Amazing discovery in Jerusalem: Medallion from 1411 years ago

Unprecedented archaeological discovery uncovered in excavations before Rosh Hashana held at the Hebrew University located near Temple Mount.

During excavations an abandoned cache by Jews in 602 AD, was found, complete with a gold chain with a medallion engraved with a menorah, a shofar and a Torah scroll. The researchers estimate that the medallion was used as decoration for Sefer Torah, and is changing the perception that the Torah ornaments were only in later periods.

Near the cache was also found a leather bag containing 36 gold coins from the Byzantine period, and gold earrings. Coins were collected for 250 years and the earliest of which is from the fourth century AD.

Director of excavations, Dr. Ayelet Mazar, said that "this is a breathtaking discovery which one merits only once in a lifetime." Dr. Mazar added that the excavations have never found such a gold medallion." Dozens of examples, including the floors of ancient synagogues listed a model Menorah when both sides symbolize the shofar, four species and pottery. Medallion that appears for the first time symbolizes a Sefer Torah that probably reflects the use of the gold medallion to decorate the Sefer Torah in the synagogue."

Archeology researchers believe the treasure was brought to Jerusalem by the Jewish community representatives in the Diaspora who came to the city after it was conquered by the Persians in 614 AD. The Persians aroused high hopes among the Jews, and promised them that they could settle in the city. But after a short time their powers weakened and were in need of the power of the Christians who sought to take over the city and expel the Jews. The Jews, were used as a delegation intended to renew the Jewish settlement in the city, were forced to flee for their lives, and thus forgot the treasure under the floor of the Byzantine house.

'בחדרי' גם ברשתות החברתיות - הצטרפו!