A Remarkable Discovery: A Cache of Hasmonean Coins Unearthed in the Jordan Valley

The recent discovery of a hoard of Hasmonean coins in the Jordan Valley sheds light on a crucial period in Jewish history. These artifacts, unearthed by a team from the University of Haifa and the Zinman Institute of Archaeology, date from the reign of Alexander Janneus (104-76 BCE). They offer a detailed view of the economic exchanges and strategic infrastructures of the Hasmonean era, marked by political and religious tensions.

Situated on a key trade route, the excavated area reveals previously little-known architectural remains, confirming its importance in the historical landscape of Judea. The coincidence between this discovery and the celebration of Hanukkah, which commemorates the Maccabean Revolt, reinforces the impact of this find, highlighting its role in the preservation of heritage and the understanding of cultural and political practices of Antiquity.

An exceptionally well preserved site

The Jordan Valley constitutes a key region in Antiquity where trade routes and strategic infrastructures intersected. The excavations carried out by the team from the University of Haifa made it possible to exhume a hitherto little-known site, located along the Nahal Tirzah road. This ancient route connected key points, including the fortress of Alexandrion. It is a construction attributed to King Alexandre Jannée, sovereign of the Hasmonean dynasty. These road axes, essential for transport and commerce, reflect the organization and influence of this period on the territory of Judea. The unearthing of this site thus offers concrete testimony to political and economic management under the Hasmoneans.

© Dr. Shai Bar/Zinman Institute of Archeology at the University of Haifa

The site revealed varied architectural elements, including a mikvah (ritual bath) and a water cistern. Buildings suggesting the presence of a relay station for travelers. These structures therefore reinforce the hypothesis of an important stopping place, where religious practices and logistical activities mixed. According to Dr Shai Bar, who is leading the research, the preservation of the coins, dated precisely to 80/79 BCE, helps anchor this site in a unique temporal context. This “time capsule” constitutes a rare alignment of archaeological elements. It offers a precise vision of the Hasmonean era and the interactions between religion, commerce and power.

The pieces: witnesses of a glorious past

The exhumed pieces therefore date from 80/79 BCE. This carefully elaborated numismatic production bears witness to the political and cultural identity of the reign of Alexandre Jannée. Each piece features an eight-pointed star, symbolizing power and unity. It is accompanied by the inscription in Aramaic “King Alexander, year 25”. This attests to the longevity and stability of his reign. On the other side, we see a maritime anchor, an emblematic element of trade and maritime expansion. A Greek inscription surrounds it: “Coin of King Alexander”. The use of two languages, Aramaic and Greek, underlines on the one hand the Hebrew heritage of the king. On the other hand, it highlights its interaction with the surrounding Hellenistic world, a balance between tradition and diplomatic openness.

© Facebook / Zinman Institute of Archeology at the University of Haifa

Dr. Yoav Farhi, expert in numismatics, highlighted, in an article in the Jerusalem Postthe exceptional conservation of this treasure. He said the coins were likely wrapped in a leather bag or other organic material. Everything was carefully hidden behind a wall, before these protective elements decomposed over the centuries. This method of preservation underlines the importance given to this deposit, perhaps hidden in times of instability or as an act of piety.

The fact that this treasure is intact offers researchers a unique opportunity to reconstruct a precise snapshot of the economy, royal symbolism and monetary practices during the reign of Alexandre Jannée. The latter is one of the most influential rulers of the Hasmonean dynasty.

Coins as an archaeological miracle at Hanukkah

The discovery of the Hasmonean coins, which occurred during the Hanukkah festival, aroused particular emotion among the participants. They saw it as a tangible echo of the history they were commemorating. Hanukkah, celebrated over eight days, recalls the Maccabean revolt. This insurrection was led in 167 BCE against the Seleucid yoke imposed on Judea. At this time, Antiochus IV Epiphanes had banned Jewish religious practices. He had also desecrated the Temple in Jerusalem by erecting a pagan altar there.

The victory of the Maccabees, under the leadership of Judas Maccabeus, made it possible to repel this domination and restore the Temple. This event, marked by the rededication of the sanctuary, is symbolized by the miracle of the oil. A small quantity of sacred oil, sufficient for a single day, miraculously burned for eight days. It then illuminated the return to faith and spiritual autonomy.

This historical and symbolic connection deeply touched the team members, reinforcing their sense of continuity with this past. Dr. Shai Bar described this discovery as a “ spiritual and historical dimension » which transcends simple archaeological research, highlighting its importance in a context of contemporary tensions. For the students and volunteers involved, unearthing coins minted by King Alexander Jannée, a direct descendant of the Maccabees, during a festival celebrating their triumph, gave a particular resonance to their work.

A rich heritage to be preserved

The artifacts will be carefully cleaned to preserve the inscriptions and designs. Once documented, the coins will be cataloged and analyzed in the laboratory to deepen the understanding of monetary practices, economic exchanges and political symbols of the Hasmonean era. At the same time, the architectural remains of the site will be studied and consolidated in order to better understand the use of this rest stop. The goal is to make them accessible to the public. This interpretation and preservation work will transform the site into an iconic place, allowing everyone to explore a crucial period of ancient history.

Beyond the scientific interest, this discovery highlights the importance of preserving archaeological sites as living testimonies of the past. This Hasmonean treasure offers a unique window into the strategic and cultural role of the Jordan Valley. It then simultaneously revives the memory of emblematic figures of Jewish history. By highlighting the links between material heritage and living history, it reminds us that archeology is much more than a discipline. It constitutes a bridge between generations, bringing forgotten stories back to life. But also to reinscribe these discoveries in our collective understanding of the past.