Secret hoard of ancient sealed books found in Jordan. – 24 Mar 2011

Exclusive
Mandatory Credit: Photo by David Elkington/Rex Features/Rex / Rex USA ( 758126w )
One of 70 ring-bound books (codices) made of lead and copper
Secret hoard of ancient sealed books found in Jordan. – 24 Mar 2011
One of the biggest and best preserved hoards of ancient sealed books, which had been secretly hidden for centuries, has been discovered in Jordan. Early indications are that some of the books could date from the first century CE/AD and may be among the earliest Christian documents, predating the writings of St Paul. Leading academics consider that the find might be as pivotal as the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls in 1947.
The hoard consists of up to 70 ring-bound books (codices) made of lead and copper. Many of them are sealed on all sides. Scrolls, tablets and other artefacts, including an incense bowl, were also found at the same site. Some of the lead pages are written in a form of archaic Hebrew script with ancient messianic symbols. Some of the writing appears to be in a form of code.