The Dead Sea treasure hoard of Nahal Mishmar


Nahal Mishmar sceptre (image from Wikipedia)


The Nahal Mishmar treasure hoard discovered in 1961 includes the oldest known crown in the world and an ornate sceptre. Found inside a cave bordering the Dead Sea (not far from the Dead Sea Scrolls) and about 11 km from the Ein Gedi Temple ruins, they are stunning examples of Chalcolithic age copper work using the 'lost wax' method. 

The hoard consists of over 400 objects thought to have been stashed following the abandonment of the Ein Gedi Temple. Many objects, including the crown and sceptre, are obviously ceremonial with signs of wear and repair. Therefore, they are thought to be considerably older than the reed mat in which they were wrapped. The sequence of events leading to their storage is unknown, but possibly it was an attempt to hide the precious objects from marauding invaders.

The symbolism, including on the crown and sceptre, is notable for depictions of ibex and vultures and therefore we can date these artefacts using our zodiacal method. The reed mat in which they were wrapped has been radiocarbon dated to 4550 to 3950 BC (2 sigma range using the Intcal13 calibration curve). According to our zodiac, the ibex at this time and place corresponds to Gemini while the vulture is Saggitarius. These are the same symbols as on Pillar 43 at Gobekli Tepe, but here they are one-quarter of a great year later. So here they represent the spring and autumn equinoxes respectively.

Using Stellarium, the date of these objects must therefore be within 6300 BC to 4200 BC. Once again, our zodiacal method is in perfect agreement with their radiocarbon age, as these copper objects are thought to be much older than the reed mat.



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