The Legend of Tel Achzib, Arkansas

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Excavations are underway at Tel Achzib—meaning “ruin of deception”—in Searcy, Arkansas. Created by archaeologists at Harding University, this artificial tell serves as a Biblical archaeology lab that introduces students to excavation technique and methodology. Especially for students unable to travel and dig in the Biblical lands, Tel Achzib offers a valuable, informative, and fun experience.

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Footnotes

1. This is somewhat similar to the latrine seat from the City of David excavations; see Jane M. Cahill, Karl Reinhard, David Tarler, and Peter Warnock, “It Had to Happen—Scientists Examine Remains of Ancient Bathroom,” BAR, 17:03.

Endnotes

1.
I wish to thank Dr. Hopper for his kind invitation to build this site. In addition, a host of people deserve recognition, in particular, Dr. Pat Garner for his donation of the land and Ernie Holeyfield for his skill to prepare the site and bury the materials. My wife, Sharon Manor, was an indispensable resource and worker in its construction. Others who helped in various ways include Scott Adair, Tim and Debbie Baird, Patrick Barber, Shlomo Bunimovitz, James Bury, Gerald Coleman, Betty Davis, Carrie Davis, Danny Deramus, Frank and Ellie Fowler, Garry Hill, David Lamb, Zvi Lederman, Curtis and Nell Manor, Lew Moore, Dwight Smith, Norman Southerland, Phil Thompson, Diehl and Jeanne Unger, and Paula Vines.

2.
The Hebrew of Micah 1:14 lambasts Judah with a wordplay on Achzib and “deception.”

3.
Our layout adapted Larry Stager’s design, as drawn by Catherine S. Alexander. See Philip J. King and Lawrence E. Stager, Life in Biblical Israel (Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 2001), p. 18.

4.
Such figurines were very prevalent in the later seventh century B.C.E.