12-year-old boy finds luxurious Nicolo gem in archaeological dig in Israeli park

A 12-year-old young man recently made a remarkable discovery, unearthing a rare gem while working at an archaeological dig in Korazim National Park, located in Israel. Alon Horowitz, a sixth-grader at Ramat Korazim Regional Primary School near the city of Elifelet, was participating in a community excavation program. In this project, students from the region collaborate with archaeologists, deepening their knowledge about life in ancient times, an initiative that results from a partnership between the Israel Nature and Parks Authority (INPA) and Ariel University.

Horowitz worked alongside experts in the historic village of Chorazin, currently known as Korazim, in ancient Galilee, the birthplace of Jesus’ childhood. The location is mentioned in the Bible as having been the scene of Jesus’ miracles, whose inhabitants, however, refused to believe and repent. Initial excavations at the site began in 1905, and recent work was coming to an end when Horowitz made his find. “After three days of digging, about ten minutes before we finished, I was digging with my shovel and suddenly I saw something blue, round and special,” Horowitz reported in a statement, expressing his joy and pride upon realizing the rarity of the piece.

The gem has been dated to around the 6th century AD and is composed of Nicolo, a variety of agate known for its rarity and luxury. Achia Kohn-Tavor, director of excavations at Chorazin, speculates that the stone belonged to members of the local elite and was part of a high-value ring. It was found inside a property that shows signs of wealth, suggesting that the item belonged to a wealthy family and could have been used by both men and women, as stated by Kohn-Tavor.

The location of a precious stone intended for jewelry is considered a unique and particularly exciting event in the archeology of the Land of Israel. Dr. Dror Ben-Yosef, archaeologist and head of historical heritage for the northern district of INPA (Israel National Institute for Environmental Protection), highlighted that educational excavations in national parks and historical sites not only serve scientific purposes, but also act as a vital educational element. Its goal is to foster a deep connection between younger generations and the region’s rich history and cultural roots.