Archaeologists have unearthed a trove of ancient gold, jewelry and coins in Israel.
The bracelets were found in gold and silver vaults in Israel. Photo: Israeli Ministry of Antiquities.
Archaeologists have excavated the Israeli town of Ramla and discovered a trove of rare gold and silver from the 8th to 11th centuries AD. Experts believe that the treasure is a testament to the “wealth and splendor” of the early Islamic period.
Archaeologists stumbled upon the treasure in Ramla, central Israel, in 2006. Excavations by the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) uncovered a collection of coins, jewelry and other artifacts. another interaction amid the ruins of houses and shops. In one store, archaeologists found a jar of gold coins from the Abbasid and Fatimid periods (8th to 11th centuries AD).
Archaeologists discovered similar treasure in the Old City of Jerusalem when they found coins more than 1,000 years old.
The treasures at Ramla also include bronze weights and a scale used in the shop, as well as gold and six silver bracelets.
Ramla was founded in the 8th century AD. Photo: Wiki/Getty
“Jewelry dating from the Fatimid period (11th century AD) reflects the wealth and splendor that characterized silver and silver jewelry,” the Israel Antiquities Authority said in a Facebook post last week. gold of that period. The bracelets differ in shape and the technique of creating them. The most notable among them is a gold bracelet decorated at both ends with magnificent patterns and in the middle The bracelet has the Arabic inscription: I wish you a complete blessing.”
Another standout item is a silver bracelet with an amulet box attached. The box is decorated with floral motifs and verses from the Koran praising God.
Two of the largest items in the treasure trove are silver anklets weighing 170 grams each.
Similar bracelets have been found in the past near Jerusalem’s Temple Mount – the holiest site in the Jewish world as well as an important place of worship for Muslims.
But the type of gold bracelet found in Ramla was until now known to Israeli archaeologists only from museum collections.
Ancient gold necklace found in Israel. Photo: Israeli Ministry of Antiquities
“This is the first time bracelets made of gold have been found in an archaeological dig,” the IAA said. Do you want to see the amazing treasure for yourself? The bracelets are on display in the Israel Museum, which is now open to the public.”
Earlier this year, the IAA revealed how divers off the coast of Israel discovered a cache of ancient coins and statues.
Rare treasures were found in the Roman harbor of Caesarea, on the Mediterranean coast.
A few years ago, a pair of divers discovered a 1,600-year-old Roman cargo ship at the bottom of the harbor. The shipwreck contains many interesting artifacts, prompting a comprehensive exploration of the ship.
Jacob Sharvit – director of the Israel Antiquities Authority’s Marine Archeology unit – and deputy director of Dror Planer, said: “The location and distribution of ancient finds on the seabed indicate a large merchant ship. carrying a cargo of metal recyclables encountered a storm at the harbor entrance and drifted until it crashed against the seawall and rocks.”
An excavation at Caesarea Harbor National Park also discovered a statue of a ram, believed to be a representation of Jesus. Even more surprising, the statue was discovered on Christmas Eve 2015.
