Current Events Articles: June 2017

Hungarian archaeologists have discovered a large mikveh (Jewish ritual bath) during excavations in the ruins of Machaerus, the fortress of King Herod in modern-day Jordan. The mikveh had 12 steps and a reserve pool of water from which to fill the main pool when its water ran low. It was located 9 ft below the courtyard, and was at one time covered by a vaulted stone roof. It was likely used for ritual purification by Herod and his family while they were at Machaerus. According to Josephus, John the Baptist was beheaded at Machaerus. The death of John the Baptist is recorded in both Matthew's and Mark's Gospels.

Off-site Links:
- http://www.haaretz.com/archaeology/1.795720
- http://www.jewishpress.com/news/israel/hungarian-archaeologists-unearth-herods-fortress-ritual-bath-east-of-jordan-river/2017/06/15/

Researchers using multispectral imaging have discovered a previously undetected inscription on an ostracon from the Arad fortress. The ostracon (a clay shard with ink text), known as Arad 16, was unearthed at the ancient Judean military fortress of Arad in 1965 and has been dated to 600 BC. While the recto (front side) has been studied extensively for years, the verso (back side), was thought to be blank. The recto inscription is addressed to Elyashiv, the quartermaster of the fortress, and begins with a blessing by Yahweh. Using new, advanced imaging several new lines of text on the recto were discovered, and new readings were provided for other lines with the new clarity of the inscription. The previously unknown inscription on the verso seems to be a continuation of the text on the front, revealing more than 50 characters and 17 new words. Most ancient, biblical Hebrew inscriptions that have survived are ostraca; they are often poorly preserved and fade quickly over time once unearthed. This new technique of multispectral imaging will greatly assist archaeologists and scholars in translating and documenting inscriptions on ostraca which may even be invisible to the naked eye.

Off-site Links:
- http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0178400
- http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Culture/Advanced-imaging-reveals-rare-Hebrew-inscription-from-First-Temple-period-496878
- http://www.sci-news.com/archaeology/arad-16-ostracon-hebrew-inscription-04956.html

Deep in the Catacombs of St. Domitilla in Rome, archaeologists have used laser technology to remove centuries of grime to reveal several Christian frescoes dating to the 4th century AD. The frescoes had been covered by a thick layer of calcium deposits, algae, and smoke from oil lamps. Using lasers, the experts removed the filth while leaving the colorful paintings beneath. These frescoes belonged to two wealthy Roman merchants and include Christian scenes, such as Noah's Ark, Jesus feeding the five thousand, and Christ the shepherd carrying a lamb on his shoulders.

Off-site Link:
- http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/05/30/laser-technology-uncovers-1600-year-old-christian-frescoes-romes/

You've seen the movie, "Is Genesis History?" Now attend the conference, to be held June 19-23, 2017 in Dickson, Tennessee (near Nashville). The conference will offer college students, graduate students, ministers and educators a chance to learn from and interact with the scientists and scholars featured in the film. The goals are to provide participants with a solid foundation in understanding the world in light of what is recorded in Genesis, provide professional guidance to those seeking higher level degrees in scientific and biblical fields, and show attendees how scientists and scholars do work in their respective fields. There will be presentations on many topics related to a young earth, 6-day creation, and the universal flood. ABR Associate, Dr. Doug Petrovich, will be teaching on archaeology and the exegesis of key texts in Genesis. Plan to attend (students are free!).

Off-site Link:
- https://www.isgenesishistory.com/conference/

The Temple of Artemis of the Ephesians, once considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, has fallen into a state of disrepair through neglect. Not much of its former splendor remains: one marble pillar stands, while other pieces lie haphazardly around the site. A rusty welcome sign and old excavation holes filled with rainwater have turned the temple area into a swamp. The temple is on the UNESCO Cultural Heritage list and draws millions of tourists each year. Some authorities have expressed frustration at the slow pace of plans to improve the temple site, which seem mired in the red tape of environmental planning, preservation board approval, and permission from the Turkish Culture and Tourism Ministry. In Acts 19, the historian Luke records a riot that took place at the Ephesus Theater because the silversmiths who made their living from the Temple of Artemis saw their livelihoods endangered as many people became Christians and gave up their idol worship.

Off-site Links:
- https://archaeologynewsnetwork.blogspot.ca/2017/02/temple-of-artemis-at-ephesus-turns-into.html
- http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/temple-of-artemis-turns-into-swamp-due-to-neglect.aspx