Three human skulls were found hidden in crevices and under rocks, more than a hundred ancient clay lamps were buried in hard-to-reach cracks, along with many pottery vessels, an axe head, daggers and more. These items were discovered in an archaeological survey conducted by researchers from Bar-Ilan University and the Israel Antiquities Authority in the Twins Cave which is in the Nahal Dolev Nature Reserve near to Beit Shemesh.

In a new study published this month in the prestigious Harvard Theological Review, the rare findings are being revealed for the first time. According to the researchers, the accumulation of artifacts and the manner in which they were placed and buried about 1700 years ago, indicates that ceremonies were held in the cave to raise spirits in necromancy (witchcraft) practices and to predict the future.

The Twins Cave is a large cave, located on the northern bank of the Cave Stream, in the Jerusalem Hills. The cave was studied back in the 19th century, by a British research team that documented the cave for the first time. Beginning in 2009, the cave was surveyed and remapped by a combined team of researchers from the Department of Land of Israel Studies and Archaeology at Bar-Ilan University and the Cave Research Center, headed by Prof. Boaz Zisu and Prof. Amos Frumkin. Members of the Cave Research Center at the Hebrew University and the Nature and Parks Authority also participated in the study. They were based on the research by the 19th century British survey, who noted that there was a deep shaft at the end of the cave, to which various traditions and customs are attributed. Among other things, the spring water emanating in the cave is attributed medicinal properties. The local villagers had even told the survey staff a tale about throwing treacherous women to the bottom of the shaft.

During the new survey conducted more recently, more than 100 decorated pottery lamps from the Late Roman period (about 1700 years ago) buried in hard-to-access cracks were discovered in all parts of the cave, as well as a cache of coins from this period. Pottery, an axe head and daggers from the Bronze Age were also discovered in the same cracks, along with the oil lamps, as well as pottery bowls, some of which were found covering clay lamps. Three human skulls were also found, in hard-to-reach cracks and under large boulders. No other human bones were found along with the skulls. One of the skulls was found covering four clay candles of local types typical of the Late Roman period. This surprising and special finding indicates that the skulls and candles were deliberately placed during this period.

Following these special findings, Dr. Eitan Klein of the Israel Antiquities Authority and Prof. Boaz Zisu of Bar-Ilan University conducted an in-depth study at Oxford University, with the aim of discovering the historical phenomenon that led to the accumulation of these objects in the cave. They compared the objects and situation with similar archaeological findings.

From all over the Roman world, hundreds of ancient texts from the classical periods were reviewd, to reveal the meaning of this mysterious phenomenon. It turned out that in classical times, dark caves with deep shafts were perceived as a possible opening to 'Saul' (the world of the dead). In such places, mysterious rituals and rituals of sacrifice were held, in which the spirits of the dead were summoned. It was also discovered that these ceremonies used, among other things, the flame of candles and the reflection of liquids in bowls, in order to communicate with the dead and predict the future through mediums. These ceremonies were commonly used in human skulls, and this phenomenon has not escaped the attention of the Sages. The classical sources even mention the use of metal weapons as related to these ceremonies, since their function was to expel unwanted spirits and summon only the relevant spirit of the dead. Due to the special physical features of the cave, the study suggests that it served as a possible opening for the underworld, and that rituals of sacrifice were performed there.

According to the study's editor and author, Dr. Eitan Klein of the Israel Antiquities Authority, "This is a very rare discovery. It can be suggested, with due caution, that the Twins Cave was the site of sacrifice ceremonies in the Late Roman period, and that it may have served as a local ritual compound (oracle). It was a folk ritual; The ancient authorities did not support such rituals and in some periods, this phenomenon was outlawed. The Twins Cave is located about halfway between the city of Aelia Capitoline (Roman Jerusalem) and Albatropolis (Beit Guvrin), near the geographical border between the Jerusalem Mountains and the Judean Lowlands. In this area, pagans lived during the period in question, after the failure of the Bar Kokhba revolt. In light of this, we assume that those who participated in the worship in the cave were mainly pagans from the area."

According to the director of the archaeological survey in the cave, Prof. Boaz Zisu of the Department of Land of Israel Studies and Archaeology at Bar-Ilan University, "Most of the finds discovered are buried in hard-to-reach cracks in the Twins Cave, including: oil lamps, bowls, pottery and glass, axe head and daggers. These were used in one way or another in spells and magic performed in caves that were perceived as a possible opening to the underworld. Their goal was to predict the future and raise the spirits of the dead. Since more than a hundred clay oil lamps have been found in the Twins Cave – but only three human skulls – we assume that most of the ritual ritual was centered on burying the lamps for the Cretan forces (the forces of Hades), perhaps as part of rituals conducted in the cave aimed at raising spirits and predicting the future. However, the burial of human skulls is an allusion to another element of the ritual ceremonies that took place there."

According to Prof. Amos Frumkin, Director of the Cave Research Center at the Hebrew University, "The Twins Cave is one of the unique natural corners in the Jerusalem Hills. In addition to the evidence of worship in the Late Roman period, a quarry was found in the cave for the extraction of unique material – alabaster-calciti, (possibly the biblical "Bahat") and hoards that hid rebels and refugees during the Bar Kokhba revolt. Therefore, it is extremely important to preserve the integrity of the cave for future generations."

You can visit the Twins Cave, it is located about 1.5 km from route 3855 (Route 10) beside Beit Shemesh. The access is via a dirt track which is quite an easy hike. Entry is free.Warning: Visiting the Twins Cave is permitted during the summer season only. When visiting the cave, it is forbidden to leave the regulated trail and it is compulsory to follow the instructions of the Nature and Parks Authority, and the signs at the site.

Photo credit: Boaz Zisu

©ShemeshOnline / Chat with the ShemeshBot!
To get updates, news and events in Beit Shemesh, join our no-chatter WhatsApp group!
Choose the way you want to get updates: https://yes.shemesh.co.il/social/