Echoes of the Past: 1,500-Year-Old Candle Holder Discovered Near Modiin

The Lavi family from the town of Tzur Yitzhak recently hiked in the southern hills of Modiin. During the hike, they suddenly spotted a ceramic candle holder handle.

The family contacted the Israel Antiquities Authority, and archaeologist Issie Kornfeld, came to collect the find. An examination of the object revealed that it was the decorative end of a candle holder handle over 1,500 years old.

"This isn't a rare find, but the item is certainly beautiful," said Kornfeld. "Ceramic candle holders were used for lighting and were typical findings from these eras, but not every candle had a handle, certainly not a designed one. The candle to which this handle belonged served both as functional lighting and as an ornamental object."

The director of the Israel Antiquities Authority, Eli Eskozido, thanked the Lavi family: "We thank the Lavi family for showing good citizenship and handing this beautiful item to the state's treasures," he said. "The rains of the storm 'Barbara', which hit the ground forcefully, exposed ancient artifacts. We urge the public to stay alert, and if they encounter an ancient find, it should be left in its place, and the Israel Antiquities Authority should be notified to come to the site. The precise context in which the item is found provides valuable information for research."