Machaerus, Melchizedek, and the Philistines

With Clyde Billington

A little further discussion about our ARTIFAX cover story on Machaerus, details of how John the Baptist ended up a prisoner there, and was then beheaded, as reported in Matthew 14 and Mark 6. Also a few more words about the Pilgrimage Road that just opened in Jerusalem, an important pilgrimage spot for both modern Jews and Christians, between the Pool of Siloam and the Temple Mount. Archaeologist Eli Shukron reports the discovery of an altar related to Melchizedeck and Abraham. We are skeptical but looking forward to hearing more. And finally, another major story of the summer, reported in the latest issue of ARTIFAX, DNA evidence that traces the Philistines, or at least some Philistines, to southern Europe.

tags: Jordan Jerusalem Philistines Herod the Great John the Baptist Machaerus Abraham DNA Dead Sea Herod Agrippa Melchizedek

A Week in the Life of Rome, part 2

With James Papandrea

James Papandrea is the author of the 4th book in this series published by InterVarsity Press, historical fiction by biblical scholars that doesn’t scrimp on the story line but adds explanatory details from history and archaeology. Papandrea takes us to the middle of the first century when the Christian church was just getting started in Rome, long before the Apostle Paul made it to Rome. John Mark, the writer of Mark’s Gospel, is one of the central characters. Other personalities known from the Bible are also featured.

tags: Church Rome Christians Peter John Mark

A Week in the Life of Rome

With James Papandrea

James Papandrea is the author of the 4th book in this series published by InterVarsity Press, historical fiction by biblical scholars that doesn’t scrimp on the story line but adds explanatory details from history and archaeology. Papandrea takes us to the middle of the first century when the Christian church was just getting started in Rome, long before the Apostle Paul made it to Rome. John Mark, the writer of Mark’s Gospel, is one of the central characters. Other personalities known from the Bible are also featured.

tags: Church Rome Christians Peter John Mark

2019 Excavation Plans

With John DeLancey

Tour host John DeLancey joins us once again as we discuss some of the dig plans that have been announced for the 2019 excavation season. This is an annual tradition that we started way back around 35 years ago. Our discussion is designed to give listeners a quick overview of some of the institutional excavations, where they are happening, and their biblical connections. In addition, we are once again inviting our listeners to join us on a trip to Israel to see the sites that we talk about. We first did a tour like this in 1985. We’ve done a number of tours since, most recently just last May. And we’re going to be going again in March, 2020. Find out more details on our Archaeological Adventure Study Tour website.

tags: Israel Tour Excavations Archaeological Sites Digs

Jezreel Valley Regional Project Update

With Matthew Adams

In the flat farm fields between the archaeological tel of Megiddo and the Megiddo prison a mile away lie the remains for the only major Roman Legion base known in the eastern Roman empire. Inside the prison itself, archaeologists have discovered the remains of a second century Christian prayer house, one of the earliest known Christian worship buildings. Matthew Adams, director of the Albright Institute in Jerusalem, fills us in on the latest details of the excavations that are part of the Jezreel Valley Project, and what will be happening when the prison is decommissioned and moved, by order of the Israel Supreme Court.

tags: Megiddo Roman Legion Legio prison Prayer house