Recent letters in ancient Hebrew script unearthed at what is believed to be the site of the ancient city of Lachish in Palestine are expected to throw important light on the background of the Biblical Book of Kings when their deciphering is completed about three months from now, Dr. Leo A. Mayer, professor of art and archaeology at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, said in an interview yesterday.
Also on the same ship was Prof. Harold Joseph Lashi of London University. The noted economist is here to lecture at the University of Illinois.
Dr. Mayer, who arrived in New York on the Berengaria yesterday, is the first archaeologist to arrive here from Palestine since the discovery of the Hebrew script near Hebron was announced two weeks ago. The find climaxed three years of intensive explorations by the Sir Henry Wellcome Expedition of London headed by J. L. Starkey.
15 POTTERY FRAGMENTS
Dr. Mayer explained that the discovery consists of fifteen fragments of pottery in a remarkable state of preservation bearing a letter in ancient Hebrew script. Dr. Mayer, who said he had seen the potsherds, asserted that they contained a number of names mentioned in the Book of Kings.
At present, the archaeologist said, the letters are in the hands of Prof. N. H. Torczyner, professor of philology at the Hebrew University, who is preparing a translation. A complicated photographic process is being employed which sometimes results in bringing out details which the naked eye misses.
Tall and black-haired, Dr. Mayer presents an imposing appearance. He flatly refused to answer questions about the significance of the discovery, even question prepared by the publicity man representing the American Friends of the Hebrew University, as suggestions to reporters.
“I am intentionally vague,” he said, when reporters pressed him for a definite statement about the discoveries. He explained that he was not a member of the expedition and had only cursorily glanced at the potsherds.
Asked about the authenticity of the discovery, Dr. Mayer declared that they are authentic “beyond all doubt.”
Dr. Mayer, who is visiting the United States for the first time, is staying at the Hotel Shelton. He will speak next Tuesday night at the dinner celebrating the tenth anniversary of the Hebrew University at the Hotel Plaza. Dr. Mayer is chairman of the Hebrew University School of Oriental Studies, and honorary government curator of coins.
Simon de Caceres submitted to Cromwell a scheme for the conquest of Chile by a legion of Jewish recruits.
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