Archaeologists Discover a Jewish Ritual Bath in Ostia Antica

Recent archaeological excavations in ancient Ostia Antica, in the heart of the Roman Empire, provide striking evidence of the Jewish community’s presence in this important port city. Archaeologists have discovered a mikveh, a Jewish ritual bath, in a residential complex dating back to the late 4th century AD. This discovery allows us to trace the traces of Jewish life and rituals in ancient Rome.

Features and Significance of the Mikveh

The mikveh is defined as a bath used in Judaism for ritual purity, fed by natural sources (rain, groundwater, etc.). The mikveh unearthed in Ostia Antica is located in a small semi-hypogeal room and has a brick-paved floor accessed by a three-step staircase. At the eastern end of the floor, there is a circular well built with cement and reinforced with a brick ring.

During the excavation, a small earthenware oil lamp with menorah and lulav (palm branch) motifs was also found at the bottom of the mikveh. This finding clearly shows that the mikveh was used in Jewish ritual practices.

Historical Context and Meaning of the Findings

Alessandro D’Alessio, Director of the Ostia Antica Archaeological Park, emphasizes that this discovery is “extraordinary” because no Roman mikveh has been found outside of ancient Judea, Galilee, and Idumea. This finding underlines the existence, role, and importance of the Jewish community in Ostia during the Imperial Age.

Riccardo Di Segni, Chief Rabbi of the Jewish Community of Rome, states that this discovery testifies to the thousand-year-old settlements and traditions of Roman Jews. He expresses that the residential complex where the mikveh is located was most likely a Jewish gathering center.

Cover Image Credit: Ostia Antica Archaeological Park