Who wrote the Aḥiqam Ostracon from Ḥorvat ʻUza?
Hitherto perceived as a letter containing a stationing-order for three men to go to Horvat ‘Uza, the Ahiqam Ostracon begins with a fragmentary word and mentions the men as ‘(belonging) to Ahiqam’. Epistolographical and palaeographical considerations, however, show that it was never meant to be sent...
Main Author: | |
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Format: | Print Article |
Language: | English |
Check availability: | HBZ Gateway |
Journals Online & Print: | |
Fernleihe: | Fernleihe für die Fachinformationsdienste |
Published: |
Soc.
2011
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In: |
Israel exploration journal
Year: 2011, Volume: 61, Issue: 1, Pages: 54-67 |
IxTheo Classification: | HH Archaeology |
Further subjects: | B
Ḫirbat Ġazza
B Ostrakon |
Summary: | Hitherto perceived as a letter containing a stationing-order for three men to go to Horvat ‘Uza, the Ahiqam Ostracon begins with a fragmentary word and mentions the men as ‘(belonging) to Ahiqam’. Epistolographical and palaeographical considerations, however, show that it was never meant to be sent to anyone. The article demonstrates how the shape and content of an inscription may hint at the author’s rank and function at the site, as well as at the possible meaning and function of the ostracon. The new understanding of the ostracon offers a contribution to the ongoing discussion about literacy in ancient Israel and an addition to the known uses of writing - that of military manpower management and administration. |
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ISSN: | 0021-2059 |
Contains: | In: Israel exploration journal
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