So, why did I discuss Chanuka a few days early? Because it set the stage for today’s discussion.
A series of researchers (Shira Faigenbaum-Golovina, Arie Shausa, Barak Sobera, David Levina, Nadav Na’aman, Benjamin Sass, Eli Turkel, Eli Piasetzky, and Israel Finkelstein) from Tel Aviv University presented their archaeological findings vis a vis the proficiency of the early populace of Israel to read and write. In particular, their findings seem to demonstrate that lucid writing proved the literacy of the populace at the time of Nebuchadnezzar, the Babylonian king (who destroyed the first Temple in Jerusalem, around 600 BCE).
According to their published results in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), relics identified from the Arad Fortress (near the Dead Sea, highlighted with the red arrow above) involved the writings of at least 16 separate individuals on ostraca [potsherds; these serve as writing surfaces a long time ago]. The various different “handwriting” samples supports the researchers’ thesis that literacy was widespread in early Israel.
The writings on these ostraca are requests from Eliashib (who served as the quartermaster of the Arad fortress) for provisions, as well as his notice to a subordinate. And, the authors of the requests spanned the ranks of the military and royal establishment.
Interestingly, this was not simply an archaeological analysis; the work actually combines the disciplines of history (in particular, Jewish history) and applied mathematics (which provided the algorithmic analysis of handwriting and language)- plus computerized image analysis.
Why is this study an important finding? Because many biblical scholars argued that the Tora and the first books of Neviim could not have been codified in a contemporaneous fashion, because there were too few folks capable of producing such writing (or having folks able to read them) around the time of 600 BCE.
Using the population of Judah at the time comprising some 100,000 folks, coupled with these findings, we can compute that there would have been (at least) hundreds of literate individuals throughout the kingdom. This would mean that the writing of the Tora through II Kings would certainly have been possible before the destruction of the Great Temple.
Let the arguments begin…
Oh- and may you all have wonderful holidays- be it Xmas, Kwanzaa, Chanuka. (Milad un Nabi [Islamic holiday] was last week…)
Fascinating!
As an aside, what is BCE as opposed to BC?
Happy Holidays to you to Roy 😉
The Great Gordino recently posted..It’s The Journey That Matters, In The End.
BCE is the proper method of writing dates. It means Before the Common Era. (You know, scientists like facts. And, the fact that even if Jesus were the lord (at least 65% of the world differs from that opinion), at the very least Jesus was born March or April in the year MINUS 4!
To me, this would just prove the literacy of certain segments of the population – indeed, hundreds of literate people within a population of some 100,000. I applaud a multidisciplinary study although we must always keep in mind the lesson of a children’s book called The Motel of the Mysteries. Things aren’t always what we conclude through the eyes of people living thousands of years later.
I think I failed to explain it then. The logic is that if very low levels of the military were capable of reading and writing- but that they were still a little more trained than the common man (or woman), that’s how they derived the numbers of literate folks in Judea back around 600 BCE>
I am tickled every time proof is found to verify that Scripture is correct and “scholars” are wrong. Pinning this for future reference, thanks!
Susan Landry recently posted..Small Ways to Serve Close to Home this Christmas
Glad to keep you tickled this time of year, Susan!
Thanks for the visit.
I happen to think this is great information. Thanks for passing it along. To have all the information on Moses, Daniel, Noah and so many others, there had to be written records, it just seems that we only learn a little at a time because that is all we can handle
william recently posted..Set For The Whole Foods Weight Loss Challenge
That may, indeed, be the case, Chef William.
And, this information will certainly change the way folks consider our ancients. Of course, the Ancient Judeans were considered “people of the book”, so it shouldn’t be surprising that a fair percentage of the population was capable of reading and writing…