Researchers Uncover Ancient Inscriptions at the Cenacle
A multinational team from the Austrian Academy of Sciences and the Israel Antiquities Authority uncovered nearly 40 medieval inscriptions and drawings at the Cenacle in Jerusalem. Known as the Room of the Last Supper, this site has long been revered as where Jesus dined with his disciples before his crucifixion. The findings, detailed in Liber Annuus, shed new light on medieval Christian pilgrimages.
Technology Breakthrough Reveals Hidden Graffiti
For decades, the Cenacle’s worn walls and dim lighting made research difficult. Recent technological advancements, including ground-penetrating radar, laser scanning, and multispectral photography, changed that. Archaeologist Amit Re’em stated that these tools enabled them to create a 3D model and even probe inside the ancient stones, uncovering detailed inscriptions that were previously invisible to the naked eye.
Pilgrims from Across the World Left Their Marks
The inscriptions, dating from the 14th to the 16th centuries, reveal the international reach of pilgrimages to Jerusalem. Notable findings include the names and coats of arms of noblemen and knights, such as Johannes Poloner from Germany and the Swiss knight Adrian I von Bubenberg. One Armenian inscription marked “Christmas 1300” suggests the presence of King Het’um II’s forces following a major military victory.
Symbols and Drawings Tell a Broader Story
Beyond names, researchers discovered religious symbols, such as the Lion of Judah and the Agnus Dei. A scorpion drawing likely dates to the Ottoman takeover of the site in 1523, when it was converted into a mosque. These findings contribute to a richer, more diverse narrative about who visited the Cenacle throughout history.
Supporters and Detractors React to the Discovery
Supporters praise the research as a breakthrough, highlighting its contribution to a more inclusive understanding of medieval Christian pilgrimages. Critics, however, caution against overinterpreting the findings, arguing that the evidence might not fully represent the site’s complex history. Despite concerns, researchers like Ilya Berkovich assert that the discoveries significantly broaden the scholarly perspective.
Source:
New Discoveries in Last Supper Room: Inscriptions Hidden in Walls of Biblical Site on Mount Zion
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