The Menorahs of Ephesus

[guy]

(The Library of Ephesus, Turkey)

The menorah is a symbol of the Jewish diaspora. An early depiction of the menorah is on the Arch of Titus (81 AD). The arch commentates the victory of Titus and his father Vespasian after the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD. The arch contains panels depicting the triumphal procession of 71 AD. The menorah is depicted on the modern symbol of the State of Israel.

 

(Menorah on the Arch of Titus in Rome)

 

The menorahs of Ephesus, Turkey are more mysterious. King Attalos of Pergamum had left the city of Ephesus to Rome in his will in 129 BCE. Augustus later made Ephesus the capital of proconsular Asia.

 

So far 3 menorahs were discovered in Ephesus. Here are their locations;

• The first menorah of Ephesus is located on the street connecting Celsus Library to the Grand Theater of Ephesus.
• The second menorah of Ephesus is located on the steps of the Celsus Library.
• The third menorah of Ephesus  is located on the interior of the Mazeus and Mithridates Gate.

 

Menorah carved in a column

 

Menorah found on steps of Celsus Library

 

Menorah on the Mazeus and Mithridates Gate

 

These menorahs probably reflect a large Jewish community that existed in ancient Ephesus.

 

https://www.google.com/amp/s/m.jpost.com/archaeology/article-704514/amp

 

 

Edited April 19, 2022 by guy