An ancient clay candle believed to date back to around 200 B.C.E in the Hellenistic Period has been discovered during conservation work on Mount Gerizim in Samaria.
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According to Netanel Elimelech of the Mount Gerizim site for the Israel Nature and Parks Authority and the Civil Administration, "The ancient candle was found in the large priestly compound during conservation work at the site and is estimated to be dated to the period when there was a magnificent Samaritan holy city on Mount Gerizim, the equivalent of the Jewish holy city in Jerusalem around 2,300 years ago. The candle was found adjacent to a stone bath that was used in the Samaritans' purification processes at the site adjacent to the temple."
At the top of the mountain are the remains of the ancient Samaritan compound around which the ruins of a large city of around 10,000 people dating back to the Hellenistic Period can be found.
Researchers believe a family of wealthy priests resided at the priestly compound at the site due to the discovery of decorated walls as well as a gold bell that would have been hung from the priest's clothing.
The priestly compound was first opened to the public over Passover this year. At the site, visitors can walk through ancient courtyards, alleys, and rooms dating back to around 2,300 years ago.
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