The Mesha Stele’s origin story feels like something straight out of Indiana Jones. This ancient stone tablet’s discovery sparked an international race to ownership, but shortly after, was nearly destroyed. Why was it so coveted? The inscription on the stele provided existential evidence of King Mesha of Moab, King Omri of Israel, one of the 12 Tribes of Israel, and even, according to scholars, the line of King David. We’re going to break down why this incredible find is so significant, and how it almost was lost forever.