Archaeologists have discovered a clay seal stamp from the First Temple period during excavations in the Western Wall Plaza, Jerusalem.
According to Dr. Weksler-Bdolah, "This is the first time that such a sealing has been found in a legal excavation, and it supports the biblical record of the existence of a governor in Jerusalem 2,700 years ago.”
The seal measures 13 x 14 mm and was made using fired lump clay. The upper part of the seal depicts two figures in a facing position, while the back has an inscription written in ancient Hebrew script.
The inscription reads ““belonging to the governor of the city”. The title “Governor of the City” is known from the Bible and from extra-biblical documents, referring to an official appointed by the king.
Governors of Jerusalem are mentioned twice in the Bible: Joshua is the governor of the city in the days of Hezekiah (2 Kings), and, Maaseiah is the governor of the city in the days of Josiah (2 Chronicles).