The Darius inscription
Yoli Schwartz/Israel Antiquities Authority
While touring Tel Lachish last December, visitors stumbled across a pottery sherd with an inscription etched across it. After reporting it to the Israel Antiquities Authority, and following research by an epigrapher, the ostracon was revealed earlier this month to be the first-ever inscription found in Israel bearing the name of the famed Persian king, Darius the Great.
Unfortunately, two days later, the discovery turned out to be fake news.
On today’s program, host Brent Nagtegaal talks about how an honest archaeological mistake led to the discovery. Then he discusses how the famous Persian king was critical in the construction of the second temple in Jerusalem.
Show Notes
The Darius Affair: A Case of Mistaken Authenticity—And Overreaction?
