A group of four exquisitely crafted bronze lion-head discs dating back nearly 1,900 years has been unearthed in central Israel, giving a glimpse into the Roman-era burial ceremony and the universal appeal of lion symbolism.

Three of the lion heads as they were discovered on the site. Credit: ᴀssaf Peretz, Israel Antiquities Authority

The discovery, made in 2018 while excavating at Khirbat Ibreika near the Eyal Interchange in the Sharon region, was published recently in the ‘Atiqot journal.

The excavation, conducted by Dr. Elie Haddad and Elisheva Zwiebel of the Israel Antiquities Authority, revealed the discs neatly stacked inside a grave, implying they were once attached to the carrying handle rings of a wooden coffin that had decayed centuries ago.

Graphic reconstruction: Carrying the coffin aided by the “lion rings”. Illustration: Yakov Shmidov, Israel Antiquities Authority

In contrast to typical Roman designs, where the handle rings pᴀssed through the lion’s mouth, these discs feature rings joined at the top of the lion’s head. This rare setup likely offered more mobility for the handles during funeral processions.

Lion head with a ring handle attached to the top of the disc. Credit: Dafna Gazit, Israel Antiquities Authority

Each of the four lion heads is distinct, varying in facial expression, mane design, and features such as eyes and nose. “Similar discs were discovered in several other places in Israel, such as in Netanya and Tel Dor—most of them found in a distinct burial context,” the researchers noted, concluding there was an even broader regional tradition in the Roman period.

While the specific idenтιтy and religious background of the deceased are unknown, the nature of the artifacts and their symbolism suggest a high-ranking individual. The lion, which normally represented strength, nobility, and protection in ancient cultures, plays a central role in this discovery.

The finds piled at the edge of the tomb, next to glᴀss vessels from the Roman period. Credit: ᴀssaf Peretz, Israel Antiquities Authority

“At this stage, we do not have enough evidence to ᴀssociate the lions with a particular religion. However, the reasonable ᴀssumption is that here we have a pagan burial,” said the directors of the excavation.

All four lion heads from the Eyal Interchange excavation. Credit: Dafna Gazit, Israel Antiquities Authority

Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu emphasized that borrowing of cultures continues to shape civilizations. As these remarkable artifacts prepare for preservation and eventual display, the discovery of the lion-head discs not only adds to our understanding of Roman-period burial practices, but also highlights the rich tapestry of cultural influences that defined life and death in the region.