Mesad Hashavyahu
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Mesad Hashavyahu is an ancient fortress on the border of ancient Judea facing the Philistine city of Ashdod near the Mediterranean Sea.
It dates from approximately 630 BCE to 609 BCE, within the reigning years of Josiah, king of Judah.
It was excavated by Joseph Naveh in 1960.[1][2]
It is believed to have been used by Greek mercenaries in the employ of the Judean king in his battles against the Egyptian army.
The fortress was abandoned in 609 BCE or shortly thereafter.[1]
One of the most important ostraca found at Mesad Hashavyahu is a written appeal by a field worker to the fortress's governor regarding the confiscation of the worker's cloak, which the writer considers to have been unjust.[1]
The following is a translation of the ostraca, which is composed of fourteen lines in Hebrew:
- "Let my lord, the governor, listen to the word of his servant. Your servant is a harvester. Your servant was in Hasar- 'Asam, and your servant harvested, and finished, and stored (the grain) during these days before the sabbath. When your servant had completed the harvest, and stored (the grain) during these days, Hoshabyahu ben-Shobi arrived, and he confiscated the garment of your servant when I had completed the harvest. It is already days since he took the garment of your servant. And all my companions can testify for me, those who are harvesting with me . . . all my companions will testify for me. If I am innocent of any wrong, [give back] my garment; and if not, it is the governor's right to [consider my case] and send word to him so that he restores the garment of your servant. And do not let [the plea of your servant] be displeasing to him."[2]
