BIBLE HISTORY DAILY

Digitizing Israel’s Scientific Archive

Bible and archaeology news

The Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) Scientific Archive includes tens of thousands of extraordinary (and extraordinarily fragile) documents from the British Mandate (1919-1948). Earlier this week, the IAA unveiled the first stage of their digitization project, making over 36,000 scanned hand and typewritten texts, photographs, maps and plans available on the web. (http://www.iaa-archives.org.il/) Preserved for generations to come, the fragile documents offer a unique insight into archaeology and urban life in British Palestine in the first half of the 20th century. Funded by the “Landmarks” heritage program in the Prime Minister’s Office and the IAA, this important project grants international public access to one of Israel’s most delicate treasures.