Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – After more than a decade, archaeologists have succeeded in deciphering the meaning of words engraved on a fragment of the neck of a jug left over from the reign of King Solomon in Ancient Israel.

Launching from LiveSciencethrough published studies Jerusalem Journal of Archaeology archaeologists revealed that the word carved on the neck of the jug means “Ladanium 5”.

“Ladanium 5” is a word that refers to the sap of an aromatic plant used to make incense or incense, namely Labdanum or Cistus Ladanifer.

Archaeologists say that the writing was carved using Old South Arabian script in the Sabaean language. Generally, the Sabaean language was spoken in Biblical times in the Arabian Peninsula, specifically the Kingdom of Sheba which is now Yemen.

Archaeologists believe this writing to be the oldest writing written using Old South Arabic script found in Israel.

Apart from the fragments of the “Ladanium 5” jug, experts also found six other large jugs during excavations or excavations for ancient objects in 2012 in Ophel, Jerusalem, Israel. Allegedly, this piece of jug comes from the 10th century BC (BC).

In their research report, the researchers considered that the jugs were a sign of “clear ties” between King Salman and the Kingdom of Sheba.

“This jug was made locally and the words were carved by a speaker of the Babaean language which has a connection with frankincense,” said study author and archaeologist at Ben-Gurion University in Israel, Daniel Vainstub, quoted Monday (16/10/2023).

“This proves the strong relationship between the two kingdoms,” continued Vainstub.

According to the research, the Kingdom of Sheba played an important role in cultivating the plants needed to produce perfume and incense.

Meanwhile, at the same time, Solomon’s Kingdom controlled the trade routes that crossed the Negev desert to the Mediterranean docks, where goods were exported.

“Deciphering the inscription on this jug teaches us not only about the presence of a Sabaean speaker in Israel during the time of King Solomon, but also about the system of geopolitical relations in our region at that time,” said Vainstub.

“Especially when considering the place where the jug was found, namely in an area that was also known as an administrative center during the time of King Solomon. This is evidence of extensive trade and cultural ties between Israel under King Solomon and the Kingdom of Sheba,” he continued.

[Gambas:Video CNBC]

(hsy/hsy)