Hasmonean Coin Hoard Discovered in Israel During Hanukkah

Photo by Universithy of Haifa/TPS-IL on 30 December, 2024 Photo by Universithy of Haifa/TPS-IL on 30 December, 2024

‘Uncovering a Hasmonean treasure during Hanukkah added a profound connection to the holiday,’ said excavation leader.

By Pesach Benson, TPS

An archaeological find has brought new light to the Hasmonean era, with researchers discovering a hoard of 160 coins over 1,900 years old during Hanukkah, the University of Haifa announced.

The coins, discovered on Friday, date back to 80/79 BCE. All bear the mark of King Alexander Jannaeus, also known by his Hebrew name, Jonathan. Jannaeus, a ruler from 104–76 BCE, was a grandson of Simon the Hasmonean, one of the leaders of the revolt against the Seleucid Empire, which is commemorated during the eight-day holiday of Hanukkah.

Each coin features an eight-pointed star surrounded by the Aramaic inscription “King Alexander Year 25” on one side and an anchor with Greek text on the reverse.

“All the students and volunteer diggers at the excavation were very excited to find such a Hasmonean hoard, especially during the holiday of Hanukkah, and this added special meaning to the holiday for them, including in the difficult days our people are going through at the moment,” said Dr. Shai Bar, of the university’s Zinman Institute of Archaeology, one of the excavation’s leaders.

“I hope that the place will become a site that attracts a crowd, and will be added to the archaeological and heritage sites of our country,” he added.

The Hasmoneans were a Jewish dynasty that ruled Judea during the second and first centuries BCE. It played a pivotal role in restoring Jewish independence and cultural identity during a time of foreign domination.

Dr. Yoav Farhi, curator of the Early Coins Pavilion at the Eretz Israel Museum in Tel Aviv, emphasized the rarity of such a discovery, particularly during organized archaeological excavations. “This hoard is among the largest of its kind found in Israel and provides invaluable insights into Hasmonean history,” he said.

The excavation’s location is believed to be a way station, featuring a purification bath, storage pool, and other structures. It lies on what was the main route leading to the fortress of Sartaba (Alexandrion), built by King Jannaeus.

“Uncovering a Hasmonean treasure during Hanukkah added a profound connection to the holiday. Despite the challenging times we face, this discovery brings a message of resilience and heritage,” said Bar.