BIBLE HISTORY DAILY

Top 10 Biblical Archaeology Discoveries in 2015

Explore the year’s most exciting Biblical archaeology finds

Do additional chambers lie behind these walls in King Tutankhamun’s tomb? Was Queen Nefertiti buried there? Photo: Hajor’s image is licenced under CC BY-SA 3.0.

This year was filled with thrilling archaeological finds and new interpretations—from the possible identification of Jesus’ childhood home to the discovery of the royal seal of King Hezekiah in the Bible. Some investigations, such as the search for hidden chambers (and perhaps Queen Nefertiti’s tomb) in King Tut’s tomb, will continue to reveal answers in 2016 and beyond. Others, such as the decipherment of a charred Hebrew Bible scroll that contained verses from the Book of Leviticus, highlight how advanced technology is constantly opening our eyes to new insights into our ancient past. As we look forward to 2016 and the excitements that lie ahead, let’s also take a moment to look back at the top Biblical archaeology discoveries that fascinated us in 2015.

**The stories below are listed in no particular order**

Has the Childhood Home of Jesus Been Found?
The childhood home of Jesus may have been found underneath the Sisters of Nazareth Convent in Nazareth, Israel, according to archaeologist Ken Dark.

Where is Queen Nefertiti’s Tomb?
An intriguing new hypothesis is the talk of archaeologists and historians in Egypt and around the world: Does King Tut’s tomb contain Queen Nefertiti’s crypt?

Royal Seal of Hezekiah Comes to Light
For the first time, the royal seal of King Hezekiah in the Bible has been found in an archaeological excavation.

Biblical Name Eshbaal Found Outside of the Bible
A 3,000-year-old inscription discovered at Khirbet Qeiyafa references the Biblical name Eshbaal. This is the first time the name has been found in an ancient inscription.

Book of Leviticus Verses Recovered from Burnt Hebrew Bible Scroll
A burnt ancient scroll found 45 years ago has finally been deciphered thanks to advanced digital technology. The scroll was revealed to contain the first eight verses from the Book of Leviticus.

Ancient Egyptian Beer Vessels Unearthed in Tel Aviv, Israel
Archaeologists excavating in downtown Tel Aviv have discovered ancient Egyptian beer vessels dating back 5,000 years.

Neolithic Figurine Could Lead to Reassessment of Prehistoric Israel
A small Neolithic figurine unearthed near Beit Hilkia in south-central Israel could have archaeologists rethinking the nature of the cultures living in the region some 8,000 years ago.

Hippos-Sussita Excavations Unearth Rare Pan Mask
Excavations at Hippos (Sussita) recovered an enormous bronze mask, most likely depicting the Greek god Pan. Too large and heavy to have been worn as a theater mask, what purpose did it serve?

A Judahite Administrative Center at Tel ‘Eton?
Archaeological work at the site of Tel ‘Eton, located between the Shephelah and the Hebron hill country in Israel, may have uncovered an important Iron Age Judahite administrative center.

Iron Age Gate and Fortifications Uncovered at Philistine Gath
Remains of the monumental city gate and fortifications of Iron Age Gath—home of the Biblical giant Goliath—were uncovered in excavations at Tell es-Safi in central Israel.

Our free eBook Ten Top Biblical Archaeology Discoveries brings together the exciting worlds of archaeology and the Bible! Learn the fascinating insights gained from artifacts and ruins, like the Pool of Siloam in Jerusalem, where the Gospel of John says Jesus miraculously restored the sight of the blind man, and the Tel Dan inscription—the first historical evidence of King David outside the Bible.

Check out more fascinating stories from 2015!

This mosaic depicting a theater mask is one of the new discoveries that have come to light during excavations this summer at Huqoq. Photo: Jim Haberman.

Huqoq 2015: New Mosaics Unearthed at Huqoq Synagogue

The Seleucid Akra: 2,200-Year-Old Jerusalem Fortress Uncovered?

Tenth-Century B.C. Stone Seal Discovered by the Temple Mount Sifting Project

Tour Showcases Remains of Herod’s Jerusalem Palace—Possible Site of the Trial of Jesus

Has the Tomb of the Maccabees Been Found?

Excavating at Mt. Zion: Jerusalem Dig Uncovers Ancient Mansion

An Ancient Jewish Lamp Workshop in the Galilee

Secret Mikveh Discovered Under a Living Room Floor

Ten Commandments Dead Sea Scroll to Be Displayed in Israel

Bethsaida Excavations Reveal Possible Royal Escape Tunnel

Kabri 2015: Excavating the Ancient Near East’s Oldest Wine Cellar

Computer Program Learning to Read Paleo-Hebrew Letters

Ancient Clay Tablet Offers New Insights into the Gilgamesh Epic

Magnificent Menorah Mosaic Found in Galilee

Spelunkers Find Cache of Jewelry and Coins of Alexander the Great

King Senebkay of ‘Lost’ Abydos Dynasty Died in Battle

Baptismal Site “Bethany Beyond the Jordan” Added to UNESCO World Heritage List

Want more? Check out the top archaeological discoveries in 2012, 2013 and 2014.

Think we’ve missed something or want to offer your own top 10 list? Share your thoughts in the discussion section below!