Researchers Find 2,700-Year-Old 'Governor Seal' In Jerusalem
Archaeologists in Israel have recovered a seal impression that they say confirms the existence of Jerusalem governors identified in ancient religious writings.
The impression was discovered in an archaeological project in the Western Wall plaza of Jerusalem.
The small clay object has a message written in the ancient Hebrew language. It says 'Belonging to the governor of the city.’
The impression could have been placed on shipments from the city leader to another leader or important person.
For historians, the discovery from the First Temple-period of Jerusalem is evidence that the city had a governor at least 2,700 years ago.
A Jerusalem governor is identified two times in The Bible, the holy book of Judaism and Christianity. Until now, there has never been any historical evidence of such a position.
Archaeologists say it also proves that the city has been an important center of a Jewish state for around 3,000 years.
The archaeologists are publicizing their discovery at a time of growing tension around Jerusalem. Recently, United States President Donald Trump recognized the city as Israel's capital. The official standing of Jerusalem is a sensitive issue in the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. The Palestinians want the eastern part of the city as the capital of their future state.
