Numerous discoveries from the past have been unearthed at the Kursi National Park, and the recent Passover excavations did not disappoint when children found a rare 1,200-year-old coin from the Muslim rule of the Land of Israel.
Located east of the Sea of Galilee, Kursi National Park is the site of a Byzantine monastery dating back to the 5th century. Built on the traditional site of the Miracle of the Swine, this monastery provides valuable insights into early Christian architecture and religious practices in the region.
Among the significant findings at the Kursi Monastery are mosaic floors adorned with intricate designs, pottery shards, coins and architectural remnants. These artifacts offer clues about the lives, customs, and interactions of the people who once lived and worked in this area.
Excavations at Kursi Beach have uncovered findings and structures from earlier periods, shedding light on the ancient past of the site. Among other discoveries, evidence of a Jewish village, which predated the monastery and was located on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, was found. This village also had a magnificent synagogue, now hidden within a thicket of reeds.
"The site is known as a center from the Byzantine period about 1,500 years ago," said Dr. Achia Cohen-Tavor, who leads the archaeological excavation. "However, recent digs have revealed new findings from a later period under Muslim rule about 1,200 years ago. This includes the coin found by children. These findings highlight Kursi's complex and layered history, making it a significant site for archaeologists and history enthusiasts alike."
In the past three years, the Nature and Parks Authority has conducted the "Digging Through Time" activity at the Kursi National Park, allowing the public and the local community to participate in ongoing archaeological digs.
Over the years, many artifacts have been discovered by visitors. Recently, this initiative has been extended to small groups, and in honor of the holiday, the Nature and Parks Authority has opened the activity to the wider public.