Stone Tablet Engraved with 10 Commandments Sells for a Cool $5M

Hold on to your hats, history buffs, because here’s a tale that’ll rock your world! A stone tablet with engravings of the 10 Commandments recently smashed expectations and sold for a jaw-dropping $5 million at a Sotheby’s auction in New York. Yes, you read that right five million bucks for a slab of ancient rock. Let’s break it down.

This isn’t just any stone tablet; it’s a 115-pound (52-kilogram) chunk of history or so we think. Said to have been discovered back in 1913 during railway construction in what is now Israel, the tablet is inscribed in Paleo-Hebrew script. It’s believed to date back to somewhere between 300 and 800 CE. Cool, right?

But here’s the kicker: this tablet only features nine of the 10 Commandments. Yep, one of them is missing—and not just anyone. The commandment about taking the Lord’s name in vain didn’t cut. Irony, anyone?

Apparently, this ancient artifact was kept under wraps for years until an archaeologist in Israel realized its significance and bought it. Over time, it made its way to the Living Torah Museum in Brooklyn before landing in the hands of a private collector. It’s like the tablet’s been on its own whirlwind journey!

At auction, bids zoomed past expectations of $1-2 million, finally hitting the $5 million mark (fees included). Excitement carried the day, even though questions about its authenticity linger.

Here’s where things get murky. While Sotheby’s claims the tablet has been studied and published in academic works, experts aren’t entirely convinced. Some think it could be 100% legit. Others, like Brian Daniels from the Penn Cultural Heritage Center, urge caution. “Objects from this region are packed with fakes,” he said.

Christopher Rollston, a professor of Biblical studies, was even more skeptical. He noted, “There’s zero documentation from 1913. Stories like this are often spun to make artifacts seem more authentic.” So, is it an epic relic or a cleverly crafted forgery? The jury’s still out.

Regardless of the doubts, this tablet’s journey is straight-up fascinating. Sotheby’s Judaica expert Sharon Liberman Mintz called it “thrilling to work with.” She also mentioned, “There’s nothing else like it in private hands.” And honestly, whether it’s the real McCoy or not, it’s a conversation starter for sure.

At its core, this story isn’t just about a pricey artifact. It’s about our obsession with history, faith, and mystery. People are willing to bet millions on the chance to own a piece of the past, even if it comes with a side of uncertainty.

So, what do you think? Would you shell out that kind of cash for a slice of ancient history, or do you smell something fishy? Either way, this $5M tablet has cemented its place as one of the most intriguing auctions in recent memory!