A remarkable discovery of 97 Byzantine gold coins and exquisite jewelry has shed new light on the dramatic final chapter of an ancient Christian city near the Sea of Galilee. The extraordinary hoard, unearthed at Hippos (Sussita) by University of Haifa archaeologists, represents one of the largest Byzantine treasure finds ever discovered on dry land in Israel.
Emergency Hoard from Turbulent Times
The treasure was likely hidden around 614 AD as the Sassanid Persian army swept through Byzantine Palestine, according to expedition co-director Dr. Michael Eisenberg. The hoard includes coins spanning nearly a century, from Emperor Justin I (518-527 AD) to the early reign of Emperor Heraclius (610-613 AD). Most remarkably, archaeologists discovered remnants of the original cloth bag that once contained the precious items.
Among the coins is an exceptionally rare tremissis, likely minted in Cyprus during Heraclius' revolt against Emperor Phocas in 610 AD. This represents only the second such coin ever found in Israel, making it a numismatic treasure of immense historical significance, reports Times of Israel.
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The obverse of a gold coin showing the portrait of Emperor Heraclius (610–613 AD). (Dr. Michael Eisenberg /University of Haifa)
Metal Detector Strikes Gold
The discovery occurred by pure chance when metal detector operator Edie Lipsman noticed a signal near a large stone between two walls. "The device went crazy. I couldn't believe it, gold coins started appearing one after another," Lipsman reported Ynetnews. The team has been excavating at Hippos for 26 years, making this unprecedented find even more remarkable.
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Edie Lipsman’s finger points to a gold coin peeking out from the dirt. (Dr. Michael Eisenberg /University of Haifa)
Goldsmith's Legacy
The hoard's eclectic jewelry collection suggests it may have belonged to a wealthy goldsmith. Dozens of gold earring fragments, adorned with pearls, semi-precious stones, and glass, demonstrate the sophisticated craftsmanship of Byzantine artisans. Dr. Arleta Kowalewska noted the exceptional quality:
"The fine craftsmanship, combining semi-precious stones and pearls. I hope modern jewelers will recreate this beauty."
A City's Final Chapter
During the Byzantine period, Hippos served as an important Christian center with seven active churches overlooking the Sea of Galilee. The city's strategic location made it vulnerable during the tumultuous 7th century, when the Persian invasion and subsequent Islamic conquest reshaped the region's political and religious landscape.
This golden testament to Byzantine prosperity illuminates the final moments of a thriving Christian community, preserved for 1,400 years until chance and modern archaeology brought their story back to light.
Top image: Byzantine gold and jewelry hoard found at Sussita, Israel. Source: Dr. Michael Eisenberg /University of Haifa
By Gary Manners
References
Tercatin, R. 2025. Fabulous 1,400-year-old trove of gold coins sheds light on Galilee Christian city's demise. Available at: https://www.timesofisrael.com/fabulous-1400-year-old-trove-of-gold-coins-sheds-light-on-galilee-christian-citys-demise/
University of Haifa. 2025. Hoard of ancient gold coins, jewelry discovered during excavations in Sussita. Available at: https://www.ynetnews.com/environment/article/r1ctvvm3lx
