Copper Scroll

The Copper Scroll

[A list, engraved on copper, of hidden stores of silver, gold, and sacred goods, with the places where they were laid. The directions name places now unknown; representative entries are given in the form of the original.]

In the ruin that is in the valley of Achor, under the steps that go eastward, forty cubits: a chest of silver, and its vessels — seventeen talents in weight.

In the tomb that is in the dried-up channel of Kohlit: vessels of tribute, with their inventory beside them.

In the great cistern that is in the court of the colonnade, in a hollow of its floor, sealed with sediment, opposite the upper opening: nine hundred talents.

On the hill of Kohlit, vessels of tribute of the lord of peoples, and priestly garments; the total of the tribute and the treasure, a seventh part. [Line damaged]

In the cave that is by the spring belonging to the House of Hakkoz, dig six cubits: six bars of gold.

Under the corner of the eastern portico, in the burial place, buried at three cubits: hidden there are vessels and silver. [Text missing]

In the cistern that is below the rampart, on the east, in a hollow of the rock: six hundred bars of silver.

In the pit adjoining on the north, in a hole opening northward, with a copy of this writing beside it, and the explanation, the measurements, and the inventory of each and every thing.

[So the list continues, place after place; many of the locations can no longer be identified.]