News story by Aryaa Sinha
Jerusalem Nov 2: The Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) announced that archaeologists have found an ancient seal from the Second temple period (period between 597BC-70AD in Jewish history) in Jerusalem, Israel. It was discovered in the foundations of the western wall in Jerusalem’s old city. The seal is carved out of amethyst (a precious purple stone used in making jewellery) and is about 1cm long and 0.5cm wide. Though, in ancient times seals were used to stamp official documents but this seal has a hole in it which suggests it was even worn as a ring. The seal is engraved with a dove perched on a branch of a thick long fruit bearing plant. It is believed that during the second temple period, this plant was used as one of the most expensive ingredients to produce incense, perfume, medicines, and ointments. This is an important discovery because it provides a glance into the lives of people who lived in the days of the second temple. This seal has engravings of a precious and famous plant which until now could only be read about in books.
