A 12-year-old schoolboy has unearthed a rare 1,500-year-old gemstone at a major biblical site in northern Israel, revealing insights into life in ancient Galilee. Alon Horowitz made the discovery at Korazim National Park during a school archaeological workshop organized by the Israel Nature and Parks Authority.
Discovery of the Nicolo Gem
The gem is believed to be a Nicolo stone, a type of carved gemstone typically made from banded agate or onyx. During the Roman and Byzantine periods, Nicolo stones were a clear status symbol among elites and wealthy households. They were often set into gold or bronze finger rings, used as fashionable jewelry or as signet rings to seal official wax documents, according to the Times of Israel.
Alon described the moment of discovery: "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. I picked it up and showed it to the archaeologist. When I understood it was something rare, I felt really happy and proud. I received a lot of appreciation from my friends, teachers and family."
Biblical Significance of Korazim
Korazim is a key New Testament site located in the Galilee, just north of the Sea of Galilee. It is biblically significant as one of the "unrepentant cities" where Jesus preached and performed miracles but condemned for lack of faith. In the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, Korazim is named as a location where people witnessed Jesus' "mighty works" but rejected his message.
The town also housed a thriving Jewish community during the Byzantine period, making the find historically valuable for understanding daily life in that era.
Context of Recent Discoveries
The sensational find dates back to the 6th century AD, making it roughly 1,500 years old. This discovery follows a similar event in May 2026, when an eight-year-old boy from Rehovot found a 1,700-year-old Roman statuette fragment. Such finds highlight the rich archaeological heritage of Israel and the role of community digs in uncovering history.
