An exceptional archaeological discovery comes to us from the shores of the Sea of Galilee, where researchers have uncovered a Byzantine treasure nearly fourteen centuries old. Composed of gold coins and precious jewelry, this rare collection offers a unique window into a troubled period of Mediterranean history.
The find includes ninety-seven pure gold coins as well as several dozen ornaments, including earrings adorned with pearls, semi-precious stones, and colored glass. This collection was discovered during excavations at the site of the ancient city of Hippos, also known as Sussita, located in the Golan Heights. According to Michael Eisenberg, archaeologist at the University of Haifa and co-director of the research, this is one of the five most significant gold treasures from this period ever found in the region.
Discovery of a 7th-century Byzantine treasure near the Sea of Galilee by a metal detectorist
Credit: Michael Eisenberg It was Edie Lipsman, a metal detecting enthusiast, who made the discovery last July by noticing unusual signals near a large stone and two ancient walls. The coins began appearing one after another, in a remarkable state of preservation that stunned specialists. The coins bear the effigies of different Byzantine emperors, covering a period from the reign of Justin I (518-527) to the beginning of Heraclius' reign (610-613).
Numismatic analysis reveals the presence of solidi, high-value coins containing a high proportion of gold, as well as semisses worth half a solidus and tremisses equivalent to one-third. One particularly rare coin caught the experts' attention: a tremissis minted in Cyprus in 610 by Heraclius the Elder and his son, while in revolt against Emperor Phocas. This coin testifies to the power struggles that marked the founding of the Heraclian dynasty.
The historical context sheds light on the probable reasons for the burial of this treasure. In the 7th century, the region experienced major political instability with the invasion of Byzantine Palestine by Sassanian armies in 614. The inhabitants of Christian cities, fearing the advance of foreign troops, often hid their most precious wealth. Danny Syon, numismatist of the expedition, emphasizes that this discovery makes a major contribution to understanding the economic and political history of this pivotal era.
Research continues with detailed analysis of the artifacts, including deciphering inscriptions on the coins and thorough study of jewelry techniques. Although it's too early to determine when the treasure will be displayed to the public, its scientific and historical importance has already attracted interest from several museum institutions around the world.