The oldest Bible text ever found fits in your palm

In brief

Archaeologist Gabriel Barkay discovered the oldest known biblical text while excavating Iron Age burial caves in 1979. The discovery took place in the limestone cliffs of Ketef Hinnom, located on the western slope of the valley southwest of the Old City of Jerusalem.

The excavation site is situated below the Scottish Church of St. Andrew. Barkay was working in the caves when he uncovered the ancient text in the area.