Archaeologists Unearth 1,400-Year-Old Byzantine Hoard With Help From Metal Detectorist
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Archaeologists from Israel’s University of Haifa have discovered a 1,400-year-old hoard of Byzantine-era jewelry and nearly 100 gold coins from the ancient site of Hippos, near the Sea of Galilee, Ancient Origins reported.
Metal Detectorist Was First to Make Discovery
Though excavations have been taking place at the site for nearly 30 years, this most recent discovery was initially made by metal detectorist Eddie Lipsman. "The device went crazy. I couldn't believe it, gold coins started appearing one after another," he explained.
Researchers believe that the hoard of 97 coins was buried around 614 A.D., at the time when the Sassanid Persian army invaded Byzantine Palestine. The coins span 100 years, from the reign of Emperor Justin I (518–527 A.D.) to the early days of Emperor Heraclius’ reign, from 610–613 A.D. Discovered in the same cloth bag in which the coins were interred was a well-preserved tremissis, which was most likely minted in 610 A.D. in Cyprus during Heraclius' revolt against Emperor Phocas.
Dr. Michael Eisenberg /University of Haifa
Dr. Michael Eisenberg /University of Haifa
Hippos Was an Ancient Christian Enclave
During the Byzantine period, Hippos was a Christian enclave which boasted seven churches. Unfortunately, the settlement’s positioning on the Sea of Galilee made it a prime target for warfare during the 7th century, when Persia and Israel invaded the kingdom. The jewelry and coins indicate that Hippos was a prosperous and wealthy community until it fell to marauders.
As for the jewelry, scientists hypothesize that it may have belonged to a goldsmith who enjoyed significant wealth. Researchers excavated fragments from dozens of gold earrings which were embossed with pearls, semi-precious stones, and glass pieces. Researcher Arleta Kowalewska marveled at “the fine craftsmanship” of Byzantine-era jewelers, which “combin[ed] semi-precious stones and pearls. I hope modern jewelers will recreate this beauty.”