Image Details
Israel Dept. of Antiquities and Museums/Tsila Sagiv
Face B of the lead weight discovered recently to a burrow, or low tunnel, used by Jewish defenders during the Second Jewish Revolt against Rome (132–135 A.D.). The drawing clarifies the crudely executed square Hebrew letters that appear an each face. The letters surround a six-petaled rosette enclosed by two concentric circles.
The inscription on face B begins at lower right and appears to continue in a counterclockwise pattern.
The face B inscription is translated. “Ben Kosba president (or head of state) of Israel and his economic chief Simeon Dasoi. Peras.”
In this photograph the weight appears slightly larger than its actual size, 3 1/2 by 2 2/3 inches and 1/3 inch thick. Small as it is, the lead tablet weighs almost two pounds.