Herod’s calcite-alabaster bathtub found in Kypros fortresscredit: Prof. Amos Frumkin, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Posted on 05/22/2022 8:18:26 AM PDT by SunkenCiv
King Herod the Great, king of Judea in the second half of the first century BC, is well known for his grandiose building projects, abundant wealth, political power and relentless pursuit of the opulent Roman lifestyle. Among the few archaeological artifacts found which give a peek into his private life are two of his personal calcite-alabaster bathtubs found in the palace of Herodium and his Kypros fortress near Jericho.
Though never scientifically tested, archaeologists have until now assumed that all calcite-alabaster vessels found in the Southern Levant (modern day Israel and Palestine) had been made with foreign alabaster mainly from Egypt. A recent Israeli study published in the journal Nature scientifically refutes the hypothesis.
For the first time, the study allows the distinction to be made between calcite-alabaster originating in Israel from that originating in Egypt, the main source of calcite-alabaster in ancient periods. It confirms that calcite-alabaster objects, such as Herod the Great’s calcite-alabaster bathtubs were made locally...
Indeed, from the Middle Bronze Age, Egypt played a crucial role in the appearance of calcite-alabaster artifacts in Israel, and the development of the local gypsum-alabaster industry. The absence of ancient calcite-alabaster quarries in the Southern Levant led to the assumption that all calcite-alabaster vessels found in the Levant originated from Egypt, while poorer quality vessels made of gypsum were local products.
(Excerpt) Read more at jpost.com ...
Herod’s calcite-alabaster bathtub found in Kypros fortresscredit: Prof. Amos Frumkin, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Was he the one with the horrible skin condition?
There is NO modern day Palestine.
King Herod’s swimming pool.
It’s gorgeous.
I just love sliding on fine Egyptian alabaster. When wet, of course.
I’m glad to hear he didn’t order cheap bathtubs from China just to save a few bucks!
This guy reminds me of The Great Reset reprobates.
Acts 12:21-23
21 And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them.
22 And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man.
23 And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.
Looks like the $20,000 tubs at the local supply stores! And it looks very comfy.
Looks like the $20,000 tubs at the local supply stores! And it looks very comfy.
—
The shape is surprisingly modern. Like that of a modern soaking tub.
What strange-looking bathtub rings...
‘Face
;o]
Some of the Romans knew how to live. Goblets of wine. Nubile servants feeding them grapes. Toga parties? Or was that just an invention of a certain 1978 movie about decadent college life?
TMI?
Bkmk
All those floors and no elevator.
Not yet invented.
A real King would expect to be (quickly!) carried up and down after his arches fell.
Don't get in that tub. Herod had the monkey pox.
But seriously, if he had a horrible skin condition he should have taken baths in the Dead Sea. I tried a Dead Sea salt scrub on my eczema and it helped a lot.
;^)
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