Stunning First Temple Seal Unearthed in Jerusalem

Archaeologists in Jerusalem have unearthed what is being hailed as the “most beautiful seal from the First Temple period ever discovered in ancient Jerusalem,” according to Navot Ram, excavation director at the Israel Antiquities Authority.

The artifact, found in the historic City of David, features a striking winged figure alongside an inscription in paleo-Hebrew script. Experts believe the seal was used by a high-ranking official in the Kingdom of Judah to sign documents, a practice that was common among administrative elites during the First Temple era, which dates back to the 10th-6th centuries BCE.

“This seal provides a rare and tangible connection to the bureaucratic workings of the ancient Judean kingdom,” said a spokesperson from the City of David. Its detailed craftsmanship and well-preserved paleo-Hebrew script highlight the sophistication of the period’s artisans and scribes.

The discovery sheds light on the importance of seals in the ancient world, where they served as personal identifiers, ensuring the authenticity of documents and affirming the authority of the sender. The intricate winged design on the seal symbolizes the artistic and cultural influences of the time, blending local and regional motifs.

The find adds to the growing collection of artifacts uncovered in Jerusalem that provide invaluable insights into the lives of the Kingdom of Judah’s ruling class. It also reaffirms the City of David as a treasure trove of archaeological wonders, offering a deeper understanding of biblical history and the ancient Near East.

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