Bronze Athena ring Israel | Ancient Origins

13-year-old Yair Whitson from Haifa made a significant archaeological discovery during a recreational walk with his father. The boy somehow happened upon an approximately 1,800-year-old bronze ring engraved with the image of Athena, the ancient Greek goddess of war and wisdom. This discovery took place near the ‘Ancient Quarries’ site at the foot of the Shalala ruins in Carmel, Israel.

According to the IAA report, Yair, who has a keen interest in fossils and rocks, initially thought the corroded green object he found was a screw nut. Yair described the moment he made the find:

“During the trip, I noticed a small green object and picked it up. It had corrosion on it, so I thought at first that it was a screw nut. I thought of melting it, but luckily, I realized it was a ring.”

Recognizing the potential importance of his find, Yair and his family contacted Nir Distelfeld, an inspector from the robbery prevention unit at the Israel Antiquities Authority, who facilitated the transfer of the ring to the state treasures.

From Discovery to Museum Exhibit

The Antiquities Authority, with assistance from Prof. Shua Amorai-Strek of the Kay Academic College of Education, examined and researched the ring. Distelfeld, along with Dr. Eitan Klein from the Robbery Prevention Unit, confirmed that the figure on the ring is likely Athena (known as Minerva in Roman mythology). The goddess is depicted naked, wearing a helmet, and holding both a shield and a spear, attributes symbolizing her roles as a warrior and strategist.

Yair and his family were honored with a tour of the new National Archeology Museum of Israel in Jerusalem, where Yair received a certificate of appreciation for his responsible citizenship.

Shalala ruin, where the bronze Athena ring was found. (Nir Distelfeld/Antiquities Authority)

Historical and Archaeological Significance

The bronze ring, which dates back to the 2nd or 3rd century AD, likely belonged to a woman or girl from the Roman period. Researchers speculate that the ring might have belonged to a resident of the estate or served as a burial offering in one of the nearby graves.

The site where it was found, Shalala ruins, is situated on a hill in the Carmel mountains, surrounded by Nahal Oran archaeological site, and near the permanent water source of Ein Alon. This location features the remains of a Roman-era mansion and an ancient rock quarry with two burial openings.

Previous investigations of the Shalala site by the British Survey Fund, Prof. Ruth Amiran, and a Bar-Ilan University delegation led by Prof. Shimon Dr., have provided substantial data on the area’s historical context. This new find adds another layer to our understanding of the region’s past.

Yair Whitson and the ring he found. (Emil Eljam/Antiquities Authority)

A Bright Future in Archaeology

Eli Escozido, director of the Antiquities Authority, praised Yair’s admirable act of reporting the discovery and handing over the ring to the state treasures. He emphasized that such acts demonstrate a profound responsibility and respect for our shared heritage. In recognition of Yair’s contribution, he was given a seal created from the ring’s design. Yair has now expressed his aspiration to become an archaeologist.

The ring discovered by Yair will be displayed at the National Archaeological Museum of the J. and Gini Schottenstein Foundation in Jerusalem, where visitors can appreciate this remarkable piece of history and the story of its discovery.

Top image: The 1800-year-old Athena ring found in Carmel, Israel        Source: Emil Eljam/ Israel Antiquities Authority

By Gary Manners