Archaeologists and students recently discovered a treasure trove of 160 ancient coins during an excavation in Israel.
The discovery, which was announced by the University of Haifa on December 30, was made during an excavation in the Jordan Valley. Coincidentally, archaeologists found the coins during Hanukkah.
In a press release that was translated from Hebrew to English, the university explained that the artifacts date back to the Hellenistic period.
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The coins depict Alexander Jannaeus, who was king of Judea from 103 BC to 76 BC.
Jannaeus, a Jewish leader of the Hasmonean dynasty, preceded the destruction of the Second Temple, which was a major Jewish pilgrimage site and closely associated with the story of Hanukkah.
160 ancient coins were recently found in the Jordan Valley. (University of Haifa)
Photos released by the university show the coins, which are of various shapes and sizes, still bearing faded symbols.
The ark, which is believed to be the largest of its kind ever found in Israel, contains coins inscribed in both Aramaic and Greek.
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Very few hoards of coins minted under Alexander Jannaeus have been found by archaeologists, according to the University of Haifa.
The coins were minted during the reign of Alexander Janaeus, a Hellenistic Jewish king. (University of Haifa)
The university also said the coins were found at a “way station,” or a stop for travelers along the road leading to Alexandrion, an ancient citadel. They were discovered in a room that could have been used as a kitchen.
“Researchers are convinced that the excavation site in the Jordan Valley… is a hitherto unrecognized way station on the main road leading to the citadel of Sartaba (Alexandrion), which was built by King Yanai. Haifa University said in a Facebook post.
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The ancient resting station where the coins were discovered also consisted of a mikveh, which is a Jewish ritual bath, and a pool or reservoir used to hold water.
In a press release, archaeologist Dr. Shai Bar noted that the discovery was very significant for his excavation team in the midst of the Israel-Hamas war.
Ancient coins were discovered during Hanukkah. (University of Haifa)
“The students and volunteer excavators on the dig were very excited to find such Hasmonean preservation, and more so during Hanukkah, and it added a special significance to them … during the difficult days that pass over our people at the time of now,” Bar said. .
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The find is one of many ancient artifacts discovered in Israel in late 2024.
Earlier in December, an unusual 1,700-year-old oil lamp with soot marks was found near the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem.
The coins were found at what researchers believe was a stopover for travelers. (University of Haifa)
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Israeli officials also announced that a 12-year-old Israeli girl discovered an ancient Egyptian amulet in December that dates back approximately 3,500 years.
