 An Israeli
archaeologist has discovered what he says is the
earliest-known Hebrew text, found on a shard of pottery that
dates to the time of King David from the Old Testament,
about 3,000 years ago.
Professor Yosef Garfinkel of the Hebrew University of
Jerusalem says the inscribed pottery shard -- known as an
ostracon -- was found during excavations of a fortress from
the 10th century BC.
Carbon dating of the ostracon, along with pottery analysis,
dates the inscription to time of King David, about a
millennium earlier than the famous Dead Sea Scrolls, the
university said.
The shard contains five lines of text divided by black lines
and measures 15 by 15 centimeters, or about 6 inches square.
Archaeologists have yet to decipher the text, but initial
interpretation indicates it formed part of a letter and
contains the roots of the words "judge," "slave," and
"king," according to the university. That may indicate it
was a legal text, which archaeologists say would provide
insights into Hebrew law, society, and beliefs.
 
The researchers say the text was clearly written by a
trained scribe.
The shard was discovered at the Elah Fortress in Khirbet
Qeiyafa, about 20 miles southwest of Jerusalem. The
fortress, measuring 2.3 hectares (about 5.7 acres), is the
earliest-known fortified city of the biblical period in
Israel.
Excavations began there in June. So far, just four percent
of the site has been excavated, the university said.
Because the ostracon is similar to that found in other
Israelite settlements, and because no pig bones were found
at the site, archaeologists say the site was likely part of
the Kingdom of Judea. Jewish dietary laws forbid the eating
of pork.
Among the artifacts found at the site are more than 100 jar
handles bearing distinct impressions which may indicate a
link to royal vessels, the university said. Such a large
quantity found in such a small area is "unprecedented," the
university said.
The site of Khirbet Qeiyafa is located near the place
where the Bible describes the battle between David and
Goliath -- the Elah Valley, which shares its name with the
fortress.
Garfinkel said it is the only site in Israel in which to
investigate King David.
"The chronology and geography of Khirbet Qeiyafa create a
unique meeting point between the mythology, history,
historiography and archaeology of King David," he said.
Original Article:
http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/10/30/israel.ancient.text/index.html
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