Jerusalem Archaeological Discoveries
Two major archaeological finds hit Jerusalem this week: An attempted heist accidentally revealed a previously unknown Second Temple-era stone workshop, while archaeologists separately unearthed a rare First Temple-era stone seal. Both discoveries offer fresh insights into ancient Jerusalem's daily life and craftsmanship.
The attempted heist that revealed the Second Temple-era workshop took place on the eastern slopes of Mount Scopus. The Israel Antiquities Authority's Theft Prevention Unit caught five suspects with excavation equipment, and upon inspecting the cave they were looting, discovered hundreds of fragments of chalkstone vessels and production waste. This workshop specialized in producing chalkstone vessels, which were essential for Jewish purity rituals during the Second Temple period. According to Jewish law, unlike pottery, stone does not become ritually impure, making these vessels highly sought after. The artisans used soft, local limestone and lathes to craft items like cups and bowls with precision. The location on Mount Scopus was strategic, situated on a main road for pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem from Jericho and the Jordan Valley. This suggests the vessels were likely sold to both Jerusalem residents and the many visitors journeying to the Temple. Meanwhile, the First Temple-era seal, dated to be 2,700 years old, was unearthed in the Davidson Archaeological Garden, just south of the Temple Mount. The black stone seal is inscribed in paleo-Hebrew with the name "LeYeho’ezer ben Hosh’ayahu," meaning "For Yeho'ezer son of Hosh'ayahu." This seal is considered one of the most beautiful ever found in ancient Jerusalem and was likely used by a senior official in the Kingdom of Judah's administration. Its engraving is in mirror writing so it could be used to make an impression in wax. What makes the seal exceptionally rare is the engraved image of a winged figure, described as a "genie" or protective demon, a motif known in Neo-Assyrian art but discovered for the first time in Israeli archaeology. Archaeologists from the Israel Antiquities Authority, Dr. Yuval Baruch and Navot Rom, directed the excavation. Researchers theorize the seal may have first been an amulet worn by the father, Hosh'ayahu, with his son, Yeho'ezer, adding their names to it later to appropriate its perceived magical protective qualities.
