Inscription, Abba epitaph, Giv'at Hamivtar, Herodian Period (limestone)

A unique Aramaic inscription written in the ancient Hebrew script was discovered in a burial cave in north Jerusalem, along with a single, elaborate ossuary. The writer of the inscription identifies himself as a priest from Jerusalem, exiled to Babylonia, who brought back with him the bones of Mattathias son of Judah. This might refer to Mattathias Antigonus, the last Hasmonean king, who fought Herod with Parthian support, was defeated, and was executed in Antioch. If so, then the remains of the last Hasmonean king were brought for burial in Jerusalem. “I, Abbah son of the priest Elaza[r] son of Aaron the elder. I, Abbah, the afflicted, the persecuted, who was born in Jerusalem and exiled to Babylon, and brought Mattathia son of Yehuda (to the Land of Israel), and I buried him in a cave which I bought by deed.” For Ossuary see number 702237.