Biblical Archaeology Review, 2025
Features
The last decade saw exciting discoveries in the archaeology of biblical Jerusalem. Focusing on the City of David, three archaeologists summarize the most consequential finds they have uncovered. From the contentious tenth century BCE to the city’s demise at the hands of the Babylonians, archaeology continues to transform our understanding of the Holy City.
By the late ninth century BCE, Phoenicians from Tyre and Sidon had established a robust Mediterranean trade network. In southern Iberia—likely biblical Tarshish—they established a coastal settlement at Cerro del Villar. Archaeology reveals a thriving commercial port that developed fruitful relations with local communities while preserving the traditions and customs of the Phoenician homeland.
Although crucifixion was a common form of punishment in the Roman world, archaeology has provided few clues as to how the brutal practice was performed. And although the Gospel accounts use vague terminology when describing Jesus’s execution, a longstanding Christian tradition assumes bodies were nailed to the cross. Close inspection of the historical evidence, however, indicates that nailing was probably introduced only after Jesus’s time.
When King Hezekiah of Judah was bracing for Assyrian attack at the close of the eighth century BCE, he fortified Jerusalem and sought alliances. According to the Bible and Assyrian sources, one unexpected ally arrived from the kingdom of Cush in present-day Sudan. Known as Tirhaqah in the Bible, he must have been only a young prince when he led Cush’s army to Judah’s defense in 701.
Across five decades, BAR has treated its readers to the latest and greatest discoveries in biblical archaeology, from the Tel Dan Stele that references David’s dynasty to the Herodian fortress where John the Baptist was beheaded. In this special anniversary feature, we highlight eight groundbreaking discoveries that provided new and sometimes unexpected insights into the biblical past.
Since its founding, biblical archaeology has often been viewed as a scientific way to prove the Bible. Over the decades, however, the discipline has changed dramatically. By focusing on the lives of ordinary people, biblical archaeologists now seek to establish the broader context within which the Bible emerged. These efforts are transforming how we understand life in the biblical world and providing fresh insights into the meaning of the texts themselves.
A fragmentary stone mug from the first century CE, discovered during the Mt. Zion excavations just outside Jerusalem’s Old City walls, bears a remarkable secret: a carefully incised inscription partially written in a rare cryptic script previously known only from the Dead Sea Scrolls. Investigate this mysterious text and what it may reveal about Jewish ritual practices during the Second Temple period.
Knowing when ancient artifacts were created, used, or destroyed is crucial for understanding the biblical past. Archaeology’s methods for dating sites, buildings, and artifacts have changed dramatically since the early days of the discipline. Explore the advanced scientific techniques that are helping modern archaeologists resolve longstanding historical and chronological debates, including the dating of key biblical battles.