Second Century Coins Unearthed in Israel

By JTA June 5, 2012

Gold and silver coins and jewelry from the second century were uncovered in excavations near Kiryat Gat in southern Israel.

The 2,000-year-old hoard was likely hidden by a wealthy family during the Bar Kochba revolt, according to the Israel Antiquities Authority, which announced the find Tuesday.

The treasure was discovered during a salvage excavation near Kiryat Gat. The excavation uncovered a building dating to the Roman and Byzantine period. The coins and jewels, which were found in a hole in what was the building’s courtyard, had been wrapped in a cloth, of which trace remains were found.

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