Ancient Treasure Unearthed: 2,300-Year-Old Gold Ring Found in Jerusalem

In the City of David, part of the Jerusalem Walls National Park, a remarkable gold ring with a gemstone dating back to the Second Temple period was recently unearthed.

The ring is crafted from gold and features a red gemstone, likely a garnet. Since gold is a noble metal, the ring has been preserved in excellent condition. Despite not being used for the past 2,300 years, it shows no signs of rust or other time-related damage.

This exciting discovery was made by chance by Tchiya Gangatta, one of the archaeologists at the City of David, while she was sifting through archaeological soil. She recounted the moment: "I was sifting the soil with a sieve, and suddenly I saw something shiny. I immediately shouted, 'I found a ring, I found a ring!' Within seconds, everyone gathered around me, and the excitement was immense. It's an exhilarating find, not something you encounter every day. I've always wanted to find a gold ornament, and I'm happy that my dream came true."

Dr. Yiftah Shalev and Riki Zlot Har-Tov, who are leading the excavation on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority, added: "The ring is very small and fits the pinky of a woman or the finger of a child. According to Dr. Marion Zindel, the ring was created using a technique of pressing thin, pre-cut gold leaves onto a metal ring base. Its shape is typical of the fashion that flourished in the Persian and early Hellenistic periods, from the late 4th to the early 3rd century BCE and onwards. This was a time when people began to prefer gemstone settings over decorated gold."

Professor Yuval Gadot from Tel Aviv University and Efrat Bocher, also directing the excavation, explained that these findings create a new picture of the lifestyle and status of Jerusalem's inhabitants. "The various structures connect to form a residential neighborhood and demonstrate a surge in private and public construction, indicating the city's western expansion. The nature of the buildings, combined with finds like the gold jewelry, speak to the city’s economic prosperity and elite status. It also seems that the city's residents were open to the stylistic influences and fashion trends prevalent in various regions across the eastern Mediterranean," they stated.

Eli Eskosido, Director of the Israel Antiquities Authority, commented: "The excavations in ancient Jerusalem provide us with invaluable insights into our past."

The ring will be showcased next week at the "Jerusalem Mysteries" conference, initiated by the Israel Antiquities Authority in honor of Jerusalem Day.

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