13-Year-Old Discovers Ancient Ring in Carmel
A Glimpse into Roman History
During a casual walk near his home in Haifa, 13-year-old Yair Whitson stumbled upon an extraordinary find—a bronze ring dating back 1,800 years, featuring an engraving of the goddess Athena. Yair was spending quality time with his father, who had just returned from reserve duty, when he noticed a small, corroded green object near the 'Ancient Quarries' site at the foot of the Shlala ruins in Carmel.
Initially mistaking it for a screw nut, Yair almost melted the object before realizing it was a ring. 'At first glance, I thought it was a warrior,' Yair shared. Upon closer inspection at home, he recognized the figure as a naked woman with a helmet, shield, and spear—attributes of Minerva, the Roman goddess of war, wisdom, and military strategy, also known as Athena in Greek mythology.
Recognition and Preservation
Yair's family reported the find to Nir Distelfeld, an inspector from the robbery prevention unit at the Antiquities Authority. The ring was examined by experts, including Prof. Shua Amorai-Strek from the Kay Academic College of Education. The ring, made of bronze, likely belonged to a woman or girl from the Roman period (2nd-3rd centuries CE) and was found near a Roman-era mansion and ancient rock quarry.
The Shalala ruins, located on a hill in the Carmel Mountains, have been previously investigated by various researchers. The ring adds valuable data to these studies, shedding more light on the area's historical significance. Yair's responsible act of handing over the ring to the state treasures earned him a certificate of appreciation during a tour of the new National Archeology Museum of Israel in Jerusalem.
Eli Escozido, director of the Antiquities Authority, praised Yair's actions, stating, 'Yair's admirable act demonstrates responsibility and respect for our past.' The ring will be displayed publicly as part of the museum's summer tours, serving as a testament to Yair's discovery and the rich history of the Land of Israel.
