MAGAZINE HIGHLIGHTS

Biblical Archaeology Review, Spring 2025

In our Spring 2025 issue, which celebrates 50 years of bringing biblical archaeology to the public, we reflect on the BAR brand and what it represents.

BAR is reputable. Our authors are the leaders in the field, the authoritative voices on how archaeology opens up new views on the Bible. In “A Decade of Discoveries,” explore dramatic new finds from the City of David that have transformed our understanding of the Holy City. In “Nails or Knots?” examine the historical and archaeological evidence for why ropes rather than nails were likely used during Jesus’s crucifixion.

BAR is independent. Our goal is to be educational, to communicate fairly and accurately the best scholarship in biblical archaeology, without religious or ideological bias. In this issue, learn how the field’s early emphasis on confirming the Bible has evolved to focus on the lives of ordinary people. And get a critical take on the very foundations of biblical archaeology and why some periods and cultures have been emphasized over others.

BAR is accessible, translating scholarly research into interesting, enjoyable, and beautifully illustrated content that brings the biblical world to life. “Breaking New Ground” celebrates some of the most exciting discoveries BAR has covered over the past five decades. Get fresh insights into the beliefs of the early Israelites during their sojourn in Egypt, and learn what the latest scholarship reveals about the mysterious “Teacher of Righteousness” from the Dead Sea Scrolls. Finally, as always, our Spring issue highlights this year’s dig opportunities as well as the impact of the long-running BAS Dig Scholarship program.

Visit us online, at Bible History Daily, to see the latest news in biblical archaeology or to delve into additional articles, eBooks, and videos about key Bible and archaeology topics. And in the Spring issue’s Web Exclusive, join BAR Editor-in-Chief Glenn Corbett as he reviews the past year’s top discoveries with Chris McKinny of the Biblical World podcast and Erika Brown of Just So You Know. All-Access Members can also explore the BAS Library, which features every article ever published in BAR, Bible Review, and Archaeology Odyssey, as well as Special Collections of articles curated by BAR editors.

Features

A Decade of Discoveries in Biblical Jerusalem

Yuval Gadot, Yiftah Shalev, and Joe Uziel
The last decade saw exciting discoveries in the archaeology of biblical Jerusalem. Focusing on the City of David, three archaeologists summarize the most consequential finds they have uncovered. From the contentious tenth century BCE to the city’s demise at the hands of the Babylonians, archaeology continues to transform our understanding of the Holy City.

Nails or Knots—How Was Jesus Crucified?

Jeffrey P. Arroyo García
Although crucifixion was a common form of punishment in the Roman world, archaeology has provided few clues as to how the brutal practice was performed. And although the Gospel accounts use vague terminology when describing Jesus’s execution, a longstanding Christian tradition assumes bodies were nailed to the cross. Close inspection of the historical evidence, however, indicates that nailing was probably introduced only after Jesus’s time.

Breaking New Ground: Celebrating 50 Years of Biblical Archaeology

Across five decades, BAR has treated its readers to the latest and greatest discoveries in biblical archaeology, from the Tel Dan Stele that references David’s dynasty to the Herodian fortress where John the Baptist was beheaded. In this special anniversary feature, we highlight eight groundbreaking discoveries that provided new and sometimes unexpected insights into the biblical past.

New Directions: How Archaeology Illuminates the Bible

Jennie Ebeling
Since its founding, biblical archaeology has often been viewed as a scientific way to prove the Bible. Over the decades, however, the discipline has changed dramatically. By focusing on the lives of ordinary people, biblical archaeologists now seek to establish the broader context within which the Bible emerged. These efforts are transforming how we understand life in the biblical world and providing fresh insights into the meaning of the texts themselves.

Departments

Strata

Preserving Ashkelon’s Painted Tombs
Where Is It?
Holy City Building Blocks
Puzzling Over a Jerusalem Genie
Egypt’s Grand Museum Finally Opens
Then and Now: The Postal System
Milestone: Donald Redford (1934–2024)
Why Is Biblical Archaeology So Focused on the Old Testament?
Prize Find: Azekah’s Stunning New Do
Century Mark: First Council of Nicea

Celebrating 50 Years

Setting the BAR: The Story of the World’s Bestselling Biblical Archaeology Magazine
The Best of BAR
Cover Story: Grabbing Readers by the Eyeballs
BAR by the Numbers

Digs 2025: Gifting the Past
Book Review: The Ten Commandments
World Wonders: The Caesarea Aqueduct

Epistles

Between Moses and the Ancestors: Israelite Religion in Egypt
How Many?
Are We Still Searching for the Teacher of Righteousness?
What’s in a Name?: Abel
A Thousand Words: The Armillae of Andrey Bogolyubsky

Plus

Digging In
Queries & Comments
An Enduring Legacy: A letter of thanks from BAR’s publisher
Authors
BAS Publication Awards Announcement
Caption Contest

Web Exclusive

Top Biblical Archaeology Discoveries of 2024
More Queries & Comments