Exploring the Overlooked Jewish History and Artifacts at the Vatican

Exploring the Vatican's Jewish History

The Vatican is well known as the home of the Roman Catholic Church and the Pope. Millions of visitors come every year to see iconic sites like St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. However, many don't realize that the Vatican also has a rich and complex Jewish history.

The Great Jewish Menorah

One significant Jewish artifact that resides in the Vatican is the Great Menorah which stood in the Second Temple in Jerusalem over 2,000 years ago. This seven-branched candelabrum was carried off by Roman soldiers during the destruction of the Temple in 70 CE.

For centuries, the fate of this priceless relic was unknown. But around the year 400 CE, it resurfaced in Rome as a statue on the Arch of Titus. The Arch celebrates the Roman victory over the Jews and the Menorah is clearly depicted as part of the triumphal procession.

Transfer to the Vatican

So how did the Menorah go from there to end up in the Vatican museums where visitors can see it today? During the construction of St. Peter's Basilica in the 16th century, the Arch of Titus was partially buried and pieces were reused in other monuments.

The Menorah carving was brought to the Vatican for safekeeping and first put on display in the 19th century. To this day, some Jewish groups have made calls for the artifact to be returned to Israel or given to Jewish museums.

Hidden Jewish Sites in the Vatican

In addition to the Menorah, there are other places in the Vatican that point to this unusual Jewish history. Deep underneath St. Peter's Basilica are ancient Roman mausoleums that pre-date the Christian site above.

These burial places date back over 2,000 years to the time when the Circus of Gaius and Nero, built by Emperor Caligula, occupied this area. The Circus was the site of games and races open to the public.

The Catacombs

Hidden beneath the Circus were underground tunnels, called catacombs, where Jews secretly buried their dead, safe from Roman persecution above. When St. Peter’s Basilica was constructed in the 4th century, these catacombs were filled in with earth.

But the tunnels still exist unseen below the north side of the giant church. So when visitors tour St. Peter’s, they unknowingly stand atop an ancient Jewish burial ground.

Visiting Jewish Sites at the Vatican

For travelers interested in this unusual aspect of the Vatican, visiting these Jewish sites can greatly enhance the experience.

The Menorah

Seeing the Menorah depiction from the Arch of Titus is a top priority. It's located in the Lapidary Gallery on the ground floor of the Vatican Museum.

As visitors gaze at this carving, they can imagine Roman soldiers toppling the giant Temple Menorah in Jerusalem over 2,000 years ago, not knowing it would one day end up preserved for display in the Vatican.

The Burial Grounds

The ancient Jewish catacombs can’t be accessed directly unfortunately. But visitors can see placards and explanations about their location underneath St. Peter's Basilica while touring the church.

It's amazing to contemplate how the holiest site in Christianity literally arose out of a forgotten Jewish resting place dating back millennia.

So next time you visit the awe-inspiring city of Rome and tour the Vatican, keep an eye out for these traces of Jewish history buried amongst the Christian grandeur.

FAQs

What is the Great Menorah in the Vatican?

The Great Menorah was the seven-branched golden candelabrum that stood in the ancient Jewish Temple in Jerusalem over 2,000 years ago. It was looted by Roman soldiers when they destroyed the temple in 70 CE and brought back to Rome as a trophy.

Why would there be ancient Jewish catacombs under St. Peter's Basilica?

The giant church that is now St. Peter's Basilica was originally built over top of a Roman circus and mausoleums from over 2,000 years ago. At that time, Jews used tunnels underneath the circus to bury their dead away from Roman persecution.

Can visitors see the Jewish catacombs under the Vatican?

Unfortunately the ancient catacombs are not open to the public. However, visitors touring St. Peter's Basilica can see placards and explanations showing where the tunnels are located unseen below the church.

Do Jewish groups want the Vatican to return the Menorah artifact?

Yes, some Jewish organizations have argued the two-thousand-year-old depiction of the Menorah from Jerusalem should be given to Jewish historical institutions or museums in Israel rather than kept within the Vatican.