Current Events Articles: April 2017

Colossal Statue of Ramses II Re-Erected at Luxor Temple posted by Bryan Windle

The Ministry of Antiquities of Egypt recently completed the restoration of a statue of Ramses II at the Luxor Temple. The statue, which is 11 meters tall and weighs 75 tons, was re-erected after more than 1000 years. It was discovered in 1958 in 57 pieces after having been destroyed in an earthquake, likely in the fourth century BC. The colossal statue depicts Ramses II in a standing position wearing the double crown, and has a 1.5-meter statue of his wife, Nefertari, beside him. It originally stood in front of Luxor's first pylon along with five other statues – four of Ramses II standing, and two of him seated. Ramses II, also known by his Greek name, Ozymandias, ruled Egypt in the 13th century BC, during the time of the judges, according to biblical chronology.

Off-site Links:
- http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/9/40/265287/Heritage/Ancient-Egypt/Ramses-II-colossus-restored-and-rerected-at-Luxor-.aspx
- http://luxortimesmagazine.blogspot.ca/2017/04/history-in-making-luxor-temple-gets.html
- http://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFKBN17L1MC-OZATP

13th Dynasty Pyramid Discovered in Egypt posted by Bryan Windle

The remains of a 13th Dynasty pyramid was recently unearthed north of King Senefru's bent pyramid in the Dahshur royal necropolis south of Cairo. Archaeologists unearthed a corridor leading to the interior of the pyramid, as well as a hall leading to a southern ramp. In addition, an alabaster block inscribed with 10 vertical lines of hieroglyphics was discovered and is being studied further. The pyramid has a unique design, causing some to suggest it may have been an early attempt to build a smooth-sided pyramid. This discovery adds to the list of 123 ancient pyramids known in Egypt. The tentative date of 1700 BC would place its construction after the death of Joseph but before the birth of Moses, during the time the Israelites were living in Egypt according to biblical chronology.

Off-site Links:
- http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/9/40/262156/Heritage/Ancient-Egypt/Remains-of-th-Dynasty-pyramid-discovered-in-Dahshu.aspx
- http://www.egyptindependent.com/news/remains-13th-dynasty-pyramid-discovered-egypt-s-dahshur
- http://www.businessinsider.com/ap-remains-of-a-new-pyramid-discovered-in-egypt-2017-4
- http://www.thenational.ae/world/middle-east/remains-of-pyramid-built-3700-years-ago-found-in-egypt

Capital from Solomon's Colonnade Found at Temple Mount Dig posted by Bryan Windle

The Temple Mount Sifting Project recently announced the discovery of a capital from one of the columns that formed the eastern colonnade of the Second Temple, known in the New Testament as "Solomon's Colonnade." Josephus also describes the colonnade in both Antiquities of the Jews and The Jewish War. The capital itself is in the Doric style and would have adorned the top of one of the columns that surrounded the Temple Mount area to provide shade for those who visited the Temple. Dr. Leen Ritmeyer, one of the world's leading experts on the Temple, has responded to the announcement by agreeing that the capital is likely from Solomon's Colonnade while correcting information about the size of the column the capital likely came from. The Bible records that Jesus (Jn 10:23), Peter and John (Acts 3:11), and the early church in Jerusalem (Acts 5:12) all spent time at Solomon's Colonnade.

Off-site Links:
- http://www.israelhayom.com/site/newsletter_article.php?id=41549
- http://www.ritmeyer.com/2017/04/05/a-capital-from-solomons-porch-on-the-temple-mount/

Tomb of Jesus Reopens to the Public posted by Bryan Windle

Following a $3.7 million renovation that took months, the purported tomb of Jesus inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre has been reopened to the public. The shrine, known as the Edicule, which surrounds the site that many believe is the place the body of Jesus lay before His Resurrection, had been in dire need of renovations to prevent collapse. The work was paid for mainly by the World Monuments Fund, along with financing from three denominations and a donation from King Abdullah II of Jordan. Restorers systematically removed, cleaned, and renovated the marble slabs that formed the Edicule. A window was also installed, which allows people to see the actual stone wall of the tomb for the first time. The work has made it possible to remove the unsightly black protective cage that had held the Edicule together for 70 years. Authorities are warning that more work needs to be done, however, as the recent renovations revealed that the floor and foundations under the shrine are unstable.

Off-site Links:
- https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/22/world/middleeast/tomb-of-jesus-reopens-jerusalem.html?_r=0
- http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2017/03/jesus-christ-tomb-jerusalem-restored-collapse-tunnels/
- http://www.timesofisrael.com/newly-restored-shrine-at-jesuss-tomb-reopens-in-jerusalem/

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