Sling Stones and Arrowheads Bearing the Trident Symbol of Antiochus
Lead sling stones, bronze arrowheads, and ballista stones discovered at the site are silent witnesses to the battles waged during the Hasmonean era. These remnants reflect the attempts to capture the fortress that was a significant obstacle for the city. For further reading
Hasmonean Coin of Yochanan Horkanus I
The “Cornucopia Coin” of Yochanan Horkanus was uncovered a few years ago in the Tzurim Valley. Yochanan, the grandson of Matityahu the Priest and the son of Simon the Hasmonean, ruled as King of Judea and served as High Priest from 134 to 104 BCE. Following Antiochus’s death in battle in 129 BCE, Yochanan seized the opportunity to mint the first coins of the independent Jewish state, featuring the cornucopia design – a motif that now adorns the Israeli two-shekel coin introduced into circulation in 2007.
Fragment of a Hasmonean Stone Bowl
A stone bowl fragment bearing the name “Hyrcanus” was discovered in 2015 during an excavation conducted by the Israel Antiquities Authority in the Givati Parking Lot of the City of David. “Hyrcanus” was a common name during the Hasmonean period, shared by two leaders of the Hasmonean dynasty.
According to researchers, “The bowl that was uncovered is one of the earliest examples of the appearance of chalkstone vessels (a type of limestone) in Jerusalem. These vessels were widely used, primarily by Jews, as they were considered impervious to ritual impurity.”
Hasmonean Oil Lamp
A simple oil lamp from the end of the Hasmonean period (approximately 2,000 years old) was discovered intact, in archaeological excavations conducted by the Israel Antiquities Authority in the City of David. The lamp, made of clay and adorned with geometric patterns, features a decorative floral motif on its nozzle, likely a branch with leaves. This type of lamp is typical of the first century BCE, the twilight of Hasmonean rule during the Second Temple period.
The Oldest Ceramic Roof Tiles in Israel
The tiles, uncovered in the Givati Parking Lot during excavations by the Israel Antiquities Authority and Tel Aviv University, date back approximately 2,200 years to the Hasmonean era. Responsible for introducing these tiles to Jerusalem was none other than Antiochus IV Epiphanes. Upon their discovery, researchers remarked, “It’s fascinating how a small find can open a window into an entire world of study.” Five hundred years following their invention in Greece, these tiles arrived in Israel through Antiochus IV, famously known from the story of Hanukkah. For further reading
Discovering Treasures from Ancient Jerusalem
Several fascinating finds have been uncovered in the Tzurim Valley, some even by visitors to the site. This includes children who came for a hands-on activity at the National Park and ended up finding treasure! Here’s a glimpse of some of these discoveries:
Coin from the Great Revolt
Thirteen-year-old Yaakov Bitan from Netivot found a unique coin at the Tzurim Valley National Park, dated to 67 CE. This coin was minted by the Jewish rebels in Jerusalem during their revolt against the Romans. It bears the inscription “Freedom of Zion.”
Ancient Egyptian Amulet
Twelve-year-old Neshama Shifelman discovered a 3,200-year-old amulet from the time of the Pharaohs! The amulet features a decorative relief with an oval frame, containing hieroglyphic symbols representing the throne name of the Pharaoh of Egypt.
Rare 2,000-Year-Old Silver Coin
Eleven-year-old Liel Krutokop from Petah Tikva uncovered a rare silver coin, approximately 2,000 years old, which was used for trade in the city during the Second Temple period. It is believed to have been minted by one of the Temple priests involved in the Great Revolt against the Romans, just before the destruction of the Second Temple. For further reading
Seal from the First Temple Period
A rare seal, dating back about 3,000 years to the early First Temple period, was discovered in the Tzurim Valley. The exciting find was made by 10-year-old Mityai Tsuflav, a Russian tourist visiting Israel with his family, who participated in the archaeological sifting activity at the site.
Rare Gold Bead from 1,600 Years Ago
A small bead made of pure gold, created using a unique technique that required delicate craftsmanship, was discovered. The bead was made by attaching dozens of tiny spherical beads together to form a ring-shaped piece. It was found by 18-year-old Hallel Feidman, a national service volunteer who worked on the archaeological sifting project. For further reading
