PALESTINE FINDS

Southland Times, Issue 25302, 4 June 1935, Page 8

PALESTINE FINDS

SITE OF SACKED CITY. 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 last month, is considered by Biblical scholars and archaeologists to be of the greatest historical importance. Proof has'been, obtained from writings on one of 14 large pieces of broken pottery, discovered by Mr J. L. Starkey, who was 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 Torezyner, the Hebrew scholar. “I have to-day received from hint a cable in which he states that he has discovered the name ‘Lachish’ on one of four potsherds, thus confirming the identification of Tel Duweir. “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 20 years ago Tel elHesy 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.