Archaeologists Unearth Huge Trove of 2,000-Year-Old Greek Coins in Israel's Jordan Valley

A team of archaeologists from the University of Haifa has discovered a remarkable hoard of 160 ancient Greek coins dating back 2,000 years during excavations in Israel's Jordan Valley.

The find, located along the ancient Nirhal Tirzah route leading to the Alexandrion Fortress, is considered exceptionally large and rare compared to similar discoveries. The coins themselves are Greek, indicating the widespread influence of Hellenistic culture in the region during the Hasmonean period.

The coins were unearthed near a collapsed wall within the remains of a weigh station, a place where travelers once rested and resupplied. Lead archaeologist Shai Bar suggests the coins, which bear Greek inscriptions and imagery, may have been hidden within or beside the wall by a vendor who worked at the site. He emphasized the significance of the discovery, stating, "This is one of the biggest hoards from this period ever found in Israel."

The coins date back to the time of Alexander Jannaeus (Hasmonean king, 103-76 BCE), providing a precise historical snapshot of the weigh station's operation and demonstrating the circulation of Greek currency within the Hasmonean kingdom. The well-preserved station also contained a reservoir supplying water to a ritual bath, further highlighting its importance as a busy hub for travelers.

Bar noted the special significance of the discovery occurring during Hanukkah, connecting the excavation team to history and the holiday. He added, "This discovery not only enriches our understanding of Hasmonean history, but also underscores the cultural heritage of this region and the interplay of Greek and Jewish cultures." The find offers valuable insights into the economic and social activities of the Hasmonean period, as well as the extent of Hellenistic influence in the region.

Photos from University of Haifa