Israeli archaeologists found an ancient weight from the time of the first Jewish temple built by Solomon.
The weight was found near the Western Wall beneath Wilson’s Arch, an ancient stone arch, in Jerusalem.
According to CBN News, the weight is the measurement of two shekalim.
“The weight is dome-shaped with a flat base. On the top of the weight is an incised Egyptian symbol resembling a Greek gamma (γ), representing the abbreviated unit ‘shekel.’ Two incised lines indicate the double mass: two shekalim,” said Dr. Barak Monnickendam-Givon and Tehillah Lieberman, directors of the excavation on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority.
The shekel weight system was used during the First Temple period for annual taxes that were used for temple maintenance.
“According to previous finds, the known weight of a single shekel is 11.5 grams, thus a double shekel should weigh 23 grams – exactly as this weight does. The accuracy of the weight attests to advanced technological skills as well as to the weight given to precise trade and commerce in ancient Jerusalem. Coins were not yet in use during this period, therefore the accuracy of the weights played a significant role in business,” said Dr. Monnickendam-Givon and Tehillah Lieberman.
The weights would have also been used for sacrifices, offerings, food and other items.
“How exciting, in the month of Tishrei, whose symbol is the scales of…
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