#Great #Discoveries #1800YearOld #Roman #Ring #Israel #WorthPoint
Image Source: Emil Aladjem/Israel Antiquities Authority via Live Science
The Roman goddess Minerva is associated with war, wisdom, and household crafts. However, Minerva has not been linked to hiking—at least not until now.
Recently, thirteen-year-old Yair Whiteson came across an ancient ring featuring a depiction of Minerva during a hike in northern Israel, Live Science reported. Whiteson found the ring in Khirbet Shalala, an archaeological site that was once a Roman-era farm.
Whiteson said he initially saw a “small green item” among rocks and fossils. The item looked corroded, and Whiteson “thought it was just a rusty bolt.” But the item is ultimately something much more valuable: a ring believed to be about 1,800 years old.
The ring features an engraving of Minerva holding a sword and spear. It may have belonged to a woman or girl during the Late Roman period, between the second and third centuries AD. Meanwhile, some have speculated that the ring may have fallen off someone living or working at the farm in Khirbet Shalala. It’s also possible that the ring was a burial offering since there were burial caves near the farm.
Whiteson’s family notified the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) about the discovery. From here, IAA transferred the ring to Israel’s National Treasures Department. The ring will be displayed at the Jay and Jeanie Schottenstein National Campus for the Archaeology of Israel in Jerusalem shortly.
Those wanting to view more ancient rings can view nearly 13,000 items in the WorthPoint Price Guide.
Dan Kobialka is a self-employed content writer and editor with about a decade of experience. He produces content across a wide range of industries, including antiques, insurance, and real estate. To learn more about Dan, please visit his website.
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