Jar Fragment (IMAGE)
Caption
This jar fragment from the time of Kings David and Solomon is the earliest alphabetical written text ever discovered in Jerusalem. Unearthed near Jerusalem's Temple Mount by Hebrew University archaeologist Dr. Eilat Mazar, it is dated to the tenth century BCE and bears an inscription in the Canaanite language. The text contains a combination of letters approximately 2.5 cm tall, which from left to right translate to m, q, p, h, n, (possibly) l, and n. The archaeologists suspect the inscription could specify the jar's contents or the name of its owner.
Credit
Photo courtesy of Dr. Eilat Mazar; photographed by Ouria Tadmor.
Usage Restrictions
Must include caption and credit info.
License
Licensed content