Smok z Jerozolimy w Rzymie?
A Dragon from Jerusalem in Rome?

Summary/Abstract: Inside the Roman triumphal arch, erected to commemorate the victory of Emperor Titus over the Jewish uprising in Judea (70 AD) there is a low relief depicting some pieces of the Jerusalem Temple equipment. The Great Temple Menorah draws particular attention. The menorah’s base is covered with images of animals, both real and fantastic: eagles, seahorse, griffin, dragon. The fact of animals presence induces a discussion whether the whole image is authentic or not. Although the Jewish iconoclasm prohibits figural representations, the symbolism of the dragon is significant in the tradition of Judaism. The author is trying to fin den answer for the question whether the image of the candlestick on the Arch of Titus is an authentic object. For this purpose he analyses the presence of dragons (as well as congenial creatures) in Jewish tradition, biblical narration and traditions of Phoenicia and Mesopotamia peoples.

• Details
• Contents