Current Events Articles: September 2017

3500-Year-Old Tomb Unearthed in Luxor, Egypt posted by Bryan Windle

An ancient tomb, originally built for a goldsmith and his wife, was recently unearthed in Luxor, Egypt. Hieroglyphic inscriptions indicate the man's name was Amenemhat and his wife was named Amenhotep. Amenhotep is usually a man's name, but she is clearly given the title "lady of the house." The couple lived during the 18th dynasty, approximately during the time of Moses. The remains of several mummies, wooden coffins, pottery and small statues were discovered. It appears the tomb was reused in the 11th and 10th centuries BC. Archaeologists in Egypt are confident that several other tombs in the area have been located and will be opened soon, adding to our knowledge of Egyptian life and burial customs during that era.

Off-site Links:
- http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2017/09/luxor-egypt-necropolis-discovery/
- http://luxortimesmagazine.blogspot.ca/2017/09/exclusive-egyptian-archaeologists.html
- https://www.livescience.com/60364-ancient-goldsmith-tomb-mummies-discovered-egypt.html

All Inscriptions from Ancient Athens to be Translated into English posted by Bryan Windle

A new project initiated by Cardiff University and funded by the Arts and Humanities Council will publish all available inscriptions from ancient Athens and Attica in English. The inscriptions, currently housed in various museums around the UK, range from the 6th century BC to the 3rd century AD, and will be available online in open access at the website, "Attic Inscriptions Online." The diversity of these texts, from decisions made by the Athenian Citizen Assembly, to financial records, to dedications to the gods and funerary monuments, all reflect various aspects of life in ancient Athens. As the searchable database of inscriptions grows, it should prove to be a great resource for archaeologist and scholars seeking to study ancient Greek culture and history.

Off-site Links:
- http://www.tornosnews.gr/en/greek-news/culture/27099-cardiff-uni-to-translate-and-publish-ancient-athens-inscriptions-of-uk-collections.html
- https://www.atticinscriptions.com/

University of Pikeville to Host Archaeology Symposium posted by Bryan Windle

symposium poster


Dr. Scott Stripling and Dr. Craig Evans headline the upcoming Text and Trowel symposium on archaeology and the Bible at the University of Pikeville on Oct. 20-21, 2017. The event will kick off with a dinner on Friday night that, while open to all, will also be a reunion for those who have participated in digs at Khirbet el-Maqatir and Shiloh in the past. ABR's Dr. Scott Stripling will be giving two lectures entitled, "Murder at Maqatir: The Grim Fate of Those Who Hid from the Romans" and "'Go Now to Shiloh': Have We Found the House of God?" Dr. Craig Evans will also be giving two lectures: "Were There Cynics at Sepphoris of Galilee? What Does Archaeology Tell Us About the World of Jesus?" and "'On This Rock...' Bethsaida and the Promise to Peter." In addition to these lectures, tours will also be given by visiting archaeologists of the "Khirbet el-Maqatir and A Journey Through Biblical History" exhibit currently being hosted by the University of Pikeville. Tickets are available at the link below.

Off-site Link:
- https://www.eventbrite.com/e/text-and-trowel-a-symposium-of-archaeology-and-the-bible-tickets-37879098403

Stadium at Ancient Laodicea Being Restored posted by Bryan Windle

A Turkish project to excavate and restore the ancient stadium of Laodicea has been approved. Archaeologists have begun the process of renewal focusing on recovering the columns that once lined Stadium Street. While excavations have been ongoing in ancient Laodicea for 13 years, the stadium has only begun to be unearthed. It was once the site of a variety of sporting events as well as gladiator battles, and is the largest stadium of its era in all of Asia Minor, being over 800 feet long. The structure, which dates to the first century, is attached to a massive bath complex, testimony to the wealth of those in Laodicea. The apostle John was given a message from God to the church at Laodicea near the end of the first century and wrote, "You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked" (Rev. 3:17).

Off-site Links:
- http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/ancient-stadium-in-denizli-under-restoration.aspx?pageID=238&nid=116945&NewsCatID=375
- https://archaeologynewsnetwork.blogspot.ca/2017/08/stadium-at-ancient-city-of-laodicea.html

Skeletal Remains Found at Khirbet el-Maqatir Recently Reburied posted by Bryan Windle

The bones of seven women and a boy discovered by ABR in 2013 and 2014 at Khirbet el-Maqatir were recently reburied. The remains of the Jewish residents were found in a cave, where they were hiding from the Romans during the Great Revolt of AD 69. The large cave was functioning as an olive press at the time and contained a secret cave for hiding off of the main cave. In addition to the bones, arrow heads and shoe studs from Roman soldiers, were also found in the cave, testimony to their violent deaths. The remains were quietly reburied in Ofra in January, and the residents erected a stone monument (pictured below) on the grave of the victims that tells their story and includes a reference to the vision of dry bones in Ezekiel.

Reburial site

Dr. Scott Stripling, who along with Dr. Bryant Wood headed up the dig at Khirbet el-Maqatir, will be giving a lecture on this story at the University of Pikeville on Oct. 21, 2017.
 
Off-site Links:
- http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/234892
- http://www.ritmeyer.com/2017/09/02/victims-of-great-revolt-against-the-romans-laid-to-rest-in-ofra/

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