A rare religious cross discovered by a child while exploring on a school trip in Jerusalem
While on a class trip to the historic village of Ein Karem in Jerusalem, Israel, the 10-year-old discovered an unexpected surprise.
Nehorai Nir was picking edible plants with his class and believed he saw a red pomegranate on the ground.
“I ran to pick it up and discovered a worm inside, so I reluctantly put it down – but on the way back up hill Suddenly I saw a colorful object shining in the dust,” said Nir, according to an Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) press release.
A RARE GOLD COIN WORTH THOUSANDS WAS THROWN IN THE SALVATION ARMY BIN BY AN ANONYMOUS HOLIDAY DONOR
He added: “I pulled it out and I was immediately very excited.”
Nehorai Nir, 10, found the gold cross medallion while on a field trip in the village of Ein Karem in Jerusalem, Israel. (Emil Aladjem, Israel Antiquities Authority)
The discovery was an intricate gold cross medallion made using the micromosaic technique.
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The medallion with the cross is about 100 to 200 years old, so it is not considered an antique, but it is rare item, according to the IAA.
The village of Ein Karem in Jerusalem is rich in religious history, attracting many Christian pilgrimages. (Emil Aladjem, Israel Antiquities Authority)
“The production method required expert craftsmanship involving the placement of glass and tiny multicolored gemstones, placed with extreme precision to form miniature patterns,” said Dr. Amit Re’em, archaeologist of the IAA Jerusalem District.
Re’em added: “This technique has been developed in Rome around 1800 or a little earlier, and continued until the beginning of the 20th century.”
“Apart from its beauty, the significance of this medallion is embedded in its place of discovery – Ein Karem, a place of worship according to Christianity.Re’em said.
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Ein Karem is the place where the New Testament places the birth of John the Baptist, and the text says that his mother Elizabeth met Jesus’ mother Miriam at a neighboring well, according to the IAA.
IAA staff examines the medallion under a microscope together with 10-year-old Niro in the laboratory. (Emil Aladjem, Israel Antiquities Authority)
The rich history of the village also includes two churchesThe Church of the Pilgrimage and the Church of St. John, which have attracted generations of pilgrims to Ein Karem.
IAA director Eli Escusido said in a press release: “This exciting discovery in the very month in which Christians celebrate Christmas puts the spotlight on Ein Karem as a central Christian pilgrimage in the land of Israel.”
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“Through the medium of a small but unique object, we are exposed to the story of an exciting personal journey of one individual, which connects us to the past history of this place and to the world of pilgrims,” said Escusido.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the IAA for further comment.
