Archaeologists in Jerusalem have made a surprising discovery. They found a 2,270-year-old gold coin that shows Queen Berenice II of Egypt. The coin also has the words “of the Queen”, proving that she was not just a wife of a king but a powerful woman in her own right.
The discovery is rare and special. Coins like this are almost never found outside Egypt. This is the first time such a coin has been uncovered during organized excavations in Jerusalem.
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The Coin And Its History
The gold coin is very small but holds a big story. It was made during the time of Ptolemy III, the third ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom. This dynasty began after Alexander the Great. His general, Ptolemy I, started ruling Egypt in the Hellenistic period around 323 B.C.
Experts believe the coin was minted in Alexandria. It may have been a gift to soldiers returning from the Third Syrian War (246-241 B.C.). This war was fought between Egypt and the Seleucid Empire of Syria.
Rare And Precious Discovery
According to the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA), only 17 coins like this have been found in the last 100 years. Robert Kool, head of numismatics at the IAA, called it a gorgeous coin. What makes this one unique is that it was found outside Egypt, proving the wide influence of the Ptolemaic rulers.
The coin was discovered in the City of David, an ancient site in East Jerusalem. This area is believed to be the original core of the city.
How The Coin Was Found
The discovery happened in the Givati Parking Lot excavation area. Rivka Langler, who worked there for two years, spotted the coin while sifting through soil. She said she noticed something shiny, and at first, she could not believe it. Soon, she realized it was a gold coin and ran excitedly to show the team.
Design Of The Coin
The coin is not only valuable but also beautiful. One side shows Queen Berenice II wearing a tiara, a veil, and a necklace. The other side shows a cornucopia (horn of plenty) with two stars. Around it is the Greek word “Basileisses”, meaning “of the Queen”. This inscription suggests that she had authority on her own.
Who Was Queen Berenice II
Berenice II was the wife of Ptolemy III, who ruled Egypt between 246 and 221 B.C. But she was not only a queen by marriage. She first ruled an area called Cyrenaica (in modern-day eastern Libya). When she married Ptolemy III, that land became part of Egypt.
During the time when Ptolemy III invaded Syria, Berenice acted as the regent of Egypt, which means she ruled in his place. This shows her political strength and leadership.
Queens On Ancient Coins
It was not common for queens to appear on coins, but in the Ptolemaic dynasty, a few did. The most famous was Cleopatra VII, known simply as Cleopatra. But this coin proves that even before Cleopatra, queens like Berenice II held great influence and power.
This discovery is also one of the oldest coins with a queen’s image, making it very important for history.
Why Was The Coin In Jerusalem
No one knows for sure how the coin reached Jerusalem. But its discovery proves that Jerusalem was active and important at that time. After the city was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 B.C., many believed it became weak and poor. But this find shows that by the Persian and Ptolemaic periods, Jerusalem was rebuilding and making strong ties with big kingdoms.
Archaeologist Yiftah Shalev said the city was not empty or isolated but was in the process of renewal. Professor Yuval Gadot from Tel Aviv University added that the golden coin proves Jerusalem was an important city with connections to Egypt’s ruling elite.
FAQs
What does the coin show?
It shows Queen Berenice II on one side and a cornucopia with stars on the other.
Who was Queen Berenice II?
She was the wife of Ptolemy III and also ruled as regent in Egypt.
Where was the coin found?
It was found in the City of David in Jerusalem.
How old is the coin?
The coin is about 2,270 years old.
Why is the coin important?
It proves that Berenice II had power and shows that Jerusalem was an important city at that time.
