2,700-year-old stone seal with Hebrew inscription found in Jerusalem

Archaeologists from the Israel Antiquities Authority have unearthed a 2,700-year-old stone seal near the Southern Wall of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.

The ancient artifact, dating back to the First Temple period, bears a name inscribed in ancient Hebrew script and depicts a winged figure, possibly a king.

The seal, crafted from black stone, is considered one of the most beautifully executed discoveries from ancient Jerusalem.

Dr. Yuval Baruch and Dr. Navot Rom, who directed the excavation, noted that the seal was used both as an amulet and for legally signing documents.

The seal's engraving includes the name "Yehoʼezer ben Hoshʼayahu," with the figure on the seal portrayed in profile, adorned with wings, and wearing a long, striped shirt.

The figure's unique depiction in a Neo-Assyrian style highlights the cultural influence of the Assyrian Empire on Judah during that period.

Dr. Filip Vukosavović from the Israel Antiquities Authority suggested that the seal was likely worn as an amulet by a high-ranking official named Hoshʼayahu, whose son, Yehoʼezer, later added their names to the seal.

The artifact's intricate craftsmanship and historical significance provide valuable insight into the literacy and cultural dynamics of the era.