Antiquities and Ancient Art: Israeli Lifeguard Uncovers Rare 5th Century BC Marble Discus

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July 13, 2008

Israeli Lifeguard Uncovers Rare 5th Century BC Marble Discus

A young lifeguard swimming near Palmachim beach south of Tel-Aviv discovered a rare marble discus, known in Greek as an ophtalmoi, dating to 5th Century BC. according to reports out of Israel tonight.

The 20cm discus, which would have been fastened to the hull of an ancient ship with a bronze nail, was a good luck token that represented the pupil of an eye and would have adorned a combat or cargo ship.

To date, only four such items have been found in the world – two of them here in Israel, one recovered from the Mediterranean Sea off the coast at Carmel in addition to this one at Yavne-Yam, according to the Israeli Antiquities Authority.

Click here for the full story in Arutz Sheva and more photos.

July 13, 2008 in Greek | Permalink