A trove of artifacts, including well-preserved molds for candles dating from over one thousand years ago, were found in Tiberias, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the Israel Museum announced on Monday.
The find was rare in terms of both size and quality and could add to historians’ understanding of those who lived near the Sea of Galilee in the early Islamic period between the 7th and 11th centuries CE, researchers said.
The artifacts, which include 10 candle molds that survived intact and are decorated with geometric and floral designs, could confirm that a candle-making industry existed there.
The excavation was directed by Dr. Oren Gutfeld, alongside Michal Haber and Tal Rogovenski, all from The Hebrew University’s Institute of Archaeology, with the assistance of the Israel Antiquities Authority. Following preservation work in the Israel Museum’s laboratory, the candles and holders will be exhibited for the very first time over the Hanukkah holiday.
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