
12/02/2025
If you ever wanted to know how old we are …
In Israel, archaeologists recently uncovered a rare cache of Roman swords in near-perfect condition in a desert cave near Ein Gedi, close to the Dead Sea, believed to date back to the Roman occupation of Judea around 1,900 years ago.
The swords, which include four Roman spatha (long swords) and one shorter weapon, were remarkably preserved, likely due to the region's arid climate and their concealment in a crevice within the cave.
Experts suggest the weapons may have been seized by Jewish rebels during the Bar Kokhba revolt (132–135 CE), a major Jewish uprising against Roman rule, and hidden to prevent their discovery.
This discovery offers insight into the tools of Roman military dominance and the strategies of resistance by local populations, highlighting the complex dynamics of imperial rule and rebellion.
The swords are being studied for their craftsmanship and historical significance, offering a rare glimpse into the Roman-era conflicts that shaped the region's history.