Study Identifies Possible Origins of Peculiar Canaanite Rituals - Archaeology Magazine

Study Identifies Possible Origins of Peculiar Canaanite Rituals - Archaeology Magazine

TEL AVIV, ISRAEL—For well over a century, excavations at Canaanite sites throughout modern-day Israel have uncovered evidence of a peculiar local tradition. Whenever Canaanites built or renovated a house, or even when the home changed occupants, the owners would bury an oil lamp sandwiched between two ceramic bowls in the floor. Offerings placed in the foundation deposits of structures are well-attested throughout the ancient world, but this beh…