Ancient Gold Amethyst Ring, Said To Prevent Hangovers, Discovered In Israel
An ancient gold ring with a purple amethyst stone was recently discovered during excavations at an archeological site in Israel.
The site where the discovery was made dates back to the Byzantine era (around 330 AD to 1453), and in ancient times housed an imposing winery, the Israel Antiquities Authority reports.
According to archaeologists, it is very possible that the ring was worn not only with aesthetic value but also as a way to "prevent" the hangover after excessive wine consumption.
Amethyst And Its Miraculous Properties
From ancient times the precious metals and precious or semiprecious stones were considered to have an effect on the human body or even on the destiny of those who wore them. One of these mysterious stones is amethyst, which was thought to prevent hangover discomfort.
According to Dr. Amir Golani, ancient jewelry expert of the Israel Antiquities Authority, the ring must have belonged to a wealthy person, and that wearing it indicated their high status and wealth.
While it was found in layers dated to the Late Byzantine - Early Islamic periods (7th century AD), it is possible that such a gold ring may have been passed down over generations for centuries.
In fact, gold amethyst rings were common in the Roman world. Therefore, the ring may have even been passed down from a wealthy person who lived in Yavneh as early as the 3rd century AD, explained Israel Antiquities Authority.
The site where the discovery was made dates back to the Byzantine era (around 330 AD to 1453), and in ancient times housed an imposing winery, the Israel Antiquities Authority reports.
According to archaeologists, it is very possible that the ring was worn not only with aesthetic value but also as a way to "prevent" the hangover after excessive wine consumption.
Amethyst And Its Miraculous Properties
From ancient times the precious metals and precious or semiprecious stones were considered to have an effect on the human body or even on the destiny of those who wore them. One of these mysterious stones is amethyst, which was thought to prevent hangover discomfort.
According to Dr. Amir Golani, ancient jewelry expert of the Israel Antiquities Authority, the ring must have belonged to a wealthy person, and that wearing it indicated their high status and wealth.
Mentioned in the Bible as one of the 12 types of stones on the High Priest's breastplate, the amethyst seems to be associated with many virtues and special qualities, including preventing hangovers, which is ironic as the ring was discovered near the Byzantine wine factory.
How Old Is The Ancient Gold Ring
Dr. Eli Hadad, Liat Nadav-Ziv, and Dr. Jon Seligman, excavation directors on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority, are hesitant about precisely dating the ancient gold amethyst ring.While it was found in layers dated to the Late Byzantine - Early Islamic periods (7th century AD), it is possible that such a gold ring may have been passed down over generations for centuries.
In fact, gold amethyst rings were common in the Roman world. Therefore, the ring may have even been passed down from a wealthy person who lived in Yavneh as early as the 3rd century AD, explained Israel Antiquities Authority.
