In what may be seen as a remarkable discovery, the archaeologists recently found a 2,300-year-old gold ring while excavating a parking lot in the City of David near Jerusalem!
The Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) mentioned in a statement that archaeologists discovered the Hellenistic Period ring on May 27, 2024, stating that the ring, adorned with a red garnet, was "exceedingly well-preserved". The small diameter of the ring suggests that it was made for a child in around BCE 3rd or BCE 4th Century.
According to the statement, the ring was found during excavations at the Givati Parking Lot. This particular site has yielded numerous artefacts from various periods. The newly-discovered ring indicates the fashion trends of the time, when gold jewellery with set stones became popular following conquests of Alexander the Great who facilitated transport and trade across the Hellenistic World.
Tehiya Gangate, a member of the team of archaeologists, told the press: "I was sifting earth through the screen and suddenly saw something glitter. I immediately yelled, 'I found a ring, I found a ring!'" She said that the ring was preserved in an excellent manner, as it accumulated no rust. According to the Israeli archaeologist, the ring was last used over two millennia ago. Gangate stressed that the Hellenistic Era people had manufactured the ring by hammering thin pre-cut gold leaves onto a metal ring base, with the technique reflecting the craftsmanship of that period.
Professor Yuval Gadot of Tel Aviv University explained the significance of the find, saying that the discovery of this ring at the Givati Parking Lot would help researchers to get an idea about the stature of Jerusalem's inhabitants in the early Hellenistic Period. Contrary to the previous assumption that Jerusalem was a small provincial town, the recent discoveries, including the gold ring, suggest that it used to be an elite city with a healthy economy. According to Professor Gadot, the City of David was basically the original core of the ancient biblical city located just outside the southern walls of Jerusalem's Old City. He described Hezekiah's Tunnel, the most famous feature of the park, as an engineering marvel of the ancient world, carved out to water for the city during the Assyrian siege in the 8th Century BCE. Researchers also found a rich array of artefacts, including the remains of houses, cisterns and fortifications, in that area. They not only corroborate historical accounts, but also provide a tangible connection to the era of the biblical monarchs.
Meanwhile, the IAA displayed the ring and other early Hellenistic Period ornaments to the public at an Antiquities Authority Conference on Jerusalem Day (June 4, 2024). A senior IAA official said that these artefacts would not only provide insight into the past, but also inform human understanding of the cultural and historical context of one of the world's oldest cities.
This discovery offers a tangible connection to the children of the Hellenistic Era, providing a personal dimension to the broader historical narrative. It further highlights the ongoing importance of archaeological work in the City of David, revealing layers of history that still lie beneath the modern cityscape. As the excavation continues, each artefact brings people closer to understanding the lives of those who used to roam on the streets of Jerusalem thousands of years ago!
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