The 3,000-year-old inscription that could prove Old Testament stories are TRUE

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2546917/3-000-year-old-recipe-WINE-proves-Old-Testament-TRUE.html

The 3,000-year-old inscription that could prove Old Testament stories are TRUE

* The label dates from second half of the 10th Century BC and was discovered in the Ophel area of Jerusalem, south of Temple Mount
* It is thought to be the most ancient Hebrew engraving to emerge from the archaeological digs in the area so far
* Could mean Bible stories of King David and King Solomon were not passed down orally but written down at the time and are accurate
* Historians believe the type of cheap wine held in the containers would have been drunk by slaves and soldiers

By Mark Prigg

PUBLISHED: 13:51 EST, 27 January 2014 | UPDATED: 19:02 EST, 27 January 2014

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A small fragment of ancient pottery researchers believe shows the first wine label could prove that the reigns of King Solomon and King David actually occurred.

The 10th century BC 'Ophel Inscription' was unearthed last year, and scientists were initially baffled by the bizarre language that was inscribed on the remains of a jug.

A new translation reveals the contents of a jar was 'lousy' plonk intended for slaves - and sheds new light on society at the time.

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The label dates from second half of the 10th Century BC and was discovered in the Ophel area of Jerusalem, south of Temple Mount



The label dates from second half of the 10th Century BC and was discovered in the Ophel area of Jerusalem, south of Temple Mount

The word on the pitcher reads 'yayin' or wine and he believes it should read 'in the year [¿ ]M, wine, part, m[¿]' in a form of ancient Hebrew, according to professor Galil

The word on the pitcher reads 'yayin' or wine and he believes it should read 'in the year [¿ ]M, wine, part, m[¿]' in a form of ancient Hebrew, according to professor Galil

GOLD TREASURE ALSO FOUND

A rare trove of coins and jewellery was found buried near temple Mount in Jerusalem in September 2013.

It included 36 gold coins dating back to the seventh century with images of Byzantine emperors and a 10cm medallion etched with a Menorah, Shofar made from a Ram's horn and a Torah scroll.

A 3,000-year-old earthenware jug was found - which is the same one that has now been deciphered.

The discovery was made in the ruins of a Byzantine public structure located in the Ophel region - between the city of David and around 50 metres from the southern wall of the First Temple.

Temple Mount is considered one of the most religious sites in Jerusalem and is where two biblical Jewish temples once stood.

It is also a site of Muslim interest site known as the Haram as-Sharif, or Noble Sanctuary.

This area is thought to be part of an ancient city wall in Jerusalem dating back to the 10th century BC, possibly built by King Solomon.

The label is thought to be the most ancient Hebrew engraving to emerge from the archaeological digs in Jerusalem to date.

'We are dealing here with real kings, and the kingdom of David and Solomon was a real fact,' Gershon Galil from the department of Jewish History at Haifa University told FoxNews.com.

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