JERUSALEM (AP) An Israeli archaeologist says she has uncovered a rare trove of ancient coins and medallions near Jerusalem's Temple Mount.
Eilat Mazar of Jerusalem's Hebrew University says among the finds are jewelry and a gold medallion with the Jewish menorah symbol etched into it. Other findings include items with additional Jewish symbols such as a ram's horn and a Torah scroll.
Mazar said Monday the objects can be dated to the seventh century. She said the treasure was discovered in a ruined Byzantine public structure a mere 50 meters (yards) from the southern wall of the hilltop compound revered by Jews as the Temple Mount where the two biblical Jewish Temples once stood. The site is also considered holy by Muslims who call it the Haram as-Sharif, or Noble Sanctuary.
