Biblical Archaeology Review

11/07/2025

Since the inception of modern biblical archaeology in the early 20th century, it has been understood almost universally as the archaeology of the world of the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) and biblical Israel.

The founders of biblical archaeology, W.F. Albright and G.E. Wright, sought to advance a distinctly Christian perspective on the biblical world. Why, then, did their work gloss over the world of Jesus as presented in the New Testament in favor of an intense focus on the world of the Hebrew Bible (Ol...

11/07/2025

Medieval sugar mill discovered

When envisioning the agricultural produce of the Holy Land, sugar is not what comes to most people’s minds, but that was the case for much of the Middle Ages.

11/06/2025

Problematic interpretations of recent sensational inscriptions may not be so easy to dismiss after all.

Epigrapher Christopher Rollston takes to task several recent studies of apparent paleo-Hebrew and proto-Canaanite inscriptions and criticizes some of his fellow epigraphers for reading too much into these badly damaged and/or questionable texts.

11/06/2025

Join BAR’s editor-in-chief, Glenn Corbett, on an unforgettable Caribbean cruise this spring. Enjoy insightful lectures and stops at beautiful ports of call in Mexico, Belize, and Honduras. Registration ends November 29. Sign up now!

https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/travel-study/seminar-at-sea-2026/

11/06/2025

Recent discovery reopens the debate about its location

Bethsaida is believed to be located on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee, but where the city lies remains a fiercely-debated question.

11/05/2025

“During the mourning period, the family slept, dined, and even entertained within the confines of the tomb as a way of easing the spirit of the deceased into the afterlife, surrounded by loved ones.”

While not as monumental as the pyramids of ancient Egypt, tombs and burials are often among the most visible archaeological features of biblical Judah.

11/05/2025

“Most surprising was the discovery of one of the first known statues of Pharaoh Djoser, owner of the Step Pyramid, the oldest pyramid in Egypt.”

Archaeologists at the site of Saqqara revealed an impressive tomb belonging to Userefre, prince of Egypt and son of Pharaoh Userkaf

11/05/2025

Wardrobes and matters of justice

The Letter of James in the context of ancient law courts

11/04/2025

Want to join us in Boston to celebrate 50 years of BAR? There’s still time to register for the 28th Annual Bible and Archaeology Fest. Experience live lectures and Q&A with 17 renowned scholars. Join us in-person or online November 21-23. Discounts available for BAS All-Access members! Learn more,
https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/travel-study/28th-annual-bible-and-archaeology-fest/

11/03/2025

Excavating at the site of Tell el-Kharouba near the modern border with Gaza, archaeologists from Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities have uncovered one of the largest fortresses ever discovered in Sinai.

The Way of Horus was a critical trade route connecting ancient Egypt to the greater Near Eastern world.

11/03/2025

Mass grave reveals bloody conflict

Excavations revealed a startlingly gruesome discovery: the mass grave of seven Roman soldiers who had been dumped into a well.

11/02/2025

How did a Jewish symbol end up in a village settled by the descendants of Roman soldiers?

While excavating in the modern town of Moza, archaeologists uncovered a unique find: a stone capital featuring an eight-branched menorah.