Just returned from Tucson Arizona, where I examined the Tucson lead artifacts with geologist Scott Wolter and historian Michael Carr. These artifacts were discovered in the 1920s buried about 5 feet below the desert surface in a layer of caliche (a cementing together of the desert soil and minerals) outside Tucson. There are 31 artifacts, mostly crosses, swords and spears. The artifacts appear to be ceremonial and are engraved with both Latin and Hebrew writing, along with both Christian and Jewish religious symbols. The dates on the artifacts (using Roman Numerals) range from the 8th to 10th centuries A.D. Those who support the authenticity of the artifacts theorize that they are the work of a group of Christianized Jews from southern France who somehow found their way to what is now Arizona. Based on Wolter’s microscopic examination of the buildup of mineral deposits on the artifacts, the artifacts appear to be ancient. If so, these artifacts could be among the most important finds in American archeological history. Ironically, the site where the artifacts were found is adjacent to what is now Christopher Columbus Park—perhaps it is time to rename this park?
Here is a picture of a pair of ceremonial crosses:
And here is some Hebrew writing on one of them:
Here is some Latin writing on one of the crosses:
Here is discovery site, in the desert outside Tucson:
The Newport Tower
The Westford Knight Sword
The Spirit Pond Rune Stone
The Narragansett Rune Stone
The Westford Boat Stone
The Kensington Rune Stone
The Hooked X Rune
Sunday, February 5, 2012
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