Dating back to the second century CE, archeologists uncover Roman-era paw print this week.
It’s not just ancient Roman baths being uncovered in Jerusalem this week. The Israel Antiquities Authorities are reporting a Roman-era dog’s paw print among its finds. Says Dr. Ofer Sion, excavation director in the Old City of Jerusalem: “Another interesting discovery that caused excitement during the excavation is the paw print of a dog that probably belonged to one of the soldiers. The paw print was impressed on the symbol of the legion on one of the roof tiles and it could have happened accidentally or have been intended as a joke.”
Excavations started before the construction of a Jewish mikveh, ritual bath, began. The Roman ruins have been dated to 1,800 years ago and it is believed to be a bath used by the Tenth Legion. These were the Roman soldiers who destroyed the Jewish Temple.
The discovery of the ancient bath, and paw prints!, puts new light on the Aelia Capitolina, the Roman city founded on the Second Temple period ruins of Jerusalem. It is Aelia Capitolina that defines the character of the Old City of Jerusalem as we know it today.
Just shows that man’s best friend has been around for some time.
Read more on green archeology:
Deep Oil Drilling Threatens Archeology
Dam to Drown Ancient Turkish City
Gas Line Excavation Unearths Cultic Vessels
Author: Karin Kloosterman
Karin Kloosterman is an award-winning journalist, innovation strategist, and founder of Green Prophet, one of the Middle East’s pioneering sustainability platforms. She has ranked in the Top 10 of Verizon innovation competitions, participated in NASA-linked challenges, and spoken worldwide on climate, food security, and future resilience. With an IoT technology patent, features in Canada’s National Post, and leadership inside teams building next-generation agricultural and planetary systems — including Mars-farming concepts — Karin operates at the intersection of storytelling, science, and systems change. She doesn’t report on the future – she helps design it. Reach out directly to [email protected]
