Gezer Calendar

Overview

The Gezer Calendar, discovered in 1908 during excavations at the ancient city of Gezer in central Israel by the British archaeologist R.A.S. Macalister, is a small limestone ostracon that represents the earliest known example of an Ancient Hebrew inscription. The artifact, measuring approximately 10 centimeters by 7 centimeters, features a short inscription that outlines an agricultural calendar, listing a series of agricultural tasks to be performed throughout the year. These tasks include plowing, planting, harvesting, and gathering, reflecting the seasonal rhythms of agrarian life in the ancient Israelite society. The significance of the Gezer Calendar lies in its demonstration of early Hebrew writing and administrative organization, providing invaluable insights into the economic and agricultural practices of the region during the Iron Age. The inscription is written in an early form of the Hebrew alphabet, which would later evolve into the script used for the Hebrew Bible. The calendar's content aligns closely with the agricultural cycles described in the biblical narrative, particularly in passages such as 1 Kings 4:7, which discusses Solomon's administrative divisions and the organization of labor for various projects. This artifact thus provides a tangible link between the biblical text and the material culture of ancient Israel, offering a glimpse into the daily life and economic organization of the period. Today, the Gezer Calendar is housed in the Istanbul Archaeological Museum, where it remains a focal point for research on early Hebrew writing and ancient Near Eastern agricultural practices.

Inscription