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The gold bead was discovered in Israel Antiquities Authority excavations in the City of David

'Jerusalem of Gold': Volunteer Unearths Artifact of 'Great Value' at Archaeological Site

An ancient 1,600-year-old bead made of pure gold was discovered during an archeological dig in the City of David in the core of Jerusalem, Wednesday, February 8, from dirt that was removed from a Roman structure in the Emek Tzurim National Park.

The unique bead was found when one volunteer, Hallel Feidman, 18, was working at a sifting station when she spotted the small object.

The bead is believed to have been just one of a set of beads on a necklace or bracelet of an affluent individual – a theory that was additionally backed up by the location it was found in.

The bead was uncovered where a "grandiose structure" once stood, more than 80 feet in length along the Pilgrimage Road in the City of David. The suspected affluence of the inhabitants of the building was also reportedly evidenced by additional findings like a mosaic floor and imported clay vessels.

Dr. Amir Golani, an ancient jewelry expert with the Israel Antiquities Authority, said that while finding a gold bead was rare, the technique used in creating the bead is what made it a particularly special find.

The expert explained that the technique used to create the bead came from outside of Israel and likely made its way to the City of David through the extensive trade relations it shared with other regions at the time. (FN / VFI News)

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