Bronze Lion’s heads found in Israel

[guy]

 

Four bronze lion-head discs were discovered in a now-destroyed coffin in Israel. They are believed to date to the first or second AD. They may have decorated a wooden coffin, possibly functioning as handles or ceremonial ornaments.

 

- Archaeologists in Israel discovered four bronze lion-head discs in a 1,900-year-old Roman grave near Kfar Saba, northeast of Tel Aviv.

- Each lion’s head has slightly different facial expressions and manes.

- The discs had rings attached to the tops of the heads, not the mouths, suggesting a purpose other than door knockers.

- Researchers believe the discs may have served as coffin handles used to lower the wooden coffin into the grave.

- The discs were found stacked neatly on one side of the tomb, raising questions about whether they were intentionally removed during the burial ceremony.

- No other graves at the site contained similar lion-head artifacts, indicating the individual buried there likely held high status in Roman society.

- The lion symbolized strength and nobility, supporting the idea of the high status of the interred individual.

- The exact cultural significance of the discs remains unknown, and archaeologists hope future discoveries will shed more light on their use..

 

 

 

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/four-bewildering-bronze-lions-heads-with-slightly-different-facial-expressions-found-in-ancient-roman-grave-in-israel-180986922/

Edited July 9, 2025 by guy