Ben HaCohen (Ben the High Priest)
An excavation in north Jerusalem has led to the unique, interesting discovery of An ancient sarcophagus. Carved on to the fractured lid is a square typed writing that hold characteristics of the second temple period. The fracture is made of a rough stone chalk, finely designed, about 0.60 meters long and 0.48 meters wide. On the lid a carved Hebrew writing: "Ben HaCohen HaGadol (Ben the Great Priest)"…
The cover of the Sarcophagus
During to the Second Temple period, the high Priests (heb: Cohanim) had served in the temple. Although it is unknown as to which high priest’s name is written on the lid, It might be connected to a priest that lived between the years 30-70 B.C. Some of the great Cohanim that are more well-known from that period were Cohen Kyafa, teopolice (yadidya) son of Hana, Shimon son of Bitos, Hanan son of Hanan, and others.
The Israeli Ministry of Defense financed the excavations, which were conducted under the supervision and administration of Naftali Aizik and Benyamin Hareven. All excavations took place only within Israel’s borders.
There were many more discoveries exposed during the excavation. Ranging from public structures and houses, agricultural facilities, to pools and water wells, all of which are dated from the Second Temple Period up until the early Islamic Period.
Excavation Site
The fractured lid was not found in any sort of building or structure designated for the sarcophagus, but instead it was resting in the drainage water from later remnants. It seems that the lid was stolen from its original location about 1000 years ago and was used for building needs for later Islamic structures that existed in the area.
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