About Biblical Archaeology Society

The Biblical Archaeology Society (BAS) was founded in 1974 as a nonprofit, nondenominational, educational organization dedicated to the dissemination of information about archaeology in the Bible lands. BAS educates the public about archaeology and the Bible through its quarterly magazine, Biblical Archaeology Reviewan award-winning websitetours and seminars, and books and DVDs. Our readers rely on us to present the latest that scholarship has to offer in a fair and accessible manner. BAS serves as an important authority and as an invaluable source of reliable information.

The excitement of archaeology and the latest in Bible scholarship since 1975.


Publishing Excellence

BAS’s flagship publication is Biblical Archaeology ReviewBAR is the only magazine that connects the academic study of archaeology to a broad general audience eager to understand the world of the Bible. Covering both the Hebrew Bible and New Testament, BAR presents the latest discoveries and controversies in archaeology with breathtaking photography and informative maps and diagrams. BAR’s writers are the top scholars, the leading researchers, the world-renowned experts. BAR is the only nonsectarian forum for the discussion of biblical archaeology.

BAS produced two other publications, Bible Review from 1985–2005, and Archaeology Odyssey from 1998–2006. The complete editorial contents of all three magazines are available in the BAS Library for individual users and for institutions. Both of these resources also include the text of four highly-acclaimed books: Aspects of MonotheismFeminist Approaches to the BibleThe Rise of Ancient Israel, and The Search for Jesus.


A Powerful Resource

BAR’s annual volunteer dig guide to archaeological excavations in the Middle East and the Classical world is the only resource of its kind. That guide has now evolved into its section of our Web site: Find a Dig.

BAS also organizes tours and seminars all over the world, arranging for prominent scholars to address our audiences.

The books and multimedia products produced by BAS are suitable for individual and classroom use. History buffs, professors, clergy, and lay readers have found BAS materials valuable, while librarians have selected our reference volumes for their collections. BAS titles have been chosen as texts at major American universities such as Harvard, Brown, and Johns Hopkins.


Widespread Acclaim

The society, its magazines, and its founding editor, Hershel Shanks, have been the subject of widespread acclaim and media attention in publications as diverse as TimePeopleCivilizationU.S. News and World ReportThe New York TimesThe Washington Post, and The Jerusalem PostBAS has also been featured on television programs aired by CNN, PBS, and the Discovery Channel.