Unearthed in Israeli Town of Magdala: Perfume Vials Similar to those Used by Mary Magdalene
"It's very likely that the woman who anointed Christ's feet used these ointments, or products that were similar in composition and quality."
(Rome, Italy)—Reuter's reports that a team of archaeologists digging in the Israeli Biblical town of Magdala say they have unearthed vials of perfume similar to those that may have been used by the woman said to have washed Jesus' feet. They were reportedly found intact at the bottom of a mud-filled swimming pool, alongside hair and make-up objects.
"If chemical analyses confirm it, these could be perfumes and creams similar to those that Mary Magdalene or the sinner cited in the Gospel used to anoint Christ's feet," said lead Franciscan archaeologist, Father Stefano de Luca. (Painting by Simon Dewey)
"The discovery of the ointments in Magdala at any rate is of great importance. Even if Mary Magdalene was not the woman who washed Christ's feet, we have in our hands 'cosmetic products' from Christ's time," he added. "It's very likely that the woman who anointed Christ's feet used these ointments, or products that were similar in composition and quality," De Luca said.
