An ancient financial record dating back to the time of Jesus has been found inscribed on a stone in Jerusalem.
Archaeologists discovered the chalkstone tablet at an excavation site along the City of David’s restoration of the Pilgrimage Road.
It was once Jerusalem’s main thoroughfare running from the Pool of Siloam to the Temple Mount.
The name Shimon is carved into the small stone slab along with the Hebrew letter mem which represents money.
CBN News reports there are also numbers which detail a financial transaction.
It’s still unclear whether it’s a receipt or an invoice, although the Israeli Antiquities Authority (IAA) believes it’s the former:
“The stone slab was initially used as an ossuary or burial chest, commonly used in Jerusalem and Judea during the Early Roman Period,” it said.
“The everyday life of the inhabitants of Jerusalem who resided here 2,000 years ago is expressed in this simple object. At first glance, the names and numbers may not seem exciting, but to think that, just like today, receipts were also used in the past for commercial purposes, and that such a receipt has reached us, is a rare and gratifying find that allows a glimpse into everyday life in the holy city of Jerusalem,” the IAA added.
It says the excavation of the Pilgrimage Road is its flagship project.
Read the article on Vision Christian Media.