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Among them is a rare tremissis, minted in Cyprus during Heraclius’ revolt against Emperor Phocas—a type of coin found only once before in Israel.
By United with Israel Staff
Archaeologists in Israel have uncovered nearly 100 gold coins and fragments of fine jewelry hidden for 1,400 years in the ruins of Hippos (Sussita), an ancient city overlooking the Sea of Galilee.
The hoard—97 pure gold coins plus pieces of earrings inlaid with pearls and semi-precious stones—was discovered this summer by a University of Haifa excavation team.
“This is one of the largest Byzantine hoards found on dry land in Israel,” said Dr. Michael Eisenberg, who leads the dig.
“Its uniqueness lies in the combination of jewelry and coins spanning the reigns of several emperors.” Some coins still bear traces of the fabric pouch they were once stored in.
The coins date from Emperor Justin I (518–527 CE) through the early reign of Heraclius (610–613 CE).
Among them is a rare tremissis, minted in Cyprus during Heraclius’ revolt against Emperor Phocas—a type of coin found only once before in Israel.
The treasure was unearthed by chance when metal detector operator Edie Lipsman picked up a strong signal beneath a large stone.
“The device went crazy,” she recalled. “Gold coins started appearing one after another.”
Hippos, once a thriving Christian city with at least seven churches, was destroyed during the Persian invasion of 614 CE.
Residents likely hid valuables as they fled, hoping to reclaim them later.
The Byzantines briefly regained control, but the city ultimately fell to Muslim armies in 636 CE and was abandoned after a devastating earthquake in 749 CE.
“This rare find adds an important layer to our understanding of the political and economic history of the time,” noted excavation numismatist Dr. Danny Syon.
For 1,400 years, the hoard lay buried—until its remarkable rediscovery in July 2025.
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