Free eBooks
Who Was Jesus? Exploring the History of Jesus’ Life
Jesus is the central figure of Christianity, the world’s largest religion. As a teacher in first-century Galilee, he influenced thousands. Yet many questions today surround this enigmatic person. This eBook examines the history of Jesus’ life, from where he was born, where he grew up and whether there is extra-Biblical evidence for his existence.
Israel: An Archaeological Journey
As the point where three of the world’s major religions converge, the history of ancient Israel is one of the richest and most complex in the world. This journey into archaeology, Israel and the Biblical world is free on the Bible History Daily website.
Masada: The Dead Sea’s Desert Fortress
Herod’s desert fortress on the mountaintop of Masada has been immortalized as an enduring symbol of Jewish pride and determination. Although the stronghold was built by the megalomaniac King Herod, it was made famous as the site of the last stand between the besieged Jewish rebels and the relentlessly advancing Romans in the First Jewish Revolt in 73/74 A.D. What is the archaeological evidence for the siege of Masada?
Life in the Ancient World
We look back on the Biblical world as a time of fateful battles, inspiring prophets, great empires and profound learning. Unfortunately, this picture is often skewed to highlight regal, rather than common, history. More of our modern philosophy and theology grew out of the ancient agora than the palace. Many profound thinkers and religious visionaries in the ancient world never interacted with kings or fought in great battles. How does archaeology tell their story?
Ten Top Biblical Archaeology Discoveries
This free eBook brings together the exciting worlds of archaeology and the Bible in ten top Biblical archaeology discoveries! Learn the stories behind Biblical archaeology finds like the Pool of Siloam in Israel, where the Gospel of John says Jesus miraculously restored sight to a blind man.
Easter: Exploring the Resurrection of Jesus
Not even the intense drama and tragedy of Jesus’ trial, passion, death and burial can prepare one for the utter shock at what comes next in the well-known story: Jesus’ resurrection. In this free eBook, expert Bible scholars and archaeologists offer in-depth research and reflections on the resurrection story.
The First Christmas: The Story of Jesus’ Birth in History and Tradition
Interested in the Christmas story and what it meant to the earliest Christians? In this free eBook, expert Bible scholars and archaeologists offer glimpses of the first Christmas as recounted and understood by those who first told the beloved story.
The Holy Bible: A Buyer’s Guide
Walk through the religion section of any major bookstore, and you’ll see an amazing array of Bibles. The broad selection of translations (also called versions)—and the seemingly endless ways in which they are packaged—is without historical precedent. Rather than the “blessing” it could and probably should be, it may be off-putting. In this free eBook, prominent Biblical scholars expertly guide you through 21 different Bible versions and address their content, text, style and religious orientation.
Exploring Genesis: The Bibles Ancient Traditions in Context
Answer Biblical archaeology’s earliest questions in the latest FREE BAS eBook on the Book of Genesis. Download your copy today!
Jerusalem Archaeology: Exposing the Biblical City
Jerusalem lies at the heart of Biblical archaeology. Download an eBook featuring BAR articles to learn the results of some of the city’s most groundbreaking excavations.
Ancient Israel in Egypt and the Exodus
The Exodus is one of the most dramatic events in the Hebrew Bible – the slavery of the Israelites in Egypt and their miraculous escape across the Red Sea. It is traditionally viewed as the single event that gave birth to the nation of Israel. Is there archaeological evidence for the Exodus, and for Israelites in Egypt?
Paul: Jewish Law and Early Christianity
In this publication from BAS, top Biblical scholars examine the controversial role of Jewish law and tradition in early Christianity. Paul, the apostle who wrote much of the New Testament, discussed the role of Judaism among Jesus’ followers in a number of his letters. Although Paul preached justification on the basis of faith in Christ, he was himself a Pharisee and addressed the role of Jewish traditions and the status of Israel in the new covenant.
Exploring Jordan: The Other Biblical Land
Other than Israel, no country has as many Biblical sites and associations as Jordan: Mount Nebo, from where Moses gazed at the Promised Land he could not enter; Bethany beyond the Jordan, where John baptized Jesus; Lot’s Cave, where Lot and his daughters sought refuge after the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah; Madaba, home of a stunning mosaic map of the Holy Land; the lands of the ancient kingdoms of Ammon, Moab and Edom, and many more. Travel with us on our journey into the past in this free eBook.
The Dead Sea Scrolls: Discovery and Meaning
What are the Dead Sea Scrolls? Why are they important? Learn where the Scrolls were found and by whom, how they came to be acquired (some were even offered for sale through an ad in the Wall Street Journal!) and, most important, how they add to our knowledge of how the Bible was formed and how they illuminate our understanding of Christianity and Judaism.
The Galilee Jesus Knew
Galilee is one of the most evocative places in the New Testament—the area where Jesus was raised, where many of the Apostles came from, and where Jesus first began to preach. This free eBook focuses on several aspects of Galilee: how Jewish the area was in Jesus’ time, the ports and the fishing industry that were so central to the region, and several sites where Jesus likely stayed and preached.
Island Jewels: Understanding Ancient Cyprus and Crete
Take a journey to Cyprus and Crete, two stunning history-laden islands in the Mediterranean. Visit several key historical places and discover many of the great objects that have been unearthed there.
From Babylon to Baghdad: Ancient Iraq and the Modern West
This free eBook brings together ancient Iraq and the cultures of modern Western societies. Learn about the fight to preserve Iraq’s cultural heritage and to save the ancient sites, museums and precious artifacts damaged during the Iraq war.
The Olympic Games: How They All Began
Every two years, the Olympics will draw global attention as people follow the modern version of the world’s most ancient and venerable competition. But what are the origins of this 2700-year-old event? Tracing the enigmatic, mystical genesis of the Greek Olympiad, this free eBook takes us on a journey to ancient Greece with some of the finest scholars of the ancient world. Ranging from the original religious significance of the games to the brutal athletic competitions themselves, this free eBook paints a picture of the ancient sports world and its devoted fans.
Gabriel’s Revelation
Interested in the “Gabriel’s Revelation?” Download the two definitive articles on this artifact, now on display at the Israel Museum.
Cyber-Archaeology in the Holy Land – The Future of the Past
Interested in the future of archaeology? Learn about Cyber-Archaeology directly from the leaders in the field. A must-read for anyone directing, participating or interested in archaeological fieldwork.
I Volunteered for This?! Life on an Archaeological Dig
Ever wondered what it’s like to volunteer on an archaeological dig? This free eBook gives you the know-how to get around and to be forewarned on what to expect from life at an dig site. You’ll be glad to have this informative, amusing and sometimes touching collection of articles by archaeological dig volunteers.
Islam in the Ancient World
Interested in the ancient places, people and events of Biblical history that are also a part of the Islamic tradition? This free eBook explore some of Islam’s significant history and sites, bringing a new perspective to Biblical history and traditions.
Frank Moore Cross: Conversations with a Bible Scholar
Celebrate the life of renowned Biblical and archaeological scholar Frank Moore Cross with a comprehensive but readable overview of his scholarship. This collection of five interviews with Cross by BAR editor Hershel Shanks is a treasure. Professor Cross, who held the Hancock chair at Harvard for 35 years, is generally regarded by his colleagues with awe.
James, Brother of Jesus: The Forgery Trial of the Century
After five years, the “forgery trial of the century” concluded in a Jerusalem courtroom and defendants Oded Golan and Robert Deutsch were acquitted of all major charges against them. In this free eBook, Hershel Shanks explains why he believes the now-famous “James Ossuary” inscription is authentic. Plus, he provides behind-the-scenes analysis of the trial and its key players.
Real or Fake? A Special Report
Biblical Archaeology Review editor Hershel Shanks offers a detailed report on an important conference convened to assess whether certain famous antiquities are fakes.
