A Byzantine-era winery complex recently unearthed in Yavne, considered a treasure in itself, has revealed another precious find, the Israel Antiquities Authority reported Tuesday.
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Archaeologists working at the site have excavated an amethyst ring. Amethyst is one of the 12 stones featured in the hoshen (breastplate) worn by the Temple High Priest, and is believed to possess many powers – including the ability to stave off hangovers.
According to Dr. Amir Golani, an expert in ancient jewelry at the IAA, the ring belonged to a person of means and could have been worn by either a man or a woman.
Excavation directors Dr. Eli Hadad, Liat Nadav-Ziv, and Dr. Jon Seligman say that there is some question about the age of the ring, which was discovered in debris that appears to date to the end of the Byzantine era or the beginning of the Early Islamic Period in the 7th century CE. However, they explained, the ring itself could be hundreds of years older and passed down through generations.
Gold rings set with amethysts were common in the Roman period, and the piece of jewelry could have belonged to a wealthy resident of third-century CE Yavne.
In related news, since announcing the discovery of the winery complex, the IAA has been overwhelmed with requests for guided tours and has scheduled more dates.
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