Almost Heaven
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Using advanced computerized image processing and machine learning tools, the researchers analyzed 16 inscriptions which were discovered in the remote fort of Arad in the northern Negev. They reasoned that the texts were written by at least six authors.
In the analysis the TAU team showed that the military chain of command, from the highest echelon down to the deputy quartermaster of the fort, all were able to read and write.
"We designed an algorithm to distinguish between different authors, then composed a statistical mechanism to assess our findings," said Sober. "Through probability analysis, we eliminated the likelihood that the texts were written by a single author."
The Arad fortress inscriptions consisted of instructions for troop movements, as well as the registration of food expenses. The researchers were able to rule out the notion that professional scribes wrote the inscriptions based on the tone and nature of the commands.
Given the remoteness of Arad, the small garrison that was stationed there, and the narrow time period of the inscriptions, the researchers argue their findings show a high literacy rate among the administrative apparatus of the Kingdom of Judah, which they say gives a suitable background for the compilation of many biblical texts.
"We found indirect evidence of the existence of an educational infrastructure, which could have enabled the composition of biblical texts," said Prof. Piasetzky.
"Literacy existed at all levels of the administrative, military and priestly systems of Judah. Reading and writing were not limited to a tiny elite."
Read More....http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/210694#.VwwaLPkrLrc
In the analysis the TAU team showed that the military chain of command, from the highest echelon down to the deputy quartermaster of the fort, all were able to read and write.
"We designed an algorithm to distinguish between different authors, then composed a statistical mechanism to assess our findings," said Sober. "Through probability analysis, we eliminated the likelihood that the texts were written by a single author."
The Arad fortress inscriptions consisted of instructions for troop movements, as well as the registration of food expenses. The researchers were able to rule out the notion that professional scribes wrote the inscriptions based on the tone and nature of the commands.
Given the remoteness of Arad, the small garrison that was stationed there, and the narrow time period of the inscriptions, the researchers argue their findings show a high literacy rate among the administrative apparatus of the Kingdom of Judah, which they say gives a suitable background for the compilation of many biblical texts.
"We found indirect evidence of the existence of an educational infrastructure, which could have enabled the composition of biblical texts," said Prof. Piasetzky.
"Literacy existed at all levels of the administrative, military and priestly systems of Judah. Reading and writing were not limited to a tiny elite."
Read More....http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/210694#.VwwaLPkrLrc
