How Cool is That!

on March 15, 2011 by Walt Dilg

How Cool is That!

Archaeology has to be about the coolest profession.  Imagine discovering the oldest arch constructed by humankind - it's visible at Dan.  Or a wall of the ancient City of Jerusalem that was scaled by the Babylonians in their destruction of the city in 587, or one of their arrowheads used in that battle - both discovered in the Jewish Quarter of the Old City and visible to travelers today.  Or a small amulet used by a devout Jew prior to those years of conquest and destruction that has written on it the old Deuteronomic blessing of "May the Lord Bless you and Keep You..." - found in a newly discovered grave alongside St. Andrews Church just outside the ancient city.  Or the tomb of Herod the Great, the ruler of Palestine at Jesus' birth who was a master builder and contributed so many structures that played key roles in the life of Jesus and the early Church, a tomb hidden for thousands of years -  just recently discovered in the outer hillside of his Bethlehem fortress/palace called the Herodium. 

Well, I could go on and on about unusual and important discoveries made by archaeologists that have added to our knowledge of how people were in earlier times.  Biblical archaeology has been particularly interesting to me, especially since returning from my first trip to the Holy Land.  All of a sudden the Fifth Gospel became very real to me and any new discoveries about it were thoroughly fascinating.  

If you are finding a similar interest bubbling up within you, there is a particular publication worth subscribing to called "Biblical Archaeology Review."  It's a monthly, chock full of interesting articles and reports on new discoveries.  BAR also has an extensive library and collection of study resources that are great for private reading or group use.  Remember the hoopla about that ossuary claiming to belong to Jesus' brother?  BAR was a key participant in the events surrounding its discovery and debating it's authenticity.  Go to - www.biblicalarchaeology.org - the learn more about what you can learn at BAR.    Another good archaeological resource is published by the Archaeological Institute of America call "Archaeology."  It's focus is broader than biblical archaeology, presenting discovers from around the world dealing with all sorts of ancient civilizations, yet frequently they too present discoveries from the Holy Land.  Go to - www.archaeology.org - to learn more.  I subscribe to both magazines, so if you want to sample them, stop by and take a look.  

Yes archaeology is way cool - and if it wasn't for the fact that most of their work is done on their knees in the hot sun digging in the dirt with small trowels and toothbrushes, I might be an archaeologist myself!