Newly Discovered Clay Fragment From The 14th Century B.C.

Posted: Jul 12, 2010 11:44 AM by Melissa Canone
Updated: Jul 12, 2010 11:45 AM

JERUSALEM (AP) - Archaeologists say a newly discovered clay
fragment from the 14th century B.C. is the oldest example of
writing ever found in antiquity-rich Jerusalem.
Dig director Eilat Mazar of Hebrew University says the
2-centimeter (0.8-inch) long fragment bears an ancient form of
writing known as Akkadian wedge script.
The fragment includes a partial text including the words
"you," "them," and "later."
It predates the next-oldest example of writing found in
Jerusalem by 600 years, and dates roughly four centuries before the
Bible says King David ruled a Jewish kingdom from the city.
Mazar said Monday that the fragment likely came from a royal
court and suggested more could be found in the most ancient part of
Jerusalem, located in the city's predominantly Palestinian eastern
sector.

Topics: Newly, Discovered, Clay, Fragment, From, The, 14th, Century, B.C.