Ancient treasure of gold coins, jewelry unearthed by archaeologists near Sea of Galilee
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Archaeologists recently unearthed a treasure trove of priceless ancient jewels and gold coins near the ruins of a historic Christian city.
The treasure was found in the ancient city of Hippos near the Sea of Galilee in July. The city was the seat of an important bishop at that time. Byzantine period.
In a press release obtained by Fox News Digital in October, University of Haifa officials said the treasure contained 97 coins made of pure gold, as well as “dozens of gold earring fragments decorated with pearls, semi-precious stones, and glass.”
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The cache was found by chance by metal detectorist Edie Lipsman, a member of the excavation team. When a stone moved between two walls, the detector’s signal became stronger and coins appeared.
Lipsman said the device “went crazy” at the time.
Archaeologists recently unearthed nearly 100 gold coins and fine jewelry in the ancient Christian city of Hippos. (Michael Eisenberg, University of Haifa)
“I couldn’t believe it; gold coins started appearing one after another,” he said.
The coins, which are very well preserved, represent various denominations. Some are solid or full value, others are half and third.
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The hoard dates back more than 1,500 years, containing coins dating from the reign of Emperor Justin I in the 520s AD to the early reign of Emperor Heraclius around AD 610.
“I hope modern jewelers will recreate this beauty.”
“Among the coins was a particularly rare tremissis, probably minted in Cyprus at the end of 610 by Emperor Heraclius the Elder and his son during their rebellion against Emperor Phocas,” the statement said.
“This is only the second coin of this type discovered in Israel.”
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The university said that a hoard of this scale had never been unearthed before in the excavations carried out in Hippos in the last 26 years.
Excavation leader Michael Eisenberg said that the treasure is one of the largest treasures from the Byzantine period found in the dry lands of Israel.
Experts were amazed to see how shiny and spotless the 1,400-year-old gold pieces remained centuries later. (Michael Eisenberg, University of Haifa)
“Its uniqueness lies in the combination of jewelry and gold coins from the reigns of different emperors,” he said. “Remnants of fabric were also found on some of the coins, an imprint of the fabric pouch in which the treasure was stored.”
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Researcher Arleta Kowalewska said the most surprising aspect of the discovery was the earrings.
“Fine workmanship combining semi-precious stones and pearls… I hope modern jewelers will recreate this beauty,” he said.
A member of the excavation team said the detector “went crazy” when gold coins started appearing. (Michael Eisenberg, University of Haifa)
Eisenberg added that the jewelry and coins were very well preserved and appeared new.
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“Gold is a noble metal and when you find coins and jewelry that are almost 1,400 years old and look new, it is a rare experience,” he said.
The latest discovery isn’t the only significant finding in Hippos in recent months.
The mix of gems and coins makes this Byzantine treasure unusually rare and important, excavation leaders say. (Michael Eisenberg, University of Haifa)
In August, archaeologists announced they had uncovered the world’s oldest nursing home: a 1,600-year-old Christian care facility for the elderly.
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The message on the mosaic read “Peace be with the elders” in Koine Greek.
It was found inside one of the city’s residential blocks, about 100 meters from the central square of Hippos.
