Israeli troops find Byzantine-era oil lamp

CERAMICS: Troops mustering near Gaza border turn up tiny Byzantine-era lamp. Two members of the 282nd Artillery Regiment receive good citizenship award from the Israel Antiquities Authority for turning their discovery over to experts (GAVRIEL FISKE, Times of Israel).

Small ceramic lamps of this type, also called “sandal candles,” were filled with oil and used for indoor lighting in the region since “ancient times,” [IAA archaeologist Sarah] Tal said. This particular candle was identified as being from the Byzantine period and likely from the 5th or 6th century CE.

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