Sling stone from Hasmonean period found in southern Hebron Hills

A lead sling stone bearing the name of a Seleucid leader who fought against the Hasmoneans was recently found in the southern Hebron Hills in the West Bank by the military’s Civil Administration’s Archaeology Unit.

While it was unclear when the item was found, the Civil Administration released it to the media on Sunday, the first day of the Hanukkah festival, which celebrates the Jewish victory over the Seleucid Empire during the Hasmonean period.

The ammunition had the name of Diodotus Tryphon — who reigned over the Seleucid Empire between 142 and 138 BC — inscribed on it in Greek.

It also bore an emblem of the Greek god Zeus, according to the archaeology unit.

The item was found at Tel Zif, adjacent to the Palestinian village of Zif.

“We continue to discover new finds that are another tier to the rich history that took place in the Judea and Samaria area hundreds and thousands of years ago,” said Staff Officer of Archaeology of the Civil Administration of Judea and Samaria Area Hananya Hezmi.

“The Civil Administration will continue to work tirelessly to preserve and expose the archeological sites, and national heritage and cultural assets throughout Judea and Samaria,” he added, using the biblical name for the West Bank.

A lead sling stone bearing the name of Diodotus Tryphon found at Tel Zif in the southern Hebron Hills. (Civil Administration Spokesperson)