Description: This is a potsherd with the Hebrew word "sh'ma", meaning to hear, written on it and dates to about 500 BCE.

Era: Middle Semitic Script

Image Credit: Jeff A. Benner

Date of Inscription: c. 500 BCE

Location of Discovery: Israel

Date of Discovery: ?

Current Location: Museum of Anthropology and Archeology, University of Pennsylvania

Language: Hebrew

Writing Surface: Pottery

Inscription: שמע

Transliteration: Sh'ma

Translation: Hear

Comments: This word is referencing the first word of Deuteronomy 6:4 - Hear O, Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One.