Spectacular ancient treasure uncovered at sea:
Archaeological-marine survey by the Antiquities Authority in the Caesarea area revealed a treasure of two ancient shipwrecks, containing hundreds of coins made of silver, gold and silver rings, ornate rare gems, an eagle figurine, bells and ship parts.
Investigators from the Antiquities Authority's Marine Archeology Unit said: "The findings tell the story of two ships that were preyed on by their passengers at different times, probably while trying to anchor or find shelter from a storm."
These are items from the Roman and Mamluk periods (about 1700 years ago and about 600 years ago).
The Antiquities Authority has uncovered at sea a treasure of two shipwrecks / Photo: Courtesy of the Nature and Antiquities Authority
The complexes of the ship's cargo and the remains of their fragments were found scattered in shallow water at a depth of c. 4 m, over an area of several tens of meters.
Yaakov Sharvit and Dror Flanner, researchers at the Marine Archeology Unit at the Israel Antiquities Authority, said: "It seems that the ships docked nearby, and a storm that occurred caused them to sink. .
The naval treasure includes hundreds of silver coins (about 560 coins, of which about 160 were cut coins) from the Mamluk period and hundreds of silver and bronze coins from the Roman period, a bronze figurine (figurine) in the shape of an eagle - a symbol of Roman rule Bronze designed, among other things, to ward off evil spirits, and pottery.
The treasure unearthed near Caesarea, Photo: Dafna Gazit, Israel Antiquities Authority
The sculptures found, Photo: Dafna Gazit, Israel Antiquities Authority
In addition, many metal parts belonging to the body of a wooden ship were discovered, including dozens of large bronze nails, lead pipes belonging to a pond water pump, and a large anchor made of iron, which broke - indicating the great force acting on it until it broke, apparently, in a storm.
Rare personal items of people who were on them but did not survive were also wrecked from the ships.
Among other things, a red gemstone was unveiled, intended for placement in a ring (gamma), on which he carved a musical instrument known by various names - the most prominent of which is the pound, and in the Jewish tradition - the violin of David.
Coin with a painting of David's violin, Photo: Dafna Gazit, Israel Antiquities Authority
According to the book of Samuel / 16/23, King David played to ask the king on the violin of David (and was, being the Spirit of God to Saul, and David took the violin, and played the harp, and played the harp; In a common study, the same violin mentioned in the Bible is actually the pound instrument, known in Greek mythology as the "pound of Apollo".
According to this story, Hermes built the musical instrument - the pound, from a tortoise shell, on the morning he was born.
In exchange for this instrument, Apollo, who was a music lover, agreed to make Hermes and his mother gods.
Another important item is a thick gold ring, shaped in the shape of an octagon and set with a green gemstone, on which was carved the figure of a young boy, a "shepherd" dressed in a tunic, and on his shoulders carried a ram or a sheep.
This image, of the 'good shepherd', is recognized in early Christian art as a symbol of Jesus;
This is a parable of Jesus as the compassionate shepherd of men, or as one who spreads patronage over man or his congregation of believers.
The ring with the figure of the good shepherd, Photo: Dafna Gazit, Israel Antiquities Authority
Interestingly, the unique gold ring, bearing the figure of the Good Shepherd, was unveiled in close proximity to the city of Caesarea, which is known for its great significance in the Christian tradition.
One of the earliest Christian centers was formed in Caesarea, where one of the first Christian communities operated.
At first, this community included only Jews.
According to the New Testament, in Caesarea the apostle Peter baptized the Roman centurion Cornelius.
"This is the first case in which a non-Jewish person has been brought under the wings of Christianity," Sharvit noted.
"This is where the Christian religion began its journey around the world."
It is estimated that the owner of the ring that was exposed was one of the first Christians.
Eli Escozido, Director of the Israel Antiquities Authority: "The shores of the Land of Israel are rich in antiquities and finds, which are of great importance as national and international heritage cultural assets. There are many sporting activities in Israel - diving, snorkeling, open sea swimming and boating, during which antiquities are discovered from time to time. A lot, and sometimes even a small bargain leads to a big discovery. "
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