Four 1,900-year-old Roman swords discovered in Israel

The remote cave where researchers discovered the artifacts. Photo: IAA

Four Roman swords from 1,900 years ago were found here. They were preserved in wooden and leather scabbards. Three of the swords had iron blades inside wooden scabbards and were 60–65 cm (24–26 in) long. The fourth was 45 cm (18 in) long.

“This is a dramatic and exciting discovery that touches on a specific moment in time,” said Eli Escusido, director of the Israel Antiquities Authority.

The weapons may have been war trophies from the Roman army, according to researchers. The dart and pieces of processed wood believed to be scabbards were accidentally found by archaeologists in an isolated and inaccessible cave in the cliff while studying an ancient Hebrew inscription on a stalactite.

A dartboard with shaft (top) and one of the swords. Photo: IAA

“The hiding of swords and darts in deep cave cracks suggests that these weapons were spoils of war from Roman soldiers and were deliberately hidden by Judean rebels for reuse,” said Eitan Klein, director of the Judean Desert Survey Project.

After discovering the swords, archaeologists conducted a thorough survey of the cave, unearthing other artifacts dating back about 6,000 years, as well as Roman artifacts dating back about 2,000 years. A coin minted in 132-135 AD was also found at the cave entrance.

“This is a unique time capsule, containing fragments of scrolls, coins from the Jewish uprising, leather sandals and even swords as sharp as if they had been hidden today,” added IAA director Eli Escusido.

SERIOUS (According to CNN)

Source: http://www.baovanhoa.vn/the-gioi/artmid/425/articleid/68726/phat-hien-bon-thanh-kiem-la-ma-1900-nam-tuoi-tai-israel