By The European Times | Created at 2026-10-02 08:42:01 | Updated at 2026-10-02 09:53:03
1 hour ago
In late 2021, the Israel Antiquities Authority discovered the remains of two shipwrecks off the Mediterranean coast, laden with sunken treasures—including hundreds of silver and bronze coins—as well as Roman and medieval artifacts. Israel has showcased archaeological finds recovered during underwater expeditions in the Mediterranean, including a 1,700-year-old gold ring engraved with the figure of the Good Shepherd—a title for Jesus Christ. The image of the “Good Shepherd” is one of the earliest and oldest symbols used in Christianity to represent Jesus.
The artifacts were discovered last month near the ancient port of Caesarea.
The gold ring is set with a green gemstone engraved with the figure of a young shepherd wearing a tunic and carrying a sheep on his shoulders. It was found alongside third-century Roman coins, a bronze eagle figurine, and other artifacts.
According to Elena Sokolov, a curator at the Antiquities Authority, the ring is a rare find, even though depictions of the Good Shepherd are characteristic of early Christian symbolism.
Based on its size, the ring is believed to have belonged to a woman.
“At that time, Christianity was in its infancy, yet it was developing and its influence was growing, especially in mixed cities like Caesarea,” said Sokolov. The port served as a regional capital of the Roman Empire during the third century. Illustration: A Roman gold ring inlaid with a green stone, engraved with the figure of a young shepherd in a tunic carrying a sheep on his shoulders, dating back 1,700 years (Photo: AP/BTA)
