Archaeologists have made two significant discoveries in the ancient city of Hippos, near the Sea of Galilee in Israel. The first is a 2,100-year-old sling bullet inscribed with the Greek word 'Learn,' believed to be a sarcastic taunt from city defenders. The second is a rare marble artifact featuring three hemispheric cavities, suggesting a previously unknown three-phase anointing ritual in early Christian baptism.
The sling bullet, dating to the second century B.C., was found in a necropolis area along an ancient road. It measures 3.2 centimeters long and 1.95 centimeters wide, weighing 38 grams. Michael Eisenberg, a University of Haifa archaeologist, believes the inscription was a humorous message to enemy forces. 'This represents local sarcastic humor on the part of the city's defenders,' he said. The projectile shows signs of impact damage, indicating it was likely fired from the city walls during a siege.
The marble artifact, dating back around 1,300 years, was discovered near a baptismal font in the ruins of a cathedral. It features three cavities that researchers believe held different oils used in baptismal rites. Traditionally, baptisms involved two oils, but this discovery suggests a lost stage of early Christian baptismal practices. 'We suggest that the cups of the stone held oil, possibly three different types of oils, which may correlate with a local tradition of three-phase anointing during that baptismal rite,' the study published in the journal Palestine Exploration Quarterly states.
Both artifacts were found in Hippos, a city known as Susita during the Hellenistic period. The site is significant in Christian history, as it is believed to be where Jesus' earthly ministry centered. The discoveries provide new insights into ancient warfare tactics and early Christian rituals.