Biblical era ring of the Roman Goddess Minerva (Greek Athena) found on the Carmel Mountain in Israel. It probably belonged to a woman or a child.
Israel boasts a rich historical and archaeological heritage, with discoveries shedding light on ancient times. Recently, a child hiking on the Carmel Mountains in Haifa stumbled upon an ancient bronze ring depicting Minerva, the Roman Goddess of War. The ring was handed over to Israel’s Antiquity Authority.
“I am curious about fossils and rocks and love to collect them,” said Whiteson. “While hiking, I noticed a small green item and picked it up. At home, I discovered it was a ring with an image on it. At first glance, I thought it was a warrior.”
His family contacted Nir Distelfeld, Inspector at the Theft Prevention unit of the Israel Antiquities Authority, who transferred the ring to the National Treasures Department for examination and research.
“The ring features the image of a helmeted naked figure, identified as the goddess Minerva from Roman mythology,” said Distelfeld.
Minerva, also known as Athena in Greek mythology, was popular during the Roman period in the Land of Israel for her associations with war, military strategy, and wisdom.
The ring, dating back to the Late Roman Period (2nd to 3rd Century CE), was discovered near Khirbet Shalala, where Roman period farmstead remains and burial caves exist.
The archaeological site of Khirbet Shalala, where the ring was found, sits on a hilltop in the Carmel Mountains and will showcase the ring during summer archaeological tours in Jerusalem.
