Archaeologists in Ostia Antica, Italy have discovered what they believe to be the oldest mikveh, or Jewish ritual bath, ever found outside of Israel. The structure, dating back to the 3rd to 5th century CE, suggests that a coastal city near Rome was once a center of Jewish life. The discovery sheds light on the vibrant Jewish community in the Roman Empire, which was home to a diverse range of religions and ethnicities. While some experts call for caution in identifying the structure as a mikveh, the finding of an intact oil lamp with Jewish symbols provides strong evidence for its identity.