The big announcement we’ve been waiting for from the Pool of Siloam excavations came this week as the archaeologists revealed that they found a massive dam wall that dates to between 805 and 795 BC. King Joash died in 796, so one of his last accomplishments must have been the creation of a large reservoir. The underlying study is here.
“Archaeologists from the University of Haifa have uncovered the earliest evidence of bronze production in the Southern Levant, dating back about 3,000 years, in a site [el-Ahwat] that might have been part of the early Israelite kingdom.” The underlying journal article is here.
Omri Abadi and Boaz Zissu reconsider the purpose of the two huge ritual baths at the Tomb of the Kings in Jerusalem. The underlying journal article is here.
A bill to make put archaeological sites in the West Bank under the jurisdiction of the Israel Antiquities Authority is controversial. (The lengthy article includes an impressive aerial view of excavations on the slope of the Herodium.)
The latest video from Expedition Bible is about the archaeology of Capernaum.
This quarter’s Jerusalem Tracker lists all the latest publications, stories, videos, and events related to Jerusalem.
The fall issue of Biblical Archaeology Review includes stories on the latest southern Temple Mount excavations, Samarian scribes in Hezekiah’s court, marine archaeology, and more.
The latest issue of ‘Atiqot is dedicated to crafts and industry in the Southern Levant. All articles are open-access.
ASOR webinar on Sept 10: “Holier than Thou? The Temples at Tel Moza and Reflections of Ritual Practices in Ancient Judah,” by Shua Kisilevitz. The webinar is free but donations are appreciated.
Now available for pre-order: Lexham Geographic Commentary on the Historical Books, Volume 1: Joshua–Ruth, edited by Barry Beitzel (Logos, $49)
The Lachish Letters are the subject of the second post in Bible Archaeology Report’s “Letters from the Biblical World” series.
HT: Agade, Gordon Franz, A.D. Riddle, Arne Halbakken, Andy Cook, Joseph Lauer, Explorator