The ring was found during ongoing excavations at the Givati Parking Lot, a site that has yielded numerous artifacts from various periods of Jerusalem’s history. This particular piece of jewelry is indicative of the fashion trends of the time, where gold jewelry with set stones became popular following Alexander the Great’s conquests, which facilitated transport and trade across the Hellenistic world.
The ring likely belonged to a small child who lived during the Hellenistic era. Source: Courtesy of Emil Aladjem/IAA
Tehiya Gangate, a member of the excavation team, recounted the moment of discovery with excitement: “I was sifting earth through the screen and suddenly saw something glitter. I immediately yelled, ‘I found a ring, I found a ring!’” The discovery was met with great enthusiasm from the team, as it is not every day that such an emotionally moving find is made.
The ring’s excellent state of preservation is noteworthy, having accumulated neither rust nor other weatherings of time since its last use over two millennia ago. It was manufactured by hammering thin pre-cut gold leaves onto a metal ring base, a technique that reflects the craftsmanship of the period.
Professor Yuval Gadot of Tel Aviv University, who is involved in the excavation, commented on the significance of the find. He noted that the Givati Parking Lot excavation finds are beginning to paint a new picture of the nature and stature of Jerusalem’s inhabitants in the early Hellenistic Period. Contrary to the previous assumption that Jerusalem was a small, somewhat provincial town, the recent discoveries, including the gold ring, suggest a city with a healthy economy and even elite status.
The City of David, where the ring was found, is the original core of the ancient biblical city. It is located just outside the southern walls of Jerusalem’s Old City and is considered one of Israel’s most important archaeological sites. The area is rich with history, being the place where King David established his capital and the site of many pivotal biblical events. The park is known for Hezekiah’s Tunnel and the excavated remains of houses, cisterns, and fortifications that offer a glimpse into Jerusalem’s ancient past.
The ring, along with other early Hellenistic period ornaments recently found, will be displayed to the public at an Antiquities Authority conference on Jerusalem Day, June 4, 2024. These artifacts not only provide insight into the past but also continue to inform our understanding of the cultural and historical context of one of the world’s oldest cities.
This discovery is a significant addition to the collection of artifacts from the Hellenistic period in Jerusalem. It offers a tangible connection to the children of that era, providing a personal dimension to the broader historical narrative. The find also highlights the ongoing importance of archaeological work in the City of David, revealing layers of history that still lie beneath the modern cityscape. As the excavation continues, each artifact brings us closer to understanding the lives of those who walked the streets of Jerusalem thousands of years ago.
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