Crowns and Princesses, Ancient Headdress Discovered In Israel

In the summer of 1996, during an archaeological excavation at Tel Miqne, identified as the biblical city of Ekron, a remarkable artifact was uncovered: an 18-karat gold jewel designed in the shape of a cobra. This unique piece, discovered in a destruction layer from the Iron Age II, survived the Babylonian destruction of the city in 603 BCE.

But how did an Egyptian-style jewel make its way to Tel Miqne?

Tel Miqne is known as one of the five Philistine cities. The Philistines were heavily influenced by Canaanite culture and eventually assimilated into it. Canaanite culture, in turn, absorbed numerous symbols from Egyptian traditions, including the cobra emblem. The cobra, or “uraeus,” was a central symbol of royal authority and divine protection in Egyptian culture.

The lower part of the cobra ornament had a base, allowing it to be attached to a crown or wig. Depictions of this wearing style appear in Egyptian wall paintings, where the ornament is shown prominently on the front of headdresses.

According to Dr. Amir Golani, an archaeologist with the Israel Antiquities Authority and an expert in ancient jewelry, the placement of the cobra decoration on the forehead conveyed a clear and powerful message in the ancient world: the wearer was protected by the gods and served as the source of authority and power. The bearer of this symbol was, in essence, a leader or figure of great significance. Symbols of power, such as crowns and jewelry, were integral to how figures of importance displayed their status. Effective leadership wasn’t only about managing a kingdom well—it also required projecting strength and creating propaganda. Religious symbols like the cobra emblem were among the most potent tools for this purpose.

“Furthermore,” Golani adds, “gold is an eternal material that does not decay or tarnish, making this cobra jewel even more significant. In ancient Egypt, gold represented the ‘flesh of the gods’ and eternity. Those who wore it not only projected wealth but also signified their status as being protected by the gods and closely connected to divine realms.”