JERUSALEM DISCOVERY

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XIX, Issue 30, 22 January 1929, Page 7

JERUSALEM DISCOVERY

A MUMMT OF MOTI MARIS.

KING SOLOMON’S FAVOURITE WIFE. [United Pre«» Association—By Cable— Copyright.] [United Service.] London, Jan. 21. The “Dail; Mail’s’ 1 Cairo correspondent reports that the newspaper “Al Mokattam” publishes a story of a remarkable discovery at Jerusalem. Excavators are reported to have found on the Temple Mount burial place a mummy of Moti Maris, King Solomon’s favourite wife, in a burial chamber, which is stated to exceed in magnificence even Tutankhamen’s. It is filled with objects of marvellous beauty and value, including a golden coffin. The body is wrapped in the richest of coverings, set with precious stones. The fingers bear several rings, and the head is surmounted with a crown, studded with sapphires, emeralds and pearls. Buried beside the body was a Hebrew parchment scroll believed to be in King Solomon’s writing, extolling his wife’s virtues, and describing her death. It states that Moti. who was an Egyptian, belonged to Memphis and died in the thirtysixth year of King Solomon’s reign. She was buried beneath the palace after sacrificing herself for her husband and sovereign lord. The scroll relates that ’in recognition of his deep love for Moti and her loyalty. King Solomon with his own hands placed on her head the Crown the people presented him on the twenty-fifth anniversary of his accession. It adds that three months earlier Amento, Moti’s father, came from Egypt laden with presents and a heart full of malice, endeavouring to remove King Solomon and seize the country on behalf of the King of Egypt. Amento sought to interview Solomon, previously ordering Moti to poison Solomon’s wine.

The scroll concludes: “When Moti entered bearing the cups, although 1 noticed that she was deadly white I did not suspect treachery. Amento did not take a cup. I raised mine to niv lips, but Moti instantly snatched the cup and drank the contents. Flor father'fled from the room. Moti fell dying in my arms.”