JERUSALEM (VINnews) — A rare hoard of 22 bronze coins dating from the 4th century CE was discovered in a small cavity deep within an underground hiding complex beneath the ancient settlement of Khirbet Huqoq in the Lower Galilee.
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The hoard was uncovered during a joint archaeological excavation by the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) and the Tzfat Academic College, as part of efforts to prepare the site for public access, in collaboration with Keren Kayemet LeIsrael. The discovery is being presented for the first time on Thursday at the “Between Josephus and Eusebius” conference being held at the Kinneret Academic College.
Archaeologists discover 22 ancient coins from last Roman revolt in Hukok ruins(Israel) 1809025
Rare hoard of coins from the days of the last Jewish rebellion under Roman rule discovered in a hidden system in the Galilee. pic.twitter.com/OZCkrcjCrC— john l (@Maeestro) September 18, 2025
“It seems that those who hid the coins carefully planned their hiding spot, hoping to return to it once the danger had passed,” say archaeologists Uri Berger of the IAA and Professor Yinon Shivtiel of Zefat Academic College. “The coins were found inside a pit that was intentionally hewn at the end of a narrow, winding tunnel.”
The Huqoq hiding complex was likely used by the Jews of Huqoq during the Great Revolt (66–70 CE), and was later modified and prepared in anticipation of the Bar Kokhba Revolt (132–136 CE).
Naturally, the researchers initially assumed that the hoard dated from those periods of Jewish rebellion, but they were surprised to find that the coins bore the images of the Roman Emperors Constantius II and Constans I, who reigned during the time of the Gallus Revolt (351–352 CE), the last Jewish uprising under Roman rule.
“This indicates that even hundreds of years after the tunnels were carved, they were reused in a later crisis,” the researchers explained.“This hoard may provide rare evidence that these hiding complexes were again used during the Gallus Revolt, a revolt for which there is very little historical documentation.”
The Huqoq underground complex is one of the largest and most intricate of its kind in the Galilee. It includes a series of subterranean chambers linked by narrow corridors and winding tunnels. Most of it was excavated between 2019 and 2023 as part of an extensive educational and community project.
Participants include:High school graduates, students from Zefat Academic College, volunteers from the Israel Caving Club, soldiers and local residents
Dr. Einat Ambar-Armon, director of the IAA’s northern community archaeology center, said:
“To our delight, it was the many volunteers excavating the hiding complex who had the privilege of uncovering this important hoard and experiencing the excitement of such a discovery. This dig has become not only a significant scientific event, but also an impactful educational and community experience, one that connects the public to heritage and strengthens a sense of identity and connection to the past.”
According to archaeologists Berger and Shivtiel:
“This hoard from the Gallus Revolt, found hidden deep inside the Huqoq hiding system, joins other finds at the site pointing to times of hardship and crisis experienced by the Jews of Huqoq and the Galilee during the Roman period in Israel.
“Fortunately, not long after this revolt, likely after the period of unrest ended, a magnificent synagogue with stunning mosaics was built on the hilltop, and the settlement entered a long period of prosperity.”
Shelly Ben Yishai, KKL-JNF Northern Region Director, stated:
“In light of these findings and the tremendous potential at Huqoq, KKL-JNF is promoting a detailed development plan to turn the site into a unique, regulated archaeological tourism site. Huqoq is a model for cooperation between nature, tourism, and archaeology, in partnership with the IAA and the Jordan Valley Regional Council.”
