Rare Gemstone Discovered by Student at Biblical Site in Galilee

A sixth-grade student made a remarkable discovery at a historic site closely linked to the life of Jesus. The Israel Nature and Parks Authority (INPA) announced the find in early June at Korazim National Park, situated near the Sea of Galilee.

Korazim is identified with the biblical village of Chorazin, known in the New Testament as a place where Jesus performed miracles. Despite witnessing these events, its residents did not repent. The park is located approximately two miles north of Capernaum, the center of Jesus’ ministry.

The student, Alon Horowitz, who attends Ramat Korazim Regional Elementary School, discovered a rare gemstone dating back to the sixth century A.D. during an excavation project organized by the INPA and Ariel University. The project involves local students working alongside archaeologists to learn about ancient life.

After three days of digging, about ten minutes before we finished, I was digging with my trowel and suddenly saw something blue, round, and special, Horowitz shared. I picked it up and showed it to the archaeologist. When I understood it was something rare, I felt really happy and proud.

The gemstone appears to have been part of an expensive ring likely worn by a local elite. Achia Kohn-Tavor, the director of excavations at Chorazin, described it as a Nicolo, a rare type of agate considered a luxury item in Roman and Byzantine times.

The Archaeological Significance

The gemstone was found within a wealthy estate, implying its owner belonged to an affluent household. Kohn-Tavor noted that the stone could have been owned by either a man or a woman.

While the exact path of the gemstone to Korazim remains unknown, archaeologists speculate it arrived via trade routes that connected the region to the Roman and Byzantine empires. The stone was not locally sourced, indicating the owner had access to international luxury items.

Horowitz’s discovery is not an isolated event in Israel. In May, an 8-year-old boy found a 1,700-year-old Roman statuette fragment. Last year, a 3-year-old found a 3,800-year-old Canaanite amulet near Tel Azeka.