Archaeologists discovered a 2600-year-old seal with a fingerprint: what the biblical artifact reveals

Israeli archaeologists have uncovered a clay seal in Jerusalem that dates back over 2600 years and has a clear fingerprint. The artifact, known as a bulla, features an inscription associated with a warning about the demise of Judea from biblical times.

The inscription reads: 'Belongs to Edaya (son of) Asayahu.'

This name is linked to trusted officials of King Josiah of Judea, who ruled during the time of the First Temple. The seal may have been used to seal a bag or container of royal officials during that period.

Recall that Josiah commissioned religious reforms after the discovery of a sacred scroll in the temple. Its content contained warnings of famine, war, and exile for sins, which shocked the king so much that he sent advisors, including Asayahu, to change the situation in Jerusalem.

The seal was found in the Temple Mount area, where influential residents had similar artifacts. The style of writing and method of production indicate the late 7th to early 6th century BCE, when Jerusalem was undergoing Temple renovations.

Recently, a mysterious pyramid was discovered in the Judean Desert containing many ancient artifacts, and very rare seals depicting animals were found in Turkey, dating back several thousand years.

The archaeological discovery of the ancient clay seal in Jerusalem testifies to the involvement of royal officials in ancient events related to religious reforms and changes occurring in the ancient city. The find provides additional insights into the history and life in the area of Jerusalem over two thousand six hundred years ago.