Biblical Archaeology Review

The next item on BAR’s Test Kitchen menu—a sweet custard—derives from ancient Rome. Roman cooking presents a set of challenges to the modern chef. The Romans used many ingredients (especially spices) from Asia and Africa, which can be difficult to obtain. Roman recipes, moreover, did not always include precise measurements, unless those recipes were medicinal in nature.

A. Hammer

B. Architectural element

C. Gardening tool

D. Drumstick

E. Amulet

Answer: We don’t know—but probably (B) Architectural element

Without volunteers, archaeological excavations throughout the Biblical world would come to a screeching halt. Volunteers donate not only their time and energy, but also their enthusiasm, tenacity and critical-thinking skills. Their participation is vital to a successful excavation. Volunteers come from all around the world and from various walks of life—students and teachers, amateurs and professionals, juveniles and retirees—to help uncover the past.

Most scientists assume that modern humans (Homo sapiens) originated in Africa, from where they gradually spread to the other five continents. Since then, human populations have diversified—culturally and genetically. Ingrained in everyone’s DNA, therefore, is our individual genetic history. These days, an array of private companies makes the sophisticated tools accessible to virtually anyone to find out about one’s genetic ancestry.

The extraordinary has become ordinary—at least as far as excavations at Huqoq are concerned.