By: Hannah Brown - October 29, 2020

Researchers discovered a gem seal featuring a portrait of Apollo in the drainage channel of the City of David late last month. It was found in archaeological soil that was removed from the foundations of the Western Wall during work on the Archaeological Sifting Project in Tzurim Valley National Park.The excavations were carried out under the auspices of the City of David and the Israel Nature and Parks Authority.

The gem features an engraved portrait of the god Apollo. According to researchers, this surprising and rare find is only the third secured gem sealing (intaglio) from the Second Temple period to have been discovered in Jerusalem.

2,000-year-old gem seal depicting Greek god Apollo found under City of David