Israeli Teen Discovers 1,800-Year-Old Bronze Ring with Roman Goddess Engraving

A 13-year-old Israeli boy found an 1,800-year-old bronze ring featuring the Roman goddess Minerva during a hike on Mount Carmel. Experts from the Israel Antiquities Authority confirmed the find, dating it to the Late Roman Period. The ring will be displayed in Jerusalem.

A 13-year-old Israeli boy, hiking with his father on Mount Carmel, discovered an 1,800-year-old bronze ring engraved with the image of the Roman goddess Minerva, according to the Israel Antiquities Authority.

Yair Whiteson, of Haifa, initially thought the corroded item was a rusty bolt until he noticed an image on it at home. The ring, intact and depicting a helmeted figure holding a shield and spear, was found in Khirbet Shalala, known for its Roman-era remains.

The family contacted the Antiquities Authority, who confirmed the figure as Minerva, noting she was a popular goddess of war, strategy, and wisdom during the Roman period in Israel. The ring dates back to the 2nd-3rd Century CE and will be displayed in Jerusalem.