Extraordinary Discovery of 4000-Year-Old Lamp Wicks Perfectly Preserved Near Tel Aviv

• Rare organic discovery highlights Israel’s deep cultural heritage; findings published in the latest issue of the scientific journal ʼAtiqot

September 2025: For Indian travellers seeking meaningful cultural and historical experiences, Israel has once again revealed a fascinating slice of its ancient past. In a remarkable discovery, the Israel Antiquities Authority has uncovered textile lamp wicks dating back nearly 4,000 years – among the oldest known in the world.

The discovery, made at the Newe Efraim antiquities site near Yehud during development works funded by the Israel Lands Authority, offers a rare chance to see how daily life and ritual practices were woven into burial ceremonies in the Intermediate Bronze Age (c. 2500–2000 BCE). The findings have been published in the newly released ʼAtiqot Journal, Vol. 118.

Dr. Naama Sukenik and Dr. Yonah Maor from the Israel Antiquities Authority explained: “Wicks were a common product for lighting in the ancient world, but their organic nature means they are rarely preserved. To find three examples, with one intact, in Israel’s humid Mediterranean climate is extraordinary.”

Excavation directors Dr. Gilad Itach, Yossi Elisha, and Yaniv Agmon noted that the wicks were found inside oil lamps placed in Bronze Age tombs, alongside pottery, animal bones, weapons, and jewellery. “Beyond their practical use, lamps carried deep symbolic meaning. The flame was seen as the soul itself, a concept still alive in traditions today, reflected in the term ‘Ner Neshama,’ or flame of the soul,” they added.

Laboratory analysis confirmed the wicks were used during burial ceremonies, with traces of soot still visible. The wicks were crafted from recycled linen, a rare textile of the time, showcasing creativity, thrift, and even early recycling practices from 4,000 years ago.

Eli Escusido, Director of the Israel Antiquities Authority, said: “Every discovery, big or small, helps us tell the larger story of this land. Our mission is to preserve and share these findings with the public, strengthening Israel’s role as a destination for travellers who value history, heritage, and culture.”

For Indian visitors, Israel’s archaeological treasures add another layer of depth to a journey that already spans faith, food, adventure, and coastal beauty. From biblical sites to groundbreaking discoveries like these, the country offers living proof that history and modernity truly coexist.