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A public clerk's seal dated to the time of Solomon's Temple |
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Discovered in the Walls of Jerusalem National Park. This finding reveals an interesting development in the ancient world, according to which as early as the 8th century BC, officials and traders started stamping their names on shipments and letters During excavations performed in Jerusalem by the Israel Antiquities Authority in conjunction with the Israel Nature and National Parks protection Authority and the "Elad" non profit organization uncovered several important findings, one of which is a complete seal with the name Rephaihu (ben) Shalem written in Hebrew. The excavations were made in the Spring House near the Gihon Spring in the City of David, and revealed additional seals, including two stone seals, all of which bear Hebrew names dated to Solomon's Temple era. The researchers performing the excavations, Eli Shukron and Professor Ronny Reich, mentioned that previously, excavations at the City of David revealed seals from the same period, but all symbols on the seals were graphic, including fish, lizards, birds and similar symbols. This new finding indicates a change in customs, using seals that bear the name of the public officials that handled shipments and letters. Excavations in the City of David (the Ophel) began in 1995, revealing artifacts from 3,000 years ago, including a building identified as King David's palace, public buildings, water facilities, seals, coins and additional findings that testify to the continuity of Jewish life in the city in ancient times. The City of David National Park is open to the public on Sunday through Thursday between 08:00-17:00 and on Friday between 08:00-13:00. Admittance is 23 NIS for adults and 12 for children. For additional details see: www.cityofdavid.org.il
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