A remarkable discovery from the Temple Mount in Jerusalem is offering a glimpse into pilgrimage practices during the Second Temple period. Archaeologists working with the Temple Mount Sifting Project unearthed a 2,000-year-old clay token inscribed with Greek letters and depicting a wine jug.
The inscription and imagery on the token strongly suggest it was used in a system of exchanging offerings at the Temple. According to Project co-founder Zachi Dvira, pilgrims likely purchased these tokens and redeemed them for specific offerings during major festivals like Passover, Shavuot, and Sukkot.
“This practice aligns perfectly with descriptions found in the Mishna,” explains Dvira, referring to a collection of Jewish oral traditions compiled around 200 CE. The Mishna mentions the offering of first fruits and other prescribed items during pilgrimage festivals. The tokens offered a convenient solution for pilgrims who couldn’t bring all the necessary offerings with them.
The Temple Mount Sifting Project, established in 2004, meticulously sifts through tons of debris removed from the Temple Mount area in 1999. This meticulous process has yielded numerous artifacts, including the clay token in question. Discovered in 2011, the token features the image of a specific type of wine jar alongside six Greek letters. Some experts believe these letters spell “Doulês,” a known personal name in regions with thriving Jewish communities during that period.
The specific design of the wine jug and the use of Greek lettering allow researchers to date the token to the first century BCE, coinciding with the reign of King Herod. Dvira suggests the Greek inscription may have catered to pilgrims who spoke Greek, as it was a common language in the Roman world. There’s also evidence of some administrative use of Greek within the Temple compound.
Interestingly, another token discovered around the same time bears an inscription in Aramaic. Interpretations of this inscription range from “pure to God” to abbreviations representing the purchase date, possibly as an anti-counterfeiting measure. These two tokens, along with two others found in the Old City, are the only known examples of their kind.
Dr. Yoav Farhi, an archaeologist specializing in ancient coinage, examined these unique tokens in a 2023 publication. He highlights their distinct conical shape with pinched backs, unlike typical clay seals used for documents. Farhi suggests they functioned similarly to paper tickets or coupons, allowing pilgrims to redeem them for specific offerings.
While the exact mechanics of their use remain unclear, the circumstantial evidence points towards their connection to the Temple. “We have more questions than answers,” acknowledges Dr. Farhi. The limited number of these tokens and the challenges of funding further complicate the task of definitively understanding their purpose.
The Temple Mount Sifting Project continues its painstaking work, offering invaluable insights into Jerusalem’s rich history. Despite facing financial difficulties, the project’s dedication to sifting through the debris holds the promise of revealing even more about the Temple Mount and the lives of those who frequented it.