A 2,600-year-old seal bearing a Hebrew name was uncovered recently in earth excavated in 2013 from beneath Robinson’s Arch at the foundations of the Western Wall in the old city of Jerusalem. The seal bears a name and also a role — the most prominent in the courts of the kings of Judah and Israel. The seal, which was used to sign documents, bears the Hebrew name and title “Adoniyahu asher al habayit.” The term, which means royal steward, is used throughout the Bible to describe the most senior official serving under a king of Judea or Israel.

The Israel Antiquities Authority conducted the initial excavation. The seal signifies a link in the long chain of Jewish history in Jerusalem, said Doron Spielman of the City of David Foundation, which operates the site where the seal was discovered.

Eliyahu Yanai photo, City of David