28 February 2024
A rare 3,000-year-old gold pendant, believed to be the earliest gold artifact found in Jerusalem, was recently showcased to the public. Unearthed a decade ago during excavations at the Ophel, near Temple Mount, this tiny piece of jewelry from the First Temple period had been largely overlooked until last year. Described by Brent Nagtegaal from the Armstrong Institute of Biblical Archaeology, the artifact is meticulously crafted, resembling a basket with a solid base and distinctive semi-circular “handles” that suggest it may have been used as a pendant or earring. This discovery adds a valuable piece to the historical puzzle of ancient Jerusalem, highlighting the city’s rich past and the intricate craftsmanship of its people.