Donate

khirbet qumran

khirbet qumran Latest

ashkar-gilson-manuscript

Nov 1 Blog

What Is the Oldest Hebrew Bible?

By: Jennifer Drummond

The oldest Hebrew Bible texts are the Dead Sea Scrolls (c. 250 B.C.E.–115 C.E.), but the most nearly complete copies of the Hebrew Bible are codices from a thousand years ago. What happened in the period between these two discoveries? The Ashkar-Gilson Manuscript fills the gap in our knowledge of this interim period.

qumran-calendar-4q324d-sm

Jul 9 Blog

Newly Deciphered Dead Sea Scroll Reveals 364-Day Calendar

By: Robin Ngo

Researchers recently deciphered one of the last two remaining Dead Sea Scrolls. Written in code, the scroll describes a 364-day calendar used by the Qumran community that lived in the Judean Desert.

Qumran, Aerial View

May 8 Blog

Who Were the Essenes?

By: Biblical Archaeology Society Staff

A recent study has sought to determine by sophisticated methods whether Khirbet Qumran was home to a community of sectarian Jews, the Essenes.

Sep 20 Blog

Qumran’s True Purpose Discovered?

By: Nathan Steinmeyer

Archaeologists have long puzzled over the exact function of Khirbet Qumran—the famous site located next to the caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found—since […]

Jar Lid Showing Papyrus Residue

Dec 30 Blog

Decayed Papyrus Hints that More Dead Sea Scrolls Remain

By: Jonathan Laden

The owner of the lid thought that it was contaminated by hardened bat dung. However, the residue was from papyrus. A jar probably fell, dislodging the lid; the papyrus Dead Sea Scrolls then decomposed over the intervening centuries before modern discovery.

dss-war-scroll

Feb 20 Blog

Lawrence H. Schiffman on the Dead Sea Scrolls’ History

By: Robin Ngo

In the May/June 2015 issue of BAR, Lawrence H. Schiffman describes the Dead Sea Scrolls’ history, from their discovery in the Qumran caves to the state of present-day scroll research.

Where Were the Dead Sea Scrolls Found and Who Put Them There?

Jan 4 Blog

Where Were the Dead Sea Scrolls Found and Who Put Them There?

By: Biblical Archaeology Society Staff

For nearly 2,000 years, the Qumran caves protected the secrets of the Dead Sea Scrolls. Might the same caves also shed light on the mystery of who deposited the scrolls there in the first place?

Jun 12 Blog

The Dead Sea Scrolls—A Biography

By: Reviewed by Charlotte Hempel

Charlotte Hempel reviews "The Dead Sea Scrolls—A Biography" by John J. Collins.

Apr 16 Blog

Introduction to the Dead Sea Scrolls

By: Biblical Archaeology Society Staff

Read more about the remarkable discovery, excavations and “the academic scandal par excellence of the 20th century.”

Apr 16 Blog

Cast of Characters

By: Biblical Archaeology Society Staff

A list of prominent biblical scholars, professors, priests and many others who have been involved in the study, publication and protection of the Dead Sea Scrolls.

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
Island Jewels: Understanding Ancient Cyprus and Crete
More Free eBooks

Want more Bible history?

Sign up to receive our email newsletter and never miss an update.

By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy.

Join Us on an Educational Journey

For more than 40 years, the Biblical Archaeology Society has partnered with world-renowned hosts and guides to provide you exceptional educational offerings in the archaeology of the Biblical lands and in Biblical studies.

Learn More