The Express newspaper reported that archaeologists excavated the Israeli city of Ramla and discovered a treasure trove of rare gold and silver from the 8th-11th century AD. Experts believe the treasure is a testament to the “wealth and splendor” of the early Islamic period.
Archaeologists found the treasure in Ramla, central Israel, in 2006. Excavations by the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) revealed a collection of coins, jewelry and other artifacts. another interaction between the ruins of houses and shops. In one shop, archaeologists found a jar of gold coins from the Abbasid and Fatimid periods (8th-11th centuries AD).
Archaeologists discovered a similar treasure in the Old City of Jerusalem when they found coins more than 1,000 years old.
Treasures at Ramla also include bronze weights and a scale used in the shop, as well as gold and six silver bracelets.
The Israel Antiquities Authority said in a Facebook post last week: “Jewelry dating from the Fatimid period (11th century AD) reflects the wealth and splendor that characterized the silver jewelry of that period.” The bracelets vary in shape and technique. The most distinctive among them is a gold bracelet decorated at both ends with magnificent designs and in the middle of the bracelet is the Arabic text: I wish you a complete blessing”.
Another standout item is a silver bracelet with an amulet box attached. The box is decorated with floral motifs and verses from the Koran praising God.
Two of the largest items in the hoard are silver ingots weighing 170 grams each.
Similar rings have been found in the past near Jerusalem’s Temple Mount – the holiest site in the Jewish world, as well as an important place of worship for Muslims.
But the type of gold bracelet found at Ramla was until now known to Israeli archaeologists only from museum collections.
“This is the first time that gold rings have been found in an archaeological dig,” the IAA said. Want to see the amazing treasure for yourself? The bracelets are on display at the Israel Museum, which is now open to the public.
Earlier this year, the IAA revealed how divers off the coast of Israel discovered a small amount of ancient coins and statues.
Rare treasures were found in the Roman port of Caesarea, on the Mediterranean coast.
A few years ago, a pair of divers discovered a 1,600-year-old Roman cargo ship at the bottom of the harbor. The shipwreck contains many interesting artifacts, prompting a comprehensive exploration of the ship.
Jacob Sharvit – director of the Israel Antiquities Authority’s Maritime Archeology unit – and deputy director of Dror Planer, said: “The location and distribution of the ancient finds on the seabed indicate a merchant ship. A large ship carrying a cargo with recyclable metal materials encountered a storm at the entrance to the harbor and drifted until it collided with the sea wall and rocks.
An excavation at Caesarea Harbor National Park also revealed a statue of a ram, believed to be a representation of Jesus. Even more surprising, the statue was unveiled on Christmas Eve 2015.
