Ancient Roman city unveils Jewish ritual bath, shifting historic landscape

An ancient Jewish ritual bath, potentially the oldest of its kind outside Israel, has been uncovered in Ostia Antica, shedding new light on Rome’s Jewish history. 

The discovery, made last summer, was not anticipated by the team, led by Professor Luigi Maria Caliò, who initially thought the site would reveal warehouses or a fluvial port, researchers have released an article via The New York Times.

“We thought we’d find some warehouses or a fluvial port,” Caliò said. Instead, the team uncovered a structure potentially dating back to the late fourth or early fifth century, offering a rare glimpse into Jewish life in ancient Rome.

Riccardo Di Segni, the chief rabbi of Rome, called the find significant, noting that such an ancient mikvah has never been found outside of Israel. He described it as a "very relevant find" that contributes to a deeper understanding of Jewish history in both Rome and Ostia Antica.

Jews have been present in Rome since the second century B.C., and their historical footprint is still visible today in the city and its surroundings, including the menorah on the Arch of Titus and Jewish catacombs. Ostia, once a bustling port, also holds evidence of Jewish presence, including a synagogue.

The structure at Ostia shows characteristics of a mikvah, with a pool deep enough for immersion. An oil lamp featuring a menorah, discovered at the bottom of the pool, further supports this identification. The discovery also revealed parts of a large house, or domus, where the mikvah was located.

While the find is promising, some scholars, including L. Michael White, urge caution in labeling it a mikvah until more evidence is gathered. Further excavations are planned for June, with hopes of uncovering additional Jewish artifacts, possibly even a synagogue. However, Rabbi Di Segni anticipates that the discovery will provoke debate among archaeologists in the coming days.

By Naila Huseynova