One 11-year-old girl found a coin from Jerusalem dating back 2000 years. The coin was discovered by an Israeli priest who was part of the Great Revolt, which is the Jewish War against Romans.
The silver piece was discovered by Liel Krutokop while he worked alongside archaeologists at City of David National Park. According to Israel Antiquities Authority
Krutokop recounted the moment that she saw the coin and made a statement about it.
It weighs in at 14 grams and features historical markings as well as inscriptions from the Jewish revolt.
On one side is a cup and the inscription ‘Israeli shekel’ and ‘second year’ – referring to the second year of the revolt (67 to 68 BC).
Other side displays ‘Holy Jerusalem in Ancient Hebrew Scribing, followed by another word that refers the Temple’s headquarters.
Scroll down to see the video
Liel Krutokop, left, discovered the silver part while she was visiting City of David Park, where archeologists were currently working. Here, she’s with her sister.
Robert Kool is the Head of Israel Antiquities Authority’s Coin Department. He stated in a statement that this was a very rare find. Only 30 of thousands of coins found in archeological excavations to date are silver coins from the Great Revolt period.
These coins were created by Jewish rebels to demonstrate their support for fighting for the independence of their country.
After Antipater, the Idumaean’s cruel reign began in Jerusalem in 163, the Jewish-Roman War began. This was one year after the Romans had taken full control over the Syrian province of 63 AD.
Initial revolts were triggered by religious restrictions on Jews and Romans building cities on top of Jerusalem’s sacred ruins.
It weighs in at 14 grams and features ancient marks and inscriptions from the Jewish uprising. One one side is a cup and the inscription ‘Israeli shekel’ and ‘second year’ – referring to the second year of the revolt (67 to 68 BC)
It included the construction of a Roman Pagan Temple where once stood a holy Jewish temple.
Over the period of 70 years, three major wars between Jews and Romans were fought.
The First Jewish-Roman War lasted from 66 to 70 AD; this was followed by the Kitos War, which occurred between 115 through 117 AD.
The Bar Kokhba rebellion took place between 132 and 136 AD.
Kool thinks the silver that was used in the making of the coin is from reserve. hidden in Jewish Temples and the currency was likely minted on the Temple Mount plaza.
It is believed that the coin was made from high quality silver. Kool notes, however, that this material could only be found in temples.
Jewish rebels made such coins to express their determination to fight for the independence of their country. The location of City of David Park, where the coin was discovered is shown in the picture.
“A currency is a sign that you have sovereignty.” Kool said that if you want to rebel, the best symbol of independence is your currency. He suggested, “You mint coins.”
The inscription on this coin expresses clearly the aspirations of the rebels.
“The decision to use an ancient Hebrew script that was not in use at the time isn’t accidental.
“The script was used to convey the desire of people for the days before Solomon and David, and for the time when a Jewish kingdom would be able to unite the nation – the day that Israel enjoyed full autonomy in its land.