Archaeology and the Bible

Iron Age IA

The earliest Iron Age period, occurring from 1200–1150 BCE after the collapse of the Late Bronze Age.

Neo-Assyrian Empire

Militaristic empire (911–609 BCE) that conquered the Northern Kingdom and attacked Judah.

Church of the Holy Sepulchre

Traditional site of Jesus’ crucifixion, burial, and resurrection in Jerusalem.

Hezekiah

King of Judah during the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem in 701 BCE, known for building defensive features.

Imperialism

Ideology/practice where one society expands political or military domination over another society.

Sennacherib

Assyrian king who attacked Judah and besieged Jerusalem in 701 BCE.

Pool of Siloam

Water reservoir connected to Hezekiah’s Tunnel.

Gospels

The first four books of the New Testament describing Jesus’ ministry.

Nebuchadnezzar II

Babylonian king who destroyed Jerusalem and the First Temple in 586 BCE.

Hezekiah’s Tunnel

Underground water tunnel redirecting water from the Gihon Spring into Jerusalem before the Assyrian siege.

Lachish

Major Judahite city destroyed by Assyria during Sennacherib’s 701 BCE campaign.

Herodium

Fortress/palace built by Herod the Great, also likely his burial site.

Dead Sea Scrolls

Ancient Jewish manuscripts discovered at Qumran containing biblical texts and sectarian writings.

Cyrus the Great

Persian ruler who conquered Babylon and allowed Judeans to return home.

Masada

Desert fortress used by Jewish rebels against Roman rule.

Court of Israel

Inner Temple court reserved for Jewish men.

Garden of Gethsemane

Garden on the Mount of Olives where Jesus prayed before his arrest.

Black Obelisk

Monument of Shalmaneser III depicting Jehu paying tribute.

Church of the Nativity

Church in Bethlehem traditionally marking the birthplace of Jesus.

Siloam Inscription

Hebrew inscription commemorating the completion of Hezekiah’s Tunnel.

Lachish Relief

Assyrian palace relief showing the siege of Lachish under Sennacherib.

Antonia Fortress

Fortress near Temple Mount that housed Roman troops during the Roman period.

Robinson’s Arch

Monumental staircase/arch connected to the Temple Mount.

Royal Portico

Large basilica-like structure on Temple Mount built by Herod.

Tiglath-Pileser III

Assyrian king who conquered northern Israelite territory in 732 BCE.

Shalmaneser V

Assyrian king who besieged Samaria.

Josiah

King of Judah known for religious reforms and restoring Temple worship.

Upper Room

Traditional location of the Last Supper.

Qumran

Site near the Dead Sea where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered.

Garden Tomb

Alternative proposed burial site of Jesus outside Jerusalem walls.

Hellenistic Period

Period of Greek control following Alexander the Great's conquest of the Persian Empire.

Roman Period

Period from 63 BCE to 324 CE, starting with Pompey's conquest of Jerusalem.

Court of the Gentiles

Outer Temple court where non-Jews could enter.

Samaritans

Religious/ethnic group centered in Samaria with their own traditions.

2 Kings 15 :23-38

“In the fiftieth year of Azariah king of Judah, Pekahiah son of Menahem became king of Israel in Samaria, and he reigned two years.” — 2 Kings 15:23

“Then Pul king of Assyria invaded the land…” — 2 Kings 15:19

“In the time of Pekah king of Israel, Tiglath-Pileser king of Assyria came and took…” — 2 Kings 15:29

This chapter describes political instability in the Northern Kingdom of Israel during the rise of Assyrian power. Israel experiences assassinations, weak kings, and increasing Assyrian control.

• Neo-Assyrian Empire expansion into the Southern Levant

• Archaeological evidence of Assyrian conquest and tribute systems

• Tiglath-Pileser III’s campaigns against Israel

• Beginning of Assyrian domination over Israel

2 Kings 25:1-21

“So in the ninth year of Zedekiah’s reign, on the tenth day of the tenth month, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon marched against Jerusalem with his whole army.” — 2 Kings 25:1

“The Babylonians broke down the walls around Jerusalem.” — 2 Kings 25:10

“He set fire to the temple of the Lord, the royal palace and all the houses of Jerusalem.” — 2 Kings 25:9

This passage describes the Babylonian siege and destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BCE under Nebuchadnezzar II. The First Temple is destroyed and many Judahites are deported to Babylon.

• Burn layers discovered in Jerusalem

• Babylonian destruction evidence

• Deportation of Judahites

• Beginning of Babylonian Exile

Connected terms:

• Neo-Babylonian Empire

• Nebuchadnezzar II

• Deportation

• Burnt House

2 Chronicles 32:1–23

“After all that Hezekiah had so faithfully done, Sennacherib king of Assyria came and invaded Judah.” — 2 Chronicles 32:1

“This is what Hezekiah says: ‘Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria.’” — 2 Chronicles 32:7

“And the Lord sent an angel, who annihilated all the fighting men and the commanders and officers in the camp of the Assyrian king.” — 2 Chronicles 32:21

This passage describes King Hezekiah preparing Jerusalem for Sennacherib’s invasion in 701 BCE. He fortifies the city, secures water sources, and trusts in God during the Assyrian siege.

• Hezekiah’s Tunnel

• Broad Wall

• Pool of Siloam

• Siloam Inscription

• Lachish Relief

• Sennacherib Prism

The Sennacherib Prism describes Hezekiah trapped “like a bird in a cage.”

Connected to the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem

Matthew 4:12–25

“Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali.” — Matthew 4:13

“From that time on Jesus began to preach, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.’” — Matthew 4:17

Jesus begins his public ministry in Galilee after leaving Nazareth and settling in Capernaum.

Mark 15:21–47

“They brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means ‘the place of the skull’).” — Mark 15:22

“With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last.” — Mark 15:37

“Joseph bought some linen cloth, took down the body, wrapped it in the linen, and placed it in a tomb cut out of rock.” — Mark 15:46

This passage describes:

• Jesus’ crucifixion

• Death

• Burial

Main associated sites:

• Church of the Holy Sepulchre

• Garden Tomb

• Golgotha

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is traditionally believed to preserve the site of Jesus’ crucifixion and burial.

Luke 22:7–38

“Then came the day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed.” — Luke 22:7

“And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them.” — Luke 22:19

“This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” — Luke 22:20

This chapter describes:

• The Last Supper

• Passover meal

• Jesus preparing disciples for his arrest

• Main archaeological/traditional site:

  • Upper Room in Jerusalem