The Roman Empire, it appears, is on everyone’s minds. A recent TikTok video went viral, prompting women to film themselves asking their boyfriends and husbands how often they think of the Roman Empire. To a lot of people’s surprise it seems that a lot of men has this time period on their mind.
So it seems a bit serendipitous that scientists in Israeli discovered a cache of well-preserved Roman swords that, in all honestly, they weren’t even looking for. Archaeologists were working in a cave to try and decipher inscriptions that were on a stalactite. The inscription was first located more than 50 years ago, high above the Dead Sea in eastern Israel.
While working with geologist Boaz Langford and photographer Shai Halevi, archaeologist Dr. Asaf Gayer spotted a javelin in a narrow opening in the upper level of the cave. Nearby, Gayer then found worked wood that would turn out to be part of the swords’ scabbards. In total, they found four swords.
The four swords alongside the javelin that were found in a cave above the Dead Sea. Photo by the IAA
They were determined to be at least 1900 years old. “This is a dramatic and exciting discovery, touching on a specific moment in time,” Eli Escusido, director of the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA), said in a statement. The dry desert temperature, Escusido said, helped keep the swords preserved so well.
“This is a unique time capsule, whereby fragments of scrolls, coins from the Jewish Revolt, leather sandals, and now even swords in their scabbards, sharp as if they had only just been hidden away today.” Three swords were still in their wooden scabbards, and were identified as Roman long swords. The fourth, a shorter blade, was identified as a ring-pommel sword. The handles were well made, out of wood or metal.
Archaeologists Oriya Amichay and Hagay Hamer with one of the swords found in the cave. Photo by the IAA
“It looked a bit like a pile of books. But – swords!” said archaeologist Oriya Amichay. “Sure, we know the story from history. But to see such a find is to look history in the face.” The archaeologists believe the swords were likely taken by Judean rebels from Roman soldiers or from battlefields. They believe the swords had been hidden in the cave on purpose for use later during a major Jewish revolt against the Roman Empire that ran from 132AD to 135AD.
“We are just beginning the research on the cave and the weapon cache discovered in it, aiming to try to find out who owned the swords, and where, when, and by whom they were manufactured,” said Dr Eitan Klein, a director of the Judean Desert Survey Project.
“Each one of them can tell you an entire story,” said Guy Stiebel, an archaeologist at Tel Aviv University. “They also reflect a much grander narrative of the entire Roman Empire.” The fact that “a small cave in a very remote place on the edge of the empire” can shed light on that narrative “is the greatest joy that the scientist can have,” he said.
@ogmadisonfender Wow, my mind is blown 😂 #romanempire #romanempireprank ♬ original sound – Madison Fender
With this discovery, a whole new story could be learned about the Roman Empire. Which, for TikTok, means that there will be plenty of men who will rejoice in something they can add to their constant thoughts about that amazing time in history! For a look at the discovery, watch below!
Sources: BBC | Smithsonian Magazine | Today
