In a discovery that has captivated archaeologists and historians alike, a dazzling hoard of 364 gold and silver coins was unearthed near the remains of a centuries-old synagogue in Israel, close to the serene shores of the Sea of Galilee. This treasure trove, hidden for centuries beneath the ruins of the ancient village of Huqoq (also known as Yaquq), dates back to the 15th century, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the region's rich history and economic vitality during the medieval era.
A Hidden Treasure Beneath the Rubble
The astonishing cache of coins was discovered within two clay jugs strategically buried under the collapsed wall of the synagogue. The meticulous excavation, led by a team of archaeologists from the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) and other institutions, revealed the coins in pristine condition, shielded from the ravages of time by their ceramic containers. The origins of the coins are as diverse as the historical tapestry of the region, with most hailing from the Republic of Venice and the Mamluk Sultanate, the dominant power in the eastern Mediterranean during that era.
A recent analysis of gold and silver medieval coins discovered in 2018 at the Huqoq synagogue in northern Israel has provided a fascinating glimpse into life in rural Galilee during the 14th and 15th centuries.
— AIJAC (@AIJAC_Update) January 23, 2025
The 364 coins, originating from Venice and the Mamluk Sultanate,… pic.twitter.com/g8xSEjbhOX
"The discovery of these coins beneath the synagogue’s ruins is nothing short of extraordinary," said Robert Kool, a curator in the IAA’s coin department and the author of a detailed study on the find, recently published in the prestigious American Journal of Numismatics. "It raises more questions than answers, igniting the imagination about the lives of those who lived, worshipped, and traded in this vibrant community."
A Glittering Historical Timeline
The coins tell a story of interconnected cultures and economies. Among the Venetian coins, the earliest dates back to the reign of Doge Francesco Dandolo (1329–1339), while the most recent were minted during the rule of Doge Francesco Foscari (1423–1457). These coins, adorned with images of St. Mark the Evangelist and inscribed with Latin phrases such as "It is to You, Christ, that this Duchy is entrusted which You govern," reflect Venice’s immense influence as a maritime and economic powerhouse.
A new study of a hoard of gold and silver coins, found in 2018 in two vessels next to the synagogue at Huqoq, has been presented. The two identical pottery vessels contained coins from the Venetian Republic and the Mamluk Sultanate, dating back to the 14th and 15th centuries. pic.twitter.com/d5EqFwsb5E
— Ticia Verveer (@ticiaverveer) January 22, 2025
During the medieval period, Venetian ducats were the currency of choice across the eastern Mediterranean, often outshining local currencies due to their consistent gold content. "By the end of the fourteenth century, Venetian ducats were the only European gold currency accepted in Mamluk Egypt and Syria," Kool noted, underscoring the coins’ historical significance.
The Mamluk coins in the collection, primarily minted during the reign of Sultan al-Ashraf Barsbay (1422–1438), add another layer of intrigue. A smaller number of coins were traced to Southern Europe, including a silver coin minted during the reign of James I of Sicily (1285–1295) and even a coin from Serbia, highlighting the vast trade networks that converged on this region.
An amazing cache of 364 gold and silver coins from the 14th and 15th centuries CE were found in the Galilee, shedding light on life in Israel in medieval times.
— The History Of The Land Of Israel Podcast (@TheHistoryOfTh5) January 25, 2025
The area was believed to be very poor. But this is quite the treasure trove. Showing far more economic activity and… pic.twitter.com/rNUawjDsO0
The Mystery of the Hidden Hoard
Why this valuable hoard was buried beneath the synagogue remains a mystery shrouded in speculation. Was it a donation intended for the upkeep of the synagogue, a secret stash belonging to a wealthy merchant, or a cache left behind by pilgrims visiting the nearby tomb of the prophet Habakkuk? This sacred site, associated with the 7th-century BCE prophet mentioned in the Hebrew Bible, lies just a stone’s throw from Huqoq and has been a destination for Jewish pilgrims for centuries.
Kool’s analysis suggests that the coins were deposited sometime between 1438 and 1457, shortly before the synagogue fell into disuse and eventually collapsed into ruin. "The reasons behind the hoard’s concealment remain elusive," Kool wrote in his paper. "However, it serves as a poignant reminder of the community’s historical and spiritual legacy."
A magnificent assortment of 364 gold and silver coins dating back to the 14th and 15th centuries CE has been unearthed at the site of an ancient rural village in the Galilee, providing a surprising glimpse into life in the Land of Israel in medieval times.
— Rita Rosenfeld (@rheytah) January 22, 2025
The coins were found… pic.twitter.com/BHrgiM0Tg6
Safeguarding History
Although the hoard was uncovered during the summer of 2018, the discovery was kept under wraps until now to prevent looting. Jodi Magness, a professor of religious studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and leader of the excavation team, explained the delay in a recent email to Live Science. “The coins’ significance extends far beyond their monetary value,” Magness said. “They offer a tangible connection to the people who lived in this vibrant community and their interactions with the wider world.”
A Glimpse Into the Past
This extraordinary find not only sheds light on the economic and cultural exchanges of the medieval Mediterranean but also underscores the enduring importance of preserving archaeological sites. The coins stand as silent witnesses to a bygone era of faith, commerce, and cross-cultural interaction, waiting patiently for centuries to reveal their secrets to the modern world.
With each coin meticulously cataloged and studied, the treasure of Huqoq invites us to delve deeper into the mysteries of history, illuminating the lives and legacies of those who once walked the same ground that archaeologists tread today. What other secrets lie buried in the earth, waiting to tell their stories? Only time will tell.