BES20 182.1

Interpretation

Commentary: It is possible that this inscription is a continuation of BES20 182. The apparent lām auctoris is curved. It is possible that this letter is a b, even though it is a different shape to the other b's in the inscription. Above the {s¹} of {s¹}mdʾl there is a line that could be a n that was inserted above the inscription, if the author forgot to write the letter and added it later. If this were the case, BES20 182.1 would be read as a continuation of BES20 182 inscription. Nevertheless, this seems the least likely of the two interpretations. {s¹}mdʾl: The first letter looks like a b with a horizontal area of damage to the right of it. Given that a name of bmdʾl is unattested, it seems more likely that this letter is a s¹. ʾ{n}ḍ{t}: The second letter is entirely covered by damage. Given that the letter could only take up a short narrow vertical space, it seems most likely that this is a n. The reading of the final letter as a t is based upon a side-view of the stone, where it is possible to see a very faint cross. Note that whilst the ḍ is clear on the stone, it has a circle in the centre. This circle may be a decorative addition by the author himself or by a later 'vandal', but it could also be an unrelated mark on the stone.

Associated Inscriptions

[BES20] Inscriptions recorded during the Badia Epigraphic Survey 2020 and published here

Site: Wādī al-Mismā al-Šarqī, c. 52 km north-west of Al-Ruwayšid, Al-Mafraq Governorate, Jordan

Updated 16 Sep, 2024 by OCIANA