A unique Hebrew seal from First Temple era unearthed at Western Wall Plaza

A unique 2,700-year old clay seal stamped “to the Governor of the City” in ancient Hebrew script has been unearthed in archeological excavations at the Western Wall Plaza in Jerusalem. The piece of clay is stamped and pre-fired, measuring 13 x 15 mm and 2-3mm thick. The upper part depicts two figures facing each other clad in striped, knee-length garments, with the script underneath. The dig is conducted by the Antiquities Authority and the Western Wall Heritage Foundation. Dr. Shlomit Weksler-Bdolah believes that the seal was some kind of logo that was attached to an important transport sent to the city’s governor (“sar in Hebrew), who, according to the Bible, was the most prominent local dignitary in the First Temple-era capital city of Jerusalem and appointed directly by the king. (Joshua held this post in the days of Hezekiah – 2 Kings, and Maaseiah, in the days of Josiah – 2 Chronicles)

The seal’s finding and its location support the assumption that the western slopes of the western hill of ancient Jerusalem, some 100m west of Temple Mount, was inhabited by high-ranking officials during the First Temple period.

 

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

108 thoughts on “A unique Hebrew seal from First Temple era unearthed at Western Wall Plaza

Leave a Reply

Comments containing incitement, libel or offensive language are barred under DEBKAfile’s regulations

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *