JERUSALEM – A gold ring inlaid with a red gemstone, believed to have belonged to a girl living during the Second Temple period, was recently uncovered during archaeological excavations in the City of David, part of the Jerusalem Walls National Park.
This is the second discovery of its kind in less than a year, with both rings found in the same area—offering new insight into life and customs in ancient Jerusalem nearly 2,300 years ago.
We Thought It Was Modern
Rivka Langler, a team member working at the site, described the moment of discovery: “We were sifting the dirt through a screen when Ben, who was working with me, suddenly pulled out a gold ring. At first, he thought it was something modern—maybe dropped by another excavator. But as soon as I saw it, I knew it was ancient.”
A Ring with a Story
According to Dr. Marion Zindel of the Israel Antiquities Authority, the ring was found beneath the foundations of a large building from the Hellenistic period. She believes it may have been placed there intentionally by a young girl as part of a symbolic rite of passage into adulthood: “This was a known tradition in the Hellenistic world, where girls buried personal items—especially jewelry—as part of meaningful, private ceremonies.”
A Rare Glimpse of Luxury in Ancient Jerusalem
Efrat Bozer, director of the excavation, said: “This is the first time we’ve uncovered such a concentration of gold jewelry from the Second Temple period in Jerusalem. It points to a surprisingly high standard of living—a level of wealth rarely seen in these archaeological layers.”
“Jerusalem of Gold” — More Than a Phrase
Eli Eskosido, Director of the Israel Antiquities Authority, reflected on the broader significance of the find: “These rings from the City of David are living testimony to the beauty, strength, and importance of Jerusalem even thousands of years ago. The Antiquities Authority will continue to uncover the city’s rich legacy—and remind the world that Jerusalem of Gold is not just a poetic phrase, but a historical reality.”
