Evidence of “death magic,” a means of communicating with the dead, is discovered near Jerusalem

New evidence from archaeologists from a cave near Jerusalem suggests strange rituals of “death magic” to communicate with the dead.

The results of new archaeologists’ research of a cave near Jerusalem show that this place was used for necromancy or death magic (communicating with the dead) during Roman times. According to the works discovered in this cave, which is located 32 km from Urshim, between the 2nd and 4th centuries, after the Barokkhba revolt, the Roman Empire relocated most of the Jewish population and settled with people from other areas of its empire, such as Syria, Anatolia, and Egypt. settled In this way, these newcomers brought with them new customs, including necromancy (death magic).

This study, published in the Harvard Theological Review, deals with the discoveries made in the mentioned cave, which includes more than 120 oil lamps, ax and spear blades, and three human skulls. Te’omim Cave has a long history of human activity. This place was used as a hiding place for Jewish rebels during the Barokkhba rebellion and by people since prehistoric times. During the excavations, researchers also found three hoards of gold and silver coins from the period, as well as evidence of the mining of rare calcite alabaster stones, which may have been valuable for creating works of art.

The discovery of the magic tool of death from a cave near Jerusalem

The style of oil lamps and some hidden coins suggest that the cave became a place for death magic and communication with the dead after the exiled people brought their traditional rituals with them. Although necromancy was generally considered a crime and forbidden during the Roman Empire, many ancient cities had secret places called oracles where people believed they could communicate with the dead. Te’omim Cave thus became one of these places due to its remote yet accessible location and the presence of a deep shaft that was considered a connection to the underworld.

Among the artifacts found in this cave, we can mention oil lamps, human skulls, and weapon parts in the gaps in the depths of the cave. For better exploration, the researchers had to use long hooked poles to retrieve them. These lights were probably placed in the gaps to create a dim atmosphere. Human skulls also evoke attempts to communicate with the dead, who were thought to have the ability to predict the future. Also, the flickering flames of the lights were also interpreted as messages from the underworld.

The discovery of Te’omim Cave provides valuable evidence of diverse religious practices, including death magic, in the Roman period and highlights the contrast between the religious use of caves by Roman pagans and the early Christian cave churches in the Holy Land.