BIBLE HISTORY DAILY

Rare Cuneiform Inscription Found in Malta

Bible and archaeology news

Archaeologists excavating an ancient sanctuary on the small, central Mediterranean island of Malta have discovered an agate stone inscribed with 13th-century B.C.E. cuneiform script. It is the farthest west the ancient Mesopotamian script has ever been discovered. The inscribed stone was uncovered at the sanctuary site of Tas-Silg and, according to its inscription, was dedicated to the Mesopotamian moon god Sin who was worshiped in the city of Nippur. While it’s still uncertain how the stone managed to reach the island, some have suggested it could have been looted from the temple of Nippur during battle and then gradually exchanged hands until it was carried by Cypriot or Mycenaean merchants to Malta.

Archaeologists excavating an ancient sanctuary on the small, central Mediterranean island of Malta have discovered an agate stone inscribed with 13th-century B.C.E. cuneiform script.