A new study of the Masada siege system reveals that the “circumvallation wall stood to a height of 2–2.5 m and served several functions – as an obstacle, a means of psychological warfare, and a platform from which to mount counterattacks.” It also was built quickly.
Artifacts stranded outside of Gaza since the Hamas coup in 2007 are on exhibit in Paris, and strong interest has led to extending the exhibition.
“Ancient textiles from the Judean Desert reveal that many Roman-era ‘purple’ garments were not dyed with costly murex but with a clever blend of madder and woad.”
The Biblical Museum of Natural History is hosting a “culinary expedition into the unexpected corners of kashrut” on December 24.
Israel’s authorities over the West Bank are expropriating 445 acres of land around the ancient Israelite capital of Samaria.
An agreement has been reached for a 2026 theatrical release of Legends of the Lost Ark, starring Chris McKinny.
Jerusalem Dateline has a 20-minute special on Bethsaida (el-Araj) that reports on the recent wildfire and its effects on the archaeological excavations.
Biblical Archaeology Society interviews archaeologist Achia Kohn-Tavor on location at Chorazin.
On Digging for Truth, Thomas Schmidt reports on his research into Flavius Josephus and his connections with the high priests who executed Jesus and James.
New release: Jews vs. Rome: Two Centuries of Rebellion against the World’s Mightiest Empire, by Barry Strauss (Simon & Schuster, $15-$25). This looks like a good one. (WSJ review here)
Andy Cook gives a year-end update about the work at BibleStock.
The latest issue of Biblical Archaeology Review includes articles on Bethlehem, Khrbet al-Rai, Megiddo, and putting the Bible back in biblical Archaeology.
Walking The Text has been working for the last six years on a high-quality documentary on the Lord’s Prayer. The movie releases on Angel on Tuesday, and the video footage of the biblical world is spectacular! A companion book also releases on Tuesday, and you can pre-order now to receive bonus content (after purchase, fill out this form).
HT: Agade, Arne Halbakken, Alexander Schick, Gordon Franz, Ted Weis, Explorator