2018-03-28 Wed

Several ancient bronze coins from the times of a four-year Jewish revolt against Rome were recently discovered by archaeologists during an excavation in a cave near the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. Broken pottery vessels, jars and cooking pots dating back to the same period (66-70 CE) were also discovered.

Experts assume that some residents of Jerusalem had taken shelter in the caves during the revolt. The 1.5cm bronze coins were preserved as they were not used much.

Most of the coins belonged to the last year of revolt, also known as “Year Four" (69-70 CE). Coins from the earlier years of the revolt feature a Hebrew inscription which translates to "For the Freedom of Zion" (in Hebrew). Year Four coins come with Hebrew inscriptions which translate to "For the Redemption of Zion." They also feature Jewish symbols like the four plant species related to Sukkot: palm, myrtle, citron and willow; and a goblet used in the Temple service.

The cave is located below the Temple Mount’s southern wall. It was undiscovered since the Second Temple period. These finds speak a lot about life in Jerusalem during the revolt.

Image Courtesy: Israel21c