Unprecedented archaeological find discovered during bridge construction ahead of Israel’s Independence Day raises questions about Jewish symbolism in a Roman-era settlement.
In a rare and enigmatic discovery ahead of Israel's 76th Independence Day, archaeologists have unearthed a uniquely carved architectural relic beneath Jerusalem—an ancient column capital featuring an eight-branched menorah similar to the ones used by modern Jews to celebrate Chanukah minus the "shamesh" or center branch. The eight-branch menorah is a symbol that has never before appeared in such a form on an artifact of this type given the Temple's menorah only had seven branches. The discovery, made during infrastructure work by Netivei Israel – National Transport Infrastructure Company, has stunned Israeli archaeologists and reignited scholarly debates about religious and cultural exchanges in the ancient Holy Land.
The capital, or the decorative top of a column, was found inverted amid the ruins of a Byzantine-era structure dated to the 6th or 7th century CE. But its origins may be even older, possibly from the late Roman period (2nd–4th century CE), according to the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA). The find is currently believed to have been repurposed in a later building, adding another layer of historical complexity.
“This is truly a one-of-a-kind discovery—nothing like it has ever been found anywhere in the world,” said excavation directors Dr. Uzi Ad and Anna Eirich of the IAA. “We believe it originally adorned a public or ceremonial building during the Roman period. The presence of such a distinctively Jewish symbol—the menorah—within a Roman military settlement raises more questions than answers.”
A one-of-a-kind stone capital more than 1,500 years old found in Motza in the Jerusalem Hills carved with a menorah will be revealed to the public at the Jay and Jeanie Schottenstein National Campus for the Archaeology of Israel in Jerusalem this week for Independence Day. pic.twitter.com/w1dHEMpiaS
— Hana Julian (@HanaJulianINN) April 29, 2025
Mystery in Stone: An Unexpected Jewish Emblem in a Roman Context
The discovery was made near Motza, west of Jerusalem, a site believed to have been inhabited by descendants of retired Roman soldiers. Experts are now puzzling over why such an unmistakably Jewish symbol—a menorah, and notably one with eight branches instead of the traditional seven—would be featured so prominently in a context where Jewish religious expression would have been highly unusual.
“The capital is striking not only for its artistic craftsmanship but also for its unusual iconography,” explained Dr. Orit Peleg-Barkat, senior archaeologist at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. “Capitals from this era often feature floral or vegetal motifs in line with classical Corinthian styles. But this piece defies those conventions. Its upper section is adorned with what unmistakably resembles an eight-branched lamp, a design with no known parallel in synagogue architecture or public buildings of the time.”
She added, “Seven-branched menorahs do appear in ancient synagogues—like those in Capernaum and Caesarea—but we have no evidence of a synagogue at this location. This may indicate either a forgotten Jewish presence, a symbolic repurposing, or even a misunderstanding by the artisan himself. It’s possible that an inexperienced craftsman attempted a floral design and inadvertently created something resembling a menorah.”
Ancient stone capital with menorah to go on display ahead of Independence Day https://t.co/RtSOApmE2s via @JNS_org
— Dr. August Rosado (@Bible_Prophecy) April 29, 2025
From Construction Site to Museum Showcase
The relic has been transferred to the Jay and Jeanie Schottenstein National Campus for the Archaeology of Israel, where it is now on public display. Visitors can view the column capital up close and examine the mysterious lamp motif for themselves—an image both eerily familiar and utterly unique.
As Independence Day celebrations begin, this remarkable discovery stands as a fresh reminder of the layered and often surprising history that lies just beneath the surface of modern-day Israel. A symbol of Jewish endurance and mystery carved into stone, hidden for centuries, now reclaimed and on proud display.
