Pristine 2,700 stone seal found by Israeli archaeologists

An incredibly well-preserved 2,700 year-old stone seal was uncovered by Israeli archaeologists near the Southern Wall of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. The seal dates back to the First Temple period and has a paleo-Hebrew script with an image of a winged figure.

Paleo-Hebrew script is an ancient writing system used by the Jews. It's derived from the older Phoenician alphabet, one of the earliest known alphabets and used in about the Tenth Century BCE until the Fifth Century BCE and eventually replaced by the Aramaic script.

Paleo-Hebrew script is mostly seen in inscriptions, coins, and some classical Hebrew manuscripts, including parts of the Dead Sea Scrolls. This script serves as a representation of early Jewish culture and language and shows us the existence of Jews in Israel long before Islam ever existed.

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," highlighting its exceptional craftsmanship. Made of black stone, the seal likely served a dual purpose: both as an amulet and for sealing legal documents.

The artifact showcases a detailed engraving of a figure, possibly a king, depicted in profile with wings, wearing a long, striped garment, and striding confidently. The figure has a mane of curls and what appears to be a crown adorning their head. On either side of the figure, a name is inscribed in paleo-Hebrew: “LeYehoʻezer ben Hosh'ayahu.”

Dr. Filip Vukosavović, an archaeologist and Assyriologist with the IAA, emphasized the extraordinary nature of the discovery. "This marks the first time a winged 'genie' — a magical protective figure — has been found in Israeli and regional archaeology," he declared. He mentioned that the figure resembles those seen in Neo-Assyrian art from the 9th to 7th centuries BCE. The seal's figure was probably considered a protective demon, representing authority and power.

Researchers think the seal originally belonged to a man named Hoshʼayahu, who had a high-ranking position in the Kingdom of Judah. After Hoshʼayahu's death, the seal was passed down to his son, Yehoʼezer, who then added his own name to the artifact. It is believed he did this to claim the protective qualities he thought the seal possessed.

The discovery contributes to increasing evidence of Assyrian influence on Judah during the late First Temple period, especially in artistic and cultural aspects. Despite this influence, the Hebrew script and the clearly Judahite name on the seal emphasize the owner’s strong local identity.

Israeli Minister of Heritage, Rabbi Amichai Eliyahu, commended the discovery, saying, "This extraordinary and unparalleled find... provides us with further insight into the era of the Kingdom of Judah during the First Temple period and highlights the administration's international relations."

This finding also shows us how Israel is historically the land of the Jews and the talk of Israel's "occupation" is bullocks.

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