Biblical Archaeology Review
Biblical Archaeology Review is the flagship publication of the Biblical Archaeology Society. For more than 40 years it has been making the world of archaeology in the lands of the Bible come alive for the interested layperson. Full of vivid images and articles written by leading scholars, this is a must read for anyone interested in the archaeology of the ancient Near East.
First Person: A Scepter from the Temple?
From Eden to Ednah—Lilith in the Garden
Who were the original humans that God created in the Garden of Eden: Adam and Eve? Or Adam and Lilith? A close look at the opening chapters of Genesis—and ancient Jewish mythology—may suggest that Lilith came before Eve!
Ancient Jerusalem: The Village, the Town, the City
Archaeologist Hillel Geva says that population estimates for ancient Jerusalem are too high. His new estimates begin with people living on no more than a dozen acres.
Bells, Pendants, Snakes & Stones
According to the first-century Jewish historian Josephus, the Samaritan leader Sanballat promised to build a temple on Gerizim, the Samaritan’s holy mountain, in imitation of the Jerusalem temple. This, Josephus tells us, occurred at the time of Alexander the Great’s conquest of the Land of Israel (332 B.C.E.).
“And His Brothers Were Jealous of Him”: Surprising Parallels Between Joseph and King Esarhaddon of Assyria
Even though he was not the oldest of his brothers, Esarhaddon was named heir apparent of his father Sennacherib, ruler of the Assyrian empire. But because of his jealous brothers, Esarhaddon had to leave Nineveh and take refuge elsewhere. The pattern of jealous brothers, exile and eventual success is also seen in the Biblical story of Joseph. How does one tale inform the other?
The Lod Mosaic: Jewish, Christian or Pagan?
A series of stunning mosaic floors dated to around 300 C.E. were uncovered in Lod, Israel. Plants, birds, fish and animals are depicted in the mosaics—but no human figures. Who made these mosaics?
Exodus Routes
There are several routes that the Israelites might have taken from Piramesse to the Sinai. Some possibilities are plotted on this map. These different routes reflect the various interpretations of the psalmists, the Septuagint and the Targum, as well as recent geographic studies and reconstructions of the area.
