The Tanach was right: Jerusalem did have a governor in biblical times

The seal impression shows two people facing each other, while below the word “sari’r” can be seen in ancient Hebrew script.

It is believed to be a shortened form of “sar ha’ir” – “governor of the city”.

The role of governor of the city of Jerusalem is referenced twice in the Tanach – the Hebrew Bible – in Kings II and in Chronicles II.

It is far from the first seal impression to be found during excavations in the city.

Three years ago, archaeologists near the Western Wall discovered an impression bearing the name of King Hezekiah, the Biblical king said to have ruled the Kingdom of Judah, of which Jerusalem was the capital 2,700 years ago.

In an official presentation on Monday, the seal was handed over to Nir Barkat, the Mayor of Jerusalem, in his capacity as the modern-day “governor” of the city.

Mr Barkat described it as “overwhelming to receive greetings from First Temple-period Jerusalem.

“This shows that already 2,700 years ago, Jerusalem, the capital of Israel, was a strong and central city.”