1,700-Year-Old Bronze Ring Found in Ancient Greek City in Israel

A young teenager recently made a new discovery at a park located in Israel. Thirteen-year-old Itamar Grossman was exploring Sussita National Park, which sits atop the remains of the ancient Hellenistic city of Hippos (“horse” in Greek). While he and his cousin were taking pictures from a high viewpoint, something on the ground grabbed his interest. It was an ‘ancient bronze ring.’

This discovery is estimated to be around 1,700 years old, according to information provided by the Israel Nature and Parks Authority.

Archaeologists identified the ring as an ‘ancient Roman artifact’

“It was a strange and ancient-looking ring,” Itamar shared, as reported by All Israel News. “My brothers and cousins who were with me didn’t think it was anything old, just a ring someone had dropped.”

Despite the doubts of his siblings and cousins, Itamar was determined to show the ring to his parents and the park authorities.

“When Itamar and his mother, Liat, approached us and showed us the ring they found, we immediately realized it was something significant,” said Sarit Pilachi Miara, an official from the Israel Nature and Parks Authority.

Israëlische jongen vindt ring uit het Romeinse tijdperk in nationaal park. Tijdens een bezoek aan het Sussita National Park vond de 13-jarige Itamar Grossman een 'oud uitziende' ring op de grond en stond erop dat deze zou worden onderzocht https://t.co/jehMkitDLn pic.twitter.com/DwELbm5Pgs

— Joop Soesan 🇮🇱🇳🇱 (@JoopSoesan) September 4, 2023

Archaeologists have confirmed that the bronze ring is an ancient Roman relic, according to the official statement.

They estimated its age to be at least 1,700 years old, but there’s a possibility it could be even older, possibly dating back to somewhere between 100 BCE and 300 BCE.

Moreover, the ring still displayed noticeable decorative engravings, which archaeologists believe were crafted when the ring was originally cast.

Archaeological importance of ancient ruins of Hippos

Sussita National Park is situated near the Galilee in the Golan Heights region. This park is an archaeological site where the remains of the ancient city of Hippos are preserved.

Over the last three decades, it has been the location of numerous archaeological digs and discoveries. However, it wasn’t until 2023 that it was officially opened to the public as a national park, as reported by The Jerusalem Post.

The city of Hippos had its beginnings in the Hellenistic period around 250 BCE and continued to thrive during the Roman and Byzantine eras.

The Roman-Byzantine ruins of Sussita, overlooking the Sea of Galilee from above Ein Gev, are now a national park. Paths, explanations, visitor center. Amazing ancient street runs down the center. Strongly recommended. pic.twitter.com/778l36A9OT

— Martin Kramer (@Martin_Kramer) June 1, 2023

It even persisted after the Muslim conquest in 641 CE, but its existence came to an end when a massive earthquake struck in 749 CE, leading to its abandonment.

The city is home to multiple remains from the Roman and Byzantine times. Among them are the central city square, the forum with its central water reservoir, a basilica, an odeon, and eight churches.

In 2015, another bronze artifact was found at this site. Archaeologists uncovered a massive bronze mask dating back to the period between the 1st century BCE and the 2nd century CE. This mask depicted the Greek god Pan.