The Israel Antiquities Authority announced on Tuesday that archaeologists are re-excavating an archaeological tomb historically linked to the “midwife of Christ” in the hills southwest of Jerusalem.
The intricately decorated Jewish burial cave dates from around the first century AD, but local Christians later associated it with Salome, Jesus’ midwife, cousin of the Virgin Mary and Christ’s midwife, according to gospel accounts.
A Byzantine church was built on this site, which later became a shrine and a place of veneration for centuries.
For the first time in decades, an Israeli archaeologist found and explored the cave.
Archaeologists are currently excavating the cave’s large courtyard as part of a project to build a historic trail in the area.
Crosses and inscriptions in Greek and Arabic carved on the walls of the cave during the Byzantine and Islamic periods indicate that the church was dedicated to Salome.
“Visitors rented oil lamps, entered the cave, used them in prayer, and then went out to return the oil lamps. We found dozens of them with beautiful plant and flower decorations,” said Zev Ferrer, head of the excavation.
Source: AFP.