Ancient Roman Lion-Head Discs Unearthed in Israel Reveal 1,900-Year-Old Burial Secrets!
A remarkable archaeological discovery in central Israel has revealed a set of four beautifully crafted bronze lion-head discs, dating back nearly 1,900 years. Found at a Roman-era burial site, these intriguing artefacts offer a rare glimpse into ancient funeral customs and the enduring power of lion symbolism across cultures.
The discs were unearthed in 2018 during an excavation at Khirbat Ibreika, near the Eyal Interchange in the Sharon region. The dig, led by Dr Elie Haddad and Elisheva Zwiebel of the Israel Antiquities Authority, was recently published in the journal ‘Atiqot.
Photo Credit: Assaf Peretz, Israel Antiquities Authority
Carefully stacked within a grave, the lion-head discs are thought to have once adorned the carrying handle rings of a wooden coffin, long since decayed with time. Their arrangement suggests they played a key role in the funeral procession, possibly carried by pallbearers with the help of these elaborate “lion rings.”
Unlike typical Roman design, where rings were threaded through the lion’s mouth, these feature rings attached at the top of the lion’s head, an unusual setup that may have offered greater flexibility while the coffin was carried.
Photo Credit: Dafna Gazit, Israel Antiquities Authority
Each of the four lions is unique, showing individual differences in expression, mane style, and facial features like eyes and noses. Similar items have been found at other Roman-era sites in Israel, including Netanya and Tel Dor, reinforcing the idea that such lion-themed decorations were part of a wider regional tradition linked to burials.
While we still don’t know who the deceased was or their exact beliefs, the high-quality craftsmanship and prominent symbolism hint at someone of significant social standing. In many ancient cultures, lions represented power, nobility, and protection, qualities likely intended to honour or safeguard the individual in the afterlife.
Illustration Credit: Yakov Shmidov, Israel Antiquities Authority
Interestingly, the excavation team noted that there isn’t enough evidence to link the lions to any specific religion. However, the most plausible interpretation is that this was a pagan burial, reflecting the spiritual diversity of the Roman Empire at the time.
The discovery site also included Roman-period glass vessels, further enriching the picture of ancient funerary practices in the region.
Israel’s Heritage Minister, Amichai Eliyahu, highlighted how cultural exchange, like that seen in these lion motifs, continues to shape societies throughout history. As the discs are prepared for conservation and eventual public display, they stand as a testament not only to Roman craftsmanship but also to the layered cultural identity of the region nearly two millennia ago.