Roman tomb opened and puzzling bronze discs with 3D engravings from almost 2,000 years ago found

A set of metal objects decorated with three-dimensional relief lion heads has been found in a nearly 2,000-year-old Roman tomb in central Israel. The bronze discs, found alongside other funerary artifacts, have been described by archaeologists Elie Haddad and Elisheva Zwiebel as "a unique and very rare collection," both for their design and their arrangement within the tomb.

The discovery was made during a rescue excavation conducted by the Israel Antiquities Authority at the Khirbat Ibreika archaeological site, as part of pre-construction works for a railway line. Eight stone tombs from the 1st-2nd century AD were documented at the site, though one in particular stood out for containing four ornamental discs neatly stacked at one end.

According to Atiqot magazine , each disc features a three-dimensional model of a lion's head and is accompanied by a bronze ring attached to the top. This design contrasts with other similar designs found in the Roman era , where the rings were often integrated into the animal's mouth. Metal remains were also found, including an iron nail with fragments of wood attached, which would indicate the existence of a coffin that has since disappeared.

Symbolism of the lion and its presence in ritual contexts

The most widely accepted hypothesis among experts suggests that these discs acted as functional elements to facilitate the transport of the coffin , allowing wooden poles to be inserted through the rings. However, the orderly arrangement of all the discs on one side of the burial site raises doubts about their true purpose.

Beyond its possible practical function, the symbolism associated with the lion in the Roman world adds another dimension to the discovery. This figure was typically associated with power, nobility, and protection, and was frequently found at entrances to temples, fountains, and necropolises . Therefore, researchers do not rule out a symbolic or ritual significance in the placement of these objects in the tomb.

Some authors have suggested that the discs could be related to representations of Aion , a Hellenistic deity associated with the time cycle and the zodiac. However, this approach, based on very specific iconographic interpretations , continues to be the subject of academic debate and lacks widespread consensus.

Due to the quality and uniqueness of the artifacts, archaeologists believe the individual buried here enjoyed a high status in his community . These objects are notable not only for their technical workmanship but also for their potential ceremonial value in the burial context.