What does archaeology tell us?

A tiny artifact with a big testament for biblical accuracy

Just an ancient gift, or more proof of a powerful Judahite kingdom?

A new study reveals a millennium-long trade monopoly

Scientists discover 2,700-year-old remains of cannabis on a Tel Arad incense altar, paralleling details of the reign of King Ahaz. But does the ritual cannabis use reflect standard worship practices at Jerusalem’s temple, as the researchers suggest?

Is there really no proof of the first and second temples?

Can we know exactly when Abraham, Isaac and Jacob were on the scene?

Despite the coronavirus pandemic and the limited excavations that occurred in Israel, 2020 was another major year of discoveries for biblical archaeology. Here’s our selection of the top finds, in ascending order of significance.

Findings from a new corpus of Jerusalem’s Iron Age II/First Temple Period inscriptions

Dr. Eilat Mazar’s spectacular discovery of the Ophel treasure assemblage

The Bible records the existence of iron chariots before the Iron Age. Is it possible?

More stunning proof of King David’s expanding kingdom

This is the first discovery of the biblical status symbol in northern Europe.

In praise of one of history’s most literary and eternally influential cultures

What a 3,000-year-old artifact reveals about royal Solomonic construction

The Holy Land is full of holy stones, and so is the Bible. What does archaeology say?

Understanding ancient Samaria through the lens of biblical archaeology

Two of the oldest pieces of writing found in Jerusalem leave their mark on the archaeological and biblical worlds.

Examining the scientific evidence for the home of Israel’s greatest king.