A team of archaeologists from the University of Haifa recently uncovered a rare collection of ancient coins during excavations in the Jordan Valley, marking a significant discovery tied to the Hasmonean period. The find, made during Hanukkah, was hailed by the researchers as an “archaeological Hanukkah miracle.”
The trove consists of approximately 160 coins minted during the reign of King Alexander Jannaeus (104–76 BCE), a prominent ruler of the Hasmonean dynasty. Known in Hebrew as Jonathan, Jannaeus was the son of Johanan Hyrcanus, the grandson of Simon the Hasmonean, and a direct descendant of Mattathias, who initiated the Maccabean revolt against the Seleucid Empire in 167 BCE. This revolt led to the restoration of the Temple in Jerusalem and the origins of Hanukkah.
The coins were discovered at what researchers identified as a roadside station along the ancient route of Nahal Tirzah, which ascends to the Alexandrion Fortress (also called Sarbata), built by Jannaeus. The site, previously unrecorded in historical research, includes a mikveh (ritual bath), a water reservoir, and additional structures thought to have supported travelers along this significant route.
Dr. Shai Bar, who leads the excavation alongside Dr. Yoav Farhi and Dr. Michael Osband, explained the importance of the discovery. “This site is not just a reflection of Hasmonean infrastructure but also serves as a time capsule, offering precise dating through the coins and associated structures,” Bar said in a statement.
Each coin in the hoard bears an eight-pointed star and the Aramaic inscription “King Alexander Year 25” on one side, dating them to 80/79 BCE. The reverse features an anchor surrounded by Greek text identifying the coins as belonging to King Alexander.
The coins had probably been buried behind or in a wall, perhaps wrapped in a leather sack that decomposed over time. “Discovering so many coins in one place is incredibly rare and highlights the importance of this location during Jannaeus’s reign,” Bar said.
The timing of the discovery made it even more profound. Made on the third day of Hanukkah, the discovery echoes with the legacy of the Hasmoneans, who are remembered during the holiday for their triumphs over the Seleucids. “Finding this Hasmonean treasure during Hanukkah gave the excavation team, including students and volunteers, a unique connection to history and the holiday,” Bar added.
The collection will be cleaned, cataloged, and studied further and its findings are to eventually be included in a scholarly article. The site will also serve as a public heritage landmark, granting visitors a window into the rich history of the Hasmoneans.
“This discovery not only enriches our understanding of Hasmonean history but also underscores the cultural heritage of this region,” Bar concluded.
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