(JERUSALEM POST) — A rare collection of ancient seals inscribed with the names of officials dating to the Judean Kingdom, prior to the Babylonian destruction, was recently unearthed near the Old City’s walls during excavations conducted by the Israel Antiquities Authority.
Dozens of seals, made of small pieces of clay used to officially close letters, were well preserved in the City of David despite the fires that once engulfed the ancient capital, and serve as evidence of their owners.
According to Ortal Chalaf and Dr. Joe Uziel, directors of the excavation funded by the El Ir David (ELAD) organization, the seals illustrate the advanced administrative underpinnings of Jerusalem during the First Temple period.