Artifacts known as epigraphs, e.g., inscriptions, seals, monuments, consist of written materials found in the archaeological record. Written materials discovered by archaeologists can illuminate (adding to knowledge) or confirm (provide concrete evidence) biblical events. 

In Mesopotamia archaeologists discovered thousands of clay tablets. Egypt has yielded "tons" of written material. In Palestine little written material survives. For example, at the Hazor Excavations in Memory of Yigael Yadin scarabs found in Late Bronze Age strata incited considerable excitement as these rare artifacts provide helpful means for establishing the absolute chronology of the loci in which excavators found them. 

Ancient languages, existing as non-alphabetic representations, required "decoding", e.g., the Rosetta Stone which proved to be the key to "unlock" the hieroglyphics of ancient Egypt.

Page last edited: 02/18/07 10:13 PM

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