GLENN J. CORBETT

A few months ago, BAR hosted a small party in Washington, D.C., to celebrate the magazine’s 50th anniversary. The gathering was a reunion of sorts, bringing together current and former editors, publishers, business staff, and partners to recognize the many people who have contributed to the magazine’s success through the years.

Amid the reminiscing and hearty laughter, there was also a genuine sense of family, of being surrounded by generations of friends and colleagues dedicated to BAR’s mission of bringing the latest scholarship on the Bible and archaeology to the public. Having myself been part of the BAR family for nearly two decades now, I believe it is this common bond and shared purpose that best explains the magazine’s enduring success.

Our Winter 2025 issue is yet another testament to the dedication, pride, and passion that makes the BAR family so special. Our cover story, “Not So Little Town of Bethlehem,” explores the ancient monumental waterworks that suggest the town of Jesus’s birth was far more prosperous than the well-known Christmas carol would have us believe. We also visit the recently excavated ruins of Khirbet el-Ra‘i—a “Biblical Border Town” located at the cultural crossroads of Canaanites, Philistines, and Israelites—that some identify with biblical Ziklag, where David first ruled. Then, in “In the Shadow of Armageddon” we unearth the Roman legionary camp of Legio, built close to the imposing mound of Megiddo, where Rome’s overpowering military presence may have inspired Revelation’s apocalyptic imagery.

In Strata, investigate pottery from Canaanite Megiddo that preserves traces of vanilla, suggesting the aromatic spice—usually associated with the Aztecs of ancient Mexico—was actually first harvested and traded across the Near East thousands of years earlier. In “Site-Seeing,” stop by Chorazin, near the Sea of Galilee, to join in the excavations of the monumental fourth-century synagogue that is likely built upon an even earlier synagogue where Jesus performed miracles. And in our latest “Test Kitchen,” just in time for the holidays, try your hand at mulling a spiced wine that was enjoyed across the Byzantine Empire.

In Epistles, grapple with the various ways the biblical authors understood the Hebrew term for walled settlement (‘ir) and learn why certain translations make better sense of the archaeological evidence than others. Examine the unique physical, even supernatural abilities ascribed to the apostle Paul in the Book of Acts and how these extraordinary qualities served to elevate the apostle’s stature in early Christian circles. And revisit the writings of the New Testament to reveal the skilled hands of the enslaved scribes whose largely anonymous efforts helped create and disseminate the earliest Christian scriptures.

Finally, the concluding article in our “New Directions” series challenges biblical archaeologists to critically engage with the Bible while also expanding the field’s geographic and disciplinary horizons. We also look back at the history and impact of the BAS Publication Awards, which have recognized outstanding scholarship in the Bible and archaeology since 1984.

So, in this season of joy and togetherness, I am especially grateful to all the members of the BAR family who have sustained this magazine for five decades. It is a remarkable achievement and we, who now carry on that legacy, look to the future with thankfulness, pride, and excitement.

GLENN J. CORBETT

Although we may endlessly debate whether archaeology can prove the Bible, one thing is clear: Archaeology provides tremendous insight into how ancient people experienced the sacred in the biblical world. By studying remains from the past—temples, churches, synagogues, tombs, images, and texts—we glimpse the myriad ways that Israelites, early Jews, and the first Christians negotiated their respective spiritual worlds.

Our Fall 2025 issue unearths new insights into these ancient religious experiences. In our cover story, “At the Temple Gates,” explore Jerusalem pilgrimage during the Second Temple period and what the latest excavations at the Ophel reveal about the ritual practices of early Jews as they approached the Temple. In “Where Was the First Council of Nicea?” search the waters of Lake İznik in Turkey to locate the famous church where 1,700 years ago early Christian leaders held their first deliberations on the nature of Jesus’s divinity. And in “Samarian Scribes in King Hezekiah’s Court,” examine the evidence for scribal refugees who fled to Judah following the destruction of the Northern Kingdom and the critical role they played in preserving many of the stories found in the Hebrew Bible.

Our journey into the sacred continues in Strata and Epistles, where we venture into an ancient Judahite tomb to feast and celebrate with the dead as they transition into the realm of the ancestors. We then examine how the biblical writers made sense of the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem and the various religious and ideological factors that led them to place the blame squarely on the people of Judah rather than its political leaders. Biblical scholar Ralph Hawkins takes a second look at the Book of Exodus to explore how many of its most famous stories—including the worship of the golden calf—may show that the Israelites did not preserve the Yahwistic faith of Abraham during their time in Egypt. We also revisit one of the lesser-known books of the New Testament, the Letter of James, to consider whether its moral indictment against partiality (2:1–7) was set in a Roman courthouse or even a synagogue, where impressions and prejudice often outweighed justice and fairness.

But this issue offers more than just access to the realm of the divine. In “Arch-Tech,” explore the waters off the coast of Israel to learn how the latest technologies are revolutionizing marine archaeology. “Classical Corner” steps into the dark corners of ancient Corinth to experience the realities of incarcerated life in a late Roman prison and the messages left behind by those who plead for justice and deliverance. In “Text Treasures,” browse the Nimrud Letters, the remarkable state archive of Assyria that sheds light on key biblical events, including the destruction of Samaria in the late eighth century BCE.

Finally, this issue continues to celebrate BAR’s 50th anniversary with the third article in our “New Directions” series, which highlights the many ways biblical archaeology has expanded to answer new questions and meet fresh challenges. Also, be sure to catch the “Flashbacks” scattered throughout the issue that showcase some of the special discoveries, debates, and controversies that BAR has covered over the past five decades.

GLENN J. CORBETT

Just in time for summer vacation, our latest issue takes you on a trip around the world, or at least the world as it was known to the biblical writers—a world that stretched well beyond ancient Israel to exotic, distant lands that may often have seemed more myth than reality.

Our first stop is the Bay of Málaga in southern Spain, where our cover story, “From Tyre to Tarshish,” explores the latest archaeological evidence for Phoenicia’s early expansion into the western Mediterranean and its legendary trade connections with the biblical land of Tarshish. We then venture to the fabled land of Cush, along the far reaches of the Nile in modern-day Sudan, to visit the great temples and pyramids of “Judah’s African Ally” and learn about Taharqa, the Cushite ruler who came to the aid of King Hezekiah in his confrontation with the Assyrians in 701 BCE. Our journey continues in Jerusalem, where we join an excavation just outside the walls of the Old City to examine the unique cryptic inscription of “The Mysterious Mount Zion Mug” and what it may reveal about how Jewish purification rituals were performed during the time of Jesus.

More travel adventures await in Strata and Epistles, where we investigate the so-called “Table of Nations”—the list of Noah’s descendants who repopulated the earth after the Flood (Genesis 10)—and the myriad sources where the biblical writers gained information about the broader geographic and cultural world they inhabited. Take a “Site-Seeing” tour of Jesus’s hometown of Nazareth in northern Israel to visit centuries-old churches and landmarks that commemorate places and events from his formative years. In “Test Kitchen,” sample a flavorful Jewish eggplant dish from medieval Spain, and in “Going, Going, Gone,” learn how Sudan’s ongoing civil war is placing the country’s rich but little-known cultural heritage at risk.

During your journey, be sure to enjoy this issue’s other compelling stories. Examine the various types of decorative amulets that many early Christians used to secure divine blessing and how such objects were likely influenced by Jewish and Samaritan traditions—much to the chagrin of church leaders. Explore less prominent but highly influential women prophets in the Hebrew Bible and how their prophetic and religious roles were similar to but also distinct from their better-known male counterparts. And join us as we sit down with James Fraser, the new director of the Albright Institute in Jerusalem, to discuss his distinguished career in archaeology and museums and what he enjoys most about being the institute’s director.

Finally, this issue continues to celebrate BAR’s 50th anniversary with the second article in our “New Directions” series that highlights scientific dating techniques that may finally resolve some of biblical archaeology’s most heated and longstanding debates. Also, be sure to catch the “Flashbacks” scattered throughout the issue that showcase some of the special discoveries, debates, and controversies that BAR has covered over the past five decades.

So pack your bags! This issue is going to be the adventure of a lifetime!

GLENN J. CORBETT

When I first started reading BAR, in the ’90s, it was one of the few places a nerdy teenager like me could go to learn more about biblical archaeology. There were, of course, a handful of other magazines that covered the ancient world, as well as the occasional television show that explored the “mysteries of the Bible,” but BAR was something different: a magazine that brought the latest discoveries—direct from the archaeologists themselves—to a popular audience.

Today, of course, things are very different. After just a few minutes of browsing the web or scrolling through social media streams, one can easily discover a nearly endless array of sources—some reputable, others far less so—all vying to present themselves as the authoritative voice on biblical archaeology.

In this digital age, when it can be challenging to filter out the good from the bad, the mission of BAR is more important than ever. Our Spring issue, which celebrates 50 years of bringing biblical archaeology to the public, offers the opportunity to reflect on the BAR brand and what it represents.

BAR is reputable. Our authors are the leaders in the field, the authoritative voices on how archaeology opens up new views on both the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament. In “A Decade of Discoveries,” for example, Jerusalem archaeologists Yuval Gadot, Yiftah Shalev, and Joe Uziel highlight a decade’s worth of dramatic finds from the City of David that have transformed our understanding of the Holy City during the time of the biblical kings. In “Nails or Knots?” New Testament scholar Jeffrey Garcia examines the historical and archaeological evidence that Jesus was crucified using nails and concludes this long-held tradition is likely anachronistic.

BAR is independent. As a secular, non-denominational publication, we have no religious or political agenda, and we do not try to present a particular theological or ideological view of biblical history. Our goal is to be educational, to communicate fairly and accurately the best scholarship in biblical archaeology to the public, even if that sometimes means challenging our readers’ beliefs and assumptions. In this issue, for example, archaeologist Jennie Ebeling discusses how the field’s early emphasis on confirming the Bible has gradually evolved to focus on the lives of ordinary people in the biblical world. And esteemed scholar Jodi Magness offers a critical take on the very foundations of biblical archaeology, arguing that the Christian beliefs of the field’s founders led to an exclusive interest in unearthing the archaeology of the ancient Israelites rather than that of all of the land’s historical peoples and cultures.

BAR is accessible, focused on translating the latest scholarly research into interesting, enjoyable, beautifully illustrated, and thought-provoking content that brings the biblical world to life. In this issue, our special feature “Breaking New Ground” celebrates some of the most exciting discoveries BAR has covered over the past five decades with spectacular photography and descriptive summaries of their biblical and archaeological significance. And as always, our Spring issue highlights this year’s dig opportunities, as well as the BAS Dig Scholarships and the incredible impact these experiences have had on readers’ lives and careers through the years.

So, as you enjoy this anniversary issue, which captures the stories and moments that have made BAR the world’s most successful biblical archaeology magazine, we thank you, our loyal readers, for continuing to value our brand and everything that makes this publication so special.

GLENN J. CORBETT

One of the most exciting but also challenging aspects of publishing BAR is selecting the cover for each issue. We had some great candidates for our Winter 2024 issue (see a couple of examples below), but ultimately chose a stunning view of the brilliant dome that rises above the aedicule commemorating Jesus’s traditional tomb in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.

BAR Alt Winter 2024 cover 1

Selecting the cover is a long process and a team effort. First, we source dozens of photos from authors, photographers, museums, and our own archives to find beautiful and striking images that convey the wonder, grandeur, and discovery of the biblical past, usually as reflected in one of the issue’s feature stories. We then share these images with our wonderful design team, which mocks up various covers and provide critical feedback about why certain ones might work better than others. Ultimately, however, the decision falls to BAR’s editorial and publishing teams, which also consider factors such as when the issue will appear and the cover’s uniqueness relative to past issues. Finally, we choose one cover we believe will invite readers to open the issue to discover more about the biblical world.

BAR Alt Winter 2024 cover 2

We hope our latest cover invites you to read the issue’s lead article, “Written in Stone,” which explores the first official churches built by Constantine in the fourth century to commemorate key moments in the life of Jesus. In “Projecting Prestige,” which we also considered for our cover (see lower image), visit the great Canaanite city of Hazor to learn how Egyptian statues from dynasties of old may have been used to cement the status and prestige of the city’s rulers. Then, follow esteemed archaeologist William Dever as he examines evidence for the Assyrian destruction of ancient Israel’s Northern Kingdom that may help unravel the mystery of “How the Ten Tribes of Israel Were Lost.” Finally, in “The Mystery of Mary and Martha,” investigate scribal changes made to early copies of John’s Gospel that may reflect later Christian attempts to downplay Mary Magdalene’s role in the Jesus movement.

Beyond the issue’s feature articles, pore through ancient spellbooks that reveal the peculiar rituals Romans used to secure the affections of would-be lovers. Examine a decorated Bronze Age vessel from Tel Burna and what its stylized imagery may suggest about Canaanite goddess worship, and then join archaeologists in the laboratory as they try to determine whether opium was as widely used in antiquity as some believe. Learn fascinating stories about Jesus’s childhood that circulated among early Christians and why these noncanonical traditions proved so appealing. Finally, explore the realities of the human experience that may underlie the Hebrew Bible’s many purity laws and how other Near Eastern cultures likely shared similar beliefs.

As you enjoy the latest issue of BAR, take a look at these other covers we considered. Did we choose the right one? Write or email and let us know what you think.

GLENN J. CORBETT

Whenever I visit a dig, attend a conference, or give a lecture, I’m always struck by the number of people who enthusiastically introduce themselves to me as avid readers of BAR. To a person, they speak about the magazine with a joy and a passion that are contagious and inspiring.

As BAR prepares to mark its 50th anniversary next year, we invite you to share this passion for biblical archaeology with your fellow readers. We want your stories and memories of the sites, discoveries, and controversies you have most enjoyed (or not!) in these pages through the years. From freeing the Dead Sea Scrolls to the search for lost biblical cities, it has been an incredible journey, and as we celebrate in 2025, we’ll highlight your remembrances for other readers to enjoy.

The adventure continues in our Fall 2024 issue. In “Jews of Arabia,” journey to the verdant oases of North Arabia to uncover evidence of the early Jews who migrated to this distant land following the revolts of the first and second centuries CE. Then head to “Gath of the Philistines” where more than a quarter-century of excavation at Tell es-Safi has revealed new insights into ancient Israel’s archenemy and the city’s rise to power in the early Iron Age. In “Letters to Pharaoh,” examine the famous Amarna Letters to discover the creative ways that Canaanite scribes used language and diplomacy to relay messages from the rulers they served to the pharaohs of New Kingdom Egypt. And in “Too Good to Be True?” join leading epigrapher Christopher Rollston as he investigates the sensational claims made about several recently discovered inscriptions and why many scholars remain skeptical of their significance.

In addition to news, updates, tributes, and our always-enjoyable quizzes, Strata looks back at the complex history of Israeli archaeology and how the search for the biblical past has long been tied to the country’s cultural and religious identity. We also review the new book The Bible Among Ruins, which discusses how the biblical writers understood the ruined cities and monuments that were still visible in the landscape they inhabited. And we take you on a guided tour of the impressive site of Beth Shean, which was a major Canaanite (and then Israelite) city in the Jordan Valley before it was rebuilt in the Hellenistic period as Scythopolis, one of the great cities of the Decapolis in the Roman East.

In Epistles, re-examine the so-called Documentary Hypothesis about the Pentateuch’s origins in the face of fresh criticism. Dig deeper into the meaning of the name of Israel’s God YHWH, how it was likely pronounced, and why it took on special significance in Jewish tradition. Then revisit the essential works of Flavius Josephus, the rebel-turned-historian who chronicled Judean history, life, and religion for his Roman audience in the wake of the First Jewish Revolt.

So whether you’ve been a reader since the beginning or are just starting out on your adventure, we look forward to you joining us in celebration of BAR during the coming year. See Queries and Comments for how you can share your story.

Glenn J. Corbett

Earlier this year, I was fortunate to attend the biblical archaeology conference in honor of William Dever held at the Lanier Theological Library in Houston (see Debating the Future of Biblical Archaeology). In assessing the state of the field, the presenting scholars discussed the many divisions that challenge how the academy defines biblical archaeology. Is it the Bronze and Iron Age archaeology of ancient Israel, or does it also include the Hellenistic and Roman world of Second Temple Judaism and early Christianity? Should archaeology be divorced from the biblical text, or does the Bible provide critical context to material remains (and vice versa)? And is biblical archaeology synonymous with archaeological work in modern Israel only, or is the field broad enough to include archaeology in neighboring countries as well?

Given these critical and often divisive questions for the academy, I was pleasantly surprised when BAR was lauded at the conference for its long tradition of bringing a broad and inclusive vision of biblical archaeology to the public. I believe our Summer 2024 issue offers yet another case in point.

In “Finding Jesus,” explore the desolate ruins of the early Christian village of Shivta in the Negev and the marvelous paintings from the life of Jesus that are still preserved in several of its Byzantine churches. Then venture “Into the Heart of Moab,” across the Dead Sea in Jordan, to visit Balu‘a, an expansive Iron Age site where excavations have revealed a vital commercial and strategic center of the Moabite kingdom.

In “Solomon’s Powerplay,” examine new archaeological evidence that may finally resolve the longstanding debate as to whether Gezer’s monumental fortifications can be attributed to King Solomon, as the Bible claims. And in “Rising from the Ashes,” journey back in time to the centuries immediately after the Late Bronze Age collapse and investigate what factors led new peoples such as the Israelites and Philistines to emerge, while groups such as the Canaanites receded into the mists of time.

In Strata, travel to ancient Antioch in southern Turkey, one of the great cities of the Roman East and an early home of Christianity, to learn how the fourth-century church father John Chrysostom envisioned the protective power of the city’s martyred saints. Then browse the souvenir shops of the Roman world to view the precious mementos that travelers and pilgrims took home to remind them of their trips to various cities. Finally, we highlight the site of Ghor al-Safi, just south of the Dead Sea in Jordan, where modern tourists can visit ruins associated with the biblical story of Lot, explore a medieval sugar factory, and experience local culture and cuisine.

In Epistles, examine Paul’s letters to see what they reveal about the mysterious affliction that apparently led some in his audience to judge the apostle as “weak” and his speech of no account (2 Corinthians 10:10). We also get a fresh perspective on Abishag, the little-known but often objectified woman who attended King David in his final days, and the important role she likely played in the administration of the king’s household.

So with our latest issue, we hope you enjoy the wide array of sites, topics, and viewpoints that not only bridge biblical archaeology’s many divides, but also will make for a heck of an enjoyable read this summer.

Glenn J. Corbett

Archaeology is a beautiful thing. Excavations in Israel and beyond allow us to glimpse all the complexities and intricacies of the biblical world as it was experienced thousands of years ago. Indeed, the more we uncover, the more we realize just how interconnected were the peoples of the Bible, who shared much more in common than what the Bible’s stories of war, conflict, and struggle might suggest.

It somehow seems fitting that our Spring 2024 issue presents sites and discoveries that reveal how traditions, styles, and beliefs have been adopted, blended, and reshaped across the ages to create shared identities and cultures. In “The Cave of Salome,” explore an underground labyrinth of early Jewish burial caves that later Christians commemorated as the tomb of Salome, an early disciple of Jesus remembered in the Gospels as one of the first to witness the empty tomb. In “Lifestyles of Jerusalem’s Rich and Famous,” visit sixth-century BCE Jerusalem, on the eve of its destruction, to see how the city’s wealthiest residents enjoyed many of the finer things that life under foreign imperial domination had to of-fer. As we read in “The Jerusalem Ivories,” this included exquisite decorative plaques that adorned the furnishings of the royal buildings where Jerusalem’s high officials entertained in sophisticated luxury. And in “House of the Rising Sun,” journey to the Late Bronze Age Canaanite city of Azekah, where archaeologists have unearthed a temple dedicated to the sun’s daily renewal that combined elements of both Canaanite and Egyptian religious practice.

Check out Strata for the latest biblical archaeology news and discov­eries, including new findings that suggest the Hyksos kings of Egypt—the foreign Asiatic rulers whom many associate with the biblical story of Joseph—brought their own brutal brand of justice to the throne. Learn how advanced photographic methods are helping scholars overcome the challenges of documenting thousands of Mesopotamian seals, and hear from Kiersten Neumann, curator of the Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures (ISAC) Museum (formerly the Oriental Institute Museum), who explains how the museum’s recent name change is helping it keep pace with the times. And for those itching to join an excavation, we provide our annual list of dig opportunities and information about applying for a BAS Dig Scholarship to support your next adventure.

In Epistles, sail with Paul between the port cities of the Roman Mediterranean to understand how ancient mariners traversed the seas before open-water navigation was safe or routine. Examine the tradition of Solomon’s unprecedented marriage alliance with Egypt and the biblical and archaeological evidence that suggests his Egyptian bride was no idle boast. Finally, meet Egeria, the fourth-century pilgrim who left a remarkable and detailed account of her journeys to the sites, monuments, and churches of the early Christian Holy Land.

So as we enter the season that celebrates beauty and renewal, we hope this issue inspires readers to dwell not on divisions, but rather on the multifaceted interactions and fruitful exchanges that people throughout history have been engaged in—especially in the lands of the Bible.

Glenn J. Corbett

Every issue, we get a lot of letters from our readers (see Queries & Comments). Some remark on how much they enjoyed a particular article; others voice their displeasure when our authors question the Bible; still others have thoughtful, insightful questions about something they read (my favorite!).

It’s always fun to read through these letters, but they are also a constant reminder never to assume too much about who you are, what you believe, and why you read the magazine. BAR reaches an amazing array of people: believers, nonbelievers, seekers, armchair archaeologists, history buffs, students, teachers, Bible study groups, pastors, and rabbis, to name but a few. Given BAR’s eclectic readership, my main goal as Editor-in-Chief is simply to make the best and latest scholarship on the world of the Bible accessible and interesting to as many people as possible.

I hope our Winter 2023 issue does just that! In “Archaeology in the Land of Midian,” explore the ruins of Qurayyah, a thriving desert oasis that dominated northwest Arabia—biblical Midian—during the time of Moses and the Exodus. In “The House of Peter: Capernaum or Bethsaida?” revisit the site of El-Araj on the Sea of Galilee and examine new evidence that its Byzantine church was where early Christians commemorated the house of the chief apostle.

In “Hard Power,” learn about the impressive stone statues of the biblical Ammonites, one of ancient Israel’s chief rivals east of the Jordan, and why this small Iron Age kingdom developed such a monumental artistic style. And in “Warrior Women,” study a new mosaic from the Huqoq synagogue that depicts Deborah’s victory over the Canaanites and learn why this famous biblical story continued to resonate with Jewish audiences in late antiquity.

In addition to news, updates, and our always-enjoyable quizzes, Strata examines the “woman in the window” motif in ancient Near Eastern art and the biblical passages that shed light on its meaning and symbolism. Author Jennifer Tobin seeks the origins of the world’s seven great wonders and finds that ancient authors could never quite agree on which sites should make the list. Test Kitchen also delivers a savory meat cake from medieval Mongolia that will add the perfect amount of spice to any holiday meal.

Epistles takes a critical look at the history, traditions, and peoples behind the biblical text. In searching for the Nativity story’s Star of Bethlehem, BAR Assistant Editor Nathan Steinmeyer reminds us of the very different ways in which ancient astronomers perceived and interpreted celestial events. Andrew Tobolowsky probes the origins of ancient Israel’s tribes and concludes that the 12-tribe tradition was likely more idealized myth than historical reality. Finally, Jonathan Robie demonstrates how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing Bible translation but also presenting new challenges for producing reliable and trusted results.

As with every issue of BAR, some will find these articles informative and enlightening, others will find them challenging or even troubling, and many will simply enjoy their beautiful illustrations (which is fine, too!). But my hope is that everyone finds something to enjoy while also appreciating the diverse values, backgrounds, and interests of all those who read the magazine.

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The content you enjoy in each issue of BAR is the work of a small team of editors dedicated to making the latest in archaeology and biblical scholarship available to all. In addition to meticulously editing each issue, our editors work to develop and curate our feature articles, select and caption the beautiful images that accompany each story, and research and write the news, profiles, and quizzes that make BAR a truly popular magazine.

As such, it is never easy to say goodbye to one of our own. The Fall 2023 issue is the last for BAR Managing Editor Megan Sauter, who, after a decade serving the magazine, is moving on to other new and exciting adventures. As with each issue she has managed, Megan’s hard work, professionalism, and attention to detail can be found throughout.

In “The Millo: Jerusalem’s Lost Monument,” leading archaeologists identify the ancient fortifications around Jerusalem’s Gihon Spring as the Millo, a mysterious biblical structure whose exact location has long puzzled scholars. In his article, “Yahweh or Baal,” biblical scholar Michael Stahl examines the biblical and archaeological evidence for the religion of the Northern Kingdom of Israel and finds that its infamous rulers may not have been the heathen Baal worshipers portrayed in the Bible. Archaeologist Dennis Mizzi then looks at the enigmatic jar burials from Qumran’s cemetery and postulates that this unusual practice reflected the religious views of the sectarian Jewish community responsible for the Dead Sea Scrolls. And in “Constantinople: Christianity’s First Capital,” BAR Contributing Editor Sarah Yeomans explores the deep history of Istanbul and the magnificent monuments that still give an impression of the city’s glorious Christian past.

This issue’s Strata brings you the latest news from the world of biblical archaeology, including an update on the recently published Mt. Ebal curse tablet that continues to stir controversy among scholars. Aaron Demsky takes a fresh look at a short Hebrew inscription from Second Temple Jerusalem and the meaning behind its apparent reference to Daedalus, the master craftsman of Greek mythology. Reflecting on her own recent travels abroad, Megan guides you through the Catacomb of Priscilla in Rome, an underground labyrinth of ancient burials that preserves some of the world’s earliest Christian art. We also hear from Steed Davidson, the new Executive Director of the Society of Biblical Literature (SBL), who shares his exciting plans for the organization’s future.

In Epistles, Gary Rendsburg reexamines the symbolism behind the “horns of Moses” and argues that the writers of Ex-odus gave the prophet horns—and other unique qualities—to make him the equal of the Egyptian pharaoh. Rodney Caruthers explores the biblical concept of inspiration and its meaning to ancient writers, from Plato to the authors of the New Testament. And Hanna Tervanotko recovers the complex figure of Miriam in the Hebrew Bible, an important woman in the life of Moses and early Israel but one that Jewish and Christian traditions have rarely evaluated on her own terms.

So as we say goodbye to Megan and wish her well, I also offer my thanks and appreciation to a colleague and friend who has not just been a joy to work with but has been essential to making BAR the magazine that it is today. Thank you, Megan, for everything.