An Inscribed Altar from the Khirbat Ataruz Moabite Sanctuary

Bean, Adam L., Rollston, Christopher A., McCarter, P. Kyle and Wimmer, Stefan J. (2019): An Inscribed Altar from the Khirbat Ataruz Moabite Sanctuary. In: Levant, Vol. 50, No. 2: pp. 211-236

Abstract

A cylindrical stone incense altar inscribed with seven lines of text in two separate inscriptions was discovered in a cultic context during 2010 excavations at Khirbat Ataruz in Jordan. The two short inscriptions are written in Moabite language, using an Early Moabite script datable to the late 9th or early 8th century BCE. Both inscriptions also employ Hieratic numerals. Inscription A appears to tabulate small quantities of metal, possibly for some purpose relating to the cultic context of the inscription. The longer Inscription B appears to be potentially dedicatory and/or commemorative in focus, but remains largely enigmatic. These inscriptions provide a new important historical witness to the period after the Moabite conquest and occupation of Khirbat Ataruz/Atarot described in the Mesha Inscription.

• Item Type: Journal article
• Faculties: Cultural Studies > Department of Ancient and Modern Cultures
• Subjects: 900 History and geography > 900 Geschichte
• ISSN: 0075-8914
• Language: English