Archaeologists in Jerusalem have found a fragment of Assyrian cuneiform for the first time

Unique Discovery in the Heart of Jerusalem

Archaeologists from the Israel Antiquities Authority have discovered a tiny fragment of pottery with a cuneiform inscription in the Akkadian language, dating back to the 8th-7th centuries BCE. The artifact was found near the Western Wall of the Temple Mount, making it the first Assyrian inscription from the First Temple period found in Jerusalem.

The excavations were conducted in collaboration with the City of David Foundation under the leadership of Dr. Ayala Silberstein. The discovery was made during wet sifting of soil in the Tzurim Valley National Park. Archaeologists Philip Vukosavovic, Anat Cohen-Weinberger, and Peter Zilberg from Bar-Ilan University participated in the project.

Emotions and Historical Significance

The fragment, measuring only 2.5 cm, caused astonishment among archaeologists. Moria Cohen, a participant in the project, described the moment of discovery as emotional. “I saw a pattern on the shard resembling cuneiform. At first, I didn’t believe it, but when I realized it was a real inscription, I screamed with joy,” she shared.

According to researchers, the fragment comes from soil that flowed into a drainage channel from the Second Temple period. This location is one of the closest to the Temple Mount, making the find key to understanding the political and administrative life of ancient Jerusalem.

Context and Significance

Dr. Ayala Silberstein noted that the inscription confirms official correspondence between the Assyrian Empire and the Kingdom of Judah. This discovery demonstrates the extent of Assyria’s presence in Jerusalem and its influence on the city’s administration.

According to Assyriologists Peter Zilberg and Philip Vukosavovic, the shard was likely part of a royal bulla — a clay seal certifying the authenticity of official letters or cargoes from the Assyrian court.

Details and Assumptions

Preliminary analysis of the inscription indicates a delay in tax payment or another administrative debt. A deadline is mentioned — the first day of the month of Av, and “chariot” or “the one who holds the helm” — a high-ranking official.

Although the name of the Judean king has not been preserved, the context suggests a possible connection with the court of Hezekiah, Manasseh, or Josiah. Researchers do not rule out that the letter concerned a tax conflict during the reign of King Sennacherib.

Origin and Further Research

Petrophysical analysis showed that the pottery was not made in Jerusalem. Dr. Anat Cohen-Weinberger noted that the clay composition matches the geological characteristics of the Tigris River basin, where the main cities of Assyria were located. Detailed chemical research is currently underway to accurately determine the artifact’s place of origin.

This small fragment opens a window into the diplomatic and administrative relations between Judah and Assyria, becoming the first historical evidence of official communication between Jerusalem and the most powerful empire of its time.