judaea capta

judaea capta Latest

Nov 4 Blog

Where Is Biblical Bethsaida?

By: Samuel DeWitt Pfister

The ancient village of Bethsaida frequently mentioned in the Gospels is believed to be located on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee, but where precisely the abandoned city lies remains a fiercely-debated question among scholars.

Temple A at Laodicea, Turkey. Photo: © Mark R. Fairchild, Huntington University.

Jul 17 Blog

The Church of Laodicea in the Bible and Archaeology

By: Megan Sauter

Laodicea was a wealthy city in western Turkey that flourished for centuries. Why does the author of the Book of Revelation call the church of Laodicea “lukewarm”—neither hot nor cold? Recent excavations at the site might provide the answer.

Apr 22 Blog

Alternative Facts: Domitian’s Persecution of Christians

By: Mark Wilson

“Alternative facts” and “fake news” are not just a contemporary phenomenon. On occasion ancient writers similarly tried to spin their version of the truth. One such claim was that Roman emperor Domitian was a great persecutor of Christians.

Aug 7 Blog

Archaeologists Say They May Have Found the Church of the Apostles at el-Araj

By: Samuel Dewitt Pfister

According to the Gospels, Bethsaida is a small fishing village on the banks of the Sea of Galilee often mentioned as the location of some […]

Mar 17 Blog

Jewish Captives in the Imperial City

By: Biblical Archaeology Society Staff

Ancient Rome was the superpower of its day. Yet, when the Romans conquered the tiny province of Judea and quashed the First Jewish Revolt in 70 C.E., it was actually a pretty big deal.

Jan 1 Blog

Roman Emperor Nerva’s Reform of the Jewish Tax

By: Nathan T. Elkins

Roman Emperor Nerva’s reform of the Jewish Tax had a significant effect on Jews and Christians of the first century C.E.

Dec 30 Blog

How Ancient Jews Dated Years

By: Biblical Archaeology Society Staff

During the First Jewish Revolt against Rome (66–70 C.E.), which ended with the destruction of the Temple, Jews minted their own coins dated to the first, second, third, fourth and, more rarely, even fifth year of the revolt.

Oct 17 Blog

Gold Nero Coin Comes to Light in Jerusalem

By: Robin Ngo

A rare gold coin depicting Roman emperor Nero was unearthed in excavations just outside the Old City of Jerusalem in Israel. This coin is especially significant because it was discovered on a scientific excavation, so its findspot is clear.

Sep 28 Blog

First Person: BAR Gives Away $50,000

By: Hershel Shanks

BAR is giving $50,000 in grants to professional archaeological excavations in Israel.

Sep 7 Blog

Judaea Capta Coin Uncovered in Bethsaida Excavations

By: Robin Ngo

A bronze Judaea Capta coin issued by Jewish ruler Agrippa II was discovered in the 2014 Bethsaida excavations.

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