Footnote

b At a strategic spot near one of Masada’s gates, 11 fragments of pottery were found, with a short Hebrew nickname written on each. Several scholars suggest that these may be the lots referred to by Josephus. Inscribed on one was “Ben Yaʼir,” meaning “son of Jairus.” “Yadin’s discovery of lots, including one with the name Ben Jair on it, is uncanny confirmation of Josephus’ account,” states Louis Feldman in Josephus and Modern Scholarship.