dailymail.co.uk
Ancient Ten Commandments Tablet Fetches Undisclosed Price at Auction
A 1,500-year-old stone tablet inscribed with nine of the Ten Commandments, including a Samaritan-specific directive and omitting 'Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord in vain,' sold at a New York auction for an undisclosed price; it was originally discovered in 1913 in Israel and spent decades as a paving stone.
- What is the historical and cultural significance of the auctioned stone tablet?
- A 1,500-year-old stone tablet inscribed with nine of the Ten Commandments sold at auction for an undisclosed price. The tablet, featuring Paleo-Hebrew script and originating from a site likely destroyed by Roman invasions or the Crusades, is the oldest known complete example from the Late Byzantine period. Its unique inscription includes a commandment to worship on Mount Gerizim, significant to Samaritans.
- How does the tablet's inscription reflect the evolution of religious beliefs and practices?
- This auction highlights the enduring significance of the Ten Commandments as a moral code underpinning Western civilization. The tablet's discovery and journey—from paving stone to auction block—illustrates the accidental preservation and rediscovery of ancient artifacts. The omission of a commandment and the addition of a Samaritan-specific directive reveal cultural and religious evolution.
- What are the potential implications of this discovery for future archaeological and historical research?
- The sale of this ancient tablet underscores the enduring interest in artifacts that connect to pivotal historical and religious narratives. Future research on the tablet and its context could deepen our understanding of ancient religious practices and the evolution of the Ten Commandments. The high value attached to the artifact signals ongoing fascination with ancient religious history.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the story predominantly around the auction and the tablet's historical journey, highlighting its monetary value and rarity. The religious significance is mentioned, but the emphasis is on the artifact as a valuable object rather than a significant religious artifact. The headline itself, if focused solely on the auction price, would further exemplify this bias.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral, although phrases like "astonishing find" and "moral code that underpins western civilization" carry a certain level of implicit value judgment. These could be made more neutral, for example: 'significant artifact' and 'widely influential moral code'.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the auction and history of the tablet, giving less attention to the potential religious and historical debates surrounding its contents (specifically the differing version of the Ten Commandments and the Samaritan addition). While acknowledging the omission of 'Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord in vain', it doesn't delve into the theological implications or varying interpretations of the commandments across different religious sects. The archaeological finds at Zanoah are mentioned but lack detailed analysis of their significance in relation to the broader narrative of the Exodus.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplified narrative of the Exodus story, focusing primarily on the archaeological evidence and the tablet's auction without exploring contrasting historical perspectives or interpretations of the biblical account. It doesn't present conflicting views on the dating or accuracy of the biblical narrative.
Sustainable Development Goals
The discovery and preservation of the ancient Ten Commandments tablet contributes to understanding the historical evolution of legal and ethical frameworks, which are fundamental to building strong institutions and promoting peace and justice. The tablet's journey, from paving stone to auction, highlights the importance of preserving cultural heritage and archaeological artifacts which are essential for understanding the past and shaping a more just future.