Technology and Antiquity

Bruce Zuckerman, University of Southern California

Professor Zuckerman highlights the exciting new ways that ancient technologies allow us to decipher ancient texts and artifacts. In this dynamic presentation, he literally shines a light on some of the most important inscriptions in the field of Biblical archaeology, from the Copper Scroll to Ugaritic texts. Zuckerman’s demonstration of the groundbreaking InscriptiFact software answers critical questions on ancient Jewish coinage, the Dead Sea Scroll scribes and much more.

1 lecture, 56 minutes

Uncovering Early Christianity—The Best of Bart Ehrman

Bart Ehrman, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

New Testament scholar Bart Ehrman’s bestselling books have introduced the general public to some of the most challenging and controversial ideas of modern Biblical scholarship. Now, BAS Library members can watch or listen to four exclusive full-length lectures by Ehrman on topics ranging from forgeries and counter-forgeries in the New Testament to how and when Jesus became divine. Start uncovering the hidden world of early Christianity today!

4 lectures, over 45 minutes each.

Shock and Awe: The Exodus Narrative

Mary Joan Winn Leith, Stonehill College

Regular Biblical Archaeology Review contributor Mary Joan Winn Leith provides a fresh perspective on the language and imagery of the Book of Exodus by exploring ancient Egyptian iconography of power and authority. Through their acute awareness of Egyptian propaganda and art, the biblical writers and storytellers successfully inverted the very same imagery to illustrate Pharaoh’s ineptitude when confronted by Moses and the Israelite God Yahweh.

1 lecture, 53 minutes.

Yahweh’s Wives

Michael D. Coogan, Stonehill College

In this intriguing lecture, noted Biblical scholar and archaeologist Michael D. Coogan tackles the complex issue of Yahweh’s wives. According to Coogan, the issue of Yahweh’s wives, particularly the goddess Asherah, is a most interesting topic from the perspective of the history of religions, illuminated by both canonical and non-canonical sources, as well as archaeology. Coogan shares a number of fascinating images to support his notion that the “notoriously inconsistent” ancient Biblical texts need to be studied carefully, especially since so many today appeal to the Bible in support of their values.

1 lecture, 50 minutes.

Hershel Shanks Interviews Scholars on the Scrolls

Hershel Shanks, editor of Biblical Archaeology Review, hosts this series of informal interviews with five prominent Dead Sea Scrolls scholars. As only he can, Shanks discusses the intriguing personalities behind early scroll scholarship, many of whom were controversial. Listen as Weston Fields, George Brooke, James Charlesworth, Sidnie White Crawford and Joseph Fitzmyer share their stories of the scrolls’ history and impact on Old and New Testament scholarship.

3 lectures, Over 30 minutes each.

What We Don’t Know about the Biblical Moab

Dr. Bruce Routledge, University of Liverpool

External origins and the displacement of nations have been themes exhibited throughout the Bible and studied through biblical archaeology. Dr. Bruce Routledge questions whether the role of Moab as portrayed in the Bible has helped or impeded with the archaeological study of Moab in the Iron Age, the period of the emergence of Israel. Routledge argues that “by not separating the Bible and archaeology in the first instance, we forgo not only the opportunity to understand and access an ancient world...but forgo the opportunity to learn anything new about the Bible itself.” With examples from his own research in south-central Jordan, Routledge supports his argument by examining the connections between the Bible and archaeology with and without the full understanding of either medium.

1 lecture, 56 minutes.

The Archaeology of “Jewish Christianity”

Professor James F. Strange, University of South Florida

Many scholars agree on the odd symbols found over the years: they represent the human imprint left by Jewish Christians. But some others like Biblical minimalists question whether the unusual strokes of a seemingly Latin cross aren’t merely remnants from a painter cleaning his brush. Professor Strange will enlighten you with stories and images from many sites in and around Jerusalem, stressing the importance of archaeological methodology to come to a reasonable conclusion of what has been found.

1 lecture, 56 minutes.

Isaiah in the Dead Sea Scrolls

Professor Peter W. Flint, Trinity Western University, Canada

Professor Flint takes you on a journey from Jerusalem to the wilderness of Judea—and into the caves of Qumran, where many of the Dead Sea Scrolls were found in 1947 by Bedouin shepherds. He recounts the story of their discovery, reviews various Scroll manuscripts and shares an interesting analysis comparing the Old Testament books favored by the Jewish Essenes versus the early Christians. Flint focuses on The Book of Isaiah, one of the three most popular Biblical books appreciated by these similar, yet very different groups. Quoting the well-known verse Isaiah 40:3: “A voice of one calling: In the wilderness prepare the way for the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God,” Flint explains how all four gospel writers included parts of this verse in their texts.

1 lecture, 56 minutes.

Recent Explorations in the Sinai: Implications for the Hebrew Exodus from Egypt

Professor James Hoffmeier, University of Toronto

This lecture is part of the series, Archaeology and the Bible, a collection of 7 essential lectures from world renowned scholars. The series offers an amazing scope of both of these subjects whether you consider “Biblical” and “Archaeology” as one discipline or two. Professor James Hoffmeier’s presentation, Recent Explorations in the Sinai: Implications for the Hebrew Exodus from Egypt, establishes the relevance for archaeology for understanding the Exodus.

1 lecture, 123 minutes.

The Temple, Aramaic Epigraphy and the Historical Jesus

Professor Bruce Chilton, Bard College

The Temple, Aramaic Epigraphy and the Historical Jesus, is included in the lecture series Jesus and the Second Temple: The World of Early Judaism and Christianity. This is an opportunity to better understand the cultural norms at the birth of Judaism and Christianity. The other popular lecturers in this dynamic 5 lecture collection are Craig Evans, Amy-Jill Levine, Bart Ehrman and Ben Witherington.

1 lecture, 50 minutes.

Honor and Shame: Core Values in the Biblical World

Professor Richard Rohrbaugh, Lewis & Clark College

Professor Rohrbaugh elucidates the concepts of honor and shame, which he identifies as core values in Mediterranean culture and thus of the Biblical world. He concentrates on passages in the New Testament that are influenced by the culture of the region and highlights the important role of honor and shame in those verses. This is part of the 10 lecture series, Peasants, Widows, Bandits and Beggars by Professor Rohrbaugh that discusses the social and cultural context of early Christian writings. A must not only for understanding the Mediterranean world of the Bible, but the cultural underpinnings of the contemporary middle east.

1 lecture, 56 minutes: entire set 6 hrs and 45 minutes.

Buy now!

Honor and Shame DVD 9HB37 $19.95 Audio CD $13.95

Peasants, Widows, Bandits and Beggars 9HLD1 $99.95

How Archaeology Illuminates the Bible

Professor William G. Dever

A comprehensive introduction to archaeology and the Hebrew Bible in eight lectures by master teacher and world-famous archaeologist William G. Dever, created exclusively for the Biblical Archaeology Society. The series starts with the Patriarchs and ends with the Babylonian destruction. Each lecture includes articles for further study. All eight lectures are available streaming for free or for purchase.

8 lectures, 1 hour each.