A wooden box containing 15 silver coins from the Maccabean period will be put on display at the Hasmonean Museum in Modi'in in honor of Israel's heritage week which is set to be marked over Hanukkah. The coins, dating back to the years leading up to the Maccabean revolt around 2,200 years ago, were discovered in the Wadi Muraabat Caves in Nahal Darga in May of this year during an excavation project in the Judean Desert caves. The excavation was carried out by the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) in collaboration with the Jerusalem and Heritage Ministry in March-May 2022. Among the many finds, an ancient wooden box was uncovered inside one of the caves.
The IAA reported that the silver coins were minted by Ptolemy VI, king of Egypt, who reigned over Egypt at the same time as his uncle - Antiochus IV - reigned over the Seleucid Empire.
The Maccabean Revolt was a Jewish rebellion led by the Maccabees against the influence Hellenistic lifestyle was having over Jewish life.
The Maccabean Revolt from 160-167 BCE forms the basis of the Jewish holiday of Hannukah, which celebrates the Maccabean victory over the Seleucid Empire.
Source JPost/ Images: DAFNA GAZIT & SHAI HALEVI / ISRAEL ANTIQUITIES AUTHORITY