A hoard of dozens of bronze coins, as well as pottery fragments from the first century, were recently discovered in a cave where residents of Jerusalem once sought shelter during the Jewish Revolt. The cave, measuring 23 x 46 ft (7 x 14 m), had lain undisturbed for 2000 years until unearthed by Dr. Eilat Mazar in the renewed Ophel excavations south of the Temple Mount. The majority of the coins are rare, dating to the final year of the revolt (known as Year Four – 69-70 AD), and are in excellent condition, appearing to have been used very little before being hidden in the cave. They bear the symbols associated with the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles, including the four traditional plants – palm, myrtle, citron, and willow – as well as the image of a chalice. Because the cave has been undisturbed since the Second Temple era, it gives a glimpse into Jewish life during the rebellion against the Romans.
Off-site Links:
- http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Coins-symbolically-discovered-from-great-revolt-before-Passover-547128
- https://www.timesofisrael.com/rare-trove-of-bronze-jewish-revolt-coins-unearthed-near-temple-mount/