Scientists make incredible Bible discovery that could finally solve 2,700-year-old mystery
Archaeologists in Jerusalem say a relic could prove a bible character really existed - and offers insights into the multicultural holy city 2,700 years ago
Archaeologists in Jerusalem have unearthed a tiny ancient artefact that could have huge significance.
They believe the relic, which is smaller than a penny, could prove a warrior mentioned in the bible actually existed. The disc is a stone seal that was used as a sort of ancient 'dog tag' or I.D. card
This one was an amulet around the neck of a man who held a senior position in the holy city around 2,700 years ago. And it has an engraving of a winged 'genie' or 'demon' that has never been seen before in Israel.
However, it also features two names - 'Yehoʼezer' and 'Hoshʼayahu' - which are both mentioned in the bible. . 'Yoʼezer', which is an abbreviated form of Yehoʼeze, was the name of a fighter in King David's army mentioned specifically in Chronicles. I 12:7, reports Heritage Daily.
Dr. Filip Vukosavović from the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA), said: “This is an extremely rare and unusual discovery. This is the first time that a winged ‘genie’ – a protective magical figure – has been found in Israeli and regional archaeology.
"Figures of winged demons are known in the Neo-Assyrian art of the 9th-7th Centuries BC, and they were considered a kind of protective demon.”
Consequently, The finding also provides new evidence of a multi-cultural society - as it is described in the bible - thriving in ancient Jerusalem, reports the Mail Online.
The seal was made during the first temple period, when Jerusalem was a vassal of the Assyrian Empire. The engraving of a winged protective figure reflects the ruling power's artistic and cultural influence.
Excavation director Yuval Baruch said the fact the seal's owner chose a winged demon as his personal insignia "may attest to his feeling that he belonged to the broader cultural context". However, the fact the names inscribed on either side of the figure are written in Hebrew script, suggests whoever carved them also kept his local identity, said Baruch.
"This is an extremely rare and unusual discovery," said IAA Archeologist and Assyriologist Filip Vukosavovic'
Rabbi Amichai Eliyahu, said: “The spectacular and unique find discovered in the excavations of the Israel Antiquities Authority and the City of David opens another window for us into the days of the Kingdom of Judah during the First Temple period.”
