On October 21, archaeologists announced the discovery of a 2,000-year-old amethyst engraved with the image of a bird and a balsam branch with five fruits.
The amethyst engraved with the balsam tree. Photo: Jerusalem Post
The City of David, the Israel Antiquities Authority, and the Israel Nature and Parks Authority jointly announced that the intact gemstone may contain the first known engraving depicting a plant mentioned in the Bible as well as in Jewish historical records.
The stone fell into a water drain in Jerusalem during the Second Temple period of Jewish history, which lasted from 516 BCE to 70 CE. In the final decades before the end of this period, a Jewish pilgrim walked along the path connecting the Shiloah Pool in the outskirts of Jerusalem to the Temple Mount. That person wore an exquisite ring set with the lilac-colored stone featuring the engraving. However, due to the crowd and chaotic circumstances, the stone slipped from the ring and rolled into the underground drainage system.
Nearly 2,000 years later, archaeologists discovered the tiny artifact. Excavations were conducted at the foundation of the western wall of the City of David. Volunteers participating in the “Archaeological Experience” project at Emek Tzurim National Park found the gemstone. The oval stone measures approximately 10 mm long and 5 mm wide, engraved with an image of a bird that may be a dove. Experts are eager to learn more about the significance of the long branch with five fruits engraved on the stone, as it appears different from other engravings of the same era.
Balsam, scientifically known as Commiphora gileadensis, was used in ancient times not only for producing perfumes but also as incense, medicine, and anointing oil.
