Israeli archaeologists have discovered a tomb believed to belong to a woman who was present at the birth of Christ.. The Israel Antiquities Authority has released images showing what is considered "

Archaeologists excavate a 2,000-year-old cave believed to be the burial place of Salome, who is associated in Christian tradition with the birth of Jesus. She is mentioned in the Gospel of James, where she is described as a companion of an unnamed midwife who was present at the birth of Christ.. She is often depicted in Orthodox icons, but she is rarely mentioned in Western Christianity..

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The Gospel of James, written in the 2nd century, tells the story of the virgin birth and the events that followed it, before the birth of Jesus. It is one of the early Christian writings known as the Apocryphal Gospels, which are not found in the Bible, and one of the "

The Gospel of James says that Salome, who lived in Bethlehem, was invited to be present at the birth of a child by a virgin, but she does not believe that this is possible.. According to legend, she comes when the child is born and says that she does not believe that Mary was a virgin, so she must examine her herself.. But when she reaches out to do it, her hand bursts into flames..

“Woe to my iniquity and my unbelief, because I have tempted the living God, and behold, my hand falls away from me in fire,” she proclaims..

An angel advises Salome to approach the child, and she is miraculously healed, proclaiming him a "

The alleged tomb of Salome is located 35 kilometers from Bethlehem. It was first discovered in 1982, and excavations took place here in the late 1980s..

For the first time, the cave was identified as the burial place of Salome in Byzantine times, and over time it became a place of pilgrimage.. It contains thousands of inscriptions in Greek, Syriac and Arabic, some of which are dedicated to Salome.. The cave is currently being prepared for public access..

Prior to the public opening, archaeological work was carried out, which uncovered a 350 square meter courtyard with intricate stone carvings and mosaic floors.. Finds indicate that this cave belonged to a wealthy Jewish family..

Earlier, archaeologists discovered in the church, which was once located in the ancient city of Bethsaida, a mosaic with a dedication to the “Head and Leader of the Heavenly Messengers” - this is how the Apostle Peter was designated. According to scientists, this indicates that the church was built on the site of the house in which the apostle Peter and his brother Andrew lived..