The 2,300-Year-Old Gold Ring Discovered in the Famous City of David
According to FOX News, while excavating at the City of David archaeological site in present-day Jerusalem, Israeli researchers discovered a 2,300-year-old gold ring. The team described the ring as “extremely well-preserved,” “not rusted, and unaffected by time.”
The nearly intact gold ring found after 2,300 years – (Photo: IAA).
The Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) stated that the ring was discovered during a joint excavation by the IAA and Tel Aviv University at the Jerusalem Wall National Park. It “features a red gemstone, which appears to be a garnet.”
Tehiya Gangate, a member of the excavation team at the City of David, recalled: “I was sifting through the soil and suddenly saw something shiny. Then I shouted: A ring, a ring! Everyone was extremely excited and immediately came to see.”
Tehiya Gangate with the discovered gold ring – (Photo: IAA).
She believes this discovery is emotional because it is not something archaeologists typically find. For a long time, Tehiya Gangate had always wanted to find gold jewelry. Finally, her dream came true just a week before she goes on maternity leave.
Dr. Yiftah Shalev and Riki Zalut Har-Tov, heads of the excavation department at the IAA, noted: “The ring is very small. It fits a woman’s pinky finger or a child’s finger.”
Professor Yuval Gadot of Tel Aviv University and excavator Efrat Bocher added that in addition to the gold ring, the expert team also found animal-shaped earrings and decorative gold beads.
The experts stated that the discovered artifacts help people today imagine life in the City of David and Jerusalem thousands of years ago. The City of David, located in the southeastern corner of Jerusalem, is described by the team as a place with quite limited resources. Therefore, the discovery of gold indicates that this city had an important position in trade at that time.
Research team member at the excavation site – (Photo: IAA).
Additionally, from the excavation data, scientists discovered more residential and public buildings designed to extend from the hilltop westward. The city’s residents were open to Greek styles and the influences prevalent in the eastern Mediterranean basin.
Moreover, gold jewelry has been famous since the era of Alexander the Great. Alexander’s conquests contributed to the popularity and transport of luxurious goods and gold jewelry.
The IAA announced that this 2,300-year-old ring will be displayed to the public in early June in Israel.
