(Israel Antiquities Authority) A hoard of 16 silver coins dating to the Hasmonean period (126 BCE) was exposed in April in an archaeological excavation currently being conducted near Modi'in. The treasure was hidden in a rock crevice, up against a wall of an impressive agricultural estate that was discovered during the excavation. Avraham Tendler, director of the excavation, said, "Numerous bronze coins minted by the Hasmonean kings were also discovered in the excavation. They bear the names of the kings such as Yehohanan, Judah, Jonathan or Mattathias and his title: High Priest and Head of the Council of the Jews." Residents of the estate appear to have participated in the first revolt against the Romans that broke out in 66 CE: coins that were exposed from this period are stamped with the date "Year Two" of the revolt and the slogan "Freedom of Zion."
2016-06-08 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive