Strata: What Is It?

A. Egyptian hairpin

B. Assyrian back scratcher

C. Roman scepter

D. Philistine linchpin

E. Edomite ceremonial tent stake

Answer: (D) Philistine linchpin

Discovered at the Philistine site of Ashkelon, this bronze linchpin is one of only a handful of ancient chariot fittings to have been discovered in Israel. The 7-inch-long pin would have been placed through a small hole located between the chariot’s wheel and the end of the axle. Once lashed into place (using a leather cord strung through the hole in the head of the pin), the pin served the crucial function of preventing the wheel from flying off when the chariot was in motion.