Upcoming Event: Revealing Royal Jerusalem
On Sunday, November 10, the Armstrong Institute of Biblical Archaeology and Armstrong Auditorium in Edmond, Oklahoma, will join with the Israel Antiquities Authority to host a free public event: “Revealing Royal Jerusalem.”
Starting with King Solomon, the Ophel was the core of biblical Jerusalem for more than 400 years. The First Temple, a massive armory and numerous administrative buildings were all built on the Ophel, which was home for many of the Bible’s greatest kings, prophets and priests. Today, the Ophel is a mystery, even though several sensational archaeological finds reveal its glorious history.
“Revealing Royal Jerusalem” is an exciting and ambitious development by the Israel Antiquities Authority, the Armstrong Institute of Biblical Archaeology and other partners that aims to unlock the Ophel mystery!
In this special presentation, Dr. Amit Re’em, an experienced archaeologist and the head archaeologist for the Jerusalem region at the Israel Antiquities Authority (iaa), will discuss the pivotal history of Jerusalem’s Ophel area and reveal the plan to restore this ancient royal acropolis to its rightful place as one of Israel’s most important and iconic national treasures. In addition to the main presentation by Dr. Re’em, there will be presentations by iaa officials and the Armstrong Institute of Biblical Archaeology.
Free tickets for “Revealing Royal Jerusalem” can be reserved here. The event begins at 1 p.m. c.s.t. A livestream will be available on the front page of AmstrongInstitute.org for those unable to attend in person.
The event coincides with the world premiere exhibit, “Kingdom of David and Solomon Discovered,” currently on display at Armstrong Auditorium until Jan. 17, 2025. The exhibit opened on February 24. The exhibit has almost 50 artifacts from Israel—all of which are from the 10th century b.c.e.—the time period of David and Solomon when the kingdom of Israel reached the height of its prosperity and power. The exhibit is unique.
This is the first time such a diverse collection of 10th-century archaeological finds have been collected in one place and presented in their broader scientific, historic and biblical context to reveal the monumental nature of the united monarchy during the reigns of kings David and Solomon. Our unique collection of iron, pottery, stone and textiles are presented within a sensational exhibit featuring life-size monumental wall reconstructions, virtual reality tours, video presentations, and several original illustrations and artwork selections.
Through November 26, the exhibit features the original Tel Dan Stele, arguably Israel’s most important biblical-period artifact. The stele is a large stone that is inscribed (in the ninth century b.c.e.) with ancient text, part of which reads “king of the house of David.” The Tel Dan Stele is perhaps Israel’s most important artifact (alongside the Dead Sea Scrolls). You can read more about the archaeological significance of the Tel Dan Stele here. The stele is the strongest archaeological evidence we have proving biblical King David was a historical figure and that he ruled a royal dynasty of kings in Israel.
For more information about the exhibit, including opening times and guided tour availability, visit armstrongauditorium.org/visit-armstrong/exhibits.