12-year-old Alon Horowitz found a rare sixth-century Nicolo gemstone minutes before a community dig ended at Korazim National Park near the Sea of Galilee.
Archaeologists say the pale-blue agate likely came from an expensive ring inside a wealthy estate, pointing to an affluent owner in Roman-Byzantine Galilee.
Achia Kohn-Tavor said the stone was not locally sourced, suggesting Korazim was tied into long-distance trade networks that brought international luxury goods to the area.
Korazim—identified with biblical Chorazin and about two miles north of Capernaum—adds New Testament context to the find at a site linked to Jesus' ministry.
The discovery came through an Israel Nature and Parks Authority program with Ariel University, part of a recent run of Israeli children uncovering notable antiquities.