Biblical Archaeology

Watch Alert: Biblical Archaeology

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Ancient Cave Burial Reinterpreted as Herodian Royal Tomb

A cave southwest of Jerusalem, long venerated as the burial site of Salome, the midwife of Jesus, is now believed by archaeologists Vladik Lifshits and Nir-Shimshon Paran to be the tomb of a Herodian royal, possibly King Herod the Great’s sister, also named Salome. The site’s monumental architecture and ornate features align with elite Herodian-era tombs. Rediscovered in the 1980s, the cave contained hundreds of oil lamps, likely sold to Byzantine Christian pilgrims. While an ossuary inscribed with the name Salome was found, the name’s commonality necessitates further evidence to confirm the tomb’s occupant. – From Live Science

Evidence of Garden at Crucifixion Site Unearthed

Italian archaeologists from Sapienza University have uncovered 2,000-year-old grape and olive traces beneath the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, traditionally identified as the site of Jesus’s crucifixion. This discovery supports the Gospel of John’s account of a garden at the crucifixion site. Soil and pollen analyses revealed ancient grape pips and olive stones, indicating cultivation before Emperor Hadrian’s reign, aligning with the time of Christ. The excavation, part of a restoration project begun in 2022, has been conducted with sensitivity due to the site’s religious significance, involving collaboration among major Christian denominations and the Israel Antiquities Authority. – From the New York Post

3,800-Year-Old Canaanite Scarab Found by Toddler

At Tel Azekah in Israel’s Shephelah region, a 3-year-old named Ziv Nitzan discovered a 3,800-year-old Canaanite scarab amulet during a family outing. The artifact, shaped like a dung beetle and dating to the Middle Bronze Age, was verified by expert Daphna Ben-Tor as a seal used for religious or status purposes. Scarabs held sacred symbolism in ancient Egypt, representing life and creation. Tel Azekah is historically notable for its biblical association with the story of David and Goliath. The find underscores the site’s historical richness and provides a tangible link to the ancient past. – From the New York Post

Subatomic Imaging Reveals Hidden Structures in Ancient Jerusalem

A team of Israeli archaeologists and physicists has employed muon detectors—devices that utilize cosmic-ray muons—to non-invasively explore subterranean structures in ancient Jerusalem. Focusing on “Jeremiah’s cistern” near the City of David, the detectors have begun mapping hidden voids and structural anomalies beneath the surface. This innovative approach allows researchers to investigate areas that are otherwise inaccessible due to practical and political constraints, offering new insights into Jerusalem’s 5,000-year history without the need for destructive excavation methods. – From Christianity Today

Royal Seal Of King Hezekiah Found

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As reported in Bible History Daily from the Biblical Archaeology Society, a recent discovery has unearthed, literally, a stamped clay bulla bearing the seal of King Hezekiah.

King Hezekiah in the Bible: Royal Seal of Hezekiah Comes to Light

From the article:
“The royal seal of King Hezekiah in the Bible was found in an archaeological excavation. The stamped clay seal, also known as a bulla, was discovered in the Ophel excavations led by Dr. Eilat Mazar at the foot of the southern wall of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. The discovery was announced in a press release by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem’s Institute of Archaeology, under whose auspices the excavations were conducted...


…Who Was King Hezekiah in the Bible?

King Hezekiah in the Bible, son and successor of Ahaz and the 13th king of Judah (reigning c. 715–686 B.C.E.), was known for his religious reforms and attempts to gain independence from the Assyrians.“

As always, Bible Rebel keeps a watchdog’s eye on the latest news from the world of biblical archaeology and brings it to our readers. Stay tuned.

Biblical Archaeology Watchdog: Noah’s Ark And Gath

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Noah’s Ark Evidence

Analyses of the Durupinar formation near Mount Ararat in Turkey revealed traces of marine deposits and a ship-shaped structure matching biblical dimensions of Noah’s Ark.

From Townhall.com – This past week, the Jerusalem Post reported that “analyses revealed traces of marine deposits and a ship-shaped structure matching biblical dimensions” of Noah’s Ark. The “ship-shaped” mound, called the “Durupinar formation,” was first discovered in 1948 by a Kurdish farmer near Mount Ararat’s summit in Turkey. Modern studies beginning in 2021 have found more convincing evidence. Thus, if this discovery is Noah’s Ark, one can anticipate more “magic show” tales waiting to be revealed through advanced archaeological technology. 

Rephaim Valley Location

A study suggests the biblical Valley of Rephaim may lie closer to the ancient Philistine city of Gath, rather than near Jerusalem as traditionally thought.

From Greek Reporter – A new study challenges long-held beliefs about the biblical Valley of Rephaim, offering a fresh perspective on its location and historical meaning. Researcher Sabine Kleiman suggests the valley may lie east of the Elah Valley, closer to the ancient Philistine city of Gath, rather than near Jerusalem as traditionally thought.

Latest Fascinating Discoveries In Biblical Archaeology

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Bible Rebel continues to update readers from the world of biblical archaeology. Here’s the latest.

Ancient Gold Processing Facility Discovered in Egypt

Archaeologists have uncovered a 3,000-year-old gold processing complex at Jabal Sukari, near the Red Sea. The site includes grinding and crushing stations, filtration and sedimentation basins, and ancient clay furnaces used for gold smelting. This discovery sheds light on the mining techniques used by ancient Egyptians. See more from Bible Archaeology Report

Ancient Tomb in the Negev Highlands

A 2,500-year-old tomb compound was discovered in the Negev Highlands, containing the remains of dozens of individuals. The burials are believed to be associated with trade caravans from Arabia, as the site is situated at a junction of ancient trade routes. Artifacts found include copper and silver jewelry, Egyptian scarabs, and alabaster beehive jars. See more from Bible Archaeology Report

Deciphered Dead Sea Scroll Reveals 364-Day Calendar

Researchers have recently deciphered one of the last two remaining Dead Sea Scrolls. Written in code, the scroll describes a 364-day calendar used by the Qumran community that lived in the Judean Desert. See more from BIBLICAL ARCHAEOLOGY SOCIETY

Israel’s Oldest Chinese Inscription Found on Mt. Zion

Excavators with the Israel Antiquities Authority and the German Protestant Institute of Archaeology made an unexpected discovery while excavating on Jerusalem’s Mt. Zion. They found Israel’s oldest Chinese inscription, adding a new layer to the historical connections between these regions. See more from BIBLICAL ARCHAEOLOGY SOCIETY

Watchdog Report: Biblical Archaeology

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Here are three recent reports from discoveries in biblical archaeology, all from Bible Archaeology Report.

Tomb of Doctor who “Treated the Pharaoh Himself” Discovered in Egypt:

A French-Swiss team of archaeologists discovered a 4,100-year-old tomb at Saqqara belonging to Teti Neb Fu, a doctor who treated the Egyptian pharaoh. The tomb dates to the Old Kingdom period and contains vibrant paintings of Teti Neb Fu’s life and work.

Discoveries Made at Hatshepsut’s Mortuary Temple:

Egyptian archaeologist Zahi Hawass announced several discoveries around the mortuary temple of Egypt’s female pharaoh, Hatshepsut. The excavation team found the temple’s foundation deposit, including stones with Hatshepsut’s cartouche and several tools. They also unearthed nearly 1500 painted blocks from Hatshepsut’s nearby valley temple.

Structure on the Eastern Slope of the City of David Identified as an Ancient Place of Worship:

A recent article in the journal ‘Atiqot interprets a structure on the eastern slope of the City of David in Jerusalem as an ancient place of worship. The structure was in use from the Middle Bronze Age to the mid-eighth century BC.

Biblical Archaeology Recent Discoveries

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Bible Rebel is keeping a watchdog’s eye on the recent archaeological discoveries confirming the biblical record of history.

Abram, Father of Monotheism

“The Mari Letters (18th century BCE) indicate that the Amorites (one of the seven Canaanite nations) were nomadic pastoralists who moved across the Fertile Crescent quite frequently. Burial sites from this period (e.x.; tumuli or cairns) in parts of the Levant and Mesopotamia are associated with mobile pastoralist groups. Abraham’s movement is thus consistent with the broader socio-political and environmental conditions that existed at the time.” – Times of Israel

Ancient Roman Tablets Found in Israel

Archaeologists at Abel Beth Maacah in northern Israel discovered ancient Roman tablets that mention previously unknown towns named Tirthas and Golgol. The tablets are a Tetrarchic boundary stone from Emperor Diocletian’s reign. – Greek Reporter

Early Spread of Christianity Confirmed

“An 1800-year-old silver amulet with a Latin inscription invoking the name of the Lord Jesus Christ is being hailed as evidence of the early spread of Christianity. The amulet was discovered near Frankfurt, Germany under the chin of a man buried in a tomb dating to AD 230–270.” – Bible Archaeology Report

The Davidic Dynasty And Biblical Archaeology

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Photo via Виктор Соломоник at pexels.com

Here’s a brief recap of some of the more recent discoveries and news items from the world of Biblical archaeology. Stay tuned for this regular feature appearing in the Bible Rebel blog.

Tel Dan Stele Displayed in Oklahoma
The Tel Dan Stele, an artifact confirming the historical existence of King David, was exhibited at Herbert W. Armstrong College in Edmond, Oklahoma, from September 22 to November 25, 2024. This significant artifact provides evidence of the Davidic dynasty mentioned in the Bible.
The Jerusalem Post

Ancient Stone with Greek Inscriptions Discovered in Upper Galilee
A 1,700-year-old volcanic stone bearing ancient Greek carvings was found in Upper Galilee, a region associated with Jesus’ miracles. The stone, serving as a boundary marker from the Roman Empire, references two previously unknown settlements, Tirathas and Golgol, dating back to the reign of Caesar Marcus Aurelius Alexander. This find offers insights into Roman administration and land ownership in the area.
The Sun

Discovery of a 2,700-Year-Old Seal in Jerusalem
In September 2024, archaeologists uncovered a 2,700-year-old seal in Jerusalem. Such seals offer valuable insights into the administrative practices and personal identities during the First Temple period.
Bible Archaeology