SouthernWorldwide.com – A sixth-grade student has unearthed a rare gemstone at a significant biblical site associated with Jesus’ ministry, offering new insights into ancient Galilean life.
The discovery, publicly announced by the Israel Nature and Parks Authority (INPA) in early June, took place at Korazim National Park, located near the Sea of Galilee.
Korazim is historically identified with the biblical village of Chorazin, which is mentioned in the New Testament as a place where Jesus performed miracles, yet its inhabitants failed to repent.
This ancient site is also situated approximately two miles north of Capernaum, a former fishing village that served as a central hub for Jesus’ ministry.
Images of the gemstone, which dates back to the 6th century AD, reveal its small size and a distinctive pale-blue center.
The gemstone was discovered by Alon Horowitz, a 12-year-old student from Ramat Korazim Regional Elementary School, which is near Elifelet.
The young student was participating in a community excavation program. This initiative allows local students to collaborate with archaeologists and gain practical knowledge about ancient life, organized jointly by the INPA and Ariel University.
Horowitz reported to officials that he found the gemstone just minutes before the excavation concluded for the day.
“After three days of digging, about 10 minutes before we finished, I was digging with my trowel and suddenly saw something blue, round, and special,” Horowitz stated.
“I picked it up and showed it to the archaeologist. When I understood it was something rare, I felt really happy and proud. I received a lot of appreciation from my friends, teachers, and family.”
Achia Kohn-Tavor, the director of excavations at Chorazin, suggested that the gemstone was likely once part of an expensive ring worn by a member of the local elite.
Kohn-Tavor identified the gemstone as a Nicolo, a scarce variety of agate that was highly valued as a luxury item during the Roman and Byzantine periods.
“Archaeologists believe it could have belonged to either a man or a woman,” Kohn-Tavor added.
While the exact circumstances of how the stone became buried at the site remain unknown to archaeologists, they theorize that it reached Korazim through extensive trade networks connecting the region to the wider Roman and Byzantine empires.
“The stone was not locally sourced,” Kohn-Tavor elaborated. “Its presence indicates the owner had access to international luxury goods.”
This is not the first time an Israeli child has made a significant archaeological discovery.
In May, authorities reported that an 8-year-old boy from Rehovot found a fragment of a 1,700-year-old Roman statuette.
The previous year, a 3-year-old Israeli girl discovered a 3,800-year-old Canaanite amulet while on a family hike near Tel Azeka.
