Ossuary with Greek inscription for Salo Maria, Joseph, Eliezer, and Joseph, from Jerusalem (JLM0131)

Ossuary with Greek inscription for Salo Maria, Joseph, Eliezer, and Joseph, from Jerusalem (JLM0131)

Limestone ossuary decorated with columns and Ionian capitals with Greek inscriptions for for Salo Maria, Joseph and Eliezer (identified as twins) and Joseph of Korasion in three tabulae ansatae located between the columns on the ossuary facade. From Jerusalem dated 1st c. BCE/CE.

CIIP1: 134

Limestone

JLM0131

H 42cm
W 73cm
D 36cm

Four Ionic columns on bases supporting an abbreviated entablature along the facade, with three tabulae ansatae located in the intercolumnar spaces near the capitals. Inscribed incised within the tabulae ansatae. Gabled lid.

Skeletal remains of two adults

(a) ΣΑΛΩ
ΜΑΡΙΑ

(b) ΙΩΣΗΦΚΑΙΕΛΙΕ
ΖΕΡΔΙΔΥΜΟΙ

(c) ΙΩΣΗΦ
ΚΟΡΑΣΙΟΝ

(a) Σαλω | Μαρια

(b) Ιωσηφ και Ελιε|ζερ διδυμοι

(c) Ιωσηφ | Κορασιον

(a) Salo Maria

(b) Joseph and Eliezer, twins

(c) Joseph (of?) Korasion

CIIP1

CIIP1

CIIP1

Burial cave in the Wadi el-Ahmadiye, Kidron Valley

Israel Museum, Jerusalem, inv. no. 96.71/15

It is unclear if Salo Maria refers to two figures (unlikely) or a single figure. The relationship between those named in the inscriptions is typically constructed a father and mother (Joseph of Korasion and Salo Maria) of twins (Joseph and Eliezer).

CIIP1=Corpus Inscriptionum Iudaeae/Palaestinae, volume I: Jerusalem: a multi-lingual corpus of the inscriptions from Alexander to Muhammad, Ameling et. al. Berlin: De Gruyter. 2014. pp.175-177, no.134.