An ancient tomb traditionally associated with Jesus’ midwife is being re-excavated by archaeologists in the hills southwest of Jerusalem, the antiquities authority said on Tuesday.
The complex of intricately decorated Jewish burial caves dates to around the 1st century AD. C., but later local Christians associated it with Salome, the midwife of Jesus in the Gospels. A Byzantine chapel was built on the site, which was a place of pilgrimage and veneration for centuries to come.
The cave was first found and excavated decades ago by an Israeli archaeologist. Archaeologists are excavating the large forecourt of the cave as part of a heritage trail development project in the region.
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The Jewish burial cave complex associated with Jesus’ midwife Salome is being excavated southwest of Jerusalem. Archaeologists are exploring the front yard of the cave.
(AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)
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Crosses and inscriptions in Greek and Arabic carved into the cave walls during the Byzantine and Islamic periods indicate that the chapel was dedicated to Salome.
Pilgrims “rented oil lamps, went into the cave, prayed, came out and returned the oil lamp,” said Ziv Firer, director of the excavation. “We found dozens of them, with beautiful decorations of plants and flowers.”
