Ancient Treasure Discovered in Kaba
Archaeologists have recently found a remarkable collection of ancient jewelry and gold coins near a site of historic significance—an old Christian city.
This treasure, uncovered in July in Kaba, close to the Sea of Galilee, was linked to a notable bishop during the Byzantine period.
In a press release from October, officials from Haifa University shared that this collection featured 97 solid gold coins alongside several pieces of damaged gold earrings adorned with pearls, semi-precious stones, and glass.
The discovery was serendipitous, made by metal detectorist Edie Lipsman, who is part of the excavation team. As the detector passed between two walls, the signal intensified, revealing the coins.
Lipsman remarked, “I couldn’t believe it. Gold coins just kept popping up.”
These coins, surprisingly well-preserved, are said to represent various sects. Some hold full value, while others are worth half or a third.
This hoard dates over 1,500 years back, with coins spanning from the reign of Justin I in the 520s AD to the early years of Emperor Heraclius around 610 AD.
Interestingly, among the coins, there’s a particularly rare tremesis, likely minted by Emperor Heraclius and his son in Cyprus during a revolt against Emperor Phocas at the end of 610. The press release noted that this is just the second such coin discovered in Israel.
According to the university, this significant find marks the first time in 26 years of excavating at Kaba that a deposit of this size has been uncovered. Michael Eisenberg, the excavation leader, indicated that this discovery stands out as one of the largest Byzantine-era deposits found on land in Israel.
Eisenberg explained the unique aspects of the discovery, noting that the combination of jewelry and gold coins from different emperors is quite uncommon. Some coins even bore remnants of cloth, suggesting they were stored in cloth bags.
Researcher Arleta Kowalewska expressed her thrill over the exquisite craftsmanship of an earring they found, saying, “I hope modern jewelers can recreate this beauty.”
Surprisingly, the jewelry and coins appear as though they were made recently. Eisenberg emphasized that finding nearly 1,400-year-old gold items in such pristine condition is quite rare.
This find isn’t the only notable achievement at Hippos in recent times. Just last August, archaeologists uncovered what they believe to be the earliest nursing home, dating back 1,600 years, where a mosaic was discovered with the phrase “Peace be to the elders” written in Koine Greek.
The discovery is exciting not just for its historical value but also for the stories it tells about the past and the craftsmanship of that era.
