and were later hidden by the rebels of Judah.
People were amazed and anticipated by the discovery of these swords. The three swords are kept in wooden scabbards, which are in good condition and make it feel as if you have stepped back in time. Other artifacts unearthed at the same time, including leather strips, wooden parts, and metal objects, provide complete examples of the equipment and ornaments of the Roman army at the time.
Swords range in length from 60 to 65 centimeters, including the Roman Buddha Flame Bud Sword and the shorter 45 cm Ring-Head Sword, both of which were commonly used by the Romans at the time. With the help of high-definition images, archaeologists were able to get an up-close look at the craftsmanship and design of these swords.
Topped National Geographic magazine
At the Dead Sea, archaeologists unearthed four great Roman swords, a discovery that topped National Geographic's list of the most exciting archaeological discoveries of 2023. Why is this archaeological discovery the world's number one of the year?
According to the Israel Antiquities Agency, the Times of Israel reported that 50 years ago, they found stalactites inscribed with ancient Hebrew features in the cliffs of Engedi and confirmed that the inscriptions belonged to the First Temple period. This time, Assaf Gaye of Ariel University, Boaz Longford, a geologist from the Hebrew University, and Shah Halevy, a photographer from IAA, recaptured the inscribed stalactites using multispectral photography.
While traversing the cave, Dr. Assafgaye of Ariel University found a well-preserved Roman heavy javelin in a rock crevice, followed by four large Roman swords in the niche of the rock wall.
From this information, we can draw the following key points: first, the sword was found in an open stalactite cave near the Dead Sea, second, stalactites inscribed in ancient Hebrew were found in the cave 50 years ago, and finally, these Roman swords are the second excavation of the cave.
This groundbreaking discovery was followed by a full-scale excavation by the Israel Antiquities Authority. In addition to artifacts from the Roman period, archaeologists have unexpectedly discovered remains from the Bronze and Lilite period, which date back about 6,000 years. Of particular note is the bronze coin of Bar-Kokhba at the entrance to the cave, hinting at the era when the weapon was hidden.
The process of deep excavation, detailed in New Research in the Archaeology of the Judean Desert, was made public at the Jerusalem "Archives" conference, adding new insights to the history of the Jewish desert.
summary
In collaboration with the Israel Antiquities Authority, archaeologists have discovered near-perfect treasures such as Roman swords in the Engedi Caves of the Jewish Desert, dating back nearly 1,900 years. This discovery not only provides valuable historical evidence, but also deepens the understanding of the military history of ancient Rome.
After careful excavation, we were able to feel the sedimentation of thousands of years of history. These discoveries both commemorate the past and pay tribute to those who fought for freedom and justice. The hidden treasures will inspire us to further study and explore history, increasing our understanding and respect for the past.