A schoolboy found a unique artifact during a tour in Jerusalem (photo)

During a school field trip in the Ein Kerem neighborhood on the western outskirts of Jerusalem, a 10-year-old boy made an unexpected archaeological discovery. Negorai Nir, a student from Kiryat Hayovel School, found a cross medallion that was more than 100 years old.

According to the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA), this discovery emphasizes the importance of Jerusalem as a pilgrimage site for centuries. The boy immediately reported the discovery to the relevant services, which confirmed the uniqueness of the artifact.

According to Negoray, he noticed a shiny object in the dirt when he wandered away from the group while searching for edible plants. The boy picked it up, not realizing that he had found a rare cross with a micro mosaic. The medallion was made in Rome around 1800, making it a valuable testament to the history of Christian pilgrimages.

According to the IAA, the cross was made using a complex technique that requires high skill. The artifact was created using glass and tiny gemstones, arranged with extreme precision to form miniature patterns. Dr. Amit Reem, an archaeologist at the IAA, suggests that the cross may have belonged to a pilgrim from Europe who visited Ein Kerem, or it may have been purchased directly in Jerusalem.

Ain Kerem has long been associated with Christianity and is considered the birthplace of John the Baptist. The area is known for its two ancient churches, the Church of the Visitation and the Church of St. John, which have attracted pilgrims for centuries. The cross found at this site confirms the importance of the area for Christian travelers.

Despite its historical context, the cross is not considered an antiquity under Israeli law, as it was made after 1700. Therefore, the find remained in the boy's possession. Nevertheless, it attracted considerable attention of experts and tourists to the historical heritage of Ein Kerem.

IAA Director Eli Escudido thanked the boy for his attentiveness and promptness in reporting the discovery. He noted that this event once again emphasizes the importance of Jerusalem as a center of Christian pilgrimage.

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