A 2,100-year-old kitchen in Israel has unearthed the largest ancient treasure ever discovered.
Ancient rest stop uncovers previously unknown coins
During an excavation in Israel, a group of archaeologists and students unearthed a treasure trove containing 160 ancient coins.
During an excavation in the Jordan Valley, the University of Haifa announced the discovery of coins on Dec. 30, coincidentally found during Hanukkah.
The university stated in a press release that the artifacts discovered date back to the Hellenistic period. The coins portray Alexander Jannaeus, who ruled Judaea from 103 B.C. to 76 B.C.
Jannaeus, a Jewish leader of the Hasmonean dynasty, existed before the destruction of the Second Temple, which was a significant Jewish pilgrimage site and has a connection to the story of Hanukkah.
The university released pictures of coins with varying shapes and sizes, still bearing faint symbols.
An extensive cache of coins, including those written in Aramaic and Greek, has been discovered in Israel, making it the largest of its kind ever found in the country. According to the University of Haifa, only a small number of caches of coins minted under Alexander Jannaeus have been discovered by archaeologists.
The coins were discovered in a room that was likely used as a kitchen in a road station, or a stop for travelers along the road leading to Alexandrion, an ancient fortress.
According to the University of Haifa, the excavation site in the Jordan Valley has been identified as a previously unknown road station on the main road leading to the Sartaba (Alexandrion) fortress, built by King Yanai.
The mikveh and pool were also present at the ancient rest stop where coins were discovered.
Dr. Shai Bar, an archaeologist, highlighted the significance of the discovery to his excavation team during the Israel-Hamas war in a press release.
Bar stated that the students and volunteer excavators were thrilled to discover a Hasmonean cache during the excavation, which added significance to their work during Hanukkah. This discovery occurred during challenging times for the Jewish people, making it even more meaningful.
An unusual oil lamp with 1,700-year-old soot marks was discovered near the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem in December 2024, one of many ancient artifacts uncovered in Israel at the end of that year.
In December, an Israeli girl found an ancient Egyptian amulet that was approximately 3,500 years old.
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