Ancient Tablet Inscribed with Ten Commandments Set for Auction

A Hidden Treasure Unearthed

An extraordinary artifact dating back to the late Byzantine period is making headlines as it gears up for auction next month. A large tablet, inscribed with the Ten Commandments, was initially discovered serving as a mundane stepping stone in a private residence. According to a recent press release from Sotheby’s, the esteemed international auction house, this unique item is expected to fetch between million and million when it goes under the hammer.

Significance of the Tablet

Weighing an impressive 115 pounds and standing two feet tall, this tablet is believed to be the earliest known example featuring the complete Ten Commandments. Scholars estimate its age to be around 1,500 years, making it a remarkable link to history and religious tradition. Sharon Liberman Mintz, Sotheby’s international senior specialist in Judaica, books, and manuscripts, stated in an interview with ARTnews, “This is truly one of a kind. It’s one of the most significant historical artifacts I’ve ever worked with.”

A Journey Through Time

The tablet’s saga began in 1913 when it was unearthed near the southern coast of Israel during railway construction. For many years, it lay forgotten, utilized as a paving stone at a private residence with its inscription hidden from view. In 1943, the tablet caught the attention of a scholar who recognized its value—a Samaritan Decalogue that may have once adorned a synagogue or private home.

Historians have hypothesized that the original site of the tablet could have been destroyed during the Roman invasions between 400-600 CE or during the Crusades in the 11th century, erasing much of its historical context.

What the Inscription Reveals

The tablet is inscribed with 20 lines of text that echo well-known Biblical texts appreciated in both Jewish and Christian traditions. However, it is noteworthy that it includes only nine of the Ten Commandments. The omission of “Do not take the Lord’s name in vain” is especially significant, as it is replaced with a commandment emphasizing the importance of worship on Mount Gerizim, a site revered by Samaritans.

A Cultural and Historical Milestone

Richard Austin, Sotheby’s Global Head of Books & Manuscripts, described the tablet as “an extraordinary artifact” that provides a physical connection to the beliefs and moral codes that have shaped much of Western civilization. He noted, “To come across this shared piece of cultural heritage is to connect with millennia of history through one of humanity’s oldest and most enduring moral frameworks.”

Exhibition and Auction Details

The historical tablet will be displayed at Sotheby’s New York location from December 5 to December 17, allowing the public a rare opportunity to view this remarkable artifact before it is auctioned off on December 18. The anticipation surrounding the auction highlights not only the monetary value placed on the tablet but also its immense historical and cultural significance.

The Legacy of the Tablet

As the auction approaches, collectors, historians, and religious scholars are keenly interested in the tablet’s potential impact. Its sale could lead to further research and understanding of the religious practices and beliefs prevalent during its time, as well as the ongoing discourse surrounding the interpretation of biblical texts.

Conclusion

The tablet inscribed with the Ten Commandments stands as a tangible link to the rich religious heritage shared by Judaism and Christianity. Its forthcoming auction heralds a significant moment in the world of antiquities, offering a glimpse into the past and allowing individuals to connect with a medical framework that has influenced moral thought for generations.

Sotheby’s has yet to provide further comments as the auction date approaches, but the world will undoubtedly be watching closely as this remarkable piece of history takes center stage.

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