Researchers from University of Haifa uncovered a rare Byzantine hoard during archaeological excavations in the ancient city of Hippos (Sussita), near the Sea of Galilee.
Excavations have been ongoing for the past 26 years, directed by Dr. Michael Eisenberg and Dr. Arleta Kowalewska. A hoard of this scale has never before been discovered in the city.
The site lies within Hippos (Sussita) National Park, managed by the Israel Nature and Parks Authority and under the jurisdiction of the Jordan Valley Regional Council. The discovery includes 97 pure gold coins and dozens of fragments of gold earrings inlaid with pearls, semi-precious stones and glass.
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The complete hoard of gold and jewelry
(Photo: Dr. Michael Eisenberg, University of Haifa)
“This is one of the largest hoards from the Byzantine period discovered on dry land in Israel, and its uniqueness lies in the combination of jewelry and gold coins from the reigns of different emperors," said expedition co-director Dr. Michael Eisenberg of the Zinman Institute of Archaeology and the Department of Archaeology at the University of Haifa.
"In addition, remnants of fabric were found on some of the coins, a trace of the cloth pouch in which the hoard had been hidden,” he added.
Among the coins was a particularly rare tremissis, probably minted in Cyprus at the end of 610 by Emperor Heraclius the Elder and his son during their revolt against Emperor Phocas.
This is only the second such coin ever discovered in Israel. “This rare find adds an important layer to our understanding of the political and economic history of the period,” explained Dr. Danny Syon, the excavation’s numismatist.
The hoard was discovered by chance at the end of July 2025. Edie Lipsman, a metal detector operator with the expedition, noticed a signal near a large stone. When the stone shifted between two walls, the signal intensified, and gold coins began to emerge one after another.
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Edie Lipsman’s finger points to a gold coin peeking out from the dirt
(Photo: Dr. Michael Eisenberg, University of Haifa)
“The device went crazy. I couldn’t believe it, gold coins started appearing one after another,” said Lipsman. The researchers delayed announcing the discovery until they confirmed there were no further finds in the area and the initial stage of analysis was complete.
The hoard includes 97 gold coins alongside fine jewelry. Some coins are solidi of full value, while halves (semisses) and thirds (tremisses) were also found. They date from the reign of Emperor Justin I (518–527 CE) to the early reign of Emperor Heraclius (610–613 CE).
“Gold is a noble metal, and when you find coins and jewelry nearly 1,400 years old that look new, it is a rare experience,” said Eisenberg.
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A handful of gold coins and pieces of jewelry as they were uncovered
(Photo: Dr. Michael Eisenberg, University of Haifa)
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The obverse of a gold coin showing the portrait of Emperor Heraclius (610–613 CE)
(Photo: Dr. Michael Eisenberg, University of Haifa)
Kowalewska added: “The earrings are the greatest surprise for me. The fine craftsmanship, combining semi-precious stones and pearls. I hope modern jewelers will recreate this beauty.”
The ancient city of Hippos, overlooking the Sea of Galilee from the east, was an important Christian center and episcopal seat in the Byzantine period, with at least seven active churches.
In recent years, researchers uncovered evidence of the Sasanian conquest, including the burned Martyrion of Theodorus church, which has led to speculation that Jews from the Galilee, who joined the Sasanian army in revolt against Byzantine rule, may also have taken part in these events.
Dr. Dror Ben-Yosef, an archaeologist and heritage director for the Nature and Parks Authority’s northern district, also commented on the discovery.
“Sussita National Park is a mountain of surprises, containing 1,000 years of history. The excavation has shed new and surprising light on both the pagan and Christian worlds. The story of Sussita illustrates the cultural and religious streams and sub-streams that coexisted in the land, and the diversity of its inhabitants," he said.
"To grasp the complexity of the region some 1,400 years ago, one needs only climb Mount Sussita and look west toward Tiberias, the Jewish city. While in Sussita a wealthy Christian community developed around seven churches, the residents of Tiberias maintained a Jewish way of life centered on synagogues.”