Weekend Roundup, Part 1

An article in the latest issue of Scandinavian Journal of the Old Testament suggests that the Rephaim Valley should be located not in the vicinity of Jerusalem but east of the Elah Valley.

Excavations at Khirbat an-Nahas reveal a marked improvement in technology of copper mining in the early 10th century BC.

Experts are joining forces to protect what may be the last wild olive trees in Israel, located on kurkar ridges south of Haifa.

In an expansive article for Haaretz (subscription), Elon Gilad explains how modern Hebrew addressed the problem of the lack of fish terminology in biblical Hebrew.

Walking The Text’s latest video explores how the Bible uses the metaphor of “bedouin host” for God.

A new study reveals that Greco-Roman statues were “enriched with fragrances.”

With Purim being celebrated this week, Bryan Windle wrote an excellent illustrated essay on the top 10 discoveries related to the book of Esther. Archaeology has done much to illuminate this book!

HT: Agade, Gordon Franz, Arne Halbakken, Explorator

Share:
Leave a comment

Weekend Roundup, Part 1

Archaeologists have discovered at Megiddo a collection of ceramics possibly linked to Pharaoh Necho’s army (pdf here). Necho killed Judah’s King Josiah in 609 BC. The underlying journal article is available for purchase.

Archaeologists have launched a new excavation at Alexandrium/Sartaba, the first in more than 40 years.

The Roman period gate beneath Damascus Gate in Jerusalem has re-opened and now features a new exhibit.

The latest Jerusalem Tracker lists dozens of the newest publications related to the Holy City.

The 50th anniversary issue of Biblical Archaeology Review includes a number of important articles:

  • “A Decade of Discoveries in Biblical Jerusalem,” by Yuval Gadot, Yiftah Shalev, and Joe Uziel
  • “Nails or Knots—How Was Jesus Crucified?,” by Jeffrey P. Arroyo García
  • “Breaking New Ground: Celebrating 50 Years of Biblical Archaeology”
  • “New Directions: How Archaeology Illuminates the Bible,”
    by Jennie Ebeling

Hybrid lecture at the Albright on March 12: “Tel Lachish 2013-2017: Excavations of the Palace Domestic Quarter, Area AA,” by Michael G. Hasel

Webinar on March 19: “Amulets and their Critics: Jews, Christians, and Samaritans in Late Antique Palestine,” by Megan Nutzman

Nathan Steinmeyer continues his series on geographical regions of Israel with a look at the Hula Valley.

Bryan Windle summarizes the top three reports in biblical archaeology in the month of February.

Chris McKinny and Kyle Keimer conclude their review of the best archaeological finds of last year on the Biblical World podcast.

Jerusalem University College has several short-term programs scheduled for the coming months:

HT: Agade, Joseph Lauer, Keith Keyser, Gordon Franz, Arne Halbakken, Ted Weis

Share:
Leave a comment

Weekend Roundup, Part 1

A Second-Temple-period inn that served travelers moving between Tiberias and Sepphoris is being excavated near the Golani Junction. Volunteers are welcome now through March.

“Archaeologists have uncovered an ancient glass workshop in the Jewish quarter of Hebron, dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries.”

The Jerusalem Post has more information about the new archaeological exhibit at Ben Gurion airport, as does The Times of Israel. The Rabbi of the Western Wall wants his stone back.

“The Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) has rejected the idea of receiving responsibility for antiquities in the West Bank.”

Ran Silberman reviews the history and interpretation of the “Pool of Siloam” over the last twenty years.

Adam Montefiore explains the significance of Tu BeShvat, the Israeli festival for planting trees.

The list of sessions for this week’s Archaeology and Site Conservation of Judea and Samaria international conference is online. The PEF and others denounced the event. An academic boycott of archaeological research in these areas is hurting researchers.

Nathan Steinmeyer gives a brief introduction to the importance of the Judean Desert in biblical history.

Andrew Lawler writes for Archaeology Magazine about the origin of the pork taboo.

The Jerusalem Post interviewed Doron Spielman about his forthcoming book, When the Stones Speak: The Remarkable Discovery of the City of David and What Israel’s Enemies Don’t Want You To Know.

The T&T Clark Encyclopedia of Second Temple Judaism is much cheaper in paperback (vol. 1, vol. 2) than it is in hardcover.

Brad Gray explores the good shepherd in the latest episode of the “Biblical Images of God” series at Walking The Text.

Michael Hasel and Yosef Garfinkel discuss the ivory comb of Lachish on the latest episode of The Book and the Spade.

Yesterday’s “Jerusalem in Brief” looks at the Ordnance Survey Map of 1865, Kathleen Kenyon’s view of ancient Jerusalem, and a new book by Lukas Landmann with high-quality photos.

The University of Haifa’s School of Archaeology and Maritime Cultures has begun an English-taught Master’s program on Heritage Management.

Online lecture on March 1: “Teaching Scripture in the Context of the Biblical World,” with Oliver Hersey and Jack Beck. The announcement also notes that Jerusalem University College will offer a $500 discount on a short-term course to those who register.

HT: Agade, Gordon Franz, Arne Halbakken, Explorator, Paleojudaica

Share:
Leave a comment

Weekend Roundup, Part 2

“A new study utilizing advanced remote sensing technology and data analysis has found it is unlikely that Rujm el-Hiri, an ancient stone megalithic structure in the Golan Heights, was used as an observatory.”

Aviva and Shmuel Bar-Am join the excavating archaeologist for a tour of the Mirsham Farmhouse, a little known Israelite-era four-room house in the southern Shephelah.

Chandler Collins surveys some notable contributions to Jerusalem’s history in 2024, including new history books, social media, excavation reports, conferences, and museums.

Jodi Magness discusses the tomb of King Herod on The Ancients podcast.

Hybrid symposium on May 17: “The Life of Jesus in History and Archaeology—A Public Symposium,” with R. Steven Notley, Jordan J. Ryan & James R. Strange; moderated by Glenn J. Corbett & Robert Duke (in-person $99; virtual $30)

On Mar Shiprim’s new YouTube channel, Eric Cline and Glynnis Fawkes discuss their collaboration in adapting 1177 B.C. The Year Civilization Collapsed book into a graphic history.

Brad Gray has begun a new series, this one on “Biblical Images of God.” The first episode is on living water.

Bible History Daily names the top ten biblical archaeology stories of last year, in no particular order.

Turkish Archaeological News has a roundup of major stories in the month of December. They also have a review of the top discoveries in 2024. Their list includes three new publications written by Izabela Miszczak:

  • Highlights of Ephesus
  • From Antalya to Alanya. Highlights of the Turkish Riviera
  • Byzantine Secrets of Istanbul

HT: Agade, Gordon Franz, Ted Weis, Joseph Lauer, Arne Halbakken, Explorator

Share:
Leave a comment

Weekend Roundup, Part 1

Excavations have identified a 2nd-century BC military fortress at Ashdod-Yam.

“Researchers have discovered 50 rare cave pearls, some of which contain ancient Greek artifacts from the Hellenistic era, in an underground water system near Jerusalem.”

Some scholars are questioning whether the oldest copy of the Ten Commandments—scheduled to be sold next week at auction—is authentic.

In a short video, Eitan Klein shows how a band of antiquities thieves were caught in the act, robbing a cave in the Shephelah.

Expedition Bible’s latest video looks at the archaeological evidence for the location of Jesus’s crucifixion.

John DeLancey filmed on location at the Ketef Hinnom tombs in Jerusalem.

Appian Media has released a new short film entitled “Explore Petra” (12 min). I’m curious how they got the drone footage.

Christopher Rollston explains why the Megiddo Mosaic is important on The Book and the Spade.

“New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary held a 10th anniversary celebration for its Museum of the Bible and Archaeology” last week.

Eliezer Oren, longtime Professor of Bible, Archaeology, and Ancient Near Eastern Studies at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, died this week.

Jerusalem University College has announced its online semester courses for the spring, including:

  • Archaeological Methods and Theory, taught by Chris McKinny and Kyle Keimer
  • Introduction to the Modern Middle East, taught by Oded Yinon
  • Jewish Thought and Practice, taught by Rabbi Moshe Silberschein
  • The Book of Revelation and the Seven Cities of the Apocalypse, taught by Chris Vlachos

HT: Agade, Gordon Franz, Alexander Schick, Arne Halbakken, Ted Weis

Share:
Leave a comment

Weekend Roundup, Part 1

Archaeologists have discovered a large Early Bronze site on the outskirts of Beit Shemesh.

“Israeli researchers have posited a possible scientific explanation for the Christian ‘miraculous catch of fish.’”

A new study suggests that the faience head discovered at Abel Beth Maacah was “probably meant as a votive offering that depicted the person who was making the offering to the deity represented by the standing stone.” While the identity of that person has not been determined, they suggest it was either a king or a noble, but it is not clear if this individual was from Israel, Aram, Tyre, or Sidon.

Aren Maeir took a small team out to Gath for a one-week fall season.

A severe drought in Israel has led to a poor olive harvest this year.

Matthieu Richelle’s views of literacy in ancient Israel and Judah is the subject of an article in The Jerusalem Post. The academic article on which it is based may be found here.

Wayne Stiles is hosting a live Zoom walk-through on sites in the Old City of Jerusalem on November 4. Register here.

The 100th episode of This Week in the Ancient Near East looks at the question of how long Hezekiah reigned given evidence from tiny seal impressions.

Now on Digging for Truth: Isaiah: The Top Ten Archaeological Discoveries, with Bryan Windle

Hybrid lecture at the Albright on Dec 7, 5:00 pm local time, 10:00 am EST: “Staying on the Surface at Qadas,” by Rafi Greenberg (Zoom)

Over the past year, Hans Kristensen has written a number of well-documented articles on The Bible, Archaeology, and History blog, including:

For sale on Kindle: Ultimate Guide to the Holy Land: Hundreds of Full-Color Photos, Maps, Charts, and Reconstructions of the Bible Lands. I don’t know anything about this book beyond what is online, including that there are “more than 500 full-color maps, images, photos, and reconstructions.” The book is 1,260 pages long, no author is listed, and the sale price (today only?) is $6.55. The book may look nice on the new color Kindle.

HT: Agade, Gordon Franz, Wayne Stiles, Joseph Lauer

Share:
Leave a comment
About the BiblePlaces Blog

The BiblePlaces Blog provides updates and analysis of the latest in biblical archaeology, history, and geography. Unless otherwise noted, the posts are written by Todd Bolen, PhD, Professor of Biblical Studies at The Master’s University.

Links
Notice

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. In any case, we will provide honest advice.