Green Gem Ring Depicting Hundreds Of Years Old Shepherd Found In Israeli Shipwreck

Israel's ancient ring. (Source: Israel Antiquities Authority via The Times of Israel)

JAKARTA - A ring featuring an early Christian depiction of Jesus as a shepherd has been found, along with other artifacts from a centuries-old shipwreck off the coast of Israel, archaeologists say.

A gold ring with green gemstones engraved with the figure of a boy carrying a ram or lamb on his shoulder, was found along with hundreds of silver and bronze coins on the Mediterranean seabed near the ancient port of Caesarea, the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) said, citing Reuters December 22. .

The good shepherd is one of the earliest symbols used by Christian communities in the east, one archaeologist said, adding that the ring dates from around the middle of the third century.

In the New Testament Book of John, Jesus calls himself the Good Shepherd who will protect the flock of his faithful followers.

Israel's ancient ring. (Source: Israel Antiquities Authority via The Times of Israel)

The Israel Antiquities Authority said the find, which also includes Roman-era statues and a ring engraved with a biblical harp image, comes from the hulls of two ships, dating from the sixth and 17th centuries, that may have run aground during a storm while anchored at the site.

"The ships probably docked nearby and were destroyed by the storm," said Jacob Sharvit and Dror Planer of the IAA's Marine Archeology Unit, reported The Times Of Israel.

"They may dock offshore after experiencing difficulties, or fear stormy weather, as seafarers know very well that anchoring in the shallow and open waters beyond harbors is dangerous and vulnerable to disaster," the two added.

The Acts of the Apostles in the New Testament describes Peter baptizing the Roman centurion Cornelius in Caesarea. The city was one of the early centers of Christianity and hosted one of the first Christian communities, the Israel Antiquities Authority said.