Israel discovers 2,600-year-old stone seal with Biblical name

JERUSALEM -- 2,600-year-old stone seal and seal impression, bearing Hebrew Biblical names, were uncovered at the archaeological site of the City of David in ancient Jerusalem, as reported on Sunday by the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA).

The finds were discovered in excavation conducted by the IAA and Tel Aviv University, which is located in the center of the state.

The two findings, sized about one centimeter each, were discovered in a large public building made of ashlar stones, which was destroyed in the 6th century BC - probably in the Babylonian destruction and burning of Jerusalem in 586 BC.

Large stone collapse, burnt wooden beams and pottery vessels were discovered in the building, attesting to the fire.

The inscription on the seal impression, dated to the days of the Jewish First Temple, contains the Hebrew words meaning "to Nathan Melech the servant of the king."

"Nathan Melech" is mentioned once in the Bible, as an official in the court of King Josiah. The title "servant of the king" described in the Bible a high-ranking official close to the king.

Seal impressions were small pieces of silt used in ancient times for letters, and were intended to keep the letters closed on their way to their destination.

The stone seal, made of bluish agate, is engraved with the name "Ikkar son of Matanyahu." The name "Matanyahu" is known from the Bible and seals, but this is the first mention of the name "Ikkar," which was probably the first name.

Such personal seals were used to sign documents, often placed as part of a ring and noted the identity, attribution and status of their owners.

The findings attest to the developed system of administration in the ancient Kingdom of Judea and add information to the understanding of Jerusalem's economic status and its administrative system during the Jewish First Temple period.