The Israel Antiquities Authority has announced the discovery of a 2,700-year-old clay seal bearing the name of Bethlehem in a Hebrew script that dates to the First Temple period. The seal, or fiscal bulla, was found near Jerusalem’s Old City walls and had probably been placed on shipment of goods sent from Bethlehem. It is said to be the oldest evidence for the name of the city of Bethlehem.

A stone anchor has been recovered from the waters off the coast of northwestern India by scientists from India’s National Institute of Oceanography. Such anchors were used by sailors in the western Indian Ocean traveling between East Africa, India, Arabian Gulf countries, and Sri Lanka. This one was probable made from rocks along the Indian coast. “The ports in the Gulf of Kachchh have contributed significantly to maritime trade since ancient times, and such trade was extensive between Gujarat and the Arab world even during the medieval period,” the scientists reported. They are still working on finding an accurate date for the anchor.

At the site of Pachacamac, located on the Pacific coast of Peru, archaeologists have opened an intact 1,000-year-old tomb containing the remains of more than 80 people. Newborns and infants had been buried around the perimeter of the tomb; skeletons and mummies were found within the main chamber, which was divided into two sections by a mud brick wall. The tomb is oval shaped, and had been covered with a roof of reeds. Copper and gold artifacts, masks, and ceramic vessels were also found.

The numbers of tourists to Egypt’s ancient monuments has dropped dramatically since last year’s political revolution, damaging the country’s economy. “Egypt deserves a second chance. It is a beautiful country, with beautiful people. Tourists should support this economy and enjoy the beauty and history of Egypt,” said a lone American tourist at the step pyramid of Djoser.

This entry was posted by Jessica E. Saraceni on Wednesday, May 23, 2012. Discussion of this blog entry is now closed.

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