A Hebrew seal and an ostracon from tel hebron

This article describes and discusses a private Hebrew seal and a fragment of a Hebrew ostracon recently found in an archaeological excavation at Tel Hebron (Roumeida). The items were uncovered in the context of Iron IIB fortification elements, in a layer dated to the late eighth or early seventh century BCE. The seal bears the name Shepatyahu (son of) Samak and the depiction of an animal. The parallels for the name and the palaeography of the script are compatible with the dating of the find-spot. The ostracon fragment bears remains of Hebrew names. The implications of the finds are briefly discussed.