Biblical seal impressions found in Jerusalem

February 23, 2009

JERUSALEM (JTA) -- Seal impressions that date back to the reign of the biblical King Hezekiah were found in southern Jerusalem.

The collection was discovered in the village of Umm Tuba during a routine excavation before the start of planned construction in the Arab neighborhood.

Archeologists from the Israel Antiquities Authority unearthed a large building on the site that dates to the time of the First and Second Temples. The royal seal impressions were discovered in the building.

Pits, agricultural installations and subterranean silos were discovered hewn inside the courtyard. In addition, a potter’s kiln, a large columbarium cave with a rock-hewn hiding refuge and pottery vessels also were discovered inside the complex. The pottery vessels that were recovered from the ruins of the building indicate that it dates to the First Temple period in the eighth century BCE.

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