A stone tablet bearing engravings of the Ten Commandments was sold for a staggering $5 million (P297 million) at a Sotheby's auction on Wednesday. Despite questions surrounding its authenticity, the high price tag underscores the allure of ancient artifacts and religious relics.
While no one has claimed the tablet to be the original Biblical artifact, experts have raised doubts about its purported provenance, dating it between the 3rd and 8th centuries CE. The tablet was reportedly discovered during railway construction and carries a Paleo-Hebrew script.
An Israeli archeologist recognized its significance and acquired it before it was eventually transferred to the Living Torah Museum in Brooklyn. Sotheby's specialist Sharon Liberman Mintz expressed excitement about handling such a unique piece of antiquity, highlighting its rarity in private collections.
The auction house emphasized the historical and cultural importance of the tablet, noting its potential to shed light on ancient religious practices and scriptural traditions. However, the lack of definitive proof regarding its origin and age has fueled speculation and debate among experts.
The high price achieved at the auction reflects the growing interest in ancient artifacts and religious relics, particularly those associated with biblical figures and events. Such items often command significant value due to their historical and cultural significance, as well as their potential to spark religious and spiritual fervor.
The sale of the Ten Commandments tablet raises questions about the ethical implications of collecting and trading ancient artifacts. Some argue that such items should be preserved in public institutions for the benefit of society, while others believe that private ownership can contribute to their preservation and study.
As the debate over the authenticity and provenance of the tablet continues, its sale serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between history, religion, and commerce. The high price tag underscores the enduring fascination with ancient artifacts and the enduring power of religious symbolism.
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