essene community

essene community Latest

Roman Catacomb Painting at the Catacombs of Santa Priscilla. Image courtesy James Tabor.

Feb 15 Blog

The Last Days of Jesus: A Final “Messianic” Meal

On Wednesday Jesus began to make plans for Passover. He sent two of his disciples into the city to prepare a large second-story guest room where he could gather secretly and safely with his inner group.

May 27 Blog

Josephus on the Essenes

By: BAS Staff

Josephus’s commentaries on the laws and characteristics of the Essene community have been invaluable to scholars studying ancient Jewish laws and customs.

Aug 26 eBook

The Dead Sea Scrolls: Past, Present, and Future

By: Robert Bronder

The Dead Sea Scrolls are considered by many to be the most significant archaeological find of the 20th century. This year, 2022, marks the 75th […]

Apr 27 Blog

No Women at Qumran?

By: Marek Dospěl

Qumran is widely believed to have been a settlement established by the ancient Jewish sect of the Essenes. Most scholars further agree that there is […]

Jul 13 Blog

First Person: Was the Dead Sea Scroll Community Celibate?

By: Hershel Shanks

One of the many fascinating questions about the Dead Sea Scroll community living at Qumran is whether its members were celibate. Did they marry and have children or not?

Jan 17 Blog

Pompeii Awakened

By: Reviewed by John Merrill

John Merrill reviews "Pompeii Awakened" by Judith Harris.

Nov 25 Blog

Qumran Clothing Suggests Scroll Authors Were Essene

By: Biblical Archaeology Society Staff

A new study of more than 200 textile fragments recovered from the Qumran caves suggests the authors of the Dead Sea Scrolls were part of […]

Must-Read Free eBooks

The Dead Sea Scrolls: Past, Present, and Future

Biblical Peoples—The World of Ancient Israel

Who Was Jesus? Exploring the History of Jesus’ Life

Ancient Israel in Egypt and the Exodus

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