Rare 2,300-Year-Old Gold Ring Discovered in Jerusalem, as reported Live Science.
Archaeologists excavating the ancient city of Afek, located on the Mediterranean coast in central Israel, have discovered a well-preserved gold ring that is about 2,300 years old. It is believed that a young bride hid the jewelry during one of the historical conflicts.
The discovery was made in a layer dating back to the late Roman or early Byzantine period (3rd-4th centuries CE). The ring has a simple design – it is smooth and does not contain precious stones, but its material and preservation indicate a high social status of its owner.
“The ring likely had deep personal significance for the girl. It could have been a gift from the groom or a symbol of the engagement that she wanted to protect,” said Dr. Debbie Tzur, head of the archaeological expedition.
The decoration is currently being studied at the Israel Antiquities Association, where experts are conducting a detailed analysis of the metal composition and possible analogues among other artifacts of the same period.
