Biblical Archaeology Review, Winter 2025

The traditional view of Bethlehem is that it was a quiet pastoral hamlet at the time of Jesus’s birth. Although much of its archaeology is hidden under the modern city, there may be reason to believe that it was actually a vibrant urban center during the Second Temple period. One such clue is the Lower Aqueduct, part of a major building project that conducted water directly through the heart of Bethlehem.

Khirbet al-Ra‘i was the quintessential border town during the Late Bronze and early Iron Ages. The site stood at the intersection of Canaanite, Philistine, and Israelite cultures, resulting in uniquely blended and overlapping architecture, pottery, and artistic styles. But was it also the biblical town of Ziklag, awarded to David in return for his service to the Philistine king of Gath?

In the second and third centuries CE, the Roman legionary camp at Legio helped secure Roman dominance over Judea. Its strategic location in the fertile Jezreel Valley, within sight of ancient Megiddo, made it a cornerstone of Rome’s eastern presence. Archaeology reveals details of daily life and the religious and cultural adaptations that took place at this critical outpost.

Biblical archaeology has witnessed dramatic change during recent decades, with some experts even moving away from the Bible as a historical source. But by expanding the biblical world’s temporal and geographical boundaries and integrating scientific approaches with a renewed commitment to biblical studies, the field can bring new life to our understanding of ancient Israel.