Inscribed pottery shard found from First Temple

Archaeologists have discovered a pottery fragment in Jerusalem believed to be from the First Temple period that contains the name of a biblical figure.

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JERUSALEM (JTA) — Archaeologists have discovered a pottery fragment in Jerusalem believed to be from the First Temple period that contains the name of a biblical figure.

The fragment was found near the City of David in the village of Silwan, believed to be the site of the ancient city of Jerusalem, according to the Israel Antiquities Authority.

The words on the fragment are believed to be the name of Zechariah son of Benaiah, the father of the seventh century BCE prophet Jahaziel. The writing is in ancient Hebrew script; the first letter is missing.

Jahaziel is found in the second book of Chronicles, when he prophecizes for King Jehoshapat.

The fragment was found among other shards of pottery, candles, ceramics and figurines also believed to be from the end of the First Temple period.

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