Israeli archaeologists have uncovered a cache of 160 ancient coins in the Jordan Valley, all dating to the reign of Alexander Yannai (104-76 BCE). The discovery was made by a University of Haifa team led by Dr. Shay Bar and Dr. Yoav Farhi from the Zinman Institute of Archaeology.
The coins, all minted in 80/79 BCE during the 25th year of Yannai's reign, bear distinctive markings. Each features an eight-pointed star with Aramaic text reading "King Alexander Year 25" on one side, while the reverse displays an anchor surrounded by Greek text identifying it as "[coin] of King Alexander."
The historical significance extends beyond the coins themselves. Alexander Yannai was deeply connected to the Hanukkah narrative as the great-grandson of Matisyahu, who led the revolt against Antiochus IV Epiphanes in 167 BCE. Yannai was the son of Yochanan Hyrcanus, grandson of Shimon (brother of Judah Maccabee), and brother-in-law of the sage Shimon Ben Shetach. After his death, his wife Shlomtzion succeeded him as ruler.
The discovery site revealed more than just the coin cache. Archaeologists found a previously unknown road station along the route to Herodium fortress (Alexandrium), complete with a ritual bath (mikveh), water reservoir, and several other structures along the Tirzah Valley banks.
Dr. Farhi, curator at the Kadman Pavilion of the Eretz Israel Museum, notes this is among the largest collections of Hasmonean coins found in Israel. Its discovery during controlled archaeological excavations makes it particularly valuable for researchers.
The University of Haifa team plans to develop the site for public access as part of Israel's archaeological heritage sites, providing a tangible connection to this significant period in Jewish history.
VINNews contributed to this article.
0 Comments