Discovered during a scuba diving adventure in 2015, this find stands out as one of the most significant treasures ever uncovered on the Israeli coastline. On a cloudy morning in February, Zvika Fayer, a passionate scuba diver and amateur explorer, set out with his friends for a dive near Caesarea, Israel. Much to their surprise, they stumbled upon a glittering collection of gold coins buried beneath the sandy seabed.
The discovery had been triggered by a winter storm that had transformed the underwater landscape in Caesarea. As Zvika Fayer and his companions delved into the depths of the sea, they were enthralled by the shimmering gold coins they encountered. Initially skeptical about the authenticity of the coins, they soon confirmed that the treasures were indeed genuine gold. “I was completely astonished when I unearthed these gold coins,” Zvika Fayer remarked.
Israel is home to numerous underwater archaeological sites, with the government actively promoting amateur divers to explore these submerged ruins. Caesarea, in particular, is a popular diving destination, favored by Zvika Fayer who had explored its depths on numerous occasions. Enthralled by encounters with marine life, ancient artifacts, and pottery, Zvika Fayer treasured the remarkable discoveries found on the seabed.
Typically, when someone stumbles upon a treasure, they tend to keep it for themselves. However, Zvi Fayer chose a different path. Instead, he promptly reported his find to the Israeli Antiquities Authority and sought their assistance. The Authority then decided to conduct further investigations in the area where the valuable discovery was made, aiming to delve deeper into this underwater treasure trove.
Fayer collaborated closely with the experts, diving beneath the sea for days to retrieve over 2,000 pristine gold coins. These coins, all of which are 24 karats with purity levels reaching up to 95%, had been undisturbed in the Mediterranean Sea for about a millennium. Their significance extends beyond material value, offering crucial insights for archaeologists and historians alike, illuminating a forgotten chapter of history.
The archaeologists in Israel hail this finding as exceptionally invaluable, both physically and historically. The gold coins are now deemed national property owned by the state, and though the divers are acknowledged for their discovery, they do not receive any material rewards for their efforts.
Robert Kool, an antiquity expert from the Israel Antiquities Authority, affirmed that the ancient coins remained intact due to the excellent preservation conditions of the seabed in Israel. It is believed that these coins were part of shipwrecks near Caesarea, an ancient Roman port in the Eastern Mediterranean. Despite spending over a millennium submerged underwater, the coins have remarkably remained clean and well-preserved.
The ancient Roman ruins in Caesarea are in a state of decay. Once a bustling trading hub, the area is now renowned for its Roman archaeological sites. The recent unearthing of gold coins offers insight into Caesarea’s past during the Muslim rule under the Fatimid dynasty. These coins, minted during the reigns of Caliphs al-Hakim and al-Zahir in cities like Cairo and Palermo, reveal a unified currency system in the region. It is possible that the coins were lost due to a shipwreck or piracy.
Following the discovery of the gold coins, researchers have been working closely with the Israeli Antiquities Authority to search for more treasures in and around Caesarea. Their exploration has expanded to other coastal areas like Netanya, known for ancient Phoenician and Roman trading routes. For Mr. Fayer, investigating these underwater ancient cultures is a never-ending passion.
Remnants of ancient Roman ruins can still be seen in Caesarea, though they are in poor condition. These historic structures date back to the 4th century BC when the city was first established as a bustling trading hub. Initially ruled by Egyptian Queen Cleopatra, the region was later conquered by the Romans and the city was renamed Straton’s Tower by Herod the Great, a Roman-appointed king. During his reign, Caesarea prospered with the construction of massive walls to create a seaport and amenities such as aqueducts to serve its population of over 100,000.
The city boasted a horse racing arena with cleverly designed exits, a spacious square with seating for 3,500 spectators, temples, markets, public baths, and a domed theater capable of accommodating up to 20,000 people. In 6 AD, Caesarea became the capital of Rome in Judea and was frequented by prominent Roman governors like Pontius Pilate during the time of Jesus. Despite facing rebellion from the Jews between AD 66-70 and the destruction of Jerusalem, Caesarea remained the political and economic center of the region.