The Hasmonean coin hoard is a historically significant collection of 160 ancient coins dating back about 2,100 years to the reign of Alexander Jannaeus of the Hasmonean dynasty.
Where was the Hoard Found?
The find was discovered at a site in the Jordan Valley, near the Alexandrion Fortress during ongoing excavations conducted by researchers from the University of Haifa and the Zinman Institute of Archaeology. It was described as an “archaeological Hanukkah miracle,” since the hoard was unearthed on the third day of Hanukkah, which added symbolic meaning to the find.
The discovery yielded insights into the economic and cultural landscape of the region during the late 2nd and early 1st centuries BC, shedding light on the Hasmonean dynasty’s influence and legacy.
Historical Context
The Hasmonean dynasty, founded by the Maccabees, ruled Judea from 140 to 37 BC. It emerged after a successful revolt against the Greek Seleucid Empire, during which Jewish inhabitants of the region sought religious freedom and political independence. Their victory led to the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, which is an event commemorated by the Hanukkah holiday.
Alexander Jannaeus ruled the Hasmonean dynasty from 103 to 76 BC and was one of the most influential Hasmonean leaders. His reign saw the expansion of territories, strengthened trade networks, and economic prosperity. However, his reign was also marked by internal strife and conflicts with neighboring powers. The hoard dates to around 80 BC, the 25th year of Jannaeus’s reign and reflects a period of relative stability and economic growth despite the underlying tensions.
Jannaeus was known both as a high priest and king, combining religious authority with political power to reinforce the Hasmoneans’ legitimacy. Coins issued under his rule highlight this dual role with symbols of divine favor and political sovereignty.
How Was the Hasmonean Coin Hoard Discovered?
The hoard was uncovered at Rujm es-Sia, an archaeological site in the Jordan Valley which is situated between the West Bank and Jordan. The site is believed to have been a roadside station located along a main road leading to the Alexandrion Fortress built by Alexander Jannaeus. Archaeologists found the cache near a collapsed wall within a structure thought to have served as a rest stop for travelers.
Origins of the Hoard
The site contained features such as a purification bath (mikvah) and water storage facilities, which suggest it may have also served a religious purpose. The coins were found in a food preparation area, hinting that they may have been buried intentionally during a time of conflict or instability.
Most of the coins in the hoard were Judean Prutot. Additional Hasmonean coins were found at the site, bringing the total to over 200 and making this discovery one of the largest hoards of its kind in the region.
The hoard was unearthed near the collapsed wall of a roadside station along a major route to the Alexandrion Fortress, likely buried during a period of conflict or instability. Archaeologists, including Dr. Shai Bar, highlighted the presence of features like a purification bath and water storage facilities, suggesting the site was an important rest stop for travelers. The coins were discovered in a well-preserved and structured setting where they were deliberately buried, offering clues about the site’s significance despite the uncertain purpose of the coins.
Design and Features of the Coins
The coins found in the hoard feature inscriptions and iconographic elements that are rich in historical significance and tell a story of the Hasmonean dynasty.
Designs and Inscriptions
- Eight-pointed stars are associated with divine favor and protection. This symbol may represent the Hasmonean dynasty’s claim to divine legitimacy and their connection to Jewish religious traditions.
- Anchors were used to symbolize naval power and stability. The anchor reflects the Hasmonean dynasty’s control over maritime trade routes and their economic strength.
- The coins reflect the dynasty’s bilingual nature and bear inscriptions in both Aramaic and Greek. The Aramaic inscriptions read “King Alexander – Year 25,” dating the coins to around 79 or 80, BC. This indicates the coins were minted during the reign of Alexander Jannaeus.
Composition and Preservation
The coins in the hoard were primarily struck in bronze and exhibit varying degrees of wear but remain remarkably well-preserved for coins that circulated alongside the Widow’s Mite. Many of the coins were likely wrapped in organic material like cloth or leather, which has since decayed, protecting the coins within.