4,000-Year-Old Lamp Wicks Found in Israel Offer Rare Glimpse into Ancient Rituals

In a remarkable discovery that connects today’s traditions to ancient life, archaeologists in Israel have unearthed 4,000-year-old lamp wicks from tombs dating to the Intermediate Bronze Age one of the rarest finds of its kind ever made in the region. Found in the city of Yehud during routine construction prep work, these fragile remnants offer a surprising look into daily life, burial rituals, and spiritual expression from millennia ago.

“These wicks are among the few of their era known to us in the world,” said Dr. Naama Sukenik and Dr. Yonah Maor of the Israel Antiquities Authority. “The fact that three were found one still intact and in the humid Mediterranean climate is very surprising.”

The wicks were discovered inside clay oil lamps buried in tombs, alongside pottery, animal bones, jewelry, and weapons. The presence of soot on the fibers confirmed their use in combustion, providing not only light but deep symbolic significance.

Archaeologists believe the lamps and wicks served both practical and ceremonial purposes. “The fire burning in a lamp has been associated with magical power since the dawn of humankind,” said excavation directors Dr. Gilad Itach, Yossi Elisha, and Yaniv Agmon. “Just like today, thousands of years ago, the fire symbolized the human soul.”

That symbolism still resonates today in the Hebrew phrase Ner Neshama “the flame of the soul” often used in remembrance of the departed.

Beyond the spiritual insight, the discovery highlights the resourcefulness of ancient communities. “We speculate the wicks were recycled from other textiles after their original use,” said Sukenik. “This shows creativity, thrift, and smart economic conduct, indicating people recycled materials even 4,000 years ago.”

Using advanced lab techniques, researchers reconstructed how the wicks were formed: textile strips twisted into cords, likely once part of worn garments. The choice to reuse fabric, rather than waste precious linen for combustion, reflects an ancient culture of conservation.

The excavation is part of broader development plans in Yehud, but it’s already yielded historical treasures. This find doesn’t just shed light on an ancient tomb it illuminates the ingenuity, beliefs, and humanity of a people long gone, yet still echoing through Israeli soil.

Israel is a land where ancient stories continually rise from the earth, reminding us of our roots and inspiring pride in our national heritage. Share this story or subscribe to our newsletter for more discoveries that reveal the soul of Israel.