Archaeologists have made an unexpected discovery in Ostia Antica, an ancient port of Rome: during excavations that lasted into the summer of 2024, a Jewish ritual bath (mikveh) was found. This discovery was unprecedented, as until now, mikvehs from the Roman period had only been found in ancient Judea, Galilee, and Idumea.
“This is an absolutely extraordinary discovery,” said Alessandro D’Alessio, director of the Archaeological Park of Ostia Antica.
According to him, this discovery confirms the permanent presence of the Jewish community in Ostia, their important role in the city’s life and religious activity.
Ostia Antica was an ancient port city of Rome, which was the main maritime trade hub of the empire. The discovery of the Jewish mikveh indicates the deep integration of the Jewish community into Roman society, as well as their adherence to their religious traditions even outside Judea.
Jews in the Roman Empire
The Jewish community in Rome has a long history dating back to the second century BC. During the heyday of Ostia, the oldest known synagogue in Europe existed here, and the newly discovered mikveh is further evidence of the widespread Jewish presence in the region.
The researchers suggest that the mikveh may have been used by Jewish merchants, sailors, and artisans who lived in this key port city.
