An impressive archaeological discovery was recently made in Israel. The untouched tomb of an ancient Greek courtesan came to light, with unique findings.

In a cave near Hebronas St Jerusalemarchaeologists discovered the remains of the woman – found charred bones– as well as her personal belongings.

According to the Times of Israel, the courtesan was buried with one ornate bronze mirrordating back to before 2,300.

“The quality of the mirror is so good that it was preserved in excellent condition and looked like it was made yesterday,” said Liat Oz, director of the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA).

The rare bronze mirror found inside the courtesan’s tomb – Photo released by the Israel Antiquities Authority

“Such mirrors were considered an expensive luxury item and could come into the possession of Greek women in two ways. Either as part of their dowry before a wedding or as a gift given by men to their female partners,” the researchers noted.

As married Greek women hardly ever left their home, the remains and the mirror are considered certain to belong to a courtesan, who was probably found in the area as “companion” of Alexander the Great’s campaign.

Excavation director Liat Oz at the entrance to the courtesan’s tomb – Photo released by the Israel Antiquities Authority

The woman probably died during the journey and was buried in the area. In fact, according to the scientists, her remains are one of the “first indications of cremation in Israel in the Hellenistic period”.