UPDATE: James Brother of Jesus

UPDATE: James Brother of Jesus

Original article: http://www.bib-arch.org/bswb_BAR/bswbbar2806f1.html

UPDATE: http://www.canoe.ca/CNEWS/World/2003/06/18/113621-ap.html

JERUSALEM (AP)
An inscription that purportedly links an ancient burial chest to Jesus’ brother is a forgery, Israel said yesterday, dashing excitement about an artifact that had been touted as one of the greatest archaeological finds of modern times.

The beige box caused a stir when it was discovered in October because some said the inscription on it, “James, son of Joseph, brother of Jesus,” was a physical connection between the modern world and the Bible.

Israel’s Antiquities Authority said yesterday that the 20 inch by 11 inch burial container was indeed ancient but the inscription wasn’t. The telltale sign, it said, was the letters cut through the patina, a thin coating acquired with age.

“The inscription appears new, written in modernity by someone attemting to reproduce ancient written characters,” a statement from the authority said.