A unique phenomenon was discovered: archaeologists made an unexpected find in the caves near Jerusalem.

While studying the system of underground springs in the Nahal Refaim valley, Israel, archaeologists made an unexpected discovery. Located in the Nahal Refaim valley, this site holds significant historical importance due to its connection to ancient water supply systems and agricultural practices, reports Heritage Daily.

Recent excavations conducted by researchers from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem uncovered the formation of cave pearls — a rare natural phenomenon. These pearls formed on fragments of ancient ceramics and gypsum at the bottom of the main spring tunnel. This unique find has been described as "the first of its kind" due to its rarity and the context of its formation.

Cave pearls are concentric layers of calcium salts that form around a small nucleus, typically when dripping water in a cave releases carbon dioxide, causing calcite to precipitate. The flowing water of the spring provides gentle rotation of the nucleus, creating perfectly spherical formations that resemble pearls formed within mollusks.

The Hebrew University shared information on social media about the dating process, which combined carbon-14 analysis with archaeomagnetic methods. The results indicated that most of the discovered cave pearls date back to the Hellenistic period, likely linked to the reconstruction of the tunnels at that time.

Overall, researchers found 50 cave pearls, some of which are arranged in unusual formations. This discovery illustrates the evolution of the spring system and the environmental changes it has undergone over the centuries, offering insights into the ancient engineering and natural processes that shaped the region's history.

We also reported on an ancient inscription dedicated to Jesus, found in Israel. Scholars believe this is the oldest recorded reference related to Christianity discovered to date.