BIBLICAL HISTORY

Evening Post, Volume CXIX, Issue 94, 22 April 1935, Page 10

BIBLICAL HISTORY

FINDS IN PALESTINE

The first definite proof of the identification of Tel Duweir, in Palestine, with the Biblical city of Lachish has now been established.

This news, received in London by Sir Charles Marston, is considered by Biblical scholars and archaeologists to be of the greatest historical importance, says the "Daily Telegraph." The proof has been obtained from writings on one of 14 large pieces of broken pottery, discovered by Mr. J. L. Starkey, who is "in charge of the Wellcome Archaeological Research Expedition, which has been carrying out excavations on the site, for three seasons.

Sir Charles Marston, who is interested in the excavations, said that the writings are being deciphered by Professor Torczyner, the Hebrew scholar. "I have received from him a cable in which he states that he has discovered the name 'Lachish' on one of the four potsherds, thus confirming the identification of Tel Duweir," he added.

"The professor further adds that the texts are of great historical importance. Details will be sent to me as soon as possible. The main thing, however, is that we have established', the site of Lachish.

"About twenty years ago Tel el-Hesy was excavated" by the Palestine Exploration Fund and was identified as Lachish on insufficient grounds. Since then it has been believed that Tel Duweir was the site, but this is the first conclusive proof."

Lachish was sacked by Nebuchadnezzar in 588 B.C. The potsherds which have been discovered date from before the destruction of the city, and the form of script upon them will also throw light.on the scholarship of the times.

Among the cases handled every year by the School Medical Services in England are more than 70,000 operations for the r^■ moval of tonsils.

Collections taken iv 'British churches last year show a decrease of some £200,000, but Sunday school collections did not suffer nearly so badly.