Herod Potsherd, c. 19 BCE

Potsherd with the Latin inscription “Regi Herodi Iudaico” – “Herod the Great, King of the Jews [or Judea]” was found in the summer of ’96 in a cave among the remains of ancient eggshells, olive pits and broken baskets—likely an ancient garbage dump— at Masada. The sherd, dating to around 19 B.C.E., was originally part of an amphora, probably used to transport wine.

“Strata- Pottery with a Pedigree; Herod Inscription Surfaces at Masada,” BAR Nov-Dec 1996.