International archeology scholars revealed in a press conference Thursday what could be one of the greatest archaeological discoveries in history.
Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
Dr. Scott Stripling, provost at The Bible Seminary in Houston, Texas, and colleagues deciphered the ancient Hebrew inscription on a talisman that had been found at Israel's Mount Ebal in Samaria, referred to in the Bible as a place of curses.
Researchers say they have uncovered the earliest proto-alphabetic Hebrew text ever discovered in Israel. It confirms the discovery of Israeli archeologist Professor Adam Zertal, who, after excavating the site in the 1980s, declared it was the location of Joshua's Altar, described in the Book of Deuteronomy.
The two-centimeter by two-centimeter folded lead talisman was first discovered a year ago during the process of sifting the rubble from the site. Researchers have since dated it to 1,200 BCE. It is also the earliest such artifact to feature the Tetragrammaton, the four-letter name of God.
Head of the Samaria Regional Council Yossi Dagan said that the talisman was proof of the Jewish people's deep connection to Samaria.
"The significance of this finding for the people of Israel and the state cannot be overstated," he added, vowing to "continue to work to preserve the site, which has in recent years been damaged by Palestinian road works.
Moshe Guttman, chairman of right-wing NGO Shomrim Al Hanetzach, called on the government to invest in the preservation of sites in Judea and Samaria, saying it is no longer a "local matter," but one of preservation of heritage and archeology.
Subscribe to Israel Hayom's daily newsletter and never miss our top stories!
