Storage Jars from Khirbet Qeiyafa (IMAGE)

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

Storage Jars from Khirbet Qeiyafa

Caption

Israeli archaeologists found an astonishing common denominator among storage jars in Israel over a period of 350 years: the inner-rim diameter of the jar's neck. It's consistent with measurements of the palm of a (male) hand and may reflect the use of the original metrics for the biblical measurement of the "tefach," a unit of measurement that was used primarily by ancient Israelites, appears frequently in the Old Testament and is the basis for many legal and purity laws

Credit

Credit Clara Amit at Israel Antiquities Authority.

Usage Restrictions

None

License

Licensed content

Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.