The discovery and subsequent auctioning of a stone tablet containing the Ten Commandments have sparked significant interest. This historic artifact, dating back to the late Roman-Byzantine era, is set to be sold by Sotheby’s on Wednesday, December 18. Weighing 115 lbs and unearthed in 1913 during railway excavations along the southern coast of the Land of Israel, it is estimated to be worth between $1 million and $2 million.

Significance and Cultural Heritage

Richard Austin, Sotheby’s Global Head of Books and Manuscripts, emphasizes the remarkable nature of this tablet. It is not just a historical artifact but a tangible link to the beliefs that have shaped Western civilization. Encountering this shared cultural heritage allows us to journey through millennia and connect with different cultures and faiths through one of humanity’s earliest and most enduring moral codes.

The 20 lines of text on the tablet closely follow the Biblical verses familiar to both Christian and Jewish traditions. However, it only includes nine of the commandments as found in the Book of Exodus. The only commandment omitted is “Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord in vain.” Instead, there is an order to worship on Mount Gerizim, a holy site specific to the Samaritans.

Historical Background

The stone itself dates back between 300 and 800 C.E. Its original location was likely destroyed during either the Roman invasions of 400-600 CE or the later Crusades of the 11th century. Sotheby’s workers held one of the most widely known and influential texts in history during a press preview at their New York location on December 9, 2024. This event drew attention and highlighted the importance of this artifact.

The tablet went on display at Sotheby’s New York on Thursday, December 5, and will remain on display through Tuesday, December 17. It serves as a bridge between different faiths, regions, and eras, offering a unique glimpse into the past.

Value and Impact

This stone tablet holds immense value not only in terms of its historical and cultural significance but also in its potential to influence our understanding of Western civilization. It represents a piece of moral code that has endured through the ages and continues to shape our values today.

The auctioning of such an artifact raises important questions about the preservation and dissemination of cultural heritage. It prompts us to consider the role of institutions like Sotheby’s in safeguarding and presenting these treasures to the world.