After Solomon's death, Israel split into two nations: the Northern Kingdom (made up of 10 tribes) and the Southern Kingdom (made up of Judah, Benjamin, and the Levites who were serving in the Temple). In 722 BCE, the Neo-Assyrian Empire conquered the Northern Kingdom and did what ancient conquering empires did: they moved the local leaders out of Israel and dispersed them into other parts of the Assyrian Empire. This was done to prevent rebellion among the conquered people by separating and demoralizing them. The ivories in this image are part of a hoard of more than 12,000 that would have adorned the furniture and walls of Samaria's "ivory house" palace (1 Kings 22:39) while the ten northern tribes were still a nation. You can read much more about them at my link-in-bio or here: https://www.iaw.unibe.ch/research/ancient_near_eastern_archaeology/the_ivory_carvings_from_samaria/index_eng.html #redhairedarchaeologist #biblearchaeology #biblicalarchaeology #biblehistory #biblicalhistory #israelarchaeology #truthandtraditioncollide #assyria #assyrian #empires #losttribes #losttribesofisrael #10tribes #knowyourbible #ironage #israelskings #1kings #northernkingdom #samaria #ivoryhouse #ivories #ivorycarvings
If you're in the US, Happy Memorial Day! I'm sitting on the front porch swing—laptop in lap and basset hound on feet—working on my next book. It is due in a few weeks, and I'm literally dreaming about its contents every night. (I hope you'll love it in 2025, and I'll be back to regularly interacting with comments in July!) Today, I'm working on a section about the Lost Tribes of Israel. I wonder, What were you taught about them? What do you remember learning about them that maybe wasn't-quite factual in hindsight? I'll share some historical facts and Scriptural references in this week's posts! #redhairedarchaeologist #biblearchaeology #biblicalarchaeology #biblehistory #biblicalhistory #israelarchaeology #truthandtraditioncollide #assyria #assyrian #empires #losttribes #losttribesofisrael #10tribes
Most early civilizations were built next to water sources; ancient Egypt was no different. The first permanent communities found in the area have been dated to c. 5000 BCE. Throughout history, the Nile River provided food and transportation, and when it flooded, it deposited silt that enriched the earth for farming. The Nile flows from south to north, emptying into the Mediterranean Sea. Because of this direction, "Upper Egypt" is in the south and "Lower Egypt" is in the north. (I always have to stop and think about that! 😉) #redhairedarchaeologist #archaeologists #archaeology #biblicalarchaeology #interestinghistory #funhistory #historicalevidence #truthandtradition #truthandtraditioncollide #rhadigsIsrael #digs #archaeologydigging #watersources #NileRiver #MediterraneanSea #UpperEgypt #LowerEgypt
As the center of the worship of Egypt's Sun god, Heliopolis at one time boasted dozens of obelisks. Only this one remains in place today, although 7 others were relocated to other cities throughout the world. Today 4 are in Rome, 1 is in Florence, 1 is in London, and 1 is in New York City. #redhairedarchaeologist #archaeologists #archaeology #biblicalarchaeology #interestinghistory #funhistory #historicalevidence #truthandtradition #truthandtraditioncollide #rhadigsIsrael #digs #archaeologydigging #graniteobelisk #obelisk #Egypt #Sungod #heliopolis
One significant difference between the worship of Israel's God and that of neighboring cultures was the strict prohibition against making or worshipping idols, as stated in the Second Commandment (Exodus 20:4 NKJV): "You shall not make for yourself a carved image." While other cultures crafted idols to represent their gods (see image), Israelites worshipped an unseen God. This distinction highlighted their unique faith and commitment to a God beyond material representation. #redhairedarchaeologist #archaeologists #archaeology #biblicalarchaeology #interestinghistory #funhistory #historicalevidence #truthandtraditioncollide #whentruthandtraditioncollide #rhadigsIsrael #digs #archaeologydigging #worshipGod #idols #idolworship #Israelites #IsraeliteNation
In 167 BCE, Antiochus IV Epiphanes, the Seleucid king, committed a profound sacrilege by erecting an altar to the Greek god Zeus within the sacred confines of the Temple in Jerusalem. Accounts from ancient sources vividly depict the desecration, including the placement of a statue of Zeus atop the altar, the offering of "unclean" animals such as pigs, and the disruption of daily Jewish rituals. Many historians and theologians interpret this pivotal moment as the fulfillment of the prophecy of the "abomination of desolation," as foretold by Daniel and recounted in 1 Maccabees 1:54-64. Driven by his desire to impose Greek culture upon the diverse populace, the king's actions ignited a fierce backlash. Just three years later, the Hasmoneans, led by Judas Maccabeus, successfully ousted the Greek forces from Judaea. Their victory not only restored the sanctity of the Temple through purification rites but also ushered in a brief era of autonomous Jewish rule, lasting approximately a century until the ascendancy of the Roman Empire. #redhairedarchaeologist #archaeologists #archaeology #biblicalarchaeology #interestinghistory #funhistory #historicalevidence #truthandtradition #truthandtraditioncollide #rhadigsIsrael #headofzeus #Zeus #Greekculture #Hasmoneans #JudasMaccabeus #Antiochus #Greekgods #Jewishrituals #historythatmatters #interestingfacts
Did you know, the Appian Way (aka Via Appia) was built in the 300s to help Rome move troops and eventually goods quickly throughout the empire? You might think of it as an early "interstate"! Just as hotels and restaurants have popped up along our own thoroughfares, the Appian Way was home to rest stations for travelers and their animals. The two places Luke mentions in the Acts of the Apostles—the Forum of Appius and the Three Taverns—have not been located but are mentioned in many classical texts. #redhairedarchaeologist #archaeologists #archaeology #biblicalarchaeology #interestinghistory #funhistory #historicalevidence #truthandtradition #truthandtraditioncollide #rhadigsIsrael #digs #archaeologydigging #interestingBiblehistory #appianway
Ever wondered where Paul gave his great speech to the Athenians? The Areopagus—"Ares's Hill"—was a rock on which a group of high-born Athenian men would assemble regularly to discuss laws, religion, and education. Greek myth described that rock as the place where the god Ares was tried for murdering Poseidon's son. Although Greek Ares and Roman Mars were distinct gods from different traditions, the Romans conflated the 2 (and many other gods from both pantheons) when they conquered the Greek empire, thinking that the worship of a war god from one tradition could be easily blended with the practices of another. Today, many people erroneously call the Areopagus "Mars's Hill" because the Romans' theft of Ares's story basically worked! #redhairedarchaeologist #biblehistory #biblicalhistory #greekarchaeology #truthandtraditioncollide #greekhistory #areopagus #acropolisathens #ares #marshill #areshill #acts17 #etiology #apostlepaul #classicalarchaeology #classics
This amazing pool wasn't a mikveh, but I thought it was worth sharing! At Caesarea Maritima, Herod the Great built his Promontory Palace. It had an upper and lower part, both built on a "promontory" that extended into the Mediterranean Sea. The lower part of the palace was nearly at sea level and featured a massive, nearly Olympic-sized freshwater pool and dining area, the ruins of which are still visible. #redhairedarchaeologist #truthandtraditioncollide #biblearchaeology #biblicalarchaeology #biblehistory #herodthegreat #ancientcities #ancientirrigation #ancientplumbing #caesareamaritima #promontory #ancientharbour
I hope you'll enjoy this 2022 article by Sam Sokol about a nearly 2,000-year-old mikveh discovered in Jerusalem by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem’s Institute of Archaeology. It has several photos of the site and artifacts uncovered there, and it gives a simple explanation for how the mikveh might have been used by the family who owned it. Read it at my link-in-bio or https://www.haaretz.com/archaeology/2022-07-20/ty-article/mikveh-found-near-jerusalems-temple-mount-may-have-been-used-by-priestly-family/00000182-1b31-d3fd-a5ff-7ff55f400000 #redhairedarchaeologist #biblearchaeology #biblicalarchaeology #biblehistory #biblicalhistory #truthandtraditioncollide #israelarchaeology #travelisrael #ancientarchitecture #mikvah #mikveh #ritualcleansing #Archaeology #TempleMount #Jerusalem #AncientDiscoveries #JewishHistory #HistoricalSites #CulturalHeritage #ArchaeologicalFind #HolyLand #HeritagePreservation #ReligiousHistory #AncientRituals #HistoricalExcavation #CulturalArtifact #ArchaeologicalResearch #AncientJerusalem
Around the same time that Herod was building Masada, a group of ascetic Jews were living a communal life in and around the caves at Qumran and creating what we call the Dead Sea Scrolls. Their small village was built at the base of the cliffs and included functional communal rooms such as an assembly hall, dining room, writing room (where the scrolls themselves were probably copied), stables, and ritual baths such as this one. The members themselves lived outside the buildings in huts and tents. As Herod did at Masada, the Qumran community irrigated the city with aqueducts and stored water in cisterns. The constant flow of water was particularly important to this group, who took ritual purity seriously and bathed in this mikveh frequently. #redhairedarchaeologist #biblearchaeology #biblicalarchaeology #biblehistory #biblicalhistory #truthandtraditioncollide #israelarchaeology #travelisrael #ancientarchitecture #mikvah #mikveh #ritualcleansing #essenes #qumran
High above the Dead Sea, Masada has impressive Roman-style baths (with their hot and cold plumbing and vibrant mosaics and frescoes), but its more modest mikveh—the ritual bath used by the Jews—on the southeast side of the compound's wall is worth a long look! It was built according to biblical and traditional standards, including a pool that would collect rainwater, and would have been used regularly by all inhabitants in need of ritual cleansing. #redhairedarchaeologist #biblearchaeology #biblicalarchaeology #biblehistory #biblicalhistory #truthandtraditioncollide #israelarchaeology #travelisrael #ancientarchitecture #mikvah #mikveh #ritualcleansing #masadanationalpark
In Jewish tradition, the waters used for ritual cleansings must be "living." 💦 This means they come from a natural source—such as a river, rain, or groundwater—and are not only plumbed or carried into the pool. This mikveh (along with several others) in Magdala has been fed by fresh, moving groundwater for more than 2,000 years. Its engineering and longevity are testament to the city's wealth and piety during the first century. #redhairedarchaeologist #biblearchaeology #biblicalarchaeology #biblehistory #biblicalhistory #truthandtraditioncollide #israelarchaeology #travelisrael #john5 #magdala #ancientarchitecture #mikvah #ritualcleansing #mikveh
As the temperature outside increases (and my physical therapists have switched me to aquatic therapy for my shoulder rehabilitation!), I'm thinking about pools! This week we will look at the mikvehs necessary for proper ritual bathing, as outlined in the Bible. To start, read this simple summary by the Biblical Archaeology Society of the two locations that could possibly have been the first-century Pool of Siloam at my link-in-bio or https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/ancient-cultures/ancient-israel/rethinking-the-pool-of-siloam/ #redhairedarchaeologist #biblearchaeology #biblicalarchaeology #biblehistory #biblicalhistory #truthandtraditioncollide #israelarchaeology #travelisrael #john9 #ancientarchitecture #mikvah #ritualcleansing #poolofsiloam #silwanpool #cityofdavid #mikveh #hezekiahstunnel
Sometimes the best finds during an archaeological dig are the smallest ones. I once uncovered the remains of a silver bracelet—10 or so flower-shaped beads lying in the same circle where they'd been dropped more than 3,000 years earlier. Only the fiber that once held them together and onto someone's wrist had disappeared in all that time. Those tough-yet-delicate artifacts got special treatment as they were carefully tagged, bagged, and cataloged. There was a similar-looking bead found at a sifting project some time ago. You can read about it at my link-in-bio or https://www.jpost.com/archaeology/article-730923 #redhairedarchaeologist #biblearchaeology #biblicalarchaeology #biblehistory #biblicalhistory #truthandtraditioncollide #israelarchaeology #travelisrael #cityofdavid #ancientartifact #bibleartifacts #ancientjewelry #ancientbeads #womenoftheword #knowyourbible #beadednecklace #flowerbead #goldbead
It's sometimes difficult to translate and envision some passages of the Bible because we've never seen what they describe. One example is the first Temple's water basin in 2 Chronicles 4:5. It says: "its brim was made like the brim of a cup, like a lily blossom." For centuries, artists have depicted that item in myriad ways based on their own imaginings and the shape of Israel's native Madonna Lily, but an actual basin found in Solomon's own city of Megiddo may give us a good idea of what the Temple's much larger water basin looked like. 👀 This stand is on display at the University of Chicago's Oriental Institute Museum as a part of their Megiddo exhibit. (It's well worth a visit!) #redhairedarchaeologist #biblearchaeology #biblicalarchaeology #biblehistory #biblicalhistory #truthandtraditioncollide #israelarchaeology #travelisrael #megiddo #orientalinstitute #templebasin #2chronicles #madonnalily
🐝 Even in our urban neighborhood, people are keeping bees! Signs are starting to pop up for "No Mow May"—which encourages individuals to let wild flowers grow for young bees to pollenate in our concrete jungle. (Copper is thankful that David still mows our yard, but I do keep flowers growing year round!) But how far back does beekeeping go? The discovery of ancient apiaries at Tel Rehov in 2007 was not only the first evidence of domesticated beekeeping but also demonstrated international trade. The bees themselves were indigenous to present-day Turkey and could not have flown to Rehov by themselves. Read about the discovery in this brief article at my link-in-bio and https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna20588417 #redhairedarchaeologist #biblehistory #biblicalhistory #truthandtraditioncollide #milkandhoney #biblearchaeology #biblicalarchaeology #israelarchaeology #telrehov #womenoftheword #knowyourbible #bibleartifacts #apiary #bee #beekeeper #hive #honey #honeybees #beehives
Sha'arayim was a border city between Philistia and Judah during the reign of David in 11th century BCE. In 2008, a broken piece of pottery was found during an excavation of Khirbet Qeiyafa, which many connect to the biblical city called Sha’arayim (mentioned in Joshua 15:36; 1 Samuel 17:52; and 1 Chronicles 4:31). The pottery’s text may roughly agree with 1 Samuel 8, where Samuel describes what will happen to the people when the nation becomes a monarchy, mainly that the population will be oppressed by those in power. Read all about it and scholars' disagreements over its language, date, and even the direction of the letters! at my link-in-bio or https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/biblical-artifacts/inscriptions/the-qeiyafa-ostracon-relates-the-birth-of-the-kingdom-of-israel/ #redhairedarchaeologist #biblearchaeology #biblicalarchaeology #biblehistory #biblicalhistory #truthandtraditioncollide #israelarchaeology #travelisrael #ironage #1samuel8 #kingsaul #prophetsamuel #pottery #anointing #ancientartifact #knowyourbible #epigraphy #khirbetqeiyafa
✉️ The Amarna Letters are a collection of over 300 diplomatic and administrative documents found in the city of Amarna, Egypt's capital under pharaoh Akhenaten. The clay tablets were written in the cuneiform scripts of the nations with whom Egypt was trading. In one fragmentary letter, the ruler of Canaanite Ashkelon, Idiya, acknowledges the pharaoh's order of 30 pieces of glass. (That particular letter is at the British Museum but is not on display. It resembles this one at New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art.) 🏛️ Canaanite cities were within Egypt's sphere of influence, and many—including Ashkelon—were vassals. ✉️👀 #redhairedarchaeologist #biblearchaeology #biblicalarchaeology #biblehistory #biblicalhistory #truthandtraditioncollide #israelarchaeology #amarnaletters #Egypt #Akhenaten #interestingfacts #factsforyourpage #history #Canaanitecities #ashkelon #ashqelon #britishmuseum🏛
I am so excited to share with you "Who Were the Women in Jesus' Life?" The UK's @premierradio and Rachel Matthews produced this 30-minute-long special with me and interwove music and Scripture readings to create a lovely contemplation for Holy Week. I hope you'll enjoy! #redhairedarchaeologist #biblearchaeology #biblicalarchaeology #biblehistory #biblicalhistory #truthandtraditioncollide #israelarchaeology #travelisrael #holyweek #premierchristianradio #harvesthousepublishers #marymagdalene #mothermary #infertility #ladiesbiblestudy #womenoftheword #womensbiblestudy #barrenamongthefruitful #atthecross #resurrection #luke2
Have you noticed that Easter seems early this year? It falls 3 weeks before Passover begins and 5 weeks before Orthodox Easter (which many call Pascha). If you want to learn why the dates move around and rarely intersect, then make sure you've subscribed to my First Friday Freebie! April's edition with all this great info (and a surprise "thank you" to my subscribers!) will be in email inboxes on April 5. Each month I send out an email with a short unique article, some news from the world of archaeology, and updates on the activities of the RHA. It goes out on the first Friday of each month at 8:30p Eastern. To sign up, go to my link-in-bio or https://view.flodesk.com/pages/6272d642ec93244248595d95 #redhairedarchaeologist #truthandtraditioncollide #womenoftheword #freemium #EasterTraditions #DogwoodBlossoms #Passover2024 #OrthodoxEaster #SpringEquinox #CouncilOfNicaea #JulianCalendar #GregorianCalendar #EasterSundayMemories #CulturalHeritage #InterfaithUnderstanding #SeasonalChanges #LunarCalendar #HistoricalEaster #Pascha2024 #TimelessTraditions
Along the Via Dolorosa, station 6 marks the place where a woman named Veronica wiped Jesus' brow as He was carrying the Cross. ✝️ Tradition says that the action resulted in a piece of fabric with an image of Jesus' face called the Sudarium Veronica. The Vatican gained a cloth fitting that description by the 14th century. It was believed to produce miracles, and since the 17th century, it has been shown to the public each Passion Sunday. It is framed, and there is no clear photograph of the relic. The story developed during Medieval times, and it has no direct connection to Scripture. In the noncanonical Acts of Pilate, the woman with the issue of blood (Luke 8:43-48) is given the name Veronica. Over time, that woman's story became connected to the woman of Station 6, possibly because of the healing power of cloth. In Luke, the woman touches Jesus' cloak and is healed. In church records, the Veil of Veronica healed those who touched it. The story and the relic have inspired artists for centuries, and their imaginings of what such a cloth may have looked like inform our traditions today. #redhairedarchaeologist #truthandtraditioncollide #biblehistory #travelisrael #viadolorsa #easterweek #visitjerusalem #jerusalemcity #holyweek #pilgrimage #stationsofthecross #veronica #veilofveronica #luke8 #hansmemling #nationalgalleryofart #stveronica #holyrelic #maundythursday #easter
Check out this dome at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre ⛪️ Beneath the dome of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is the Aedicule - a smaller church that covers the stone where some Christians believe Jesus was lain after His crucifixion. It is the last stop on the Catholic Via Dolorosa. For Orthodox Christians, the skylight over the aedicule holds special significance. They believe that on their Holy Saturday (which May 4 due to calendar differences), the sun's beams miraculously ignite a flame deep inside the crypt. I encourage you to read this intriguing article that explains the archaeology that may (or may not!) support the Christian traditions at the church: Find it at my link-in-bio or https://www.timesofisrael.com/what-does-archaeology-say-about-the-location-of-the-church-of-the-holy-sepulchre/ #redhairedarchaeologist #truthandtraditioncollide #biblearchaeology #biblicalarchaeology #biblehistory #archaeologylife #israelarchaeology #travelisrael #churchoftheholysepulchre #holysaturday #viadolorsa #easterweek #aedicule #edicule #visitjerusalem #jerusalemcity #holyweek #pilgrimage #stationsofthecross
Since today is Palm Sunday, let's look at the palm that may have welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem. Until recently, it was extinct, but according to the Arava Institute, "...The fronds of the ancient 'Judean' date palm, now re-germinated in [a plant they named] Methuselah, are probably of the same variety brought by Pilgrims to the Holy Temple in Jerusalem 2000 years ago. The ancient date seed from which Methuselah sprouted existed at a time when the teachings of Jesus were beginning to spread...." Read all about efforts to revive the Judean Date Palm from 2,000-year-old seeds excavated at Masada at https://arava.org/arava-research-centers/arava-center-for-sustainable-agriculture/methuselah/ #redhairedarchaeologist #biblearchaeology #biblicalarchaeology #biblehistory #biblicalhistory #truthandtraditioncollide #israelarchaeology #travelisrael #john12 #thevoicebible #palmtree #palmsunday #aravainstitute #arava #datepalm #datepalmtree #triumphalentry
On this photo: The lower tier of the Taanach Cult Stand shows Asherah depicted in human form, while on the second tier, she is portrayed as a living tree nurturing two ibex. This shift in representation raises the question: why the variation? In narratives originating from the neighboring cultures of Israel, the goddess, who assumes different names in different contexts, is often associated with themes of creation and fertility. Evidence uncovered by archaeologists points to the presence of poles in elevated locations, leaving behind distinct circular "post holes" in the ground once the wood has decayed. While the actual poles have not been discovered, they are frequently depicted on other preserved clay and stone artifacts. This cultic stand would have been utilized for religious ceremonies during the period when Phoenician princess Jezebel introduced the worship of Baal and Asherah to Israel! For more information on the stand, refer to the Israel Museum's description available at https://www.imj.org.il/en/collections/362678-0 #redhairedarchaeologist #truthandtraditioncollide #biblearchaeology #biblicalarchaeology #biblehistory #archaeologylife #israelarchaeology #archaeologypodcast #archaeologypodcasts #archaeologypodcastnetwork #asherah #Jezebel #Baal
The most famous Asherah acolyte in the Bible is Jezebel. As the princess of Sidon (which was a city-state in Phoenicia), she would have been heavily involved in her community's worship of their gods. Her father, King Ethbaal, was a priest, leading some to theorize that Jezebel would have been raised as a priestess. When Jezebel married King Ahab of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, she brought her religion with her instead of conforming to her husband's (cf. 1 Kings 16, 18). There is some debate over exactly which Phoenician goddess was worshiped by Jezebel: was it the fertility goddess of Phoenicia (Astarte), or the mother goddess? Because of centuries of trade, conquest, and intermarriage between civilizations, "Asherah" had parallels in the Egyptian, Hittite, Philistine, Ugaritic, Akkadian, and Arabic cultures. Many consider this figurine--which would have been in use by Phoenicians around Jezebel's time, to be a cult statue of Astarte. See the figurine at my link-in-bio and https://collections.louvre.fr/en/ark:/53355/cl010151971 #redhairedarchaeologist #biblehistory #biblicalhistory #biblearchaeology #biblicalarchaeology #truthandtraditioncollide #hermenutics #idolworship #knowyourbible #asherah #astarte #ancientartifact #ironage #ahab #jezebel #sidon
🔎 There are significant differences that extend beyond mere English synonyms when we examine various Bible translations' interpretations of Deuteronomy 16:21 and the 39 other instances where "Asherah" or "asherim" (the plural) appear. Despite its Hebrew root meaning "upright," this aspect is often absent in translations. Common renderings include "grove," "sacred pole," or simply the transliteration, "Asherah." Depending on the context, it seems to denote either a goddess or the implements of her worship. The confusion arises because "Asherah" did not originate from Israelite culture but was rather adopted from neighboring nations. As worship of gods other than Yahweh was strictly prohibited among the Israelites, illegal cult practices are not extensively detailed in Hebrew Scripture; instead, they are condemned and destroyed. To comprehend what the authors were referencing, we must turn to archaeology and the traditions of contemporary cultures. #archaeology #BiblicalArchaeology #redhairedarchaeologist #truthandtraditioncollide #asherah #archaeologypodcasts #archaeologypodcastnetwork #biblearchaeology #archaeologylife #israelarchaeology
Let's take a look at the enigmatic "Asherah" in the Bible and in archaeology this week. Typically envisioned as a goddess associated with sacred poles or sacred trees, the word's meaning and figure's identity evolved over time as cultures clashed. Many questions linger. Only one thing remained consistent: worship of an Asherah was forbidden for the Israelites. #redhairedarchaeologist #biblehistory #biblicalhistory #biblearchaeology #biblicalarchaeology #truthandtraditioncollide #hermenutics #idolworship #esv #knowyourbible #womenoftheword #asherah #deut16
🐪 During the Iron Age, camels emerged as common beasts of burden, seen in reliefs from Sennacherib's palace in Nineveh after the Neo-Assyrian conquests. These depictions capture Judahite refugees departing Lachish with their possessions carried by camels. Camels weren't just pack animals; they played strategic roles in warfare too. While various cultures used them for trade, the Neo-Assyrians employed them to mobilize troops and supplies for battle preparations. Despite their utility, their vulnerability in combat because of their size meant they weren't directly engaged, unlike horses. Follow along for more #redhairedarchaeologist adventures and insights ⛏️ #redhairedarchaeologist #biblearchaeology #biblicalarchaeology #biblehistory #biblicalhistory #truthandtraditioncollide #sennacherib #nineveh #lachish #iraqarchaeology #mesopotamianart #camel #camels
Did you remember to 'spring forward' your clocks? ⏰ As we bid adieu to Standard Time, let's reflect on ancient timekeeping discoveries! In 2013, archaeologists from the University of Basel unearthed the oldest known sundial in the Valley of the Kings. This remarkable find, dating back to the 13th century BC, was nestled among stone huts used by workers constructing the graves. Imagine, they might have relied on this sundial to measure their work hours! #redhairedarchaeologist #truthandtraditioncollide #biblearchaeology #biblicalarchaeology #biblehistory #archaeologylife #sundial #springforward #daylightsavings #oldestsundial #universityofbasel #EgyptSundial
When Herod was the king of Judaea (37 BCE to 4 BCE), construction began on the largest Roman-style basilica in Israel. 🧱 A "basilica" was not a religious structure at that time, but a civic one. Citizens would gather there to debate ideas, settle lawsuits, watch performances, trade goods, and more. Herod's basilica was impressive because of its size (100m x 35m), but later generations beautified it with sculptures including the Roman goddess Nike and the Egyptian goddess Isis. Then, it was destroyed by an earthquake in 363. The site project started in 2016 and continues being restored. See more photos and read more about that process by searching for "2,000-year-old basilica unearthed in Ashkelon," copying the link below, or visiting my website: https://www.jpost.com/archaeology/2000-year-old-basilica-unearthed-in-ashkelon-669665 #redhairedarchaeologist #biblearchaeology #biblicalarchaeology #biblehistory #biblicalhistory #truthandtraditioncollide #israelarchaeology #travelisrael #ashkelon #telashkelon #ashkelonisrael #ashkelon #basilica #herodthegreat #restoration #conservation
My recent posts about ancient jewelry and beauty have inspired March's First Friday Freebie! This edition will compare modern cultural perceptions to the historical data that surround one of the "most beautiful women in the world," Cleopatra VII Philopater, the final ruling pharaoh of Egypt. Each month I send out an email with a short unique article, some news from the world of archaeology, and updates on the activities of the RHA. It goes out on the first Friday of each month at 8:30p Eastern. To sign up, go to my link-in-bio or https://view.flodesk.com/pages/6272d642ec93244248595d95 #redhairedarchaeologist #truthandtraditioncollide #womenoftheword #freemium #cleopatra #AncientEgypt #QueenCleopatra #EgyptianHistory #CleopatraVII #PtolemaicDynasty #Egyptology #Pharaohs #HistoryLovers #AncientCivilizations #EgyptianQueen #HistoryFacts #Antiquities #HistoricalFigures
In 521, Darius I ascended the Persian throne and commissioned the Behistun Inscription. This remarkable Achaemenid royal inscription and rock relief are carved on a cliff at Mount Behistun in Iran, 60 meters above the plain. Its strategic location prevented easy tampering, but ironically, made it challenging to read! Measuring 15 meters in height and 25 meters in width, the inscription commemorates Darius's triumphs over contenders vying for the Persian Empire's throne. It is the oldest-known trilingual cuneiform inscription, featuring Old Persian, Elamite, and Babylonian scripts. As the Rosetta Stone aided in deciphering ancient Egyptian, this inscription helped epigraphers unlock the secrets of cuneiform. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (transliterated as Bisotun), which you can see at my link-in-bio or https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1222/ #redhairedarchaeologist #biblearchaeology #biblicalarchaeology #biblehistory #biblicalhistory #truthandtraditioncollide #persia #BehistunInscription #DariusConquest #AncientHistory #UNESCOWorldHeritage #HistoricalWonders #PersianEmpire #ArchaeologyAdventures #CuneiformDeciphered #MountBehistun #HistoricalNarratives #ExploreThePast
Neo-Babylonian and Persian sources agree that when Cyrus the Great of Persia entered Babylon to conquer it in 539, there was no war. One of the emperor's first acts was to enable the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their temple and city. #redhairedarchaeologist #biblearchaeology #biblicalarchaeology #biblehistory #biblicalhistory #thevoicebible #truthandtraditioncollide #ezra1 #knowyourbible #babylon #babylonia #persia #cyrusthegreat
Even emperors idolize someone. Alexander the Great of Macedonia was inspired by Cyrus the Great, who had died 200 years before Alexander's conquests. Alexander had traveled to Persia's capital city planning to honor the king, only to discover his tomb had been lost. Read the stories of both times Cyrus's Tomb was rediscovered in this article from the Smithsonian. (The content is great, but you'll have to scroll past a RIDICULOUS number of ads on the page. It's worth the effort!) Find it at my link-in-bio and https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/how-german-archaeologist-rediscovered-tomb-cyrus-180958142/ #redhairedarchaeologist #biblearchaeology #biblicalarchaeology #biblehistory #biblicalhistory #truthandtraditioncollide #persia #cyrusthegreat #alexanderthegreat #pasargadae #tombofcyrus #iranarchaeology #smithsonianmagazine
When Cyrus the Great conquered Babylon in 539, he had his experiences and perspective recorded on this clay cylinder, which was buried underneath the foundations of Babylon's wall once it was restored. It describes his election by the Babylonian god Marduk as the new king, and his efforts to support the Babylonian cults and end conscripted labor. View the artifact and read more about it at my link-in-bio and https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/W_1880-0617-1941 #redhairedarchaeologist #biblearchaeology #biblicalarchaeology #biblehistory #biblicalhistory #truthandtraditioncollide #persia #cyrusthegreat #CyrusCylinder #AncientPersia #HumanRightsHistory #CulturalHeritage #ArchaeologicalTreasure #PersianEmpire #HistoricalArtifact #HeritagePreservation #AncientHistory #CuneiformInscriptions #ArchaeologyDiscoveries #HistoricalLegacy #CulturalDiversity #BabylonConquest #HistoricDocument #ArchaeologyEnthusiast #HistoricalNarrative
February's First Friday Freebie will explore the buildings of ancient Israel in all their colorful glory—thanks to lush vegetation, natural pigments, and talented artisans. It wasn't the dry dustbowl we all might imagine! Each month I send out an email with a short unique article, some news from the world of archaeology, and updates on the activities of the RHA. It goes out on the first Friday of each month at 8:30p Eastern. To sign up, go to my link-in-bio or https://view.flodesk.com/pages/6272d642ec93244248595d95 #redhairedarchaeologist #biblearchaeology #biblicalarchaeology #biblehistory #biblicalhistory #truthandtraditioncollide #israelarchaeology #womenoftheword #knowyourbible #bibleartifacts #freemium #ancientartifact #knowyourbible #masada #mosaics #frescoes #naturalpigment #restoration #bibleincolor
This morning the final episode of the Red-Haired Archaeologist® Podcast's fourth season was published! During S4E12, learn about the Neo-Babylonians’ defeat by the Persian Empire and how that changed all exiles’ lives; understand the differences between the terms “Hebrew,” “Israelite,” and “Jew”; and consider why Chronicles is critical to the re-development of Jerusalem in the 6th and 5th centuries. #redhairedarchaeologist #hermeneutics #biblearchaeology #biblicalarchaeology #biblehistory #biblicalhistory #truthandtraditioncollide #womenoftheword #christianpodcast #podcastlife #archaeologypodcast #knowyourbible #judahskings #2kings #2chronicles #neobabylonia #babylonians #persians #cyrusthegreat #dariusthegreat #ezra #nehemiah #exile #livinginexile #mesopotamia
The Mesopotamian Chronicles are a collection of writings including cuneiform tablets written by the Sumerian, Assyrian, and Babylonian civilizations between roughly 1500-100 BCE. Not only are the histories of conquests and battles written, but also poetry, myths, and wisdom literature. The Epic of Gilgamesh is a part of this collection, as well as the "Nebuchadnezzar Chronicle." Almost 20 years before Nebuchadnezzar would conquer and destroy Jerusalem, he beat Pharaoh Necho II at the Battle of Carchemish and seized all of Egypt's foreign territories. This tablet details both the Battle of Carchemish and his incomplete 597 assault on "the city of Judah." Learn more about the artifact at my link-in-bio and https://www.britishmuseum.org/colle.../object/W_1896-0409-51 #redhairedarchaeologist #biblehistory #biblicalhistory #truthandtraditioncollide #knowyourbible #nebuchadnezzar #babylon #babylonia #necho #ancientneareast #archaeology #mesopotamian #babylonian #assyriology #artifact
It's Thursday—time to watch Amanda's next episode of the Red-Haired Archaeologist® Podcast! During S4E11, learn how both Egypt and the Southern Kingdom fell to Nebuchadnezzar of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, what ancient documents help us to better understand the biblical narrative of ancient Israel’s fall, and where some traditions locate the Ark of the Covenant today. The RHA Podcast is available on all podcast platforms and now on YouTube! #redhairedarchaeologist #hermeneutics #biblearchaeology #biblicalarchaeology #biblehistory #biblicalhistory #truthandtraditioncollide #womenoftheword #christianpodcast #podcastlife #archaeologypodcast #knowyourbible #ironage #judahskings #2kings #2chronicles #neobabylonia #babylonians #nebuchadnezzar #zedekiah #jerusalem #firsttemple #arkofthecovenant
For 4 years, I've researched, written, and recorded The Red-Haired Archaeologist® Podcast. In 2023, I made the leap to YouTube so that I can include images of artifacts (thanks to the editing work of @tanyaremkiv!). That means you have the option to listen on your preferred podcast platform or to watch on any smart device. In season 4, I "explored" the history of the ancient nation of Israel as described in Scripture and discovered in excavations. The final 2 episodes were delayed because of my shoulder surgery, but they will release on January 18 and January 25. Stay tuned! #redhairedarchaeologist #hermeneutics #biblearchaeology #biblicalarchaeology #biblehistory #biblicalhistory #truthandtraditioncollide #womenoftheword #christianpodcast #podcastlife #archaeologypodcast #knowyourbible #ironage #israelskings #judahskings #2kings #2chronicles
I love interacting with my readers, especially in person! Several times each year, I visit with community groups, church groups, schools, and conferences in the US and Canada to share what I love about archaeology. The elementary schools are always so much fun: sometimes Copper is invited to go with me, and the kids are beyond excited (until they realize I don't dig up dinosaur bones)! I've never done the same presentation twice. I love working with organizers to understand their particular interests and design events everyone will enjoy! Sometimes they are interactive, often they include visuals, and occasionally I just read a chapter and sign books. Among other private events this year, I'll be speaking at the Scriptoria Workshop in Grand Rapids, MI, in June. At this conference, I'll have the chance to talk about archaeology and my experiences in the publishing industry. You can learn more about this week-long event and register to attend at scriptoriaworkshop.com. If you'd like to invite me to a private event in your town, start here: https://redhairedarchaeologist.com/book-the-redhead/ #redhairedarchaeologist #biblearchaeology #biblehistory #biblicalhistory #hermeneutics #truthandtraditioncollide #writer #scriptoriaworkshop #writingworkshop #christianspeaker
We live in a world that wants to boil topics down to a sensational headline or 280 characters, but the studies of history and theology typically require so much more depth and attention. That is why I love to write books. I consider myself to be an author first; my study and love of archaeology is often my chosen topic! I have been writing books under my own name since 2014, with publishing partners at @thomasnelson, @harvesthousepublishers, and now @revellbooks. Prior to that I spent years ghostwriting, editing, or theologically reviewing more than 200 other authors' works for several large publishing houses. Between now and May 15, 2024, I will be writing my next book! I will share that it is about hermeneutics—and heavy on the archaeology where appropriate!—but I'm keeping the title to myself for the moment. 🤫 It is scheduled to release September 2025. Many thanks to @aliveliteraryagency for helping me find the right publisher and editor for this important next project! #redhairedarchaeologist #biblearchaeology #biblehistory #biblicalhistory #hermeneutics #truthandtraditioncollide #booklover #theology
If you only know the Red-Haired Archaeologist® from my social media posts, then there is so much more to explore! This week—as I'm figuring out how to divide my time among various work responsibilities this year—I thought I'd spotlight other aspects of the RHA you may have missed. To get started, I invite you to visit my website at https://redhairedarchaeologist.com. What began as a simple blog to promote my first book back in 2014 is now a beautiful website built by @pinpointlocaltn. Take a peek to learn more about me and all that I love to do! #redhairedarchaeologist #biblearchaeology #biblehistory #biblicalhistory #hermeneutics #truthandtraditioncollide #websitecontent
Curious about the "magoi" in history and tradition? Make sure you subscribe to my First Friday Freebie before 8:30p EST tonight! Each month Amanda sends out an email with a short unique article, some news from the world of archaeology, and updates on the activities of the RHA. It goes out on the first Friday of each month at 8:30p Eastern. To sign up, go to her link-in-bio or https://view.flodesk.com/pages/6272d642ec93244248595d95 #redhairedarchaeologist #biblearchaeology #biblicalarchaeology #biblehistory #biblicalhistory #truthandtraditioncollide #israelarchaeology #knowyourbible #freemium #magi #threewisemen #wisemen #persianarchaeology #cubeofzoroaster #historicalcriticism #hermeneutics
Saturday, January 6, is Epiphany which honors peoples' realization of Jesus' divinity. The exact event which motivates the holiday varies depending on the Christian tradition celebrating it; the day may remember His baptism, His water-to-wine miracle at Cana, and/or the arrival of the wise men. The Greek word that so many of our English translations render as "wise men" is magoi. (You'll sometimes see it transliterated as "magi.") The word described a person who had some sort of supernatural knowledge. It could have referred specifically to Zoroastrian priests from Persia or more generally to astronomers from any of the nations east of Judaea. One thing it does NOT mean is "king." There are only 2 kings present Matthew's birth narrative: King Herod (v. 1) and the King of the Jews, Jesus (v. 2). #redhairedarchaeologist #biblearchaeology #biblehistory #biblicalhistory #epiphany #hermeneutics #knowyourbible #truthandtraditioncollide #herodthegreat #kingherod #we3kings #magi #wisemen #nativity #matthew2 #textualcriticism #magoi #transliteration
Last year, I had the honor of creating a Christmas special with producer Rachel Matthews for Premier Christian Radio in the UK. It aired just after the first King's Christmas Message (which felt like quite an honor!). The special includes Christmas music, children's imaginings of the birth narrative, and my explanations of the history behind some of our traditions. If you missed it live last year, then I hope you'll enjoy it this year! #therealchristmas #redhairedarchaeologist #biblearchaeology #biblicalarchaeology #biblehistory #biblicalhistory #israelarchaeology #truthandtraditioncollide #awayinamanger #manger #nativityscene #nativityset #nativity #threewisemen #wethreekings #stfrancisofassisi #christianradio #kidsradio
The Greek word that most of our Bibles translate as "inn" in Luke 2:7 may have an entirely different meaning. Read about the etymology of "katalyma" and the archaeology of first-century houses in my latest blog post, available at https://redhairedarchaeologist.com/revisiting-the-inn/ and my link-in-bio. #redhairedarchaeologist #biblearchaeology #biblicalarchaeology #biblehistory #biblicalhistory #israelarchaeology #truthandtraditioncollide #marymagdaleneneverworeblueeyeshadow #awayinamanger #upperroom #nativityscene #nativityset #nativity
In my books and podcast, I feel as if I spend a lot time "telling people there's no Santa Claus" by distinguishing between the traditions we've created and the truths of Scripture and history. At no time of year is that metaphor more appropriate than Christmas! Consider our nativity scenes. The one I grew up with was a wooden barn with Spanish moss "hay" hot-glued everywhere and plastic figurines of the holy family, animals, and the wise men. We would then set it up on a fake-snow-covered table in the living room. My parents still have the manger set, and I can—at this moment—smell the 35-year-old moss and wood. How it has survived longer than Jesus walked on earth is a near miracle in itself! Such sets often place the Baby Jesus in a wooden cradle, but that is an inaccurate depiction. In the first century, a manger (an animal's feeding trough) was a stone box that looked more like an ossuary (a box that holds dead bones) than a bassinet. (Look for more history and trivia about those nativity scenes over the next few days!) 🤩 #redhairedarchaeologist #biblearchaeology #biblicalarchaeology #biblehistory #biblicalhistory #israelarchaeology #truthandtraditioncollide #marymagdaleneneverworeblueeyeshadow #awayinamanger #manger #nativityscene #nativityset #nativity #megiddo
I'm excited to share some "trivia" about Christmas traditions over the next week. Let's start with the word itself, and one of its common (and commonly maligned!) abbreviations, X-mas. How many times have you heard that the shorthand X-mas "takes Christ out of Christmas"? While to the English reader that sentiment might "look" correct, it is a misunderstanding of etymology and early Christian tradition. The X is not an English letter but the Greek letter chi, which is one of the original Christian symbols for Christ. (It’s like the cross, only it’s based on language instead of an ancient Roman torture device and came to symbolize Christ at least a century before the cross did.) In liturgical communities, the XP (chi rho) is especially common as a written representation of Christ Himself and is used regularly in many churches worldwide. #redhairedarchaeologist #biblehistory #biblicalhistory #truthandtraditioncollide #xmas #chiro #greekletters #christiansymbols #knowyourbible #womenoftheword
It's Thursday--time to watch Amanda's next episode of the Red-Haired Archaeologist® Podcast! During S4E10, learn about Josiah's religious reforms and military interactions. Consider what the "book of the law" looked like and contained, how the Neo-Assyrian Empire lost ground to the growing Neo-Babylonians, why Egypt flipped from friend to foe, and where the first (and last?) battle in recorded history was fought. The RHA Podcast is available on all podcast platforms and now on YouTube! #redhairedarchaeologist #hermeneutics #biblearchaeology #biblicalarchaeology #biblehistory #biblicalhistory #truthandtraditioncollide #womenoftheword #christianpodcast #podcastlife #archaeologypodcast #knowyourbible #ironage #israelskings #judahskings #2kings #2chronicles #highplace #highplaces #southernkingdom #neoassyrian #assyrians #assyria #babylon #kingjosiah #josiah #bookofthelaw #scrolls
In 669, the Neo-Assyrian king Esarhaddon died and left his oldest son, Šamaš-šuma-ukin, as the “king of Babylon”--which was only a city and region within Assyria--and his younger son, Ashurbanipal as king of the Neo-Assyrian Empire. We don’t know why Esarhaddon made these arrangements, but it was possibly because of rivalry between the brothers. The brothers kept a peace until 652, when Šamaš-šuma-ukin revolted. He formed a coalition of other surrounding peoples and had the Babylonians behind his efforts, but Ashurbanipal put down the rebellion in 648. This far-reaching family squabble foreshadowed the end of the Neo-Assyrian Empire that would come in 626 at the hands of the Medes and the Babylonians. #redhairedarchaeologist #biblehistory #biblicalhistory #truthandtraditioncollide #esarhaddon #neoassyrian #assyrians #knowyourbible #ironage #biblearchaeology #biblicalarchaeology #annals #nineveh #iraqarchaeology #mesopotamianart #cuneiform #stele #stelea #babylon #babylonia
Thank you for spending your time reading my posts and loving archaeology as much as I do. In case you'd like to share that love with people of all ages under the tree this year, I'm offering 50% off signed copies of ALL my books through December 14. This includes my nonfiction titles and the fun "Copper Finds" books for kids! Visit https://amandahopehaley.square.site?cc=CHRISTMAS2023 and use coupon code CHRISTMAS2023. Due to transportation costs, I'm sorry that I can only ship books within the United States (but most are available from retailers throughout the world with shipping fees that don't cost more than the books themselves!). #redhairedarchaeologist #biblearchaeology #biblicalarchaeology #truthandtraditioncollide #biblehistory #biblicalhistory #hermeneutics #marymagdaleneneverworeblueeyeshadow #copperfindsascroll #copperfindsamanger #barrenamongthefruitful #inscribedstudies #booksale #booksales #thankyoufollowers #BARKaeology #kidlit #kidsbooks #kidsbookswelove #earlyreaders #bookforchildren #childrensliterature #coupon #couponcode #bookcoupon #booksale
The Neo-Assyrian emperor Esarhaddon honored his military triumph over Egypt in 671 BCE with this Victory Stele. On it, two conquered men kneel before Esarhaddon at the ends of ropes. Most agree that the smallest figure is Pharaoh Taharka's son, wearing the blue crown of Egypt. The other may be Taharka himself, wearing the white crown of Upper Egypt (aka Kush, which was his place of origin and part of Egypt at the time). #redhairedarchaeologist #biblearchaeology #biblicalarchaeology #biblehistory #biblicalhistory #truthandtraditioncollide #2kings19 #esarhaddon #taharqa #neoassyrian #assyrians
It's Thursday again—time for Amanda's next episode of the Red-Haired Archaeologist® Podcast! During S4E9, learn about Hezekiah’s successor and son, Manasseh. Consider why a wicked man was allowed to be the longest-reigning monarch in ancient Israel, when and where the stories of his life were recorded, and how sibling rivalry may have been the beginning of the end of the Neo-Assyrian Empire. The RHA Podcast is available on all podcast platforms and now on YouTube! #redhairedarchaeologist #hermeneutics #biblearchaeology #biblicalarchaeology #biblehistory #biblicalhistory #truthandtraditioncollide #womenoftheword #christianpodcast #podcastlife #archaeologypodcast #knowyourbible #ironage #israelskings #judahskings #2kings #2chronicles #highplace #highplaces #southernkingdom #neoassyrian #assyrians #assyria #esarhaddon #ashurbanipal #nineveh #babylon #tellachish #manasseh
Knowing she'd be away for a few weeks post-shoulder-surgery, Amanda wrote and scheduled December's First Friday Freebie early so subscribers won't be disappointed by an empty inbox! This month's email anticipates the coming Christmas season by explaining one of the Annunciation traditions in Nazareth. Each month Amanda sends out an email with a short unique article, some news from the world of archaeology, and updates on the activities of the RHA. It goes out on the first Friday of each month at 8:30p Eastern. To sign up, go to her link-in-bio or https://view.flodesk.com/pages/6272d642ec93244248595d95 #redhairedarchaeologist #biblearchaeology #biblicalarchaeology #biblehistory #biblicalhistory #truthandtraditioncollide #israelarchaeology #womenoftheword #knowyourbible #bibleartifacts #freemium #travelisrael #nazarethisrael #churchoftheannunciation #basilicaoftheannunciation #archangelgabriel #annunciation #babyjesus #cavehouse #mothermary
On this hexagonal clay prism, the Neo-Assyrian king Sennacherib listed his many successful campaigns, up until the start of his final war against Babylon. The Akkadian cuneiform inscription includes his conquest of Samaria and the tribute he received from Hezekiah, King of Judah. Both events are mentioned in the Bible (cf. 2 Kings 18-19), but Sennacherib seems to revel in mentioning each and every city and spoil he gained from Israel and Judah. He was clearly quite proud of this particular war, as he recorded it on at least 2 other prisms that are currently housed at the University of Chicago and the Israel Museum. #redhairedarchaeologist #biblearchaeology #biblicalarchaeology #biblehistory #biblicalhistory #truthandtraditioncollide #sennacherib #assyria #assyrian #annals #nineveh #iraqarchaeology #mesopotamianart #neoassyrian #cuneiform
Happy Thanksgiving! While you're digesting all that turkey, check out Amanda's next episode of the Red-Haired Archaeologist® Podcast! During S4E8, learn about one of the Southern Kingdom’s most righteous kings, Hezekiah. Understand what he did to restore right-worship of Israel’s God to his nation, why the mighty Neo-Assyrians didn’t conquer Jerusalem, and how his final actions foreshadowed Jerusalem’s future fall to the Neo-Babylonians. The RHA Podcast is available on all podcast platforms and now on YouTube! #redhairedarchaeologist #hermeneutics #biblearchaeology #biblicalarchaeology #biblehistory #biblicalhistory #truthandtraditioncollide #womenoftheword #christianpodcast #podcastlife #archaeologypodcast #knowyourbible #ironage #israelskings #judahskings #2kings #highplace #highplaces #southernkingdom #neoassyrian #assyrians #assyria #telbeersheva #telarad #hezekiahstunnel #cityofdavid
During the late 700s BCE, the capital of the Assyrian Empire was at Nimrud—30km south of modern-day Mosul in Iraq. In the 1950s, archaeologists found the “Nimrud Letters" inside a massive palace complex that was excavated and restored for the enjoyment and education of local residents and tourists. In 2014, when ISIS captured parts of Northern Iraq, militants destroyed the site with weapons, sledgehammers, power tools, and bulldozers before blowing it up. They released videos of the destruction as propaganda. Today the site is back in the hands of archaeologists, and they are working beneath the destruction. Only about 25% of the site had been uncovered in previous excavations, so thankfully, more artifacts and buildings and secrets are waiting to be revealed. Learn more about this desecration in Marcia Biggs's report, "Reduced to rubble by ISIS, archaeologists see a new day for ancient city of Nimrud" at my link-in-bio and https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/reduced-rubble-isis-archaeologists-see-new-day-ancient-city-nimrud #redhairedarchaeologist #biblearchaeology #biblicalarchaeology #biblehistory #biblicalhistory #truthandtraditioncollide #knowyourbible #ironage #israelskings #2kings #northernkingdom #neoassyrian #assyrians #assyria #nimrud #shalmaneser #ancientkings #tiglathpileser #ancientcities #assyriology
While the Northern and Southern Kingdoms are fighting, Aram is conquered by King Shalmaneser III of the Neo-Assyrians, which he boasts about on his Black Obelisk. He isn’t able to take the city of Damascus, but one of his successors (Tiglath-Pileser III) does eventually conquer it along with the Northern Kingdom. This obelisk also contains a reference to Jehu, king of the Northern Kingdom. It states that he received gold, silver, and valuable objects as tribute c. 841 BCE from Jehu of the House of Omri. It was created for Shalmaneser III's palace at Nimrud, and today it may be seen at the British Museum and https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/W_1848-1104-1 #redhairedarchaeologist #hermeneutics #biblearchaeology #biblicalarchaeology #biblehistory #biblicalhistory #truthandtraditioncollide #womenoftheword #knowyourbible #ironage #israelskings #2kings #northernkingdom #neoassyrian #assyrians #assyria #nimrud #shalmaneser #ancientkings #houseofomri #jehu #obelisk #damascus #tribute #ancientartifact
The Neo-Assyrians were the descendants of the Assyrians—the people who founded the city of Assur in the 2000s BCE. The people of Assur grew and changed over time, winning and losing wars to neighboring civilizations. Between 911-609 BCE, they grew into an empire. Technically, that was the Neo-Assyrian Empire, but popularly, we call it the Assyrian Empire. Neo- literally means "new"; it has the connotation of something being "revived" or "emulated" in the way that New Amsterdam and New York honored the American settlers' homelands of Amsterdam, Netherlands, and later York, England. #redhairedarchaeologist #biblearchaeology #biblicalarchaeology #biblehistory #ancientempires #assur #biblicalhistory #truthandtraditioncollide #assyria #assyrian #neoassyrian #vocabularywords #greekwords #neo #bce #prefix
It's Thursday, so that means Amanda has just published the next episode of the Red-Haired Archaeologist® Podcast! During S4E6, learn about the collapse of the Northern Kingdom and the subjugation of the Southern Kingdom to the Neo-Assyrians. Understand why the conquerors are “neo,” where the “lost tribes of Israel” went, and how the Southern Kingdom managed to stay mostly-independent for another 135 years. The RHA Podcast is available on all podcast platforms and now on YouTube! #redhairedarchaeologist #hermeneutics #biblearchaeology #biblicalarchaeology #biblehistory #biblicalhistory #truthandtraditioncollide #womenoftheword #christianpodcast #podcastlife #archaeologypodcast #knowyourbible #ironage #israelskings #2kings #highplace #highplaces #northernkingdom #southernkingdom #samaria #neoassyrian #assyrians #assyria #losttribes #losttribe #losttribesofisrael #nineveh #nimrud #bookofjonah
The Sidonian princess and Israelite queen, Jezebel, was a patroness of both Baal Melqart and Asherah. We can learn a lot about Asherah worship from the Taanach Cult Stand. On the bottom row, Asherah appears in human form. But on the second row, we see Asherah depicted as a living tree feeding 2 ibex. Why? In stories from Israel's neighbors, the goddess is associated with creation and/or fertility. Archaeologists have found evidence of poles in high places; they leave behind distinct round "post holes" in the soil after the wood has rotted. The poles themselves have not been found, but they are often depicted on other clay and stone artifacts that have survived. This cult stand would have been in use for cultic rituals around the time that Phoenician princess Jezebel brought the worship of Baal and Asherah to Israel. You can see the Israel Museum's description of the stand at my link-in-bio and https://www.imj.org.il/en/collections/362678-0 #redhairedarchaeologist #biblehistory #biblicalhistory #biblearchaeology #biblicalarchaeology #truthandtraditioncollide #hermenutics #idolworship #knowyourbible #asherah #ancientartifact #ironage #taanach #altar #sacredtree #sacredpole #goddess
After King Omri’s death, his son Ahab took the throne of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. He would rule for 22 years from Samaria, where he renovated his father’s palace into an “ivory house” (1 Kings 22:39). At Samaria, a hoard of 12,000 intricate ivory carvings were discovered between 1908 and 1935. Five hundred of those were in the palace itself. Many show signs that they were mounted into wood furniture, such as the backs of chairs or headboards or thrones. The ivories are carved to resemble animals, flowers, mythological creatures, foreign gods, and geometric designs. #redhairedarchaeologist #hermeneutics #biblearchaeology #biblicalarchaeology #biblehistory #biblicalhistory #truthandtraditioncollide #womenoftheword #knowyourbible #ironage #israelskings #1kings #2kings #highplace #highplaces #northernkingdom #ahab #jezebel #samaria #ivoryhouse #ivories #ivorycarvings #sidon #womanatthewindow
Ancient Samaria lies 12km NW of the modern-day city of Nablus. King Omri built his palace there in a "bit hilani" style, which means “house with windows.” A porticoed entrance hall would have been approached by a stairway flanked by columns. Above the portico, the palace would have had a large window from which royalty would look down upon their subjects. #redhairedarchaeologist #hermeneutics #biblearchaeology #biblicalarchaeology #biblehistory #biblicalhistory #truthandtraditioncollide #womenoftheword #knowyourbible #ironage #israelskings #1kings #2kings #highplace #highplaces #northernkingdom #omri #ahab #jezebel #samaria #bithilani #womanatthewindow
It's Thursday, so that means Amanda is back with the next episode of the Red-Haired Archaeologist® Podcast! During S4E6, learn about the Northern Kingdom’s most infamous king and queen: Ahab and Jezebel. Find out where Samaria’s capital city was built, how Phoenician religion and trade affected the nation, and why we think of Jezebel as a seductress instead of a powerful politician. The RHA Podcast is available on all podcast platforms and on YouTube! #redhairedarchaeologist #hermeneutics #biblearchaeology #biblicalarchaeology #biblehistory #biblicalhistory #truthandtraditioncollide #womenoftheword #christianpodcast #archaeologypodcast #podcastshow #knowyourbible #ironage #israelskings #1kings #2kings #highplace #highplaces #northernkingdom #southernkingdom #ahab #jezebel #samaria #baal #asherah #ivoryhouse #ivories #ivorycarvings #sidon #womanatthewindow
In 2002, news broke that a 1st-century limestone ossuary bearing the inscription "James son of Joseph, brother of Jesus" was to be exhibited at the Royal Ontario Museum. It was billed as the first extrabiblical evidence of the historical Jesus. For the next 12 years, world-renown epigraphers, petrographers, chemists, microbiologists, and more would study the object to either authenticate the bone box or reveal it as a forgery. There was broad agreement that the box itself was from the first century and that the handwriting was from the right period. Scholars disagreed as to whether "brother of Jesus" was added later and if the patina was faked. The antiquities dealer who had kept this in his house since the 1970s and brought it to light in 2002 was charged with forgery but acquitted. The judge was quick to state that his acquittal was not a comment on the authenticity of the item itself. Today, scholars remain divided, and the IAA maintains that it is a forgery. #redhairedarchaeologist #biblearchaeology #biblicalarchaeology #biblehistory #biblicalhistory #truthandtraditioncollide #israelarchaeology #ossuary #jamesossuary #epigraphy #ancientartifact #ancientburial #burialpractices #antiquities
[Originally posted in September, but applicable to this week's topic! 😊] The Bible describes the Northern Kingdom of Israel as having 2 high places, at Bethel and at Dan. Worshiping God outside of Jerusalem was illegal after the ark's arrival there, but it seems that some of the residents of Dan attempted to follow Levitical practices as best they could: "...Another discovery that shrieks of Yahwistic worship in Dan, as described in the Bible, was the discovery of an 'altar kit' in one of the rooms. Excavators under Biran uncovered a bronze bowl, a pair of identical shovels, a long-handled shovel like those that held incense, a sunken pot filled with burned animal remains, and a long iron handle that may have come from a fork. 'What is remarkable is that these five elements—a bowl, pair of shovels, incense pan, ash pot, and fork—are listed, often as a group, in descriptions of sacrificial paraphernalia in the Bible such as in Exodus 27:3. We just don't get this sort of thing in archaeology too often (if ever!), where we read a list of items in the Bible that should be in an 'altar kit,' then dig them up right next to each other beside an altar like this,' says [Jonathan] Greer...." Read the full AND FASCINATING survey of Tel Dan's cultic artifacts and architecture at my link-in-bio and https://www.haaretz.com/archaeology/.premium.MAGAZINE-israelites-in-biblical-dan-worshipped-idols-and-yahweh-too-1.6612851 (You will have to submit your email address for a free account to read this article.) #redhairedarchaeologist #biblearchaeology #biblicalarchaeology #biblehistory #biblicalhistory #travelisrael #truthandtraditioncollide #teldan #teldannaturereserve #yahweh #jeroboam #rehoboam #bamah #highplace #altars
After Solomon's death, the United Kingdom of Israel split. The 2 southern tribes of Judah and Benjamin followed Solomon's son and successor, Rehoboam; and the 10 northern tribes followed a popular leader, Jeroboam. Jeroboam became the first king of the Northern Kingdom. To keep his people from annually returning to Jerusalem in the Southern Kingdom to worship God at His temple there, Jeroboam established 2 cult sites—at Bethel and Dan—where he placed golden calves (1 Kings 12:26-30) and built functioning temples with altars where it seems the priests made burnt sacrifices on horned altars. The site was used for various rituals until the Roman period. #redhairedarchaeologist #biblearchaeology #biblicalarchaeology #biblehistory #biblicalhistory #travelisrael #truthandtraditioncollide #thevoicebible #1kings12 #jeroboam #rehoboam #teldannaturereserve #teldan #bamah #highplace #altars #ancientartifacts #hermeneutics #knowyourbible
November's First Friday Freebie anticipates this weekend's move (in the US) back to Standard Time, with a discussion of lamps in the ancient world! Each month I send out an email with a short unique article, some news from the world of archaeology, and updates on the activities of the RHA. It goes out on the first Friday of each month at 8:30p Eastern. To sign up, go to my link-in-bio or https://view.flodesk.com/pages/6272d642ec93244248595d95 #redhairedarchaeologist #biblearchaeology #biblicalarchaeology #biblehistory #biblicalhistory #truthandtraditioncollide #israelarchaeology #womenoftheword #knowyourbible #bibleartifacts #freemium #lamps #lightinthedarkness #oillamp #ironage #hebron #1samuel10 #pottery #ancientartifact #knowyourbible
Two stable complexes have been uncovered at Megiddo, with space for a total of 450 horses. Each stall consisted of a stone feeding trough—some with ancient bite marks!—flanked by pillars. While 1 Kings 9 credits the building of Megiddo and the other heavily-fortified cities of Hazor and Gezer to King Solomon, some archaeologists believe that Ahab was actually responsible for the construction. (We will talk all about him and his own impressive building projects in S4E6 of my podcast in a couple of weeks!) Some of the larger, restored archaeological sites in Israel feature replicated artifacts and iron artwork (which I've outlined in white on the first image) intended to help the visitor "see" what life looked like when the buildings were standing and in use. #redhairedarchaeologist #biblearchaeology #biblicalarchaeology #biblehistory #biblicalhistory #truthandtraditioncollide #israelarchaeology #travelisrael #1kings9 #stables #warhorse #megiddo #telmegiddo #stonetrough #manger #knowyourbible #israelartifacts #ancientartifacts #reconstruction #ironart #ironage