Pristine 2,700-Year-Old Engraved Seal Found by Israeli Archaeologists

Israeli archaeologists have uncovered a remarkably well-preserved 2,700-year-old stone seal near the Southern Wall of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. The seal, dating back to the First Temple period, bears an inscription in paleo-Hebrew script and a striking image of a winged figure, offering a rare glimpse into the art and culture of ancient Jerusalem.

Excavation directors Dr. Yuval Baruch and Navot Rom of the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) described the seal as "one of the most beautiful ever discovered in excavations in ancient Jerusalem," noting its exceptional craftsmanship. The seal, made of black stone, was likely used both as an amulet and for sealing legal documents.

The artifact features a detailed engraving of a figure, possibly a king, depicted in profile with wings, wearing a long, striped garment, and striding confidently. The figure's head is adorned with a mane of curls and what appears to be a crown. On either side of the figure, a name is inscribed in paleo-Hebrew: “LeYehoʼezer ben Hoshʼayahu.”

Dr. Filip Vukosavović, an archaeologist and Assyriologist with the IAA, emphasized the uniqueness of the discovery. “This is the first time that a winged ‘genie’ – a protective magical figure – has been found in Israeli and regional archaeology,” he said, drawing comparisons to similar figures in Neo-Assyrian art from the 9th to 7th centuries BCE. The figure on the seal was likely seen as a protective demon, embodying authority and power.

Researchers believe that the seal originally belonged to a man named Hoshʼayahu, who held a senior position in the Kingdom of Judah. After his death, the seal was inherited by his son, Yehoʼezer, who added his name to the artifact, perhaps to appropriate the protective qualities he believed it held.

The name Yehoʼezer is known from the Bible (Chron. I 12:7), appearing in its abbreviated form as Yoʼezer, one of King David’s fighters. The similarity of names in biblical texts and on the seal further supports its dating to the First Temple period.

Prof. Ronny Reich from the University of Haifa, a research partner, noted the contrast between the seal's intricate engraving and the more casual inscription of the names, suggesting that Yehoʼezer himself may have added the names to the seal. This detail hints at the literacy levels of the time, indicating that reading and writing were not limited to the elite but were common enough for practical purposes like commerce.

The discovery adds to the growing body of evidence of Assyrian influence on Judah during the late First Temple period, particularly in artistic and cultural expressions. Despite this influence, the Hebrew script and the distinctly Judahite name on the seal highlight the owner’s strong local identity.

Israeli Minister of Heritage, Rabbi Amichai Eliyahu, praised the find, stating, “The spectacular and unique find... opens another window for us into the days of the Kingdom of Judah during the First Temple period, and attests to that administration’s international connections.”

This extraordinary artifact, discovered as part of ongoing excavations by the IAA and the City of David organization, offers a direct and tangible connection to the rich history of Jerusalem and the broader region during the First Temple period, further underscoring the city's significance in the ancient world.

Share this story to celebrate the remarkable discovery, and subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on Israel’s archaeological treasures.