The ruins of Korazim, an ancient village in the Golan Heights, preserve nearly 1,000 years of Jewish history. Among the site’s most significant remains are a synagogue, a ritual bath, wine and olive presses, and other farming equipment that offer a glimpse into daily life from the end of the Second Temple period about 2,000 years ago through the 11th century. The Times of Israel reports that sixth-grader Alon Horowitz made a remarkable new discovery at the site last month—a precious gemstone that may date back as far as 1,500 years.
The stone, a prestigious variety of agate known as “Nicolo,” which was probably set in a piece of jewelry from Roman or Byzantine times (1st – 6th centuries CE), was found by Alon Horowitz during a community excavation carried out by the Parks Authority in cooperation with Ariel University in the West Bank.
“After three days of excavations, about 10 minutes before we finished, I was digging with a pickaxe and suddenly saw something blue, round, and special,” Horowitz, who is attending Ramat Korazim Regional Elementary School, said, according to a statement by the Parks Authority. “I picked it up and showed it to the archaeologist. When I realized it was something rare, I felt really happy and proud.”
Located a few kilometers north of the Sea of Galilee, Korazim was the site of a Jewish village for about a millennium, starting from the end of the Second Temple Period around 2,000 years ago until the 11th century CE.
Excavation director Achia Cohen Tavor explained that Nicolo stones were symbols of wealth and prestige during the Roman period and were often worn by affluent individuals. The discovery suggests that at least some residents of ancient Korazim enjoyed a relatively high social status. This is not the first significant find made by a young visitor at the site. Five years ago, another student discovered a bronze coin dating to the same period.
Korazim also draws thousands of Christian pilgrims each year because it is mentioned in the Christian Bible as one of the cities visited by Jesus. Today, the archaeological site invites visitors to participate in excavations. Discoveries like this suggest there are still many more treasures waiting to be uncovered.
