Israeli archaeologists discover rare ancient oil lamp (7 images)

The Israel Antiquities Authority said Wednesday that archaeologists recently found a rare ancient bronze oil lamp in the City of David National Park in Israel. Here's a look at the discovery. Photos by Debbie Hill

Archeologist Ari Levy holds a rare bronze oil lamp, from the Roman Period 70 CE, discovered during excavations in the City of David's Pilgrimage Road by the Israel Antiquities Authority on Wednesday in East Jerusalem. Photo by Debbie Hill/UPI

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The half grotesque face lamp was intentionally buried for luck and is a common Roman artistic motif, similar to the theatrical mask, with a handle like the Acanthus plant. Photo by Debbie Hill/UPI

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An overview of excavations in the City of David National Park. Photo by Debbie Hill/UPI

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Workers for the Israel Antiquities Authority dig in the City of David's Pilgrimage Road. Photo by Debbie Hill/UPI

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