Remarkable Discovery: King Hezekiah's Seal Impression Unearthed

Stunning Archaeological Find at the Temple Mount: The seal impression of King Hezekiah was uncovered during renewed excavations conducted by the Hebrew University at the Temple Mount area, near the southern wall.

The seal impression, oval in shape and measuring 8.6 by 9.7 mm, was found on soft clay (bulla) measuring 12 by 13 mm and 3 mm thick. The seal was imprinted on a document written on papyrus, preserved rolled and tied with thin cords. Along with the seal, 33 different seals were discovered, some with Hebrew names, and showing marks of coarse fabric and thick strings that likely sealed various food products. Numerous pottery fragments, such as figurines, were also found.

According to estimates, the discoveries were found in an area used during the reign of Hezekiah, or shortly after, as a garbage dump within a royal building that stored food products. The building is part of a series of structures, including a gatehouse and towers, built in the second half of the 10th century BCE.

The seal found during the excavations

As mentioned, King Hezekiah reigned from 727-698 BCE, and the historic seal was found in an area managed by Haggai Cohen-Kalonymus, during wet sifting of soil layers from the excavation, conducted at the Emek Tzurim facility.

Dr. Eilat Mazar from the Hebrew University, interviewed by the ynet site, said these are archaeologically significant findings. "Although seal impressions with Hezekiah's name have been known in the antiquities market, this is the first time such an impression of a king of Israel or Judah has been found in scientific archaeological excavations," she describes. "The symbols on the seal impression indicate a change in the latter days of Hezekiah, when the state symbols and the king's symbol shifted from a winged scarab (dung beetle) - a symbol of power and authority - to a winged sun symbol, emphasizing the divine protection granting the regime its power - something prevalent in the ancient Near East and even used as Assyrian royal insignia."

The renewed excavation at the site began six years ago, in cooperation with the Israel Antiquities Authority. The excavations are also conducted in the "Ophel" archaeological garden area, part of a national park surrounding Jerusalem's walls, managed by the Israel Nature and Parks Authority.