us.cnn.com
Ancient Ten Commandments Tablet Sells for $5 Million
A 1,500-year-old stone tablet inscribed with nine of the Ten Commandments (with one replaced by a reference to Mount Gerizim), discovered in 1913 in Israel and later used as paving, sold for $5.04 million at Sotheby's and will be donated to an Israeli institution.
- What is the significance of a 1,500-year-old Ten Commandments tablet selling for over $5 million, and what does the buyer's intended donation signify?
- An ancient stone tablet inscribed with a version of the Ten Commandments sold for $5.04 million at Sotheby's New York auction. The buyer, who wishes to remain anonymous, intends to donate the artifact to an Israeli institution. This 115-pound, two-foot-tall stone, dating back to the Late Roman-Byzantine era (around 1500 years ago), was initially used as paving before its historical significance was recognized.
- How did the tablet's discovery, its period of neglect as paving, and its eventual recognition by a scholar reflect broader patterns in the study and preservation of ancient artifacts?
- The tablet's journey highlights the often-overlooked history of artifacts. Discovered in 1913 during railway construction in Israel, it remained unnoticed for decades before a scholar acquired it in 1943. The text, in Paleo-Hebrew, features nine of the Ten Commandments from Exodus, with a substitution referencing Mount Gerizim, central to Samaritanism. This substitution reflects the religious divergence of Samaritanism from Judaism.
- What insights does the substitution of one commandment with a reference to Mount Gerizim offer into the history of Samaritanism and its relationship to Judaism, and what are the long-term implications of this artifact's preservation?
- This sale underscores the enduring cultural significance of religious texts and artifacts. The high price reflects both the rarity of the object and its symbolic importance within multiple faiths. The tablet's eventual donation to an Israeli institution could inspire further research and cross-cultural dialogue regarding ancient religious practices and their lasting impact on modern societies.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the sale of the tablet as a momentous occasion, emphasizing its historical and cultural significance and high sale price. The headline and opening sentences immediately highlight the financial aspect, which may unintentionally overshadow the artifact's religious and historical context for some readers. The description of the tablet's journey from being used as paving stone to a valuable artifact reinforces a narrative of rediscovery and appreciation, potentially minimizing any discussion of its past uses.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral, although terms like "remarkable artifact," "vastly important," and "cornerstone of law and morality" carry positive connotations and could be perceived as somewhat loaded. While these terms accurately reflect the significance of the artifact to many, less emotionally charged vocabulary could enhance objectivity. For instance, "significant historical artifact" or "important legal and ethical text" could serve as neutral alternatives.
Bias by Omission
The article omits discussion of the potential controversies or differing scholarly interpretations surrounding the tablet's authenticity, age, or significance. While acknowledging the tablet's importance, alternative perspectives or challenges to its narrative are not presented. The absence of a counter-narrative could lead to an incomplete understanding for readers unfamiliar with the historical and religious context.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplified view of the tablet's religious significance, focusing primarily on its connection to Judaism and Christianity and its role in shaping Western civilization. Other potential interpretations or its importance to other religious or cultural groups are not explored, creating a false dichotomy by implying a singular, dominant interpretation.
Sustainable Development Goals
The sale and subsequent donation of the Ten Commandments tablet to an Israeli institution can contribute positively to peace and cultural understanding. The artifact represents a shared piece of cultural heritage with significant religious importance for Judaism and Christianity, promoting dialogue and potentially fostering mutual respect between different faiths. The act of preserving and sharing this historical artifact can contribute to a stronger sense of shared history and identity, which is relevant to SDG 16. However, the connection is indirect as the primary focus is historical and cultural.