Ancient Treasures and the Dead Sea Scrolls

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LIFE IN FIRST TEMPLE TIMES

The Weight of Silver

A great many weights, called shekels, dating from the 8th to 6th century BCE, have been discovered at archaeological sites. They were used to determine the weight of precious metals, mainly silver, that changed hands in commercial transactions. This system of weights was reportedly standardized around the 7th century BCE, as part of the far-reaching religious and administrative reforms carried out under King Josiah.

Cooking pot containing a silver hoard
Cooking pot containing a silver hoard.
Collection of Israel Antiquities Authority, exhibited at The Israel Museum, Jerusalem and Collection of The Israel Museum, Jerusalem
Photo © The Israel Museum, by Dr. Jean-Luc Pilon, Canadian Museum of Civilization

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