Archaeological Views: In the Shadow of Solomon (and Everyone Else)

It was in the first season of our renewed excavations at Gezer—Steve was giving a tour to a group of visiting archaeologists, and we were standing at the Iron Age, six-chambered city gate—when he used the popular term “Solomonic Gate.” After the tour, Sam wondered if this term should be used. It was a good question: Were we being “scientific”? Would we be accused of digging with a trowel in one hand and a Bible in the other? More important, would we be giving the impression that we had preconceived ideas? After all, our interpretations should be scientifically based […]