STORM2K

Posted: **Wed Jun 18, 2003 11:50 am**

JERUSALEM -- A stone box touted as the oldest archaeological evidence of Jesus is, in fact, a well-crafted fake, Israeli archaeological experts say.

The box, an object known as an ossuary, was said to have contained the bones of Jesus' brother James.

Carved on one side is an inscription in the ancient language of Aramaic bearing the legend: "James, son of Joseph, brother of Jesus."

Officials with Israel's Antiques Authority announced Wednesday that while the box may date from the correct era, the inscription is a forgery added at a much later date.

"The inscription appears new, written in modernity by someone attempting to reproduce ancient written characters," the officials said in the statement.

They said that a panel of archeological experts had agreed unanimously with the findings.

Rest of the story here.

Posted: **Thu Jun 19, 2003 12:06 am**

I guess they had a bone to pick with that box.

Posted: **Sat Jun 21, 2003 9:58 am**

Maybe the bones from the piltdown man were in it? :roll:

I don't know much about this stuff, so I can't answer. Besides, even if it was real, that doesn't prove that it was Jesus Christ's brother. It could have been another Jesus with a brother named James and father named Joseph.

Jesus is still alive, so when he comes back maybe we can ask him!

Posted: **Sat Jun 21, 2003 12:00 pm**

This brings up a good question. What were the procedures for preparing or processing the dead bodies at that time. How would it end up being only bones. Were the bones placed therein only after natural processes had removed all soft tissue? Did the body decompose within this box?
Just curious. Anyone know?

STORM2K

Ossuary was a forgery

Ossuary was a forgery