Israeli reserve soldiers, called up during the conflict with Hamas, made a remarkable discovery near the Gaza border—a well-preserved, 1,500-year-old Byzantine-era oil lamp. Netanel Melchior and Alon Segev stumbled upon the artifact in a staging area within Israeli territory. Recognizing its significance, the soldiers handed it over to Sarah Tal, an archaeologist from the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA).
Describing the find, Melchior said, “During one of our wanderings in the field, I came across pottery lying upside down, and its round shape attracted me. It was covered in mud; I cleaned it, and after I realized what it was about, I called the Antiquities Authority.”
The IAA confirmed the artifact as a “sandal candle” from the Byzantine period, likely dating back to the 5th or 6th century CE. Israeli law mandates the surrender of any man-made object predating 1700 to the IAA within 15 days. The soldiers’ vigilance and civic responsibility were praised by Eli Eskosido, Director of the Antiquities Authority.
“The war often exposes us to extraordinary situations, even on the archaeological front. The land of Israel, particularly this surrounding region, holds a rich history and ancient treasures,” Eskosido emphasized.
