Stone tablets with biblical commandments found in Israel were sold at Sotheby's auction

The oldest known stone tablet containing the 10 Commandments of the Bible was sold at a Sotheby's auction for more than $5 million.

Key points:
— The oldest known stone tablet with the 10 commandments of the Bible was sold at Sotheby's auction for more than $5 million.
“This stone tablet is not only a historical artifact, but also an important symbol of the beliefs that formed the basis of Western civilization.
— The age of the tablet is estimated at at least 1.5 thousand years, it belongs to the early Byzantine era.
— The stone artifact was discovered in 1913 during the construction of a railway line in Israel.

What is known about the sale of the oldest stone tablets with biblical commandments:
— It is indicated that this stone tablet is at least 1.5 thousand years old. It dates back to the early Byzantine era.
“It sold for more than previous estimates of $1-2 million.”
— Representatives of Sotheby's noted that the auction lasted 10 minutes.
“Later, the owner of the tablets became an anonymous buyer who intends to transfer the artifact to one of the museums in Israel.

This amazing tablet is not only a historical artifact, but also a connecting element to the beliefs that helped shape Western civilization, said Richard Austin, head of Sotheby's books and manuscripts department.

What is known about the history of the unique tablet:
— The tablet weighs more than 50 kg and is about 60 cm high. It was found in 1913 during excavations for laying a new railway line in the southern part of modern Israel.
“Despite the fact that 10 biblical laws were carved on it in Hebrew writing, the find was not appreciated at the time. For three decades it was used as part of paving stones. The stone was placed on the road with the inscriptions facing up, and pedestrians walked on it.
— In 1943, the stone was sold to a scientist. He determined that the tablet was a monument and contained the Samaritan Decalogue of Commandments. He also suggested that the table with the commandments was displayed in a synagogue or in a private home.
— There are 20 lines of text carved on the stone; they exactly repeat verses from the Bible. One of the ten commandments is missing.
— Instead of the missing commandment “Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain,” there is an instruction to worship God on the holy mountain for the Samaritans, Gerizim.

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