CNN has a four-minute report on Khirbet Qeiyafa’s contribution to the 10th-century debate. As with most of these matters prepared for public consumption, it is assumed that no one will pay attention to the piece unless the subject is sensationalized, the reporter interrupts the archaeologist, and it begins with a silly unrelated introduction that made me wonder if this is the effect of affirmative action in the TV world. (But does using an Egyptian female for the unintelligent parts help or hurt the cause?)
Garfinkel is on camera claiming that his site is one of only three main cities in the kingdom of David: Jerusalem, Hebron, and Qeiyafa. Don’t believe it for a second.
The CNN title of the video, “Finding the City of David,” and the tagline is inaccurate:
“Archaeologists in Israel believe they have found the remains of the legendary City of David.” The story has nothing to do with the “city of David” (Jerusalem), but is all about one border site which appears to date from David’s lifetime. It is hardly legendary. Since the mistake will increase viewers, I wonder if it was unintentional and I doubt it will be corrected.
There seems to be no way to embed the video, so you’ll need to click through to watch it.
One thought on “CNN on Archaeology’s 10th-Century Debate”
Todd – not sure if it's a mistake (City of David maybe). Reason being – I have heard a few of the dig's students (i.e. Garfinkel's students) talk about Qeiyafa as being a major city in the Davidic kingdom, even being a main junction on the road between Hebron and Jerusalem (which – crazy me always thought was in the hill country :). Geographically, I am not sure how this is plausible – especially considering that it sits in the middle of the Philistine warpath.