Digging Biblical History, Or The End Of The World

Eureka Alert ^ | 11-20-2007 | George Hunka

[blam]

Public release date: 20-Nov-2007
Contact: George Hunka
ghunka@aftau.org
212-742-9070
American Friends of Tel Aviv University

Digging biblical history, or the end of the world

Professor Israel Finkelstein

Some come to dig the Tel Aviv University-directed archeological site at Tel Megiddo because they are enchanted by ancient stories of King Solomon. Others come because they believe in a New Testament prophecy that the mound of dirt will be the location of a future Judgment Day apocalyptic battle. Hence the second, rather more chilling name for the site: "Armageddon."

Tel Megiddo has been the subject of a number of decisive battles in ancient times (among the Egyptian, Hebrew and Assyrian peoples) and today it holds a venerated place in archaeology, explains site co-director and world-renowned archeologist Prof. Israel Finkelstein.

Says Prof. Finkelstein, from the Department of Archaeology and Ancient Near Eastern Cultures at Tel Aviv University, "Megiddo is one of the most interesting sites in the world for the excavation of biblical remains. Now volunteers and students from around the world can participate in the dig which lets them uncover 3,000 years worth of history -- from the late 4th millennium B.C.E. to the middle of the first millennium C.E."

At the Megiddo Dig: The Assyrian palace of Stratum III

Prof. Finkelstein, who belongs to the Sonia and Marco Nadler Institute of Archaeology at Tel Aviv University, has been co-directing the site with Prof. David Ussishkin, also of Tel Aviv University, since 1994.

Prof. Finkelstein has co-authored a best-selling book on archaeology and biblical history (The Bible Unearthed, 2001). Earlier this month he released a book (written with A. Mazar) that contains surprising commentary on biblical archaeology and history, The Quest for Biblical Archeology, published by the Society of Biblical Literature in the United States. He is also the recipient of the prestigious international Dan David Prize in the category of Past Dimension (2005).

Likened to a "lightening rod" by the journal Science (2007), Prof. Finkelstein is famous for his unconventional way of interpreting biblical history: he puts emphasis on the days of the biblical authors in the 7th century B.C.E. and theorizes that ancient rulers such as David and Solomon, who lived centuries earlier, were "tribal chieftains ruling from a small hill town, with a modest palace and royal shrine."

At the Megiddo Dig: A general view of early Bronze Age temples

Yet, "new archaeological discoveries should not erode one's sense of tradition and identity," he states.

Prof. Ze’ev Herzog, who heads the archaeology institute at Tel Aviv University, says, "There has been an important revolution in biblical history in the last decades. We are now uncovering the difference between myth and history, and between reality and ideology of the ancient authors. This is the role of our generation of archaeologists -- to unearth the real historical reality to find out why and how the biblical records were written."

The archeologists aren't the only ones looking for answers. More than one hundred volunteers come from all corners of the world to dig Megiddo alongside Prof. Finkelstein every year. They are teachers, journalists, actors, construction workers, professors and housewives, as well as archaeology, history and divinity students who dig for credit.

The Megiddo dig is offered as a three-week, four-week or seven-week program. As part of the experience, volunteers live in a nearby kibbutz and are exposed to lectures and debates about their findings. The dig is partnered with the George Washington University, represented by Prof. Eric Cline, the American associate director of the dig. This makes it an ideal stomping ground for Americans who want a hands-on education in archaeology.

"Team and staff members come from all around the world for many reasons: the adventure of foreign travel in a safe yet educational environment, intellectual stimulation, and -- yes -- even a love of digging in the dirt,” notes Prof. Finkelstein.

And those with no prior knowledge or degrees are welcome, he stresses. "We cater to all of the volunteers' backgrounds and teach them field methods, archeological techniques as well as the history of biblical archeology. It is truly a wonderful experience."

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American Friends of Tel Aviv University supports Israel’s largest and most comprehensive center of higher learning. It is ranked among the world’s top 100 universities in science, biomedical studies, and social science, and rated one of the world’s top 200 universities overall. Internationally recognized for the scope and groundbreaking nature of its research programs, Tel Aviv University consistently produces work with profound implications for the future.

[blam]

GGG Ping.

I used to subscribe to Biblical Archaeology Magazine and I think it was this guy that was always 'fussing' with someone in that magazine.

[aimhigh]

The article lost me at B.C.E

[ThisLittleLightofMine]

Likened to a “lightening rod” by the journal Science (2007), Prof. Finkelstein is famous for his unconventional way of interpreting biblical history: he puts emphasis on the days of the biblical authors in the 7th century B.C.E. and theorizes that ancient rulers such as David and Solomon, who lived centuries earlier, were “tribal chieftains ruling from a small hill town, with a modest palace and royal shrine.”

____________________________________________________________

God’s Word says that Solomon was the wealthiest and wisest ruler EVER? I believe God.

[in hoc signo vinces]

B.C.E.= Before Common Era =BC

C.E.= Common Era or A.D.

[in hoc signo vinces]

2012...it’s all over...Jericho style...good thing is...no more libs.

[DManA]

Just read it as Before the Christian Era.

[SkyPilot]

We know what the terms mean - they are just PC garbage.

[WKB]

BCE

Baptist Christian Era ping

[in hoc signo vinces]

Exactly...seems like these days the PC Police will do anything to institutionalize secularism...Sad.

[maine-iac7]

Just read it as Before the Christian Era.

LOL

That's what I do too - they can't stop me, so ha ha on them

I do, however, follow the PC rule not to call the judhardists "terrorists" - I call them barbarians.

[Nuc1]

OK, I am curious, what’s gonna happen in 2012?

[aimhigh]

B.C.E.= Before Common Era =BC

I know what it means, that's why it lost my interest.

[Smokin' Joe]

The Mayans get new calendars in the mail asking for a donation to their favorite charities?

[WileyPink]

Well, if you listen to THE Bible Answerman, all of this has already happened and everything else is symbolic anyway. Of course...he is right about everything. :^)

[Hornet19]

I agree with you. Using the PC terms such as B.C.E. tells me there is a decided slant to the rest of the verbage. I just move on.

[freepertoo]

NOT! :-D Hank H (can never spell his last name) is so dead on accurate when it comes to cults...and so dead wrong about so much else! He’s also rude.

[GOPJ]

bump

[in hoc signo vinces]

It’s the new End of the World date...

http://survive2012.com/

of course WE’RE DOOMED!

[WileyPink]

...and so dead wrong about so much else! He’s also rude.

WHEW! I'm not the only one that thinks so!