IAA Number: 2012-1536
| Object's Name: Gem Altar Period: Middle Roman - Late Roman Material: Carnelian Site: Jerusalem, Old City, Western and Southern Walls Lenght: 11.7 mm Wide: 9 mm Description: The decoration can be identified as a "cista mystica", the wicker
basket in which was kept the sacred snake used in the bacchic ritual
and in other mystery cults. Bibliography: Peleg-Barkat O. 2011. The Roman Intaglios From The Temple Mount Excavations, in: E. Mazar: The Temple Mount Excavations Volium IV. QEDEM 52: 255-304, Fig. 15.3: 12.
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