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Time of India
2 days ago
- General
- Time of India
2,300-year-old gold ring found in Jerusalem linked ancient engagement rituals
Image: Eliyahu Yanai A rare 2,300-year-old gold ring embedded with a deep red gemstone has been discovered in Jerusalem's Walls National Park, shedding new light on life during the Early Hellenistic period. Unearthed in the foundation of a large structure, the ring is believed to have belonged to a wealthy resident and may have been intentionally buried as part of a symbolic engagement or coming-of-age tradition. Archaeologists suggest its design reflects long-distance trade influences, pointing to cultural exchanges enabled by Alexander the Great's conquests. The find offers a unique glimpse into ancient customs and global connections. How 2,300-year-old gold ring was discovered in Jerusalem The gold ring was found during an excavation led by the Israel Antiquities Authority. It was located in the foundations of a significant Hellenistic-era building, alongside additional bronze and gold earrings. The presence of such artifacts suggests the structure once housed affluent residents. These findings were part of a systematic dig within the Jerusalem Walls National Park. Archaeologists carefully sifted through layers of soil and debris, eventually uncovering this rare piece of jewellery . The location and quality of the ring indicate it may have held significant personal or cultural meaning during its time, beyond mere ornamentation. A symbolic burial: Engagement or coming-of-age ritual? by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Click Here - This Might Save You From Losing Money Expertinspector Click Here Undo Dr. Marion Zindel, one of the lead researchers, theorizes that the ring and other items may have been deliberately buried. This aligns with a Hellenistic tradition in which betrothed women would bury personal objects—like jewellery —in a home's foundation to signify their transition from childhood to adulthood. Such rituals were deeply symbolic, believed to bless the home and the individual with prosperity and protection. The act of embedding cherished belongings into the very structure of a house reflects cultural values tied to family, maturity, and continuity. This interpretation offers a personal, human layer to the archaeological context. Cultural and trade influences on jewellery design The ring's combination of gold and colored gemstones points to stylistic influences from India and Persia. Scholars link this trend to expanded trade networks following Alexander the Great's conquests, which opened cultural and commercial exchanges across vast regions. These interactions introduced new aesthetics and techniques to Mediterranean artisans. jewellery from this period often reflects a fusion of East and West—using vibrant stones, animal motifs, and intricate metalwork. The design of this ring may mirror such cosmopolitan tastes, showing how Jerusalem was not isolated but connected to a broader cultural landscape shaped by conquest, commerce, and artistic exchange. Personal connections to the past For some of the archaeologists, the discovery was deeply moving. 'When I held this ring in my hand, I felt part of my history,' said Rivka Lengler, one of the excavators. It's a sentiment shared by many working at the site, as such finds help forge a tangible link to ancient lives and traditions. Handling an artifact worn by someone over two millennia ago creates a rare moment of connection across time. These emotions reflect the human element of archaeology—where beyond the data and analysis lies a profound curiosity and empathy for the people who once lived and loved. A glimpse into Hellenistic Jerusalem These discoveries are part of a broader effort to understand Jerusalem's role during the Early Hellenistic period. The jewellery and building remains not only showcase the city's wealth but also highlight how global influences shaped its material culture and daily rituals. At the time, Jerusalem was undergoing significant cultural transitions, influenced by Greek political and artistic dominance. Excavations in the area are uncovering evidence of a city that was both historically rooted and globally connected. Each artifact contributes to a larger mosaic of life in ancient Jerusalem—revealing how people dressed, built homes, marked life events, and engaged with the wider world.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
See it: Ancient gold ring dating back over 2,000 years found in Jerusalem
JERUSALEM – A small gold ring embedded with a dark red gemstone dating back to ancient times 2,300 years ago, was recently discovered in the Jerusalem Walls National Park in Israel. The piece of jewelry was found in an excavation of a layer of earth and material from a time known as the Early Hellenistic period. Officials said this is the second gold ring found at the same site from the same time period within just a few months. They were discovered in the foundations of a large building, which connotes the wealth of those who lived inside. Several earrings were also recently discovered in the same layer. A number were made of bronze, and one was made of gold and adorned with a horned animal image and gold bead, according to officials. All the jewelry dates from the Early Hellenistic Period. How Scientists Accidentally Turned Lead Into Gold Researcher Dr. Marion Zindel surmises that the rings and the rest of the jewelry were buried intentionally. "One of the possibilities now being examined is that the jewelry found in the building's foundations was in the context of executing a well-known Hellenistic period custom in which betrothed women would bury jewelry and other childhood objects in the house foundations as a symbol of the transition from childhood to adulthood," she said. Researchers also noted that the design of the jewelry may have been influenced by trade with faraway empires at the time. Specifically, jewelry that combines gold with brightly colored gemstones was a fashion influenced by Eastern countries, such as India and Persia. "These fashionable influences were enabled thanks to Alexander the Great's conquests, and the consequent trade channels opening with these regions," officials said. How To Watch Fox Weather Those who were there when the ring was unearthed said it holds a deeper meaning. "When I held this ring in my hand, I felt part of my history," said Rivka lengler, excavator at the City of David. "I felt that I could actually touch and connect with the people who lived here in Jerusalem thousands of years ago."Original article source: See it: Ancient gold ring dating back over 2,000 years found in Jerusalem
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Archaeologists Found a 2,300-Year-Old Ring That May Have Been a Child's Treasure
Here's what you'll learn when you read this story: Archaeological work in the Jerusalem Walls National Park within the City of David uncovered a gold ring set with a red gemstone. Experts believe the ring belonged to a child 2,300 years ago, and may have been buried as part of a ritual. It's the second such ring discovered in the area in less than a year. At some point about 2,300 years ago, when a child living in Jerusalem underwent the symbolic move from childhood to adulthood, they parted with a gold ring set with a red garnet. That ring was just found in the City of David within the Jerusalem Walls National Park, and was actually the second such ring discovered there in less than a year. Both rings have been dated to the Early Hellenistic period (and specifically, the Second Temple period), according to a statement from the Israel Antiquities Authority. Rivka Lengler—a City of David excavator present when the more recently discovered ring was unearthed—said that a worker was sifting dirt through a sieve when the ring was found. At first, they thought it was a modern ring that had been dropped by an excavator, but after a closer look, Lengler was able to tell that the ring had been waiting to be found for a long time. 'When I examined the ring,' Lengler said, 'I immediately assessed it was something ancient. We called over the archaeologists, everyone gathered around us and marveled at the special find. It was very exciting.' Officials on the excavation project, which was conducted by the Israel Antiquities Authority and Tel Aviv University working in collaboration, said that the two gold rings were both discovered in the foundation of a large building that was located in a layer of earth dating to the late third or early second century B.C. In the same layer, archaeologists found multiple bronze earrings and a gold earring adorned with a horned animal image and a decorated gold bead. 'That the two small rings and the rest of the jewelry were all discovered under the building's floors raises the possibility that they were buried there on purpose,' said Marion Zindel from the Israel Antiquities Authority. 'One of the possibilities now being examined is that the jewelry found in the building's foundations was in the context of executing a well-known Hellenistic period custom in which betrothed women would bury jewelry and other childhood objects in the house foundations as a symbolic of transition from childhood to adulthood.' With gold being so valuable, accidentally losing multiple gold pieces in the same general area isn't likely to have been the reason for the presence of these rings. But what exactly the reason was is still up for debate, as not much is known about Hellenistic period culture in Jerusalem (which may have been at odds with Jewish customs). 'These rings, along with other pieces of jewelry and the architecture we've uncovered,' Yuval Gadot of Tel Aviv University told The Times of Israel, 'are beginning to advance our understanding of the city at that time.' 'This is the first time that we have found in Jerusalem such a large assemblage of gold jewelry from that period,' said Efrat Bocher, an excavation manager. 'This displayed wealth is very rare in any archaeological layer, and it attests to the wealth of Jerusalem and the high standard of living of the city's residents during this period.' Jewelry that combines gold with brightly colored precious stones—such as the red garnet in the newly discovered ring—is heavily associated with this region during this period of history, when fashion was quite influenced by countries to the east like India and Persia. Experts on the project said that Alexander the Great's conquests influenced fashion and trade channels within these regions. The potential future discovery of Greek-inspired rituals—as well as architecture and customs not associated with Jewish traditions—may shed more light on the period. 'In order to understand more about Jerusalem's identify in the Hellenistic period,' Gadot said, 'we are going to need more discoveries and research. It will take time.' You Might Also Like The Do's and Don'ts of Using Painter's Tape The Best Portable BBQ Grills for Cooking Anywhere Can a Smart Watch Prolong Your Life?
New York Post
22-05-2025
- General
- New York Post
Gold treasure with link to Ark of the Covenant stuns scientists: ‘Everyone marveled at the special find'
In a shocking archaeological discovery, an ancient gold ring has been unearthed at the City of David — the ancient heart of Jerusalem. The small gold ring, adorned with a red gemstone, is believed to date back roughly 2,300 years. The finding was made at the Givati Parking Lot during excavations led by the Israel Antiquities Authority and Tel Aviv University, funded by the Elad Association, within the Jerusalem Walls National Park. Advertisement 3 A small, gold ring, adorned with a red gemstone, was recently unearthed at the Givati Parking Lot during excavations. Facebook/Israel Antiquities Authority It was found steps away from the Temple of Jerusalem, the last place the Ark of the Covenant, which held the Ten Commandments, is believed to have been located. A researcher, who was sifting soil in the area, pulled the gold ring — the second found in the area in less than a year — out of the dirt. Advertisement 'At first, he was sure it must be a modern item dropped by one of our excavators, but when I examined the ring, I immediately assessed it as something ancient. We called over the archaeologists, everyone gathered around us and marveled at the special find; It was very exciting,' Rivka Lengler, a member of the excavation team, recounted in a statement. The jewelry likely belonged to a young girl from the Second Temple period, which includes the Early Hellenistic period. 3 The piece is the second found in the area in less than a year. Facebook/Israel Antiquities Authority The expert quickly noticed the similarities between the newest find and the ring that was collected just a few months before. Advertisement The rings were uncovered in the foundation layer of a grand structure, which also yielded an array of other jewelry, including bronze earrings, a gold earring with an animal motif, and a decorated gold bead. 'This is the first time that we have found in Jerusalem such a large assemblage of gold jewelry from that period,' said excavation manager Efrat Bocher. 3 The discovery was made within the Jerusalem Walls National Park. Facebook/Israel Antiquities Authority 'This displayed wealth is very rare in any archaeological layer, and it attests to the wealth of Jerusalem and the high standard of living of the city's residents during this period.' Advertisement Archaeologists believe the jewelry was part of a tradition marking the transition from childhood to adulthood, where young women who were engaged to be married buried childhood items — like jewelry — to signify a life change. Eli Escusido, director of the Israel Antiquities Authority, added, 'The discovery of these rings is a testament to Jerusalem's historical wealth and significance. This is 'Jerusalem of Gold' in its truest, most tangible form — an enduring legacy uncovered beneath our very feet.' Researchers hope the dig helps to better understand the connection between the neighborhood and the temple, 'but at this stage, we have no clear way of understanding the nature of that relationship,' Prof. Yuval Gadot from Tel Aviv University, the excavation director, told the Times of Israel. 'In order to understand more about Jerusalem's identity in the Hellenistic period, we are going to need more discoveries and research.' Earlier this year, a religious shrine sealed up by the ancestors of Jesus — and preserved for nearly 3,000 years — was discovered at the City of David.
