The world’s oldest inscribed tablet of the Ten Commandments, dating back approximately 1,500 years, is heading to auction with an estimated value of $1 million to $2 million, according to Sotheby’s.
The relic, carved during the Late Byzantine period (300–800 A.D.), is believed to be the only complete surviving tablet of the Ten Commandments from that era.
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“We understood how powerful the object was and we were really thrilled to be able to offer it for sale to the public,” Sharon Liberman Mintz, Sotheby’s international senior specialist of Judaica, books and manuscripts, said.
“This is really one-of-a-kind,” Mintz continued. “It’s one of the most important historic artifacts that I’ve ever handled.”
Discovered in 1913 during railway construction near Israel’s southern coast, the artifact features 20 lines of Paleo-Hebrew text, with nine of the Ten Commandments clearly visible. Notably, one commandment differs from the traditional version.
Instead of “Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord in vain,” the inscription instructs followers to worship on Mount Gerizim, a site considered sacred by the Samaritans. This variation reflects the unique theological traditions of Samaritanism.
After its unearthing, the tablet was sold to a local resident and was used as a sidewalk stone, its inscription exposed to foot traffic. Sotheby’s described the tablet as having been located near ancient synagogues, mosques, and churches, highlighting its significance as a relic of interwoven religious histories.
The auction is set for December 18, offering collectors a rare opportunity to own a tangible piece of biblical history.
This article originally appeared on American Faith, and is reposted with permission.
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