3 years ago an ancient inscribed sarcophagus was turned over to the Theft Prevention Unit of the Antiquities Authority. It was discovered by grave robbers who plundered and ancient Jewish tomb site, from the period of the second temple. The sarcophagus probably came from a burial cave in the area of the Elah valley, on the Yehuda plains.
Scientists from the antiquities authority determined that the sarcophagus was for bone interment, a practice common from the first century BCE to the second century CE. The front of the sarcophagus bears the aramaic inscription “Miriam, daughter of Yeshua, son of Kipa, priest of Ma’azyah from the house of Imri”.
One of the family members, the High Priest Yehosef Ben Kipa was famous for his involvement in the trial and crucifixion of Jesus. Ma’azyah was the name of the 24th priestly service shift at the temple. Members of this family signed the convention mentioned in the book of Nehemiah (10,9). The House of Imri refers to the priestly family of Miriam, or to the location she came from.
The authenticity of the sarcophagus and inscription were verified using the technology called ESEM/EDS (Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope / Energy-Dispersive Spectrometer).