Did a Hebrew boy or girl wear it, or a Persian? [Possibly even a Roman or Greek boy or girl(?)] Was s/he of a merchant-class family, or higher born? How did it stay untouched for over 2,300 years -- as layer upon layer, of later buildings were deposited atop it? Here's the whole story (as thus far known):
. . .Archaeologists recently discovered a rare 2,300-year-old gold ring while excavating in the parking lot of the City of David in Jerusalem, the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) said Monday.
The “exceedingly well-preserved” ring is set with a red garnet and given its small diameter, was likely made for a child, the IAA said in a statement. The ring, which “since its last use 2,300 years ago accumulated neither rust nor suffered other weatherings of time,” dates from the early Hellenistic era in Jerusalem, around the 3rd or 4th century BCE.
The ring was manufactured by “hammering thin pre-cut gold leaves onto a metal ring base,” the statement said. During this period, gold jewelry with set stones, instead of decorated gold, became fashionable. Gold and other luxury items became more popular in the Hellenistic world after Alexander the Great’s conquests in the late 4th century BCE, which eased transport and trade. . . .
And even as I marvel at it, I am deeply saddened by the IDF's apparently indiscriminate firing on women and children again today, in Gaza. Humans are such a mass of contradictions -- capable in a single moment of both. . . graceful beauty, and unspeakable barbarism. Resolve to do better, for and to everyone you meet this week. Onward.
नमस्ते
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