Archaeologists to Open Tomb of Jesus’ Midwife to the Public

Did you know Mary had a midwife present at the birth of Jesus, named Salome?

The Israeli Antiquities Authority (IAA) announced on Tuesday that archaeologists have recently uncovered a number of priceless artifacts in the courtyard of a burial cave dedicated to Salome.

IAA archaeologist Zvi Firer said:

“According to a Christian tradition, Salome was the midwife from Bethlehem, who was called to participate in the birth of Jesus. She could not believe that she was asked to deliver a virgin’s baby, and her hand became dry and was only healed when she held the baby’s cradle.”

The tomb is a centuries-old Christian pilgrimage site located in the Lachish region in central Israel.

“Salome is a mysterious figure. The family tomb attests that its owners were a family of high status in the Judean lowlands in the Second Temple period. The cult of Salome, sanctified in Christianity, belongs to a broader phenomenon where Christians in the fifth century CE encountered and sanctified Jewish sites. The name Salome may have appeared in antiquity on one of the (no-longer extant) ossuaries in the tomb, and the tradition identifying the site with Salome the midwife developed, the cave becoming venerated by Christianity.”

The burial cave has a rich history dating back to its discovery in 1982 by antiquities looters. In 1984, Professor Amos Kloner from the IAA conducted excavations at the site, uncovering ample evidence of its use as a sacred Christian pilgrimage site.

Recently, archaeologists have been working to excavate the entrance to the cave, uncovering a stunning courtyard measuring 350 square meters (almost 4,000 square feet). This area is filled with intricate stone carvings, towering arches, and a mosaic floor. The remains of a shop were also found, potentially used by pilgrims to rent oil lamps to light their way inside the cave for prayer.

A grave estate from 2000 years ago, has been uncovered these days in the Saloma (Sholomit).
Popular traditions attribute the cave to the burial place of Saloma, the midwife of Jesus.
The Tomb Mansion is one of the most luxurious discovered in Israel. 🔄 pic.twitter.com/WBU01774bD

— Dr. Haim Cohen دكتور حاييم كوهين (@Haim44) December 20, 2022

These exciting discoveries offer a glimpse into the rich history and religious significance of this site. However, despite it’s significance, the cave has never been opened to the public.

According to the IAA, “once the restoration and development works are completed, the forecourt and the cave will be opened to the public.”

The opening of the burial cave to the public will allow pilgrims to experience the sacredness of this space and learn more about its place in Catholic history.

Midwifery is an ancient profession, considered invaluable since antiquity. Want to learn more about Catholicism and midwifery? Read about the Church’s emergency ‘instructions for midwives regarding baptism who were in peril of not being born whole.’