The story began with a camping trip near the cities of Haifa. The teenager planned to just have a great time. He had no idea yet that ahead of him was a find that would change his life forever.
How the teenager found the treasure
While out for a walk, a teenager named Yair Whitson noticed a small object. At first, the boy thought it was a nut and was going to melt it down. But, luckily, then he spotted a ring.
The jewel was adorned with a carved figure. At first glance, it reminded Yair of a warrior. Interested in the find, the boy’s parents contacted the Israel Antiquities Authority.
Nir Distelfeld, a representative of the organisation, concluded that the ring obviously depicts the goddess Minerva.
In one hand she holds a shield and in the other a spear. Yair’s identification of the figure as a warrior is very close to reality. The figure is most likely the goddess Minerva from Roman mythology, who is also known as Athena in Greek mythology,
– said Distelfeld.
The ring dates back to the 2nd or 3rd century AD. At the time, the region was under the rule of the Roman Empire. The jewel apparently belonged to someone who lived at the Khirbet Shalal archaeological site. On a hill in the centre of Mount Carmel, a mansion from that era is currently being investigated. It is likely that it could have been the home of the owner or owner of the ring.
The Israeli Antiquities Authority thanked Yair for respecting history. The way the lad handled the find made it possible to add another artefact from the past to the collection.