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Byzantine-Era Gold Hoard Unearthed Near Sea of Galilee
Archaeologists excavating the ancient city of Hippos (also known as Sussita), located on the slopes of the Golan Heights near the Sea of Galilee, have uncovered a remarkable treasure: a nearly 1,400-year-old hoard of gold coins and jewelry dating back to the Byzantine era. The discovery, made in July by metal detectorist Edie Lipsman, includes 97 pure gold coins and dozens of ornate jewelry pieces, such as earrings inlaid with pearls, semi-precious stones, and glass.
📜 Historical Significance and Rarity
Michael Eisenberg, co-director of the excavation and archaeologist at the University of Haifa, described the find as one of the five largest gold hoards from that period ever discovered in the region. What sets this hoard apart is the combination of coins and jewelry, which adds depth to its numismatic and historical value. It is the first such treasure found in Hippos, a city that played a significant role in the region’s Byzantine history.
The coins span the reigns of several Byzantine emperors, from Justin I (518–527) to the early years of Heraclius (610–613), although Heraclius ruled until 641. Some coins still bore remnants of fabric, suggesting they had once been wrapped in cloth. The collection includes solidi (high-value gold coins), semisses (worth half a solidus), and tremisses (worth a third of a solidus). One tremissis stands out for its rarity—it was likely minted in Cyprus in 610 by Heraclius the Elder and his son during their revolt against Emperor Phocas. The younger Heraclius eventually triumphed, founding the Heraclian dynasty that ruled until 711.
💎 Jewelry and Craftsmanship
The jewelry pieces, intricately designed and adorned with pearls and stones, offer a glimpse into the craftsmanship and aesthetic sensibilities of the Byzantine elite. Their pristine condition, despite being nearly 1,400 years old, astonished the excavation team. Eisenberg noted the surreal experience of uncovering such well-preserved artifacts from a distant past.
🔍 Political Turmoil and Hidden Wealth
The hoard’s burial likely coincided with a period of intense upheaval in the region. In 614, the Sasanian Empire—comprising parts of modern-day Iran, the Middle East, and Central Asia—invaded Byzantine Palestine. As foreign armies advanced, residents of Christian cities like Hippos hid their valuables to protect them from looting. This pattern of emergency hoarding was common during the early 7th century, a time marked by frequent invasions and shifting control.
Jerusalem fell during the 614 Sasanian assault but was reclaimed by the Byzantines around 629. However, in 636, Muslim armies retook the region, leading to further instability. Hippos, once a thriving city, began to decline and was ultimately abandoned after a devastating earthquake struck Galilee in 749.
Danny Syon, the excavation’s numismatist, emphasized the hoard’s importance in understanding the political and economic landscape of the time. The coins and jewelry not only reflect the wealth of Hippos’ residents but also serve as tangible evidence of the fear and uncertainty that gripped the region during successive conquests.
🔬 Next Steps and Museum Interest
The research team plans to conduct a thorough analysis of the hoard, including detailed readings of the coins and documentation of the jewelry. This will help place the find within a broader regional and historical context. While it’s too early to confirm when the treasure will be publicly displayed, Eisenberg anticipates that museums will soon express interest in showcasing the artifacts.
This extraordinary discovery enriches our understanding of Byzantine life, trade, and resilience in the face of conflict. It also highlights the enduring allure of archaeology—where a single find can illuminate centuries of history buried beneath the soil.
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