The presence of sling bullets on the Temple Mount suggests military activity on or near the Temple Mount during the Hellenistic period, possibly linked to the Seleucid fortress known as the Acra or later conflicts. The Acra was a thorn in the side of the Hamoneans even after the liberation and purification of the temple. It was only during the battles of Simon the Maccabee who finally managed to overtake the Acra in the year 141 BCE.PaleoJudaica has noted other recoveries of ancient sling stones here, here, here, here, here, here, and here.Adam Cohen is a student in the sixth grade at the “Tali Gilo” elementary school. He explains that when he first saw the sling bullet he thought it was just a regular stone, but because of its shear heaviness he handed it to his mother to help him inspect. He goes on to say that because of his find, his class is now more interested in archaeology and history. This of course is one of the important aspects of our sifting project, and fills us with tremendous hope and pride.
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