Archaeology weekend scholars to reveal New Testament insights

Archaeology Discovery Weekend, organized under the theme “People & Places of the New Testament World,” is slated for Saturday, Nov. 14 and Sunday, Nov. 15. The two-day event is anchored with illustrated lectures from four noted archaeologists arriving from around the United States, as well as a Saturday evening reception featuring Middle Eastern faire, a Sunday Kids’ Adventures in Archaeology program and hands-on lab activities. 

A Bedouin hospitality tent welcomes guests on Sunday afternoon and ancient artifacts from the significant holdings of the university’s Center for Near Eastern Archaeology will be on display. The center organizes the annual archaeology weekend events, is home to the university’s archaeology academic programs and internationally acclaimed archaeologists who excavate at longstanding sites in Jordan.

Leading into the weekend, a new mosaic workshop will also be held on Friday, Nov. 13 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. under the guidance of skilled Jordanian artisans from the Madaba Institute for Mosaic Art and Restoration. Participants will create and keep individualized mosaics. The workshop is for ages 14 and up and costs $25 admission. Seating is limited. Fees cover materials costs.

“These researchers are at the cutting edge of discovery.” – Kent Bramlett, Director, Center for Near Eastern Archaeology

Archaeology weekend guest lecturers are Dr. Bruce Chilton, professor of philosophy and religion at Bard College in New York; Dr. Jodi Magness, professor of early Judaism at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Dr. Steven Notley, dean of religious studies at Pillar College, New Jersey; and Distinguished Professor in Humanities, Dr. James Tabor, Hebrew University of Jerusalem. 

The lecturers will give presentations respectively titled “Geography of the Gospels,” “Paul and the Politics of Sacrifice,” “The Ossuaries and Burials of Jesus and James,” “Finding the City of the Apostles,” “Mother Mary in Jerusalem? Recent Excavations on Mt. Zion,” and “Mary Magdalene and the Defilement of Tiberias.”

The Kids’ Adventures in Archaeology program will include a showing of the DreamWorks film “The Prince of Egypt,” snacks, safe pottery breaking and reconstruction and hands-on labs for the family.

"ADW brings a lineup of world-class scholars to present lectures on important New Testament themes, including new insights on central figures such as Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Jesus, Paul in his rabbinic context, and the search for the places where biblical events took place,” said Kent Bramlett, CNEA director and professor of archaeology and history of antiquity. “These researchers are at the cutting edge of discovery and will share their findings in person with illustrated lectures. The accompanying weekend events demonstrate archaeological laboratory methods and technologies and provide immersive opportunities for the whole family."