One of the researchers, Prof. Roni Reich: “The item found today in the archaeological excavations in the City of David in Jerusalem is a complete seal bearing the Hebrew name “Refaihu ben Shalem”. The seal was made during the second Iron Age in the eighth century BCE.

In addition, fragments of three pieces of tin were found at the site, which were intended to sign bills or goods, all bearing Hebrew names, and used by public officials. According to the researchers, seals with graphic symbols were found there around two years ago, and they can be dated earlier; the new items indicate that the practice changed during the eighth century, and officials added their names to the seals.