ancient near eastern texts

ancient near eastern texts Latest

Dec 19 Blog

Understanding Israel’s 10 Commandments

By: Shawna Dolansky

Are the 10 Commandments really a moral code, or did the ancients understand them rather as the constitutional basis of a political theocracy?

Oct 5 Blog

What Does the Bible Say About Tattoos?

By: Megan Sauter

Although Leviticus 19:28 clearly prohibits tattoos, it does not give an explicit reason why. This begs the question: Why does the Bible prohibit tattoos?

Sep 3 Blog

53 People in the Bible Confirmed Archaeologically

By: Lawrence Mykytiuk

How many people mentioned in the Hebrew Bible have been confirmed archaeologically? Lawrence Mykytiuk reveals the surprising number—from Israelite kings to Mesopotamian monarchs—and some lesser figures as well.

Painting 'He turned their waters into blood,' by the 19th-century American folk painter Erastus Salisbury Field (1805–1900). Photo: National Gallery of Art, Washington/Gift of Edgar William and Bernice Chrysler Garbisch

Mar 31 Blog

Exodus in the Bible and the Egyptian Plagues

By: BAS Staff

The Book of Exodus describes ten Egyptian plagues that bring suffering to the land of pharaoh. Are these Biblical plagues plausible on any level?

Dec 19 Blog

Bible Secrets Revealed

By: Biblical Archaeology Society Staff

The History Channel's new series "Bible Secrets Revealed" tackles the mysteries of the Bible over the course of six weeks.

Dec 12 Blog

Scholarship Winners Speak Up

By: Biblical Archaeology Society Staff

In 2013, BAS awarded more than 20 scholarships. Read anecdotes and view photographs submitted by our 2013 scholarship recipients below.

Mar 21 Blog

Hippology of Ancient Israel

By: Reviewed by Ziony Zevit

Examine the history of horses in Ziony Zevit's review of Deborah O'Daniel Cantrell's The Horsemen of Israel: Horses and Charioty in Monarchic Israel.

Feb 21 Blog

A History of Horses in the Divided Kingdom of Israel and Judah

By: Biblical Archaeology Society Staff

Examine the history of horses in Ziony Zevit's review of Deborah O'Daniel Cantrell's The Horsemen of Israel: Horses and Charioty in Monarchic Israel.

Must-Read Free eBooks

The Dead Sea Scrolls: Past, Present, and Future

Biblical Peoples—The World of Ancient Israel

Who Was Jesus? Exploring the History of Jesus’ Life

Ancient Israel in Egypt and the Exodus

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