World's oldest Hebrew Bible recognized as world treasure by UNESCO

A Biblical artifact in Israel has been recognized as a world treasure by UNESCO.

The Aleppo Codex, which is believed to be the oldest copy of the Hebrew Bible, was recognized by the international organization as a unique world treasure.

According to JNS.org, the Aleppo Codex was written by Tiberias around 930 CE, and has been kept at the Israel Museum. The Holy Book is now recognized by the UNESCO as a unique item and would be included in the organization's list of over 300 relics and artefacts across the world.

UNESCO began collecting and listing these artefacts and relics since 1995.

As its name suggests, the Aleppo Codex was made in Aleppo, located in the northern part of Syria, but was smuggled out, and into Israel where the Jewish people have possessed it in the succeeding centuries.

After World War II and the re-establishment of Israel, the Aleppo Codex was brought back to Jerusalem in the 1950s. Unfortunately, the 500-page book has lost 200 pages through the centuries.

Aside from the Aleppo Codex, other Israeli relics registered by the UNESCO include the Rothschild Miscellany, and the Pages of Testimony at Yad Vashem.

The Bible is considered by many as the ultimate basis of Christian faith. Since the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, several books have been added to the Jewish version, which is collectively referred to as the New Testament. 

Several generations of Christians tried protect the Holy Book from pagan leaders, and until this day, it has arguably stood the test of time.