The discovery of a 2,800 year-old stone carved pillar discovered near Bethlehem has been hushed up by the Israeli Antiquities Authority (IAA) who is concerned over potential controversy surrounding such a significant find.

The 5-tonne pillar appears to be linked to the Biblical King David and may provide proof of real locations and events behind the Biblical stories in the Old Testament, mapping the modern country of Israel with the historical roots of Judaism.

The design of the pillar is consistent with the time period of the First Temple which according to the Old Testament was built under King Solomon and later destroyed by the Babylonian King, Nebuchadnezzar II in 587 BCE. If it were determined that the pillar was part of King David’s kingdom, it would help provide evidence of the Judean King’s presence in Israel.

Unfortunately, tensions in the region over who has the more legitimate claim to the Holy Land, are causing spectacular discoveries which have the potential to change our understanding of history to be swept under the carpet.

In a carefully worded statement, the IAA acknowledged the discovery of the pillar but was reluctant to discuss the matter further: "The complex reality in Israel sometimes brings the scholarly discipline of archaeology in contact with political issues regarding the subject of historical roots and rights" the IAA stated.

Archaeologists hope that, in time, the importance of the pillar will be realised and acknowledged and that a full excavation and research is done to understand more about our ancient past.

By April Holloway