benjamin mazar

benjamin mazar Latest

Mar 4 Blog

King Hezekiah in the Bible: Royal Seal of Hezekiah Comes to Light

By: Robin Ngo

For the first time, the royal seal of King Hezekiah in the Bible has been found in an archaeological excavation.

Jan 23 Blog

The Temple Mount in the Herodian Period (37 BC–70 A.D.)

By: Leen Ritmeyer

Archaeological architect Leen Ritmeyer presents drawings of the Temple Mount in the Herodian period.

Dec 1 Blog

First Person: Did the Kingdoms of Saul, David and Solomon Actually Exist?

By: Hershel Shanks

In BAR, Hershel Shanks examines a recent article published by archaeologist Amihai Mazar. Mazar contends that while the Biblical narratives were written hundreds of years after the reigns of Saul, David and Solomon, they “retain memories of reality.”

Jul 16 Blog

The Enduring Symbolism of Doves

By: Dorothy Willette

Few symbols have a tradition as long and as rich as the dove. Read about what it represents and how its use has been shared, adapted and reinterpreted across cultures and millennia to suit changing belief systems.

May 11 Blog

Did I Find King David’s Palace?

By: Eilat Mazar

Digging just south of Jerusalem’s Temple Mount, Eilat Mazar uncovered a monumental building from the tenth century B.C.—the right time and the right place for David’s royal residence.

Apr 18 Blog

Ophel Excavations Uncover Jewish Revolt Coins in Rebel Hideout

By: Amanda Laughead

Dozens of bronze Jewish revolt coins from the First Jewish Revolt against Rome were discovered in the renewed Ophel excavations in Jerusalem.

Jan 2 Blog

In Memoriam: Lawrence Stager (1943–2017)

By: Megan Sauter

Distinguished Harvard University professor and Ashkelon excavation director Lawrence Stager died on December 29, 2017, at the age of 74.

Oct 13 Blog

Contested Temple Mount History?

By: Robin Ngo

A recent New York Times article, which set out to discuss the history and political complexities of Jerusalem’s Temple Mount, has drawn a great deal of criticism.

Oct 8 Blog

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

By: Henry Curtis Pelgrift

An ancient stone seal dated to the 10th century B.C.—the time of David and Solomon—has been found in soil taken from Jerusalem’s Temple Mount.

Sep 1 Blog

The Ophel Treasure

By: Noah Wiener

A striking cache, including a gold medallion inscribed with a menorah, shofar (ram’s horn) and a Torah scroll, was found at the foot of Jerusalem’s Temple Mount.

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