A priceless historical relic, the oldest known stone tablet inscribed with the Ten Commandments was recently sold at an auction in New York for the impressive sum of over $5 million.
This rare piece, dating from 300-800 AD, represents a tangible link to ancient beliefs that have profoundly influenced global religious and cultural traditions, reports
Organized by the renowned auction house Sotheby’s, the sale of the tablet generated huge interest at an international level. The auction, which lasted more than 10 minutes and was characterized as “intensely contested”, far exceeded initial estimates of between $1 million and $2 million. The buyer, who chose to remain anonymous, announced that he intends to donate the tablet to an institution in Israel, thus ensuring its preservation in an environment suitable for study and conservation.
History of discovery
The tablet, weighing approximately 52 kilograms, was discovered in 1913 during excavations for a railway along the southern coast of Israel. Initially, its historical importance was not recognized, and the artifact was used as a paving stone in a local household until 1943. It later came into the possession of a scholar who realized its exceptional significance.
A rare religious heritage
The tablet is inscribed in the Paleo-Hebrew script and is the only complete example of a text of the Ten Commandments from antiquity. The text follows the biblical verses known in the Christian and Jewish traditions, but with a notable peculiarity: it omits the third commandment regarding the use of the Lord’s name in vain and includes an additional directive, specific to the Samaritans, which recommends veneration on Mount Gerizim, a holy place of this community .
Cultural and spiritual value
Auction house Sotheby’s described the artifact as “a rare testament to history,” noting that the tablet is a direct link to ancient beliefs that deeply influenced the world’s cultures and religions. “This piece is a tangible symbol of the traditions that have shaped global religious history,” said Sotheby’s representatives.
The anonymous buyer will donate the tablet to an institution in Israel for preservation and study.
Significance for posterity
Although it remains a rare and valuable piece, the buyer’s plan to donate the tablet to an institution in Israel ensures that it will be available for research and public display, thereby contributing to a better understanding of the universal religious and cultural heritage. This unique relic continues to fascinate with its complex story and deep historical significance.
