In 2018, archaeologists made a remarkable discovery at Khirbat Ibreika, Israel: a Roman-era tomb containing four bronze discs adorned with lion heads. Dated to the 1st-2nd centuries CE, these unique artifacts are prompting new insights into Roman funerary practices and symbolism.
The bronze discs feature detailed lion heads, each with slight variations in expression, and rings attached to the top of their heads. Unlike similar motifs where rings pass through the lion's mouth, these rings are connected to the vertex. Researchers suggest these discs may have been attached to a wooden coffin, serving as handles for carrying or lowering it into the tomb.
Lions held significant symbolic weight in the Roman world, representing strength, protection, and nobility. Their presence on a tomb could signify the deceased's status or offer symbolic protection in the afterlife. The placement of the discs within the tomb suggests a ritualistic purpose, possibly indicating the deceased was a prominent community member. Further research aims to fully understand the discs' function and cultural significance, including potential links to religious cults like Mithraism, popular in the Roman period.