Yair Whiteson, a 13-year-old resident of Haifa, recently embarked on a hike near his home, enjoying quality time with his father who had returned from four months of service in the army reserves. While exploring the “ancient quarry” site below Khirbet Shalala (Mishmar HaCarmel Farm) on Mount Carmel, Yair stumbled upon a fascinating object. "I have a keen interest in fossils and rocks and love collecting them," Yair shared. "During the hike, I noticed a small green item. Initially, I thought it was just a corroded bolt and considered heating it. However, I soon realized it was a ring, and upon closer inspection at home, I noticed an image on it, which at first looked like a warrior."

The Whiteson family promptly contacted Nir Distelfeld, an Inspector at the Theft Prevention Unit of the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA), who transferred the ring to the National Treasures Department. The IAA, with the expertise of Prof. Shua Amorai-Stark from Kaye Academic College, examined and researched the artifact. In recognition of Yair's discovery, he and his family were invited to tour the new Jay and Jeanie Schottenstein National Campus for the Archaeology of Israel and received commendations for good citizenship.

"This beautifully preserved ring features the image of a helmeted, naked figure holding a shield in one hand and a spear in the other," explained Distelfeld and Dr. Eitan Klein of the IAA's Unit for the Prevention of Antiquities Robbery. "Yair's initial identification of the figure as a warrior was quite accurate. The figure is likely the goddess Minerva from Roman mythology, also known as Athena in Greek mythology. Minerva was highly revered during the Roman period in the Land of Israel, symbolizing war, military strategy, and wisdom."

The bronze ring likely belonged to a woman or girl during the Late Roman Period (2nd-3rd Century CE). The discovery site, located below Khirbet Shalala on a hilltop with Roman period farmstead remains, is near an ancient rock quarry and two burial caves. Researchers suggest the ring might have belonged to a woman who lived on the farm, a quarry worker, or it could have been a burial offering from the nearby graves. "There are numerous possibilities," the researchers noted.

Khirbet Shalala, the archaeological site near the ring's discovery, is situated on a hilltop in the Carmel Mountains, bordered by Nahal Oren on three sides and close to Ein Alon, a perennial water source. This site has been previously explored and documented by the 19th-century Palestine Exploration Fund surveyors, the renowned Israeli archaeologist Prof. Ruth Amiran, and a Bar-Ilan University expedition led by Mount Carmel expert Prof. Shimon Dar. "The ring now connects to data gathered in earlier excavations and surveys, providing additional insights into this historical site," concluded Distelfeld and Dr. Klein.

For more: Israel Antiquities Authority