A 2,000-year-old burial box which was rescued from antiquities looters could provide a new link to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, scientists claim.
The ancient limestone box - or ossuary - is believed to reveal the location of the family of Caiaphas, the high priest involved in Christ's crucifixion.
Researchers in Israel say it could reveal the biblical figure's family home before their exodus to Galilee.
Secrets of the Bible: This is the ossuary thought to reveal the home of Caiaphas' family
WHO WAS CAIAPHAS?
High Priest Caiaphas was one of the most influential men in Jerusalem, according to historians.
He was an astute political operator and survived a remarkable 18 years as High Priest of the Temple, when most only lasted four years.
His name is synonymous with the arrest and crucifixion of Jesus.
Some believe he wanted to get rid of Jesus because he threatened Caiaphas's authority, and so he sought to silence the popular preacher.
Not long after the death of Jesus, Caiaphas was removed from office and apparently lived quietly on his family farm near Galilee.
In the Bible Caiaphas is one of the priests who is depicted interrogating Jesus. While Jesus remains silent Caiaphas demands he confirms his identity as Christ.
Ossuaries have recently been in the news after a hoax inscription on one claimed the deceased person was James, son of Joseph, the brother of Jesus.
So, three years ago, when the Israel Antiquities Authority confiscated an ossuary with a rare inscription from antiquities looters, they turned to experts at Tel Aviv University's Department of Archaeology to authenticate the fascinating discovery.
Now the team believe the artefact is genuine.
'The inscription on this one is extraordinary,' says Yuval Goren who was called on to authenticate it.
The carved words not only detail the deceased, but it also names three other generations and a potential location for the family.
Tablet of truth: The ancient inscription is a new link to Jesus Christ, say experts
The full inscription reads: 'Miriam daughter of Yeshua son of Caiaphus, priest of Maaziah from Beth Imri.'
Beit Imri could refer to another priestly order, say researchers, or possibly a geographical location, likely that of Caiaphus' family.
The ossuary is thought to come from a burial site in the Valley of Elah, southwest of Jerusalem, the legendary location of the battle between David and Goliath.
Beit Imri was probably located on the slopes of Mount Hebron.
Where David met Goliath: The Valley of Elah is home to many biblical stories
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2031669/Clue-crucifixion-2-000-year-old-biblical-burial-box-new-link-death-Jesus-Christ-claim-scientists.html#ixzz1WbZNkDjP
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