Dan Inscription Detail

A detail of the Aramaic Inscription that was discovered at Tel Dan. The historical interpretation is much discussed, but it is certain that the reading (right to left) of the 6 characters highlighted in white mention the "house of David" (= the dynasty of David). The inscription dates to about 800 B.C.

It is estimated that the fragments are from a stela that originally measured 39 x 19 inches. The fragments were discovered in the open plaza outside the lower Iron Age city gate.