The Strange Iron Keys from the Roman Era Found in the Judean Desert

In the 1960s, archaeologist Yigael Yadin discovered in the Cave of Letters, in the Judean Desert, a treasure trove of objects belonging to Jewish refugees fleeing the Bar-Kokhba revolt against Rome (132-136 AD). Among the objects were 10 iron keys, which the refugees carried with them in the hope of someday returning to their homes.

Since then, dozens of similar keys have been found in excavations throughout the region, but until now, no one had studied their diversity and significance in depth.

What is most surprising about these keys is their shape. Many of them have a right angle, like an elbow, making them very different from the Roman keys found in other parts of the empire. Researchers have called them elbow keys and believe they were a local design, possibly used only by the Jewish population of the Roman province of Judea.

elbow keys judaea roman empire — The components of an elbow key. At the top is the handle, which, in this case, is pointed. From it extends the stem, which connects to the shank at a right angle. Again, a right angle connects the shank to the bit so that the long axis in these three components lies on a different plain. The teeth stand vertically on the bit, running parallel to the shank and perpendicular to the stem. Credit: Y. Pagelson et al.

These keys first appeared in the 1st century BC and ceased to be used after the Bar-Kokhba revolt, when the Romans changed the name of the province to Palestine and reorganized the region. Their disappearance coincides with the arrival of a new type of key, more common throughout the rest of the empire, suggesting a cultural and technological shift following the Roman repression.

Why Were These Keys Special?

In addition to their unique shape, these keys had a symbolic meaning. In ancient times, keys not only served to open doors, but also represented authority and protection. In the Bible, for example, the keys of the house of David are mentioned as a symbol of power. In some tombs from the era, keys have been found, possibly placed there to help the deceased open the gates of heaven, a custom that may have been influenced by Persian traditions.

Additionally, on oil lamps from the period, known as Darom lamps and associated with the Jewish population, these elbow keys are depicted, reinforcing the idea that they were a distinctive element of their culture.

The study also analyzed how these keys were made. Local blacksmiths used soft iron, which was easier to work with, to give them complex shapes. Additionally, this material was less prone to breaking, which was crucial for an object used daily. The keys were made in one piece, hammering the metal into shape, and then adjusting the teeth to fit the corresponding lock.

The researchers used X-rays and microscopes to study their internal structure, discovering that, although some had steel parts, most were made of almost pure iron. This made them more flexible and durable, a practical advantage in a time when locksmiths and spare parts were not easily available.

The study of these keys is not only important for their technology, but also for what they reveal about daily life. Their variety of sizes suggests they were used in different contexts: the larger ones may have been for fortress doors or public buildings, while the smaller ones would have been for private homes. Some had handles for hanging on a belt, while others had wooden handles to carry them on the shoulder, as described in ancient texts.

SOURCES

Pagelson, Y., Farhi, Y., Mevorah, D. et al. Iron keys from the Roman Province of Iudaea/Palaestina: a typological and technological study. Archaeol Anthropol Sci 17, 111 (2025). doi.org/10.1007/s12520-025-02227-1