In a remarkable auction event, the oldest known stone tablet inscribed with the Ten Commandments was sold for over $5 million, exceeding all expectations.
Weighing 115 pounds and estimated to be around 1,500 years old, the ancient marble slab surpassed the presale estimate of $1 million to $2 million, highlighting its immense historical significance. The auction, conducted by a renowned auction house in New York, witnessed intense bidding that lasted more than 10 minutes, ultimately securing the artifact for an anonymous buyer.
The tablet, inscribed in Paleo-Hebrew script, stands as a unique piece from antiquity, being the only complete example of its kind. Originally discovered during railroad excavations along Israel’s southern coast in 1913, it failed to garner immediate attention for its historical value. It wasn’t until 1943, after being used as a paving stone in a local residence, that a scholar recognized its importance and acquired it.
This ancient artifact not only holds religious significance, being inscribed with Biblical verses known to both Christian and Jewish traditions, but it also features a unique commandment directing worship on Mount Gerizim, a site sacred to the Samaritans. Notably, the third commandment, which cautions against taking the Lord’s name in vain, is absent from this tablet.
An auction house specialist described the tablet as a “tangible link to ancient beliefs that have profoundly shaped global religious and cultural traditions, serving as a rare testament to history.” The significance of this artifact extends beyond religious circles, offering invaluable insights into the cultural heritage and historical narratives of the time.
This sale not only reflects the profound historical and religious importance of the stone tablet but also underscores the enduring fascination with artifacts that connect us to our ancient past. The buyer’s decision to donate it to an institution in Israel ensures that its cultural and historical value will be preserved for future generations.
Source: News4jax
