A Byzantine olive press has been discovered in Modi’in.
Christopher Rollston argues that the script of the Qeiyafa Ostracon is “definitely not Old Hebrew.”
The Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit that was on display at Discovery Times Square in New York City has moved to the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia where it will remain until October 14.
James Charlesworth adds his voice to the discussion of the Talpiot Tomb II and the “Jonah Ossuary.”
Among other things, he writes that “it is as absurd to claim that the Patio Tomb clearly
preserves the remains of some of Jesus’ first followers as it is unwise to pronounce such a possibility as unthinkable.”
The ASOR Blog reviews the broader world in their Archaeology Weekly Roundup.
One thought on “Weekend Roundup”
Notice that Dr. Charlesworth first says, "The oval-shaped bottom of the drawing seems too rounded for the base of an amphora." Then regarding the possibility of it representing the head of Jonah, "Would some early Jews have imagined a resurrected body would have a large head?"
If it's possible for some early Jews to imagine a resurrected body with an "absurdly large" head, would it not be equally possible for the same Jews to imagine an amphora with absurdly rounded bottom? But ball-shaped bottoms already exist on amphorae! How then can a drawing of one be "too rounded"?
Likewise regarding the handles, he says they're "oddly shaped and unlike any on an amphora", yet I showed photos on my blog of large funerary jars with lug-shaped handles that would appear very similar to the ossuary image from a sideways perspective.
But I admire his willingness to keep the dialogue open.