Discovering Ancient Artifacts in Middle East Street Markets

Hey everyone!

I visit the middle east (Lebanon) once every few years, during the summer, and I've decided to start a small thread on the artifacts I've been finding with artifact dealers, this will be the first.

I hope this will be both interesting and eye-opening, especially when it comes to showcasing the still-remaining artifacts circulating the streets. It's been a wild ride finding all sorts of ancient (and not so ancient) artifacts. Here are a few pieces that caught my eye:

(P.S Lebanon has strict regulations regarding the export of artifacts. While it might be relatively easy to find artifacts, taking them out of the country is illegal. I want to emphasize that I do not condone or support any illegal activity related to smuggling artifacts in any country)

1. Late Roman Oil Lamp

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2. Roman Glass (allegedly)
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3. Ancient Spearhead (allegedly) (Looks similar to a mainz Gladius)
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What do you all think of these finds? Have any of you come across similar items? I'd love to hear your opinions and any evaluations on authenticity you might have. The prices are pretty good compared to auction houses LOL, i think two items go for around 200$ and I'm pretty sure they tried to over charge me.



And Just to justify this post on the "Ancient Coins Forum"

My most recent win, still on the way:



a very mean looking Caracalla. (215-217 AD). Billon Tetradrachm. Phoenicia. Tyre.


Looking forward to your thoughts!

Cheers,
K

 

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Hello, Actually i was wondering why there were no threads about that. Will be sure to add onto it for the next one.

Cheers,
K

 

Cool artifacts. Please allow me to make a small diversion and give a plug for one of the world's finest mineral museums. It is called MIM and is located in Beirut, Lebanon. You will now be returned to your regularly scheduled program.

 

Haha Thank you for the diversion! I actually know that museum, its not too far from Lebanon's National Museum itself.

Will be sure to create a thread once i move onto Mineral Collecting LOL.

 

Cool artifacts. I think it'd be really fun to delve into that kind of thing. But in my ignorance, I'd unfortunately be the sucker buying bucket loads of fakes

I also went with a provincial for my Caracalla. I wanted to get coins that, when people view my collection, really told the story of mean old Caracalla murdering his cute, innocent little brother!

Caracalla


Geta

 

That made me laugh out loud. Geta looks unbelievably innocent and i immediately felt bad for him LOL. Great coins and a wonderful conversation piece.

 

Cherd, you described me perfectly if I attempted to do this.