The discovery was made near the Sea of Galilee in the Hippos National Park, and includes 97 gold coins and dozens of fragments of gold earrings featuring pearls, colour gemstones, and glass.
Hippos was a Hellenistic city in the northern Jordan Valley. It eventually became a predominantly Christian city, which declined during the Byzantine period (330–1453). Excavations in the area have been ongoing for nearly three decades. Michael Eisenberg of the University of Haifa said it was one of the region’s most significant discoveries.
“This is one of the largest hoards from the Byzantine period discovered on dry land in Israel, and its uniqueness lies in the combination of jewellery and gold coins from the reigns of different emperors,” he explained.
“In addition, remnants of fabric were found on some of the coins — a trace of the cloth pouch in which the hoard had been hidden.”
He added: “Gold is a noble metal, and when you find coins and jewellery nearly 1,400 years old that look new, it is a rare experience.”
The collection was discovered by chance in July by Edie Lipsman, operating a metal detector. Researchers told LiveScience announcing the discovery was delayed until it was confirmed that there were no further finds in the area.
“The device went crazy. I couldn’t believe it — gold coins started appearing one after another,” Lipsman said.
This discovery provides researchers with a deeper understanding of the Byzantine period. Around 614 CE, many residents of Christian cities, including Hippos, hid their valuables in the hopes of retrieving them following battles with Sasanian armies. Hippos declined into a small town until it was destroyed in an earthquake in 749 CE and was abandoned.
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