Oldest Stone Tablet Inscribed with Ten Commandments Fetches Over $5 Million at Auction

The oldest known stone tablet featuring the Ten Commandments was auctioned for over USD 5 million. The sale took place on Wednesday, with Sotheby's announcing that an anonymous buyer purchased the 52-kilogram marble slab. This buyer intends to donate it to an Israeli institution. The final price surpassed the initial estimate of USD 1 million to USD 2 million.

The tablet, dating back to between 300 and 800 A.D., is inscribed in Paleo-Hebrew script. It is the only complete example from antiquity, according to Sotheby's. Discovered during railroad excavations in southern Israel in 1913, its historical importance was initially overlooked. It was used as a paving stone until a scholar recognised its value in 1943.

Historic Auction and Bidding Details

Sotheby's reported that the auction involved more than 10 minutes of intense bidding from global participants. The New York-based auction house highlighted the competitive nature of the event, which contributed to the final price exceeding expectations. The tablet's unique historical significance likely drove the high level of interest among bidders.

The text on the slab aligns with Biblical verses known to Christian and Jewish traditions. However, it omits the third commandment against taking the Lord's name in vain. Instead, it includes a directive to worship on Mount Gerizim, a site sacred to Samaritans, as noted by Sotheby's.

Significance and Historical Context

Sotheby's described the tablet as "a tangible link to ancient beliefs that have profoundly shaped global religious and cultural traditions." This statement underscores its rarity and historical importance. The slab serves as a testament to history, offering insights into religious practices of ancient times.

The marble slab's journey from being a paving stone to a valued historical artifact highlights its transformation over time. Its eventual recognition by a scholar in 1943 marked a turning point in understanding its significance. This discovery added depth to our knowledge of ancient religious texts.

This auction not only highlights the tablet's monetary value but also its cultural and historical importance. The buyer's intention to donate it ensures that this piece of history will be preserved for future generations. Such artifacts offer invaluable insights into past civilizations and their beliefs.