Current Events Articles: July 2016

2200-Year-Old Mosaic Found on Cyprus posted by Bryan Windle

A Roman mosaic depicting the Labors of Hercules was recently discovered on the eastern Mediterranean island of Cyprus. It was uncovered during work on a sewage system in the city of Larnaca. The mosaic is over 60 feet long and over 20 feet wide, and only a part of it has been uncovered thus far. Larnaca is built upon the ruins of the ancient city of Kition, and the antiquities ministry believes the find will provide evidence of the role it played in establishing Roman culture in Cyprus. Cyprus is mentioned frequently in the book of Acts. Barnabas was a native of Cyprus, and it was the first place he and Saul (the Apostle Paul) visited when the Holy Spirit set them apart for the work to which He had called them (Acts 13:1-5).

Off-site Link:
- http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-07-15/rare-roman-mosaic-uncovered-in-cyprus/7631368

Possible Priestly Quarters Excavated in Jerusalem posted by Bryan Windle

Ancient houses have been unearthed in the old city of Jerusalem, immediately southeast of the palace of Herod the Great, and close to the home of the high priest Caiaphas. Archaeologists theorize that the 2000-year-old luxury neighborhood was inhabited by members of the societal elite, probably the priestly ruling class. A rare bathtub, vaulted ceilings, and a ritual stone cup with a priestly inscription have all been found. The high priests in the first century were notorious for being corrupt and greedy. Josephus describes Ananias as a "hoarder of money" (Antiquities of the Jews 20.9.2-4).

Off-site Link:
- http://www.haaretz.com/jewish/archaeology/1.730486

Philistine Cemetery Unearthed in Ashkelon posted by Bryan Windle

An unprecedented 3000-year-old Philistine cemetery was recently discovered outside of the city of Ashkelon. The find demonstrates that the Philistines held very different burial practices than their Canaanite and Israelite neighbors. Researchers hope that the discovery will help answer the question of the origins of the Philistines, who seem to have settled along the coast of Israel sometime in the 12th or 13th century BC, ruling from the five cities of Ashkelon, Ashdod, Ekron, Gath and Gaza. An international team of researchers will be conducting DNA tests and biological studies to determine the origins of those buried in the Ashkelon cemetery. In the Bible, the Philistines are described as the oft-times enemies of the Israelites, with infamous people like Delilah and Goliath being of Philistine heritage.

Off-site Links:
- http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2016/07/bible-philistine-israelite-israel-ashkelon-discovery-burial-archaeology-sea-peoples/
- http://www.timesofisrael.com/philistine-cemetery-find-offers-glimpse-of-deaths-and-lives-of-biblical-enemy/
- http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Bones-unearthed-in-Ashkelon-at-only-known-Philistine-cemetery-may-reveal-ancient-mystery-459973

Possible Water Shaft Detected at Lachish posted by Bryan Windle

A geophysical survey, including ground penetrating radar, has revealed an underground shaft at the site of Tel Lachish. The excavators believe this could be an ancient water shaft similar to those found in Jerusalem, Gibeon and Hazor. The shaft itself appears to be up to 33 feet (10 meters) wide and 66 feet (20 meters) deep. It's possible that a king of Judah (or a prior Canaanite king) built the the underground tunnel to bring water from outside the city walls to the residents inside the city. According to the Bible, Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, fortified Lachish (2 Chr. 11:5-7).

Off-site Link:
- https://lukechandler.wordpress.com/2016/06/27/tests-indicate-underground-shaft-at-tel-lachish-possible-water-system/

Volunteer in 2016 Support Associates For Biblical Research with every purchase on Amazon Smile. Bible and Spade magazine Become a Member Make a Donation to ABR
Associates for Biblical Research
  • PO Box 144, Akron, PA 17501
  • Phone: +1 717-859-3443
  • Toll Free: 1-800-430-0008
Friend ABR on Facebook.com Join us on Twitter Join us on Twitter