An extremely rare seal impression from 2,700 years ago was discovered in Jerusalem’s Western Wall Plazaand unveiled to the public Monday. It was presented to the mayor of Jerusalem. The 13X15mm and 2-3mm thick impression is from the First Temple period and bears the inscription “Belonging to the governor of the city.”

The small clay impression supports biblical references to governors, say experts.

“This is the first time that such an impression was found in an authorized excavation,” said site excavator Dr. Shlomit Weksler-Bdolah. “It supports the biblical rendering of the existence of a governor of the city in Jerusalem 2,700 years ago.”

The impression was presented to Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat in a ceremony. At the presentation, Barkat said, “It is very overwhelming to receive greetings from First Temple-period Jerusalem. This shows that already 2,700 years ago, Jerusalem, the capital of Israel, was a strong and central city,” reported The Times of Israel.

According to The Christian Post, the Bible mentions king-appointed governors of Jerusalem. Joshua was mentioned as governor in 2 Kings, while Masseiah was documented as governor in 2 Chronicles.

The Israel Antiquity Authorities have been excavating a site northwest of the Western Wall since 2005. The tiny clay impression was found in the dust from a First Temple structure.

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