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Here’s a good description on the find. (Be sure to set the translation to English.)

Here’s a more in-depth article on the discovery. The article also discusses the concept of “predictive archaeology.” https://www.zmescience.com/science/archaeology/basilica-in-italy-is-first-confirmed-building-by-vitruvius-the-father-of-architecture-experts-call-it-the-discovery-of-the-century/

The Basilica of Vitruvius has been discovered in Fano, Italy. Vitruvius was the great Roman architect of the first century BCE. The basis for the claim is Vitruvius himself, who described this specific building in De Architectura, the only structure he attributes to himself. https://arkeonews.net/archaeologists-confirm-fano-discovery-as-vitruvius-legendary-basilica-a-turning-point-for-classical-architecture/ Archaeologists state that the uncovered ruins correspond to the proportions, layout, and architectural features Vitruvius described for the basilica. These features include a rectangular public building, along with consistent dimensions and structural elements. Here is Vitruvius’ description of the structure: https://share.google/JZKoQhGBTuwm3QfVw

A medieval manuscript dating to about 500 years ago shows ink paw prints left by a cat that walked across the pages while the ink was still fresh. The discovery was reported in a Croatian library, where scholars observed the smudged prints in a handwritten manuscript. It's a reminder that daily life — including cats' mischievous behavior — has remained largely unchanged over the centuries. A Cat Left Paw Prints on the Pages of This Medieval Manuscript When the Ink Was Drying 500 Years Ago

Here is the academic article on the research. (Pictured below are the carbonate samples from the Republic baths in Pompeii.) https://press.uni-mainz.de/hygienic-conditions-in-pompeiis-early-baths-were-poor/

A recent study involved the mineral deposits found in the communal baths of Pompeii, buried under the lava of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. Results indicate that the water in the communal areas was probably not changed regularly. Although not surprising, this reminds us that ancient standards for hygiene were different than modern day. Researchers examined mineral deposits in the city’s communal baths to understand how the water systems functioned prior to the AD 79 eruption. 🧪 What the study suggests Mineral deposits in the pipes and basins indicate gradual accumulation over time, not regular flushing. Chemical signatures of the deposits suggest that fresh water was not regularly circulated through the communal pools. Bathing areas likely reused water for extended periods, particularly in the warm rooms where evaporation increased mineral concentration. It seems that maintenance practices are a bit more relaxed than we first thought, suggesting a more lackadaisical approach to hygiene. https://www.euronews.com/culture/2026/01/15/lava-up-new-mineral-study-reveals-buried-dirt-about-bath-time-in-ancient-pompeii

Extensive archaeological research has been underway in Colchester (see previous posts below). Recently, a pair of conjoined rings, possibly for a child, has been discovered. The rings are dated from the 1st and 3rd centuries AD. Colchester was the site of the Roman city of Camulodunum. Also discovered were 98 pieces of marble imported from Greece, Egypt, and Turkey (pictured below). This brings the total to 2,000 pieces of marble discovered in an earlier dig in the 1950s. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn0yq8kwv4do.amp Here's a previous post about the use of colored marble in the Roman Empire:

Recent archaeological finds in Wales support the belief that the Roman presence in Rome was more extensive than previously believed. (See previous posts below.) The latest finds suggest an extensive villa in Western Wales at Port Talbot. Ground-penetrating scanning devices have located the villa less than a meter below the surface of Margam County Park. It is well preserved and may yield interesting finds in the future. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cgk8j1gkxelo.amp https://www.ancient-origins.net/news-history-archaeology/roman-villa-wales-00102444# https://share.google/43MF6529rX3sajiwo

The “House of the Griffins” is an aristocratic home on the Palantine Hill, dating from the first and second century BCE during the Roman Republican era. Due to the fragile frescoes and narrow access, the public will be able to visit only by tours led by guides using head-mounted smartphones. It is hoped that this method will allow access to while minimizing humidity and CO2, preserving the delicate art. The house is well known for its frescoes and mosaics, including the griffin (lion/eagle) imagery. https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/world/2026-01-13-ancient-roman-home-opens-to-public-with-remote-guided-tours/

A bone potter’s stylus from the 5th century BCE has been discovered in Sicily. The stylus features a Dionysian head and a prominent phallus. A potter’s stylus is a precision tool used on clay to create lines, marks, textures, and inscriptions. This is a potter’s stylus rather than a writing stylus for several reasons. The bone material, opposed to the metal of a writing stylus, along with the wear patterns and archaeological context, all suggest a potter’s stylus. Below is a picture of a woman with a writing stylus. A fascinating 5th-century BCE bone stylus was discovered in Gela, Sicily. It features a distinctive Dionysian head and provocative phallic imagery, carved directly onto what archaeologists identify as a potter’s stylus—an essential tool for shaping and decorating clay vessels. This rare find stands out as unique in Greek archaeology, with no similar examples known to date. The stylus was unearthed during excavations in the Orto Fontanelle area, a place rich in evidence of ancient workshops. Its craftsmanship, imagery, and signs of use suggest it belonged to a talented artisan who may have used it for both everyday tasks and symbolic purposes. 🧱 Why This Is a Potter’s Stylus (Not a Writing Stylus) Archaeologists identify the tool as a potter’s stylus based on several technical and contextual clues: It features two distinct ends, ideal for shaping, incising, smoothing, or adding fine details to clay. Writing styluses, like those used on wax tablets, typically have a sharp point for writing and a flat, spatula-like end for erasing. Interestingly, this artifact doesn't quite match the typical design of a writing stylus. This tool, measuring 13.2 cm, stands out as both longer and more durable than most Greek writing styli, which were typically made for small handheld tablets. These sturdy bone tools are often found in pottery workshops, underscoring how their strength and leverage supported artisans. Microscopic analysis reveals abrasions consistent with clay work rather than the fine scratches seen in wax writing. The rounded, smooth wear at the ends of the tool indicates it was used repeatedly on soft clay, making it a significant piece of archaeological evidence. The stylus was discovered in an area associated with craft production, rather than in a typical home or administrative space where writing tools are usually found. Nearby, there are also pottery fragments and remnants of workshop activity, further contextualizing the find. 5. Decorative Iconography Writing styluses were often simple and practical tools. However, potters’ tools occasionally featured personal or protective symbols, especially in workshops where artisans sought divine blessing. The Dionysian head and phallic symbols reflect Dionysian themes of creativity, fertility, and transformation, which are fitting within a craft setting. 🧰 What Is a Potter’s Stylus? A potter’s stylus is a handy little tool that ancient ceramic artists used to create beautiful works of art. They used it to gently carve lines into soft clay, add delicate details to vessels or figurines, smooth rough edges, and decorate with lovely patterns before firing. These charming tools were usually made of bone, wood, or metal and often had multiple ends for different functions. 🍇 Symbolism and Meaning The stylus features an intricately carved head, probably depicting Dionysus, with a prominent phallus along its shaft. In Greek culture, Dionysus symbolized fertility, creative inspiration, transformation, and protection. Phallic imagery was commonly used to ward off bad luck and invite abundance. On a potter’s tool, the artisan might have regarded the stylus not just as a practical tool but also as a meaningful ritual talisman, adding a special touch of significance to their work. 🏛️ Why This Find Matters This discovery reveals how Greek artisans imbued their tools with profound religious and symbolic meanings, offering rare insight into the lively ritual activities in workshops in Classical Sicily. Notably, this is the only known instance of a potter’s stylus decorated with both erotic and divine symbols. https://www.livescience.com/archaeology/dionysus-and-his-erect-penis-depicted-on-2-500-year-old-bone-stylus-found-in-sicily https://arkeonews.net/erotic-symbolism-on-a-potters-tool-rare-5th-century-bc-bone-stylus-found-in-sicily/

A healing sanctuary has been discovered in Tenea, Greece. Pictured above are clay body parts, probable votive offerings to the gods. (Votive offerings are objects that people dedicate to a deity or sacred place as part of a prayer, request, or expression of thanks.) Tenea claimed descent from Trojan prisoners captured by Agamemnon, leading to their worship of Apollo, who favored the Trojans. Similarly, the Romans believed they they were descended from Trojan refugees including Aeneas. The complex was probably used for centuries as depicted in the coin findings. These coins range from a stater from Corinth (550-510 BCE) to more recent coins from Gordian III (AD 238-244) and Constantine (AD 306-337). The coins ranging from the 6th century BCE Corinthian stater to the Constantine bronze shows nearly a millennium of activity at the site. The healing sanctuary is thought to have been used until the early third century AD when it was converted into a large cemetery used until the fifth century AD. Earlier excavations at the site had discovered a gold ring inlaid with semiprecious stone carved with an image of Apollo and two serpents. The serpents are associated with Asclepius, Apollo’s son, representing the healing aspect of the medical arts. No dedicatory inscriptions have been found, but the serpent imagery and the Apollo ring make an Apollo-Asclepius cult possible. https://share.google/hYZDU8z7qFpj9t4ql https://www.athens24.com/news/results-of-the-ancient-tenea-research-at-chiliomodi-corinthia-new-findings-on-a-building-linked-to-mystery-healing-rituals.html https://archaeology.org/news/2025/03/18/monumental-tomb-uncovered-in-fabled-greek-city/

A small Roman-era box has been discovered at the gravesite of a young girl. The intact box features a sliding door. https://www.explorethepast.co.uk/2026/01/thebroadwaybox/ https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c74vm30wrlyo

There have been several posts about the carnyx, the tall, bronze Celtic war trumpet. It was S-shaped and animal-headed, designed to project an unnerving metallic roar across the battlefield, frightening enemies and rallying troops. Above is a scene from the movie “Gladiator,” in which an enemy in Germania uses a carnyx to intimidate the Romans before battle. Although the carnyx was primarily a Celtic war trumpet, it is plausible that some Germanic tribes used it. An example of a carnyx has been discovered in West Norfolk, Britain. It is the third carnyx discovered in Britain, but the most complete example yet uncovered. It dates from 50 BCE to 50 AD. Background on this Norfolk carnyx: 1. Third British Carnyx — but the most complete one discovered Two previous British carnyces were known: The Deskford Carnyx (Scotland) — only the head survives. A fragmentary example from Tintagel (Cornwall). This Norfolk find is the first time an entire instrument — bell, tube sections, fittings — has been recovered, making it uniquely important. 2. The Carnyx Itself A tall, vertical bronze war horn used by Celtic tribes. The Norfolk example includes: A well-preserved animal-headed bell Multiple bronze tube sections Evidence of repairs, indicating long-term use When reconstructed, it would stand about 2 meters tall. 3. The Boar Standard A bronze boar figurine mounted on a pole fitting. In Celtic culture, boars symbolized protection, ferocity, and warrior identity. This is among the best-preserved Iron Age standards ever found in Britain. 4. The Hoard Context The carnyx and boar standard were buried together with: Weapon fragments Bronze fittings Ceremonial metalwork All deposited in a wetland or boundary zone, consistent with ritual offerings in Iron Age Britain. 5. Cultural Significance Confirms East Anglia as a major Iron Age power center, likely linked to the Iceni (Boudica’s tribe). Highlights high-status craftsmanship and strong continental Celtic connections. Provides the first opportunity to study a nearly complete carnyx in Britain. https://www.heritagedaily.com/2026/01/near-complete-bronze-carnyx-among-iron-age-hoard-discovery/156712 https://arkeonews.net/britains-first-discovery-of-its-kind-a-2000-year-old-carnyx-and-boar-standard-unearthed-in-norfolk/

Excavations on the banks of the River Wear, near Sunderland, have uncovered evidence of a possible 2nd-century AD Roman industrial center. Over 800 whetstones (shown above) and 11 stone anchors have been discovered. Whetstones are stone bars used to sharpen blades, tools, and weapons. 🏺 Summary of the Roman Industrial Hub Discovery at Offerton on the River Wear near Sunderland. 🪨 Key Discoveries 800+ Roman whetstones — the most significant known find of its kind in Northwest Europe. 11 stone anchors — the highest number ever discovered at a northern European river site. Evidence of quarrying — a sandstone outcrop across the river suggests deliberate extraction for whetstone production. Tools and production debris — including chisels, stone splitters, and whetstones at all stages of manufacture. Rare finds — 65 “doubles” (paired whetstones not yet split) and a rare “treble”. 🧪 Dating the Site Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) dating of the sediment layers dated them to 42–238 AD, confirming Roman-period activity. 🛠️ What the Site Represents A prominent Roman production hub supplying whetstones for domestic, agricultural, industrial, medical, and military applications. The uniformity of the stones suggests they were produced for the Roman army. Stone anchors indicate river transport, likely moving sandstone slabs across the Wear for processing. https://www.durham.ac.uk/news-events/latest-news/2026/01/roman-industrial-hub-discovered-on-banks-of-river-wear-/ https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/25741496.roman-whetstone-site-discovered-river-wear-offerton-sunderland/ https://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/environment/extraordinary-evidence-of-roman-industrial-hub-in-north-east-england-dating-back-over-1900-years-unearthed-5465434

The Viminacium Roman Museum recently opened in Eastern Serbia. Only a small percentage of the site has been excavated. As of 2023, 16,000 Roman-era graves have been discovered. It is believed that sixteen Roman Emperors were born in Serbia. Viminacium, a prominent Roman city, served as a major military camp and the capital of Moesia Superior, now part of modern Serbia. At its zenith, it is estimated to have housed at least 45,000 inhabitants. The city likely featured a hippodrome, forum, palace, temples, an amphitheater, aqueducts, and baths. There have been many previous posts about Viminacium in the past (see posts below). https://www.telegraf.rs/english/4244766-viminacium-museum-in-eastern-serbia-displays-many-unique-items-including-complete-roman-tintinnabulum https://www.srbija.gov.rs/vest/en/266374/opening-of-viminacium-museum-new-chapter-in-preservation-of-cultural-heritage.php

Here’s an interesting video that delves into whether the Carthaginians committed child sacrifice:

Reading this passage from Strabo's Geography (Book IV, Chapter 5, Section 2), I wonder whether he was describing rickets among the native Britons: First, the background. Strabo was a Greek geographer, historian, and intellectual, born in 64 or 63 BCE in Amaseia, Pontus (modern Amasya, Turkey), and died around 24 CE. He lived through one of the most transformative periods in Roman history: the collapse of the Roman Republic and the rise of the Roman Empire. His major surviving work, the Geographica, is a 17-book synthesis of geographical, ethnographic, and historical knowledge of the known world. It is among the most important surviving works of ancient geography. Strabo was a child during Caesar’s invasion of Britannia in 55-54 BCE. These expeditions produced the Roman world’s earliest firsthand descriptions of Britain. What was rickets: Rickets is a childhood disorder affecting bones, causing them to become soft, weak, and poorly mineralized. It develops when a child lacks sufficient vitamin D, calcium, or phosphorus—the key nutrients needed for healthy bone development and mineralization. Vitamin D plays a crucial role in aiding the absorption of calcium and phosphorus from food. Without adequate vitamin D, the growth plates at the ends of bones can't mineralize correctly. This leads to bone deformities, delayed growth, and muscle weakness. Common Symptoms - Bowed legs or knock knees - Bone pain in the spine, pelvis, or legs - Muscle weakness and fatigue - Delayed growth and motor skill development Causes of deficiencies include vitamin D deficiency (the most common), limited sunlight exposure, a diet low in vitamin D due to few natural food sources, and exclusive breastfeeding without vitamin D supplements. Darker skin pigmentation can also reduce vitamin D synthesis. Additionally, deficiencies in calcium and phosphorus contribute to the condition. So, the lack of adequate Vitamin D (from milk and milk products such as cheese) or of adequate sunlight could explain the rickets among the native Britons. Strabo continues: Interestingly, no other ancient source described this physical anomaly among the native Britons. Strabo probably had no deep understanding of the causes or treatment of rickets, either. It is, nevertheless, a strange physical characteristic to mention. Note: It is estimated that 10-15% of all 19th century Victorian children in Briton had rickets, much higher in the urban areas (25-40%) and lower in the rural areas. Strabo, Geography, BOOK IV., CHAPTER V., section 2 https://academic.oup.com/shm/article/35/2/566/6381535

The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan begins this February 6 through the 22nd. The Olympic flame is ignited several weeks before the opening ceremony at the main site of the the ancient Olympics in Olympia, Greece by a group of women representing the Vestal Virgins at a celebration at the Temple of Hera. The Olympic torch is then transported to the site of the games. Below is a video of the actor Jackie Chan participated in the Olympic torch relay through Pompeii.

Thanks for the link. They do good work.

There is a great debate about whether either the Phoenicians or their later colony, the Carthaginians, practiced child sacrifice. Many cultures have been known to practice child sacrifice (see post below): Plutarch (AD 50-120) certainly thought so: —Plutarch, Moralia II.171C Note: Plutarch wrote more than a century after the final destruction of Carthage (146 BCE). The Bible contains numerous quotes condemning child sacrifices carried out by the Phoenicians, who were ancestors of the Carthaginians. Leviticus: 18:21: Molek was once believed to be a Canaanite/Phoenician deity, but recent research suggests that the name Molek may refer to a particular type of sacrifice rather than to a deity. Moses' instructions to Israel as it entered Canaan (the home of the Phoenicians) are found in Deuteronomy 12:31: Another passage in Jeremiah 32:35: Note about these Biblical quotes: ✔ The biblical passages predate Carthage’s rise. ✔ They refer to Canaanite/Phoenician practices in the Levant, not to Punic (Carthaginian) practices in North Africa. ✔ Later Greco-Roman writers made similar accusations against Carthage, but that is a separate tradition. Here is a quote by Diodorus Siculus, the Greek historian from Roman Sicily, writing in the 1st century BCE about Carthage: Diodorus Siculus is a significant ancient historian. Although his writings provide valuable insights, they are frequently seen as derivative, somewhat uncritical, and sometimes inconsistent in timeline. He often copies earlier sources with minimal scrutiny, making the trustworthiness of his accounts reliant on those sources' quality. Contemporary scholars value him for safeguarding material that might have otherwise disappeared, yet they scrutinize his narrative carefully. Scholars cite this passage from Tertullian's Apologeticum 9.2-3 when discussing Punic child sacrifice continuing into Roman Africa after the Carthaginian Empire had been vanquished. This would support the idea that the practice of child sacrifice persisted even later, suggesting that it was a long-standing tradition among the Carthaginians. The issue with this quote attributed to Tertullian (AD 155-220) is that there is no historical evidence of a "proconsul Tiberius" in Africa. The reference appears isolated and lacks confirmation. Tertullian, born and active in Roman Carthage, was a Christian apologist. His statement may have been made for rhetorical effect rather than as a historical fact. While it might reflect local tradition, it could also be pure myth. Here are articles that support the belief that the Carthaginians did, in fact, perform child sacrifice: Ancient Carthaginians really did sacrifice their children | University of Oxford At Carthage, Child Sacrifice? - Biblical Archaeology Society And here is an excellent article that refutes the belief: Two tales of one city: data, inference and Carthaginian infant sacrifice | Antiquity | Cambridge Core Tophets were sacred Phoenician‑Punic sanctuaries (pictured above) located across the Mediterranean — in places like Carthage, Sardinia, Sicily, North Africa, and possibly Malta. These sites held thousands of urns containing the cremated remains of infants and were linked to offerings to Tanit and Baal Hammon. While Carthage's tophet was the largest, it was part of a wider Punic religious tradition rather than an isolated occurrence. Adrian Goldsworthy had a thoughtful evaluation of the evidence for Carthaginian child sacrifices:

A Roman enamelled fibula (brooch) has been unearthed near Grudziądz, Poland. A fibula is a brooch or pin used to fasten garments. It works on the safety-pin principle. Romans used it to secure cloaks, tunics, and other garments. 🏺 Summary of the Article Rare Roman Era Enamelled Fibula Found Near Grudziądz A metal-detection survey by the Grudziądz Fortress Association uncovered a rare enameled Roman-era fibula near Grudziądz in northern Poland — only the second known example of this type in the country. The team immediately notified the Voivodeship Conservation Authority. The find is part of a larger collection from the area, including Roman ceramics, several fibulae, a cosmetic spoon, belt pendant fragments, a spur, a hair ornament, a Teutonic coin, and a Scythian spearhead. This variety indicates a multicultural settlement along the Amber Road, the primary north–south trade route connecting the Baltic region to the Roman world. The similarity to a fibula from the Wielbark culture cemetery at Babi Dół-Borcz suggests cultural continuity. Enamelled brooches of this kind were made in Gaul and Rhaetia from the late 1st to the mid-2nd century AD. Girls frequently wore them and may have used them as ornaments, toys, or protective amulets. The recent discovery will eventually be exhibited at the Museum in Bydgoszcz. 🧭 Added Context and Interpretation 1. Why this fibula matters archaeologically This is not just another brooch — it’s a high-status provincial Roman luxury item found far beyond the imperial frontier. Its presence in the Grudziądz region underscores several key points: Roman goods were enjoyed throughout non-Roman Europe, especially along the famous Amber Road. This shows how far Roman trade and culture extended into the region, underscoring their impressive reach and influence. Elites of the Wielbark culture, linked to early Gothic migrations, selectively incorporated Roman material culture. The highly similar match to the Babi Dół-Borcz fibula indicates shared cultural traditions, potentially including interregional workshops or the movement of artisans. The enamel technique, requiring specialized skill, underscores the impressive craftsmanship and Roman influence, evoking admiration for ancient artisans' expertise. 2. The Amber Road as a cultural corridor The Grudziądz region lies near one of the major branches of the Amber Road. By the 1st–2nd century AD: Baltic amber was a luxury commodity in Rome, used in jewelry, medicine, and elite display. In exchange, Roman merchants (or intermediaries) supplied fibulae, glassware, coins, and cosmetic tools — all of which are present in the local assemblage. The presence of a Scythian spearhead suggests even older or more diverse cultural layers, underscoring its long-standing strategic importance. This site may have served as a nodal point where Goths, local Baltic groups, and Roman traders interacted. 3. Wielbark culture and the Goths The Wielbark culture (1st–4th c. AD): Originated in Pomerania and is associated with the Gothic migration from Scandinavia. Known for rich female burials, often with brooches, beads, and Roman imports. Avoided weapons in graves — making fibulae especially important as identity markers. The child’s grave at Babi Dół-Borcz, with its enameled fibula, exemplifies Wielbark culture practices, and the Grudziądz find further indicates the presence or influence of this culture in the area, highlighting regional interactions. 4. Typology and dating Enamelled disc fibulae with radiating knobs are typically dated to: Late 1st century AD (Flavian period) through Mid‑2nd century AD (Antonine period) Their distribution peaks in: Gaul (modern France/Belgium) and Rhaetia (southern Germany/Switzerland) Finding one in Poland indicates long-distance movement, likely through gift exchange, trade, or diplomatic contact. 5. Possible functions beyond ornamentation The article notes they may have served as toys or amulets. Additional interpretations include: The bright enamel and radial symmetry likely served to protect against harm. https://www.heritagedaily.com/2025/12/rare-roman-era-enamelled-fibula-found-near-grudziadz/156675 Here's a previous post on a less elegant fibula found in Britain:

I enjoy everyone’s company here. I appreciate anyone reading my posts. And I am grateful for any comment or criticism. Let’s have a healthy and sane 2026. The lockdowns and COVID were brutal to our UNRV community and the world. So, let’s bring on the new year.

Below is an excellent article on the Emperor Julian (Augustus from 361-363): The Apostate in Antioch: Emperor Julian’s Civic Strife – Antigone

An ancient mikveh (Jewish ritual bath) has been discovered during excavations at the Western Wall at the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. Fire marks and ashes, along with two coins from the 1st century AD, confirm that the site is a remnant of the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD by the Romans. 🧱 The Discovery Archaeologists from the Israel Antiquities Authority and the Western Wall Heritage Foundation have discovered a 2,000-year-old mikveh near the Temple Mount, with walls and surrounding soil blackened by the fire that ravaged Jerusalem in 70 CE. The site is remarkably well preserved, with visible soot, ash, and heat-altered plaster, making it an exceptionally rare example of the Roman destruction layer. This mikveh is more than just dating from that period. It bears the physical scars of the same inferno that consumed the Second Temple when Roman forces set it on fire, ending Jewish life in the city for centuries. 🔥 The Fire of 70 CE, Preserved in Stone and Plaster According to Josephus, the Roman army’s assault culminated in the burning of the Temple and the surrounding Upper City. This excavation provides a material counterpart to that literary account: The mikveh’s walls are charred and smoke-stained. The surrounding soil is heat-reddened and ash-laden. The destruction layer lies directly atop the mikveh, sealing it like a time capsule. This is not a symbolic connection—it is the literal residue of the same fire that consumed the Temple. 🏺 Dating the Mikveh: Coins, Burn Layers, and Domestic Debris The fire layer itself serves as a chronological anchor. Because the mikveh lies beneath it, archaeologists can confidently date its construction to the late Second Temple period, before 70 CE. Additional finds further support this dating: Two 1st-century CE coins, currently undergoing laboratory cleaning and analysis. Pottery sherds, including domestic wares typical of late Second Temple Jerusalem. Glass fragments consistent with household use. Stone vessel fragments characteristic of Jewish purity practices of the period. As excavation director Dr. Amit Re’em Levy noted, the mikveh was “sealed under the burnt layer,” preserving everything inside it in situ. 🧬 What the Mikveh Reveals About Jerusalem Before the Fall 1. A Household Committed to Ritual Purity The presence of a private mikveh near the Temple Mount indicates: A family of means and status. Strict adherence to purity laws, even during the tense years leading up to the revolt. A neighborhood likely populated by priestly or elite Jewish households. 2. A Snapshot of Daily Life Interrupted The sealed debris—pottery, glass, stone vessels—captures the rhythms of ordinary life suddenly frozen by catastrophe. 3. Urban Geography of the Final Days Its proximity to the Temple Mount aligns with Josephus’s account of Roman forces burning the Upper City and its affluent districts first. 🔥 Archaeology, Text, and Trauma Converge This mikveh is among the clearest physical testimonies to the destruction of Jerusalem ever uncovered. While other sites—such as the Burnt House and the Herodian Quarter—contain destruction layers, few preserve the fire's traces so vividly. https://www.timesofisrael.com/fire-blackened-2000-year-old-mikveh-is-a-portal-into-70-ce-roman-conquest-of-jerusalem/

Here's a beautiful poem by British poet W. H. Auden (1907-1973) about the dreary life at the Wall, likely Hadrian's Wall. Roman Wall Blues by W. H. Auden Over the heather the wet wind blows, I've lice in my tunic and a cold in my nose. The rain comes pattering out of the sky, I'm a Wall soldier, I don't know why. The mist creeps over the hard grey stone, My girl's in *Tungria; I sleep alone. Aulus goes hanging around her place, I don't like his manners, I don't like his face. Piso's a Christian, he worships a fish; There'd be no kissing if he had his wish. She gave me a ring but I diced it away; I want my girl and I want my pay. Summary of the Poem In "Roman Wall Blues," the narrator is a Roman soldier stationed near the wall, contemplating his life and emotional distress. The poem begins with vivid images of severe weather, creating a somber mood. The soldier reveals his discomfort by mentioning lice in his tunic and a cold in his nose, highlighting his physical hardship and sense of isolation. Themes and Analysis Loneliness and Isolation: The soldier feels disconnected from his loved ones, especially his girl, who is far away in *Tungria. This distance intensifies his solitude, as he sleeps alone and is haunted by thoughts of her. Desire and Longing: The soldier's longing for companionship is palpable. He expresses jealousy of Aulus, who is pursuing his girl, and frustration with Piso, a Christian whose values conflict with his own desires. The Mundanity of Military Life: The poem captures the repetitive and often difficult experiences of military life. The soldier's longing for fair pay and a peaceful life, where he can simply gaze at the sky, shows how worn out and disconnected he feels from his current situation. Imagery and Tone: Auden beautifully uses vivid imagery to bring the soldier's environment and feelings to life. Phrases like "the wet wind blows" and "the rain comes pattering" paint a clear picture of the soldier's bleak surroundings, adding to the poem's touching and melancholic mood. *Interesting sidenote: Auden’s “Tungria” refers to the homeland of the Tungri, a real Roman-era people in the province of Gallia Belgica. Their territory roughly corresponds to modern eastern Belgium, centered on the city of Aduatuca Tungrorum — today’s Tongeren. 🛡 Why this matters in the poem The Tungri supplied auxiliary troops to the Roman army. Many Tungrian units were stationed along Hadrian’s Wall. So Auden’s soldier is imagining his girlfriend back home in Belgium, while he’s freezing in northern Britain. Roman Wall Blues - poem by Wystan Hugh Auden | PoetryVerse