Watchdog Alert: Recent Biblical Archaeology News

Bible Rebel keeps a watchdog’s eye on discoveries and news from the world of biblical archaeology and brings it to our readers.

First Assyrian Cuneiform Inscription Found in Jerusalem (2025)

Archaeologists uncovered a small Akkadian cuneiform inscription sherd in Jerusalem dated to the First Temple period (about 2,700 years old). The text appears to be an official notice from an Assyrian king to the king of Judah regarding tribute, marking the first known Assyrian inscription discovered within Jerusalem itself. This find provides direct extra-biblical evidence for the political and diplomatic realities of Judah’s relationship with Assyria described in biblical books like 2 Kings and Isaiah. Bible Archaeology Report


Temple Mount Sifting Project: Bulla with a Biblical Name (2025)

Excavations associated with the Temple Mount Sifting Project yielded a clay bulla (seal impression) inscribed with the name “Yed[a‛]yah, son of Asayahu”, dating to the 7th–6th century BC. The name matches a figure mentioned in the Bible during the reign of King Josiah (2 Kings 22:12; 2 Chronicles 34:20). This supports the historicity of individuals in the biblical narrative and helps tie archaeological material culture to known biblical figures. Bible Archaeology Report


Grape and Olive Remains Under the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (2025)

Archaeologists working beneath the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem uncovered 2,000-year-old remains of grape seeds and olive pits in soil layers dated to the time of Jesus. These botanical finds match descriptions of the Garden of Gethsemane / Golgotha landscape in the Gospels and contribute to identifying the setting of pivotal events in the life and death of Jesus as recorded in the New Testament. New Life

Watchdog Alert: Biblical Archaeology News

Bible Rebel keeps a watchdog’s eye on discoveries and news from the world of biblical archaeology and brings it to our readers.

Excavators evacuated from Shiloh amid Middle East tensions

Biblical archaeologists working at Shiloh in Israel were recently evacuated after regional escalation involving Iran. Despite the security threats, the team remains committed to continuing their excavation when conditions stabilize. From the Jerusalem Post


‘Salome Cave’ may be Herodian royal burial, not midwife’s tomb

Archaeologists re-examined a cave once believed to belong to Salome, the “midwife of Jesus.” Now they suggest it may instead be adorned as a royal tomb—possibly for Salome, sister of King Herod the Great (1st century B.C.). From livescience.com


Grapes & olives uncovered under Church of the Holy Sepulchre

Sapienza University researchers have unearthed 2,000‑year‑old grape pips and olive stones beneath the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, aligning with Gospel descriptions of a garden at the crucifixion site (John 19:41). The dig, involving multiple Christian denominations and the Israel Antiquities Authority, temporarily paused during Easter for pilgrims. From The Times


Evidence emerges for ancient Battle of Megiddo (Armageddon)

Egyptian pottery fragments discovered at Tel Megiddo strongly suggest Egyptian military presence during the biblical Battle of Megiddo (c. 609 B.C.), when Pharaoh Neco II defeated King Josiah of Judah. Researchers believe the pottery likely belonged to Egyptian soldiers rather than merchants. From wikipedia