Press Communication for the 2009 Season
A Unique Inscription from Second Temple Times
Found in Jerusalem
A unique ten-line inscription on the side of a stone cup commonly used for ritual purity during the first century CE was recently uncovered in archaeological excavations conducted this summer on Mount Zion in Jerusalem. Inscriptions of this kind are extremely rare and only a handful has been found in scientific excavations made within the city.
The new inscription from the first century CE is presently being deciphered by epigraphic experts in an effort to determine the meaning of the text, which is clear but cryptic. The dig also produced a sequence of building remains dating from the history of Jerusalem, from the First and Second Temple periods through to Byzantine and Early Islamic periods.
From the Second Temple period archaeologists uncovered a house complex with an mikve (purification pool) with a remarkably well preserved vaulted ceiling. Inside this house were three bread ovens with a level of burning dating from the year 70 CE when Titus and the Roman troops stormed the city. Archaeologists believe that this area of the Upper City of Jerusalem served as the priestly quarter of Jerusalem during Second Temple times. In support of this were interesting finds including an ornate window screen made of stone. Ten murex shells were also found and these were used for producing the argaman dye which was used for the coloring the priestly vestments at that time.
In addition, a large arched building with a mosaic floor (preserved to a height of 3 metres) from the Byzantine period was also uncovered; perhaps it is part of a building complex or street associated with the nearby Church of St Mary (the Nea)
The 2009 season was held from June 14 (Sunday) to July 10 (Friday), with an extension up to July 15.
