Current Events Articles: March 2016

Archaeologists recently discovered a tomb packed with treasures in Greece, dating to the 15th century BC. The skeleton of a warrior was buried with more than 1400 objects, including weapons, jewels and gold and silver artifacts. In addition to the gold cups found resting on the warrior's chest, a bronze sword with a gold-covered ivory hilt was discovered beside the body. It is estimated that the warrior was 30-35 years of age when he died. The archaeological team hopes this discovery sheds light on the relationship between Greece and Crete, as may of the artifacts are believed to have Cretan origins. 
 
Off-site Link:
- http://magazine.uc.edu/issues/0316/pay_dirt.html

Egypt's Antiquities Minister recently announced the results of the full report from the scans in King Tut's tomb. Radar scans on the north and west walls of Tutankhamun's burial chamber have confirmed that there are two hidden rooms, and that these rooms contain unidentified objects. These objects seem to be composed of metal and organic materials. A new radar scan is planned for March 31st, which will measure the dimensions of the wall behind and the thickness of those walls.
 
Off-site Links:
- http://www.timesofisrael.com/secret-rooms-almost-certainly-lurking-in-king-tuts-tomb-egypt-says/
- http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2016/03/160317-king-tut-tomb-hidden-chambers-radar-egypt-archaeology/

A hiker stumbled upon a rare 2000-year old gold coin at an archaeological site in eastern Galilee. The coin displays the image of the Emperor Augustus, who ruled from 27 BC until 14 AD. It was minted in 107 AD by Emperor Trajan, and was part of a series of coins that paid tribute to previous emperors. Only one other coin like this is known to exist, and is in the British Museum in London. The Antiquities Authority plans to officially thank the hiker with a certificate for reporting and turning over the invaluable artifact.
 
Off-site Links:
- http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Hiker-finds-rare-2000-year-old-gold-coin-in-northern-Israel-447848
- http://www.timesofisrael.com/hiker-finds-2000-year-old-gold-coin-in-northern-israel/

The University of Pikeville Alumni Association is hosting a weekend of biblical discovery on April 29-30, 2016. Dr. Bryant Wood has been invited as the keynote speaker and will be offering two presentations: "Digging up the Truth at Jericho" on April 29th, and "Discovery of the Lost Fortress of Ai" on April 30th. This is an excellent opportunity for people to hear first-hand from a renowned biblical archaeologist on the excavations at Khirbet el-Maqatir and their implications. Tickets and additional details are available at the link below.

Those planning to attend will also be able to check out a free exhibit of biblical-era artifacts during the day on Saturday, April 30th. This will be held at the Lee Street Public Library in Pikeville, and Dr. Wood will be at this event too.

Off-site Link:
- https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-weekend-of-discovery-with-a-biblical-archaeologist-tickets-22613606907?aff=es2

The Israel Antiquities Authority has announced the significant discovery of a seal from the First Temple period. Finding such seals is not very common; however, finding one that belonged to a woman is even more rare. The seal is made of semi-precious stone and bears the inscription "to Elihana bat Gael" in ancient Hebrew. The owner of the seal seems to have been from the elite of society: "She had legal status, allowing her to conduct business and possess property," says the Antiquities Authority.
 
Off-site Links:
- http://www.antiquities.org.il/article_eng.aspx?sec_id=25&subj_id=240
- http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Rare-2500-year-old-womans-seal-from-First-Temple-period-unearthed-in-Jerusalem-447113
- http://www.rollstonepigraphy.com/?p=702
- https://www.facebook.com/robert.deutsch.94/posts/10208791861974277?pnref=story

A special preview of "Khirbet el-Maqatir – A Journey Through Biblical History" was held on Friday, March 11 at 11:00 a.m. at the Pikeville City Hall, Pikeville, KY. The exhibit, which will be on display in Pikeville from January through June 2017, includes approximately 200 artifacts from Israel and Jordan, dating from 3000 BC to the time of Christ. Visitors will learn about the excavation of two cities at Khirbet el-Maqatir, the probable site of Joshua's Ai and the possible site of Jesus' Ephraim.

Click the arrow above to see the video of the WYMT-TV report about the exhibit.
 
Off-site Links:
- http://www.upike.edu/News/Campus/Khirbet-el-Maqatir
- http://www.wymt.com/content/news/Historical-exhibit-coming-to-Pikeville-371849372.html