Biblical archaeology

Hasmonean era 'first wall' section revealed at Tower of David museum excavation - interview

Israel’s Heritage Minister, Rabbi Amichai Eliyahu, called the discovery: “tangible and moving evidence of Jerusalem’s might and stature during the Hasmonean period.”

Archaeologist Amit Re'em and Eilat Lieber, director of the Tower of David Jerusalem Museum stand atop the recently uncovered section of the Hasmonean wall.
The taxidermy exhibits at the Biblical Museum of Natural Hhistory.

A Feast Fit for A King

The authors describe a shift “from the almost ‘materialistic’ idea of the early Israeli society to the belief in life beyond the grave and the resurrection of the dead…"

Jewish concepts of 'afterlife' may be recent adaptations, study finds

THIS SEAL, dated to the First Temple period, features Hebrew writing that reads: ‘Natan-melech the king’s servant,’ which is a quote that appears in the second ‘Book of Kings,’ 23:11.

Unearthing Israel’s past: Archaeological discoveries change our understanding of history


Archaeologist proposes new location for Biblical Rephaim Valley

New research suggests the Rephaim Valley may have been named after a powerful Philistine family, not mythical giants.

 Jerusalem, Israel June 21, 2019. View of the landscape at Rephaim Stream park in the white valley near Jerusalem in the afternoon.

Artifacts at Megiddo confirm clash between Josiah and Pharaoh Necho II

Discovery of Egyptian and Greek pottery indicates Egyptian military presence at Megiddo in 609 BCE.

 Tel Megiddo national park, Also known in Greek as Armageddon, A prophesied town for a battle during the end times.

Skeptics vs. believers: Does ancient evidence confirm Jesus existed?

In recent years, new archaeological discoveries have added to the ongoing debate about the historical existence of Jesus.

 The Shroud of Turin. Evidence surrounding the authenticity of the shroud is highly controversial.

Archaeologists discover possible ancient Israelite palace in Jordan

The site could be the place where Jacob wrestled with God.

 Tall adh-Dhahab al-Gharbi, looking northwest.

Ten Commandments tablet: Ancient relic goes to auction

The slab’s text follows traditional Christian and Jewish biblical verses, though without the third commandment admonishing against taking the name of the Lord in vain.

 An ancient marble tablet inscribed with an ancient Hebrew version of the biblical Ten Commandment.

A Ming mystery: Earliest known Chinese inscription in Israel discovered in Jerusalem

While ancient Chinese porcelain has been found in Israel before, this is the first discovery featuring actual Chinese inscription.

 The fragment of the colorful bowl originating in China.

Scientists unlock secrets of 3,000-year-old tablet revealing path to Noah's Ark

Researchers decipher Babylonian map showing journey to Urartu, believed to be the ark's resting place after the Great Flood.

 Noah's Ark, Notre-Dame de la Garde. Image by tm-tm, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

Was literacy important in the biblical Kingdom of Judah? Expert offers answers

Questions related to literacy in ancient times are not an exclusive prerogative of academic studies on the Israelites.

 Bulla found in Lachish.

Discovery reignites search for Noah’s Ark in Turkey’s mountains

The Durupinar formation closely resembles the biblical description of Noah’s Ark: “A length of three hundred cubits, a width of fifty cubits, and a height of thirty cubits.”

 The boat-shaped mound lies just two miles from the Turkey-Iran border

Archaeologists uncover 6th century astronomical observatory in Egypt

Researchers told Live Science that everything uncovered shattered expectations set for the mission.

 Artifacts found in an ancient astronomical observatory in Egypt