A Christian ring from the first religions was found on a shipwrecked ship in Israel
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TEL AVIV – Israeli researchers on Wednesday unveiled dozens of artifacts found in underwater excavations in the Mediterranean. Among the pieces that were excavated is a golden ring with a picture indicating the image of Jesus Christ. The gem has been under water for more than 1,700 years.
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On the stone in the center of the ring is engraved the figure of the Good Shepherd, who wears a tunic and is accompanied by a ram on his shoulders. The image is considered symbolic of Christ, and although it was widespread in Christian art of the period, it is not uncommon for it to be found in rings, according to archaeologist Helena Sokolov.
These and other artifacts were on two ships that sank 1,700 and 600 years ago, respectively, according to the Israel Antiquities Authority (AIA). The shipwrecks occurred between the cities of Tel Aviv and Haifa, off the coast of the ancient city of Caesarea. It was an important port for the region at the time of the Roman Empire in the third century.
“At that time, Christianity was still in its infancy, but it was very clear that it was developing, especially in mixed cities like Caesarea,” said Sokolov, AIA’s chief of conservation.
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