A “Centrist” at the Center of Controversy

A debate rages among Biblical archaeologists: Was there a United Monarchy under David and Solomon? Should impressive ancient structures throughout Israel be attributed to Solomon or were they built a century later? How old is the text of the Bible? A key figure in this debate is Israel Finkelstein, codirector of the Megiddo excavations and head of Tel Aviv University’s Institute of Archaeology. He recently shared his views with BAR editor Hershel Shanks.

Hershel Shanks: Israel, how long have you been the director of Tel Aviv University’s Institute of Archaeology?