Archaeologists excavating the Ibero-Roman town of Castulo uncovered evidence of a Jewish community in southern Spain during the late fourth or early fifth century AD. This includes fragments of oil lamps decorated with menorahs and a jar lid with a graffito in Hebrew. The presence of these artifacts suggests the community was practicing its faith as Christianity rose. Experts are also reconsidering the historical role of an ancient building originally assumed to be a Christian basilica, hypothesizing it might have served as a synagogue for the local Jewish population.
The discovery of oil lamps and Hebrew artifacts in Castulo suggests a previously unknown Jewish community in the late Roman era, around the fourth or fifth century AD.
Findings include three fragments of oil lamps with menorahs and a jar lid with a Hebrew graffito, indicating Jewish presence amidst the decline of pagan worship.
The engravings on the artifacts, including a possible Hebrew inscription, point towards the community's cultural identity and practices during a significant religious transition.
Archaeologists are re-evaluating assumptions about a nearby building initially thought to be a Christian basilica, considering it could have been a synagogue instead.
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