In a remarkable archaeological discovery, 17-year-old Aviv Weizman from Kiryat Motzkin, near Haifa, participated in an Antiquities Authority excavation in Old Osha as part of a Young Leadership program. During the dig, she unearthed a rare artifact from the Byzantine period - a "Magical Mirror" dating back approximately 1500 years.
Funded by the Israeli Ministry of Education, the Young Leader's Survival program involves a 90-kilometer journey between Mount Meron and Mount Hermon, during which the youth engage in excavations at various archaeological sites across the country. These sites are later opened to the public.
The group's journey led them to the ancient site of Osha near Kiryat Atta, which was being excavated by archaeologist Hanna Abu-Oksa Aboud from the Antiquities Authority. Aviv made an extraordinary discovery while working at the site. She noticed a fragment of pottery protruding from the ground amidst the remains of walls. Excited by her find, she presented it to Dr. Einat Ambar-Armon, Director of the educational center of the Antiquities Authority in Israel’s Northern District. The expert recognized it as a "magician's mirror" that was used during the Byzantine period between the 4th-6th centuries AD.
Ancient 'magic mirror' discovered in northern Israel by youth leader https://t.co/aPH0D2TevS
— Hello 2 You (@m4s1w7) August 3, 2023
Nevit Popovitz, Curator of Classical periods at the Antiquities Authority, explained that the fragment was part of a magical mirror designed to protect against the evil eye. The concept behind the mirror was that the face of anyone casting an evil gaze upon it would be reflected back to them, thus safeguarding the mirror's possessor. Such mirrors were also found in the past as offerings in graves, intended to protect the deceased during their journey to the afterlife.
Eli Eskosido, Director of the Antiquities Authority, further elaborated on the week's discoveries. Apart from Aviv's remarkable find, other units from the Israel Defense Forces participating in the same program made many other significant discoveries during excavations, including jugs, coins, fragments of decorated capitals, and even an aqueduct. The experience of uncovering history from the very ground is profoundly impactful for the students, forging a deep connection to the land of Israel and its shared heritage.
“Witches’ Cave” discovered near Beit Shemesh, Israel https://t.co/sgIs6FbdVh
— Biblical Archaeology Review (@BibArch) August 2, 2023
The educational program not only allows young participants like Aviv to engage in hands-on archaeology but also brings the past to life and reinforces the importance of preserving and understanding their cultural heritage. Aviv's extraordinary discovery will undoubtedly be an unforgettable experience for her, serving as a testament to the richness of Israel's history and its significance for future generations.
