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Feb 16 Blog

The Church of Laodicea in the Bible and Archaeology

By: Megan Sauter

Laodicea was a wealthy city in western Turkey that flourished for centuries. Why does the author of the Book of Revelation call the church of Laodicea “lukewarm”—neither hot nor cold? Recent excavations at the site might provide the answer.

Menorah Stone

Dec 17 Blog

Understanding the Jewish Menorah

By: Biblical Archaeology Society Staff

The Jewish menorah—especially the Temple menorah, a seven-branched candelabra that stood in the Temple—is the most enduring and iconic Jewish symbol. But what did the Temple menorah actually look like? Learn more in this post and view a number of important menorah depictions from antiquity.

Binding of Isaac Beth Alpha

Sep 24 Blog

The Binding or Sacrifice of Isaac

By: Robin M. Jensen

The story of the offering of Isaac is one of the most powerful narratives in the Hebrew Bible. But each tradition has understood and used the story differently and for varying purposes.

sepphoris

Jul 28 Blog

First Person: The Sun God in the Synagogue

By: Hershel Shanks

The 92nd Street Y in New York City called me a few months ago, asking me to speak. We discussed possible topics, and I finally chose “What’s a Greek God Doing in an Ancient Synagogue?” They also agreed to my asking two real experts to join me on the platform: Jodi Magness of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Steve Fine of Yeshiva University. We had a good time—and so did the enthusiastic audience—but we didn’t solve the problem, at least to my mind.

Synogogue Zodiacs

Jul 14 Blog

Jewish Worship, Pagan Symbols

By: Walter Zanger

What are zodiac mosaics doing in ancient synagogues in Israel?

Jun 9 Blog

Solomon, Socrates and Aristotle

By: Theodore Feder

A wall painting found in the House of the Physician in Pompeii contains the earliest known depiction of a Biblical scene. Two onlookers in the crowd appear to be the Greek philosophers Socrates and Aristotle, according to author Theodore Feder. What do the onlookers reveal about the place of Biblical culture in the Greco-Roman world?

Sep 5 Blog

Pilgrims’ Progress to Byzantine Jerusalem

By: Megan Sauter

Jerusalem has been revered as a holy city for millennia—with pilgrims a staple feature in its bustling streets. Egeria’s Travels and the journals of the Bordeaux Pilgrim and the Piacenza Pilgrim demonstrate that this was as true in the Byzantine period as it is today.

jewish-revolt-coins-ophel-excavations

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.

limyra-turkey

Oct 2 Blog

Jews in Roman Turkey

By: Megan Sauter

Recent excavations in Limyra, Turkey, have uncovered a mysterious building near the city’s east gate. Although the structure has been only partially excavated, Jewish iconography and architectural features have already surfaced. Could it be a synagogue?

caesarea-maritima-tablet

May 4 Blog

New Discoveries Unveiled at Caesarea Maritima

By: Robin Ngo

Each year, visitors come to the coastal site of Caesarea Maritima in Caesarea National Park to marvel at the ancient ruins still preserved there. It was announced recently that Caesarea National Park will be undergoing a major renewal project for the benefit of visitors.

Must-Read Free eBooks

A Digger’s Life: A Guide to the Archaeology Dig Experience
The Dead Sea Scrolls: Past, Present, and Future
Biblical Peoples—The World of Ancient Israel
The Olympic Games: How They All Began
More Free eBooks

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