Ancient prisons are hard to find in the archaeological record, but archaeologists have identified one in Corinth’s Roman forum, dating to the 4th-5th centuries AD, based on graffiti found on floor tiles. Prior to that the area served as a market, and according to a local guide, there’s a tradition that Paul’s shop was here, based on fresco remains still barely visible. The underlying journal article is available to subscribers and for purchase ($20).
New archaeological research has found evidence that Pompeii was destroyed not only by the volcanic eruption but by a powerful earthquake.
Turkiye Today reports on irregularities in an excavation in Tarsus. The story alleges high security for a dig where nothing of significance was found. And yes, there is a dead policeman.
An article in Smithsonian Magazine explains who looted ancient Egyptian tombs and how they did it.
The latest issue of Biblical Archaeology Review includes four primary articles (subscription required):
- “Jews of Arabia: Ancient Inscriptions Reveal Jewish Diaspora,” by Gary A. Rendsburg
- “Gath of the Philistines: A New View of Ancient Israel’s Archenemy,” by Aren M. Maeir
- “Letters to Pharaoh: The Canaanite Amarna Tablets,” by Alice Mandell
- “Too Good to Be True? Reckoning with Sensational Inscriptions,” by Christopher Rollston
As Biblical Archaeology Review prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary, it is asking its readers to share stories and memories.
ASOR has launched a new website for The Ancient Near East Today (ANE Today), their “open-access digital platform for public scholarship, disseminating the latest research, insights, and news about the ancient Near East and beyond.” You can read more about the changes and new features here.
With his archaeological biography on Ashurbanipal, Bryan Windle has written about all six Assyrian kings mentioned in the Bible.
HT: Agade, Mark V. Hoffman, Gordon Franz, Gordon Dickson, Arne Halbakken, Keith Keyser, Paleojudaica
