The Israel Stele

The Israel Stele is an ancient limestone inscription discovered in 1967 at the archaeological site of Tel Megiddo. It dates to the 9th century BCE and is thought to commemorate a victory of the Aramean king Hazael over the city of Israel. The stele provides valuable historical evidence of ancient Near Eastern conflicts, revealing details about regional power struggles and diplomatic relations. Its inscriptions are among the earliest references to the name "Israel," making it an important artifact for understanding the history and chronology of the ancient Levant.