Bulla One of the most exciting and significant archaeological findings discovered at Emek Tzurim is the bulla (seal impression) of Gedaliah, son of Pashur.   What is a bulla (seal impression)?   Anyone who has ever paid a water utilities bill in Israel knows that the quantity of water used in their home during a billing period is measured not by a sensor in the offices of Mekorot, Israel’s national water company, but rather by a meter located in their home. Ostensibly, this arrangement invites mischief. What stops people from opening their water meter and turning the dial backwards?   What stops those contemplating such a move is a small lead seal that bears the utility’s stamp. If anyone attempts to open the water meter, the lead seal will break and no amount of repair work will ever be able to cover up the damage.   This is by no means a modern invention. Thousands of years ago, even before writing was invented, human beings used seals to signify official authorizations: for example, that the cash box has not been opened (and no one has taken anything) from the time when the royal treasurer counted the gold coins in the treasury, or the document on which the contract or covenant has been written has not been opened (and no changes have been made) from the time … Continue reading Bulla