14. Roman Column (1800 years old)-a lamp post for a bar in Jerusalem Old City.

Photo: 7 May, 2010.

This early 3^rd century AD Roman triumphant column was discovered in 1885. Today, it serves as a lamp post of a bar in Jerusalem Old City. The Latin engravings on the column are dedicated to Marco Junio Maximo, an emissary of the 10th Legion under the Roman emperor Septimius Severus (145-211 AD). Remember, the same legion under the command of Titus was responsible for the siege and destruction of Jerusalem in the year AD 70. 

Father Jerome Murphy-O'Connor translates the inscription: "M(arco) Iunio Maximo leg(ato) Aug(ustorum) Leg(ionis) X Fr(etensis) Antoninianae C. Dom(itius) Serg(ius) str(ator) eius". He further writes, 'The inscription honours Marcus Iunius Maximus, Legate of the Augusts (i.e. the emperor Septimius Severus and his eldest son Caracalla), which implies that he was the governor of the province of Judaea, and Legate of the Tenth Legion Fretensis. It was erected c.ad 200 by one of his aides, C. Domitius Sergius Honoratus. After participating in the capture of Jerusalem in ad 70, the Tenth Legion was based in the city for over 200 years, occupying the area that is now the Armenian Quartern' (The Holy Land: An Oxford Archaeological Guide from Earliest Times to 1700, 5th Edition, 2007, p.66-67).

Location

The Roman column is located very near Jaffa Gate. Look for the second side street to the Christian Quarter, which is to your left while entering the Old City from Jaffa Gate. A few feet inside the street, you should find 'New Imperial Hotel' or 'Versavee Bistro, Bar & Cafe’; the column is in the middle of their courtyard with a flag/lamp post on top of it advertising ‘Bar & Café’!