Israel: An Archaeological Journey

What can archaeology tell us about the world of the Hebrew Bible and New Testament? Archaeology illuminates the history of ancient Israel, the point where three of the world’s major religions converge.

Israel: An Archaeological Journey

Sift through the storied history of ancient Israel

Israel. The very name means different things to different people. It is a geographic place: the ancient land of the Israelites as well as a modern Mediterranean nation. It is a people: practitioners of Judaism who see themselves as descended from Biblical Jacob. It is a hot-button political topic, a homeland, a vacation destination and, perhaps most significantly, it is the place where three of the world’s major religions converge, creating a palimpsest of history that is one of the richest and most complex in the world.

This free eBook examines key archaeological sites from Hebrew Bible and New Testament eras in Israel. Archaeological discoveries shed light on places of sorrow and joy, from Roman prisons to seaside entertainment districts. Explore the religion and history of ancient Israel from the Babylonian destruction through the New Testament era in this free eBook.


Chapter 1
The Fury of Babylon

In “The Fury of Babylon: Ashkelon and the Archaeology of Destruction,” Harvard professor Lawrence Stager guides readers through the excavations at Ashkelon, painting a portrait of the city whose vicious destruction by the Babylonian army was so vividly described by the prophet Jeremiah (Jeremiah 47:4–5). Stager sets the site against the backdrop of the larger political and historical context of Egypt and Babylon in the seventh century B.C., and offers a detailed picture of the city and the life of its inhabitants on the eve of its destruction, as gleaned from a meticulous examination of the archaeological record.

Chapter 2
Vegas on the Med: A Tour of Caesarea’s Entertainment District

In an unprecedented breakthrough, paleographer Ada Yardeni recently identified the handwriting of a single scribe on more than 50 Dead Sea Scrolls from the Qumran caves. Remarkably, Yardeni identified the same scribal hand in a manuscript of the Joshua Apocryphon discovered in the Masada desert fortress, 30 miles south of Qumran. In “Scribe Links Qumran and Masada,” Sidnie White Crawford explains what this identification can tell us about the scribal community at Qumran.

Chapter 3
How Jewish was Sepphoris in Jesus’ Time?

Although Judea was already a Roman province when Jesus lived, there has long been debate about the cultural influences that may have shaped his life and teachings. In their article “How Jewish was Sepphoris in Jesus’ Time?” scholars Mark Chancey and Eric Meyers examine the Galilean city of Sepphoris as it was in the early first century A.D. Since the city is just 4 miles from Nazareth and has yielded more archaeological data than the nearby village, scholars have traditionally viewed Sepphoris as a cultural barometer of life where Jesus grew up. How Jewish was Sepphoris? Chancey and Meyers argue that, despite the influence of the omniscient Romans, a strong Jewish cultural identity existed in the community during Jesus’ formative years. Through a careful examination of the archaeological record at Sepphoris, Chancey and Meyers make a case for the Jewish culture that they maintain was the backdrop of Jesus’ life.

Chapter 4
Where Masada’s Defenders Fell

The people of Judea strove to maintain their identity despite the presence of the occupying Romans. There is no stronger symbol of this struggle for Jewish identity and independence than Masada, the palace-fortress built by Herod the Great that was the site of the last, desperate stand of a group of Jewish Zealots against the Roman army during the First Jewish Revolt. The traditional interpretation of events at Masada is that this struggle ended in the dramatic suicide of the almost 1,000 Zealots in 73 A.D. Both archaeologists and historians have long studied the site and the existing primary source for more clues regarding the rebels’ last hours. In his article “Where Masada’s Defenders Fell,” sociologist Nachman Ben-Yehuda takes a close look at the traditional interpretations of the first-century accounts of Flavius Josephus. In a re-examination of the text, Ben-Yehuda offers a different theory regarding the final resting place of Masada’s defenders.

Chapter 5
A New Reconstruction of Paul’s Prison

The writings of Flavius Josephus are not just relied upon for interpreting events at Masada. Indeed, his works are frequently used as the launching point for many archaeological investigations in the history of ancient Israel. Archaeologist Ehud Netzer relies in part on Josephus to reconstruct Herod’s Antonia fortress. In “A New Reconstruction of Paul’s Prison: Herod’s Antonia Fortress,” Netzer puts forth his archaeological interpretation of the structure that guarded the Temple Mount and may have been where Paul was imprisoned by the Roman authorities.


Through archaeology, we get a better understanding of the history of ancient Israel and the ancient cultures and events that have shaped modern society and religion. This free eBook provides a close look at life and religion at the heart of the Holy Land. We are delighted to offer this journey into archaeology, Israel and the Biblical world for free.

Download Israel: An Archaeological Journey and start receiving Bible History Daily — both absolutely free!

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27 Responses

  1. The comment that Israel is an apartheid state is untrue The Islamists and other non Jews are granted political acceptance and have full representation in the Knesset.The Palestinians living in the west Bank and Gaza have been neglected and been abused by Arab leadership .Money provided for their welfare has been stolen by radicals and kept them wanting.. If Hamas and other Arab groups cared about their people they would stop bombing Israel and support decency and peace. Palestinian schools would stop training children to value death as a way of preserving Islam. Jesus was killed by the Romans not the Hebrews .He was a devout Jew and his disciples removed his divinity by rendering him a mortal and creating statues and pictures. The ancient Hebrews could not accept this and preserve the spirituality of the Devine

  2. lover of peace says:

    Bible is accurate in foretelling the devastation of nation of Israel because of their utter lack of faith and killing God’s son, Jesus which they deny he even existed. Jesus prophesied that their land would be abandoned to them which came true, but they are trying to make a nation of themselves by bloodshed. They have and are killing people who have been living there for over thousand year the Palestinians are being wiped out by them and this is their idea of peace in middle east to kill everyone, so no one can oppose them. Please do not mix any holiness with Apartheid Estate of Israel.

    1. Jody says:

      Oh mercy – I don’t believe you’ve read the Bible. Israel has always belonged to the Jews. The Palestinians are Syrian refugees from the turn of the 20th century – they have not lived in Israel for 1,000 years, and they have no claim on the land of Israel. God has not rejected Israel, and will not reject it in the future. The Jews are God’s people and nothing you say can change that fact. I will pray for you that you turn to Jesus, and find peace.

  3. Paul says:

    It doesn’t PROVE that the Bible is factually accurate, but It does indicate that there was a factual basis. Like any writing of the time, it depends upon the context and the perspective. Two contemporary historians can interpret what they see in very different ways depending upon their points of view and their purpose. If you are a Democrate or a Republican, a Capitalist or a Marxist, the facts as recorded may be 180 degrees different. Of course, if you are a fundamentalist believer of any religion, be it Jew, Christian, Muslim your faith will not allow interpretation and it is not open to argument.

    1. Roger Leonard says:

      The Bible came from God, hence it is accurate in every detail. 2 Tim. 3:16-17.

  4. Henry Mati says:

    Israel was GOD’S chosen Land & People for the whole world to know that GOD exist.
    Praise the lord for the excellent teaching that I’m receiving from this site. Thankyou all.

    1. John says:

      Henry you are correct when you say Israel WAS God’s chosen people.
      The nation of Israel eventually rejected by God because of their failing to keep the Law.
      As Jesus said Matthew 21:43 that the Kingdom of God would be taken away from the Jews and in Matthew 23:28 Jesus told the Jews that their house was abandoned or lost to them. The reason why this occurred was recorded at Matthew 15:3, 4, 8, 9, 14.
      Basically it was because they had failed to keep God’s Law (as they had so many times before), so Jesus before his death became the mediator of a new covenant between God and the apostles and so was born the Christian congregation, after Jesus death.

      1. John says:

        When Jesus said that their ‘house’ was abandoned or lost to them……it was the entire religious system that the Jews had built around the Mosaic Law that they lost and at Luke 21:5, 6 Jesus told them that their temple would be destroyed…….and it was in 70 CE.
        When we look at Acts 10:34, 35 and Acts 15:14 we see the start of the formation of the Christian congregation……God had chosen a new nation “spiritual Israel” who were no longer under that old Law.

        1. Mark Gershom says:

          John, apostle Paul says in his epistle to new converts in Rome, to those whose descendants later would say we are true Israel:
          ‘Who are Israelites; to whom pertain the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises’.(Rom 9:4). And apostle Paul did not use in his sentence past time.

      2. Jody says:

        You misunderstand the scriptures. Jesus referred to the laws that the religious had written and were forcing the people to follow. They were not Mose’s law from God. It was not the people He spoke against – it was the religious elite – the Sanhedrin, the Pharisees, etc., not the Israeli people. Do you understand that He will take away the Kingdom of God from the religious elite, not from the people. Read Matthew 21:45-46 for further explanation. Never take scripture out of context. When Jesus died on the cross for ALL OUR SINS, the new covenant and our ability to have a relationship with God took effect. Jesus died a Jew – there was no such thing as “Christianity” until around 200-400AD. Before that, it was called “The Way.” I sincerely pray that you stop taking scripture out of context. Somehow, I don’t think Jesus would approve.

  5. Hi! Thanks for the insights! It proves that the bible is an accurate historical book!

  6. Faaoo Manu says:

    Please share me your free book so that I will gain more knowledge and understanding about the history of the holy land of God

  7. Kilioni Tuitubou says:

    Thank you for the updating and wish you well in your future research.

  8. absalon says:

    This site is great…you can learn a lot about ancient history…keep up the good work.

  9. Michael Matsetela says:

    This serves to alert our new generation, how the
    Bible is important to us all. I want to know how this
    Free book can be acquired. I would also want to buy some of this important books.
    Please help me to buy this important books.
    My postal address is:
    4281 Zakhe Road, P. O. Rusloo, Vosloorus, 1475

    South Africa

  10. Alan Townsend sr says:

    praise the Lord!:)..god bless ya all:)..

  11. Colleen says:

    Having access to biblical archaeological study, thought, and research is such a blessing! If I could start life over, I would become a biblical archaeologist. It has bolstered my faith and given me the opportunity to share my faith in a scientific and historical context.
    Shalom!

  12. Kathleen Grace says:

    I am looking forward to learning more. Thank you for the opportunity.

  13. Cahyana E. Purnama says:

    In Indonesia – I have encouraged theological students to get this copy and make it as the best introduction to understand the land of Israel in it ancient times. Another important point that those students have get a great benefit is about to learn English in relation to theological thought. This is important because English language is a compulsory ESL for Indonesian students to master it

  14. Barry says:

    Hi, There was a program on our TV over here in the UK showing where Jesus used to live and who is his Father was,
    it shows the total opposite of what we know,
    I will not state it here but only on a private email address.

    Thanks.

  15. Dusty Rhodes says:

    What about us who have members about as long since Jesus Knocked Nails At Nazareth? How do we access all those goodies?

  16. tui says:

    I want to buy some of these books..how do I go about please?

  17. Jayne Tinega says:

    am a student at North Point Bible School and biblical history will be useful for my study. will appreciate to receive the ebook. Thanks

  18. norma beringuel says:

    I am a history teacher. Your post about Biblical history is a big help to my profession. What must I do that I can receive the ebook. Thank you

  19. johanes saragih says:

    Those reading materials help us in Indonesia to learn our Bible much better. May our Lord Jesus bless you.

  20. Victor Stefan says:

    Hello, I will share at adult Sunday school

  21. Diana Prince says:

    Please send me confirmation of my subscription so that I can download the free e-books. God bless you for all your faithfulness. Sincerely Diana Prince

Write a Reply or Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


27 Responses

  1. The comment that Israel is an apartheid state is untrue The Islamists and other non Jews are granted political acceptance and have full representation in the Knesset.The Palestinians living in the west Bank and Gaza have been neglected and been abused by Arab leadership .Money provided for their welfare has been stolen by radicals and kept them wanting.. If Hamas and other Arab groups cared about their people they would stop bombing Israel and support decency and peace. Palestinian schools would stop training children to value death as a way of preserving Islam. Jesus was killed by the Romans not the Hebrews .He was a devout Jew and his disciples removed his divinity by rendering him a mortal and creating statues and pictures. The ancient Hebrews could not accept this and preserve the spirituality of the Devine

  2. lover of peace says:

    Bible is accurate in foretelling the devastation of nation of Israel because of their utter lack of faith and killing God’s son, Jesus which they deny he even existed. Jesus prophesied that their land would be abandoned to them which came true, but they are trying to make a nation of themselves by bloodshed. They have and are killing people who have been living there for over thousand year the Palestinians are being wiped out by them and this is their idea of peace in middle east to kill everyone, so no one can oppose them. Please do not mix any holiness with Apartheid Estate of Israel.

    1. Jody says:

      Oh mercy – I don’t believe you’ve read the Bible. Israel has always belonged to the Jews. The Palestinians are Syrian refugees from the turn of the 20th century – they have not lived in Israel for 1,000 years, and they have no claim on the land of Israel. God has not rejected Israel, and will not reject it in the future. The Jews are God’s people and nothing you say can change that fact. I will pray for you that you turn to Jesus, and find peace.

  3. Paul says:

    It doesn’t PROVE that the Bible is factually accurate, but It does indicate that there was a factual basis. Like any writing of the time, it depends upon the context and the perspective. Two contemporary historians can interpret what they see in very different ways depending upon their points of view and their purpose. If you are a Democrate or a Republican, a Capitalist or a Marxist, the facts as recorded may be 180 degrees different. Of course, if you are a fundamentalist believer of any religion, be it Jew, Christian, Muslim your faith will not allow interpretation and it is not open to argument.

    1. Roger Leonard says:

      The Bible came from God, hence it is accurate in every detail. 2 Tim. 3:16-17.

  4. Henry Mati says:

    Israel was GOD’S chosen Land & People for the whole world to know that GOD exist.
    Praise the lord for the excellent teaching that I’m receiving from this site. Thankyou all.

    1. John says:

      Henry you are correct when you say Israel WAS God’s chosen people.
      The nation of Israel eventually rejected by God because of their failing to keep the Law.
      As Jesus said Matthew 21:43 that the Kingdom of God would be taken away from the Jews and in Matthew 23:28 Jesus told the Jews that their house was abandoned or lost to them. The reason why this occurred was recorded at Matthew 15:3, 4, 8, 9, 14.
      Basically it was because they had failed to keep God’s Law (as they had so many times before), so Jesus before his death became the mediator of a new covenant between God and the apostles and so was born the Christian congregation, after Jesus death.

      1. John says:

        When Jesus said that their ‘house’ was abandoned or lost to them……it was the entire religious system that the Jews had built around the Mosaic Law that they lost and at Luke 21:5, 6 Jesus told them that their temple would be destroyed…….and it was in 70 CE.
        When we look at Acts 10:34, 35 and Acts 15:14 we see the start of the formation of the Christian congregation……God had chosen a new nation “spiritual Israel” who were no longer under that old Law.

        1. Mark Gershom says:

          John, apostle Paul says in his epistle to new converts in Rome, to those whose descendants later would say we are true Israel:
          ‘Who are Israelites; to whom pertain the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises’.(Rom 9:4). And apostle Paul did not use in his sentence past time.

      2. Jody says:

        You misunderstand the scriptures. Jesus referred to the laws that the religious had written and were forcing the people to follow. They were not Mose’s law from God. It was not the people He spoke against – it was the religious elite – the Sanhedrin, the Pharisees, etc., not the Israeli people. Do you understand that He will take away the Kingdom of God from the religious elite, not from the people. Read Matthew 21:45-46 for further explanation. Never take scripture out of context. When Jesus died on the cross for ALL OUR SINS, the new covenant and our ability to have a relationship with God took effect. Jesus died a Jew – there was no such thing as “Christianity” until around 200-400AD. Before that, it was called “The Way.” I sincerely pray that you stop taking scripture out of context. Somehow, I don’t think Jesus would approve.

  5. Hi! Thanks for the insights! It proves that the bible is an accurate historical book!

  6. Faaoo Manu says:

    Please share me your free book so that I will gain more knowledge and understanding about the history of the holy land of God

  7. Kilioni Tuitubou says:

    Thank you for the updating and wish you well in your future research.

  8. absalon says:

    This site is great…you can learn a lot about ancient history…keep up the good work.

  9. Michael Matsetela says:

    This serves to alert our new generation, how the
    Bible is important to us all. I want to know how this
    Free book can be acquired. I would also want to buy some of this important books.
    Please help me to buy this important books.
    My postal address is:
    4281 Zakhe Road, P. O. Rusloo, Vosloorus, 1475

    South Africa

  10. Alan Townsend sr says:

    praise the Lord!:)..god bless ya all:)..

  11. Colleen says:

    Having access to biblical archaeological study, thought, and research is such a blessing! If I could start life over, I would become a biblical archaeologist. It has bolstered my faith and given me the opportunity to share my faith in a scientific and historical context.
    Shalom!

  12. Kathleen Grace says:

    I am looking forward to learning more. Thank you for the opportunity.

  13. Cahyana E. Purnama says:

    In Indonesia – I have encouraged theological students to get this copy and make it as the best introduction to understand the land of Israel in it ancient times. Another important point that those students have get a great benefit is about to learn English in relation to theological thought. This is important because English language is a compulsory ESL for Indonesian students to master it

  14. Barry says:

    Hi, There was a program on our TV over here in the UK showing where Jesus used to live and who is his Father was,
    it shows the total opposite of what we know,
    I will not state it here but only on a private email address.

    Thanks.

  15. Dusty Rhodes says:

    What about us who have members about as long since Jesus Knocked Nails At Nazareth? How do we access all those goodies?

  16. tui says:

    I want to buy some of these books..how do I go about please?

  17. Jayne Tinega says:

    am a student at North Point Bible School and biblical history will be useful for my study. will appreciate to receive the ebook. Thanks

  18. norma beringuel says:

    I am a history teacher. Your post about Biblical history is a big help to my profession. What must I do that I can receive the ebook. Thank you

  19. johanes saragih says:

    Those reading materials help us in Indonesia to learn our Bible much better. May our Lord Jesus bless you.

  20. Victor Stefan says:

    Hello, I will share at adult Sunday school

  21. Diana Prince says:

    Please send me confirmation of my subscription so that I can download the free e-books. God bless you for all your faithfulness. Sincerely Diana Prince

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