Archaeological Views: In the Shadow of Solomon (and Everyone Else)

It was in the first season of our renewed excavations at Gezer—Steve was giving a tour to a group of visiting archaeologists, and we were standing at the Iron Age, six-chambered city gate—when he used the popular term “Solomonic Gate.” After the tour, Sam wondered if this term should be used. It was a good question: Were we being “scientific”? Would we be accused of digging with a trowel in one hand and a Bible in the other? More important, would we be giving the impression that we had preconceived ideas? After all, our interpretations should be scientifically based on excavation results, free from any historical or Biblical bias.