Editor’s Note
**Editor’s Note:** A rare hoard of 1,400-year-old gold coins and jewelry has been unearthed near the Sea of Galilee, offering a dazzling glimpse into Byzantine-era wealth and craftsmanship.
A remarkable discovery has been made near the Sea of Galilee in Israel, where a rare hoard of 1,400-year-old gold coins and jewelry has been unearthed. Archaeologists reported that the coins date back to the Byzantine era. The find includes 97 pure gold coins and dozens of jewelry items, including earrings inlaid with pearls, semi-precious stones, and glass. The treasure was discovered by a team of experts in the ancient city of Hippos (Sussita), located on the slopes of the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights.
According to a report, University of Haifa archaeologist Michael Eisenberg stated that this is one of the five largest gold hoards ever found in the region from that period. It is the first known hoard of its kind in Hippos. The discovery of jewelry and small coins has also made it numismatically significant. This treasure could prove extremely important for Israel.
Expert Eddie Lipshman discovered the hoard in July while passing near a large stone and two ancient walls. Lipshman reported that a beep from a metal detector alerted him to its presence. He said that at first, he couldn’t believe there could be a treasure there. However, upon inspection, gold coins began to appear one after another, each bearing the image of different emperors.
He explained that the coins range from the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justin I (518-527) to the early period of Emperor Heraclius (610-613). Some of the coins still have traces of fabric, suggesting that the treasure was once wrapped in cloth and carefully stored at the time.
Archaeologist Michael Eisenberg said that discovering 1,400-year-old coins and jewelry that look as good as new is a fantastic experience. Among them, one tremissis is particularly rare, minted in Cyprus in 610 by the general Heraclius the Elder and his son. Both were rebelling against Emperor Phocas. The younger Heraclius emerged victorious and founded the Byzantine Heraclian dynasty, ruling from 610 to 711.
Coin expert Danny Syon described it as a rare find. He said it makes a significant contribution to understanding the political and economic history of that period. However, it is still unknown why this treasure was buried. According to history, Hippos was a turbulent region during the 7th century. Local residents may have hidden their wealth due to external military invasions in the area.