Inscribed Sarcophagus of Queen Tsadan
The Aramaic epitaph provides direct evidence for a queen named Tsadan and an important clue to the royal burials at Jerusalem. Its possible connection to Helena of Adiabene is historically significant but disputed.
About the Discovery
In 1863, excavators discovered a limestone sarcophagus in the burial complex known as the Tombs of the Kings in Jerusalem. An Aramaic inscription identifies a woman called Queen Tsadan, also written Saddan or Tsadah. The sarcophagus is now held by the Louvre Museum in Paris.
Because the tomb complex is commonly associated with Queen Helena of Adiabene, the inscribed coffin has sometimes been identified as Helena’s. That identification is debated. The inscription names Tsadan, not Helena, and some researchers have suggested that the coffin belonged to another woman in the royal family. The inscription is direct evidence for a queen named Tsadan, but it does not by itself settle her identity.
Scripture Reference
No biblical passage mentions this sarcophagus. Acts 2:5–11 provides broad background on Jews from Mesopotamia; Josephus, Antiquities 20, describes Helena of Adiabene.