The archaeological discovery is a small piece of pottery, approximately 2,700 years old, inscribed with Assyrian cuneiform writing.
This discovery is considered direct evidence of the existence of diplomatic relations between the Assyrian king and the Kingdom of Judah in the eighth and seventh centuries BC, when Judah paid tribute to Assyria.
The artifact, measuring just 2.5 cm in length, was found at the Western Wall in ancient archaeological layers. Scholars hypothesize that it is a seal from a letter or royal parcel. The text mentions "Officer of Chariots" (a high-ranking Assyrian official) and the date (the first day of the month of Ab), which is associated with a deadline for an administrative order or payment.
The composition of the clay differs from that of the materials used in Jerusalem and the southern Levant. Analyses indicate sediments from the Tigris River basin, where great Assyrian cities such as Nineveh, Ashur, and Nimrud were located.
The 2,700-year-old inscription reflects the period when Judah was under Assyrian control.
