The big story in biblical archaeology this week was the announcement of the excavation of a series of rooms in 2010-2011 of a cultic site on the eastern side of the City of David, put out of use in the 8th century, possibly during the reign of Hezekiah. The story is covered by the regular outlets (TOI, Haaretz, JP, JNS, Arkeonews), and the underlying journal ‘Atiqot article is here. I confess that I’m a bit skeptical about some of the interpretations, and that’s not only because you should always be skeptical when an archaeologist claims to have found a cultic site. I’m also curious as to what Ronny Reich thinks, as he is not credited as an author of the report.
Archaeologists working at Abel Beth Maacah in northern Galilee discovered a Late Roman period boundary stone with a Greek inscription that “provides critical information about land ownership, taxation, and rural administration during this period.” The underlying PEQ journal article is here.
Ruth Schuster: “Israel’s southern deserts feature sites that whisper of a ‘mountain cult’ that appeared in the Neolithic period.”
The Duke University Galilee Database (DUG) has just been released, featuring four Synagogues of Upper Galilee: Meiron, Gush Halav, Khirbet Shema, and Nabratein, all excavated under the direction of Eric Meyers.
New release: Judea under Greek and Roman Rule, by David A. deSilva ( Essentials of Biblical Studies; Oxford University Press, $25)
New release: Ritual and Power in Northern Israel. The Late Bronze and Iron Ages, by Erin Hall (Zaphon, €68)
Michael V. Fox, a well-known biblical scholar, died earlier this week.
Roy Brown has written a post about the Megiddo Mosaic with a number of really good photos.
Gesher Media is running a sale on its beautiful “Land of the Messiah Map.” Use coupon 50OFF through the end of the month to receive a 50% discount. Purchase includes five video lessons from Chris McKinny that provide insights into the map and the life of Christ.
HT: Agade, Gordon Franz, Andy Cook, Ted Weis, Arne Halbakken
