In the annals of history, the Queen of Sheba's journey to Jerusalem in the 10th century B.C. is legendary for its opulence and the precious cargo she brought. A millennium later, historians like Flavius Josephus noted that among her treasures was the balm of Gilead, a highly prized resin used in perfumes, incense, and medicine. This plant, once cultivated around the Dead Sea, vanished by the ninth century A.D., sparking centuries of debate over its true identity. Recently, a remarkable discovery has shed light on this ancient mystery. In 2010, a dormant seed from archaeological archives was successfully germinated, leading to the growth of a unique tree named Sheba. After years of meticulous research, scientists have concluded that Sheba might not be the Judean balsam but could be the source of another biblical balm.

The Enigmatic History of the Balm of Gilead

For centuries, scholars have debated the identity of the balm of Gilead, a plant that once thrived in oases near the Dead Sea. Descriptions vary widely, with some accounts describing it as a tree-sized plant while others depict it as a shrub resembling a grapevine. Despite its disappearance from the region by the ninth century A.D., the balm's legacy endured through historical texts and religious scriptures. The plant's significance extended beyond its aromatic properties; it was also revered for its medicinal value. Its mysterious vanishing act left researchers and historians puzzled for centuries.

The quest to uncover the true identity of the balm of Gilead has been long and arduous. Historical records provide conflicting descriptions, making it challenging to pinpoint the exact species. Sarah Sallon, a leading researcher in natural medicine at Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem, delved into this enigma. She examined various historical accounts, noting the discrepancies in the plant's appearance over time. Pliny the Elder, a Roman historian, described it as a shrub similar to a grapevine, while earlier texts portrayed it as a larger, tree-like plant. These varying descriptions fueled the ongoing debate about its botanical classification. The balm's importance in ancient times, both as a fragrant substance and a medicinal remedy, only heightened the intrigue surrounding its true nature.

The Resurrection of Sheba: A Millennial Marvel

In 2010, a significant breakthrough occurred when Dr. Sallon obtained a seed from the archaeological archives of Hebrew University. This seed, discovered during excavations in the northern Judean desert, had remained dormant for centuries. Dr. Sallon's team determined that the seed was still viable and embarked on a painstaking process to germinate it. After successful sprouting, they nurtured the young plant, which grew into a robust 12-foot-tall tree. Named Sheba, this millennial seedling presented a unique opportunity to explore the ancient world's botanical treasures.

The revival of Sheba was kept secret for 14 years as Dr. Sallon and her team meticulously studied its characteristics. They carbon-dated the seed to between A.D. 993 and A.D. 1202, confirming its ancient origins. Initially, there was hope that Sheba might be the elusive Judean balsam. However, upon closer examination, it became clear that Sheba lacked the distinctive scent associated with the balm of Gilead. Instead, it is now believed to be the source of another balm mentioned in scripture. The study detailing Sheba's revival was published in September in the journal Communications Biology, marking a significant milestone in botanical archaeology. Dr. Sallon's cautious approach ensured that the findings were accurate and reliable, adding a new chapter to the ancient story of the balm of Gilead.