Biblical Archaeology
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1. Define archeology and differentiate it from paleontology.
Archaeology is the digging up of the past. It is finding and discovering lost items and artifacts from humankind throughout history. This is in contrast to palaeontology which is discovering old prehistoric animals that are now extinct.
2. Define the following terms:
- a. Papyrology
- b. Egyptologist
- c. Assyriology
- d. Orientalist
- e. Cuneiform
- f. Hieroglyphic
- g. Paleography
- h. Antiquarian
- i. Archeological site
- j. Stratigraphy
- k. Tel, tell, and Khribet
- l. Replica
3. Define maximalism and minimalism
4. Describe or illustrate ten tools that are used in an archaeological excavation. If possible demonstrate how several of the tools are used.
5. Describe the principal techniques of dating an archaeological artifact
6. Name three benefits that biblical archaeology can provide a student of the Bible.
Archaeology can ultimately prove the Bible's truth and testimony. Throughout history many vital discoveries have been made such as those of the Hittites and of the Dead Sea Scrolls.
1. Proves the Bible's historicity
2. Can provide more information on Biblical events that the Bible writers chose to leave out
3.Proves the accuracy of Biblical prophecy
7. Report on the history of archaeology (minimum of 20 events of significance) by:
a. Writing a two-page research report
b. Illustrating a detailed timeline
c. Creating an electronic presentation
d. Other presentation method approved by your instructor
8. Share with a group or instructor the significance of each of the following famous archaeologists (or other archaeologists relevant to your region, country, or division). Be detailed and specific.
a. Jean-Francois Champollion
b. Edward Robinson
c. William Foxwell Albright
9. Assemble a folder with ten archaeological discoveries that have connected with the biblical history of the Old and New Testament. The folder should have the following characteristics:
a. In order by chronological dates or geography.
b. Organized according to the Old and New Testament.
c. Photos.
d. Texts.
e. Bibliography sources.
f. Personal commentary about every artifact or discovery.
10. Discover information from available resources (video, books, magazines, journals, etc.) about five excavations that are happening at this point in time, around the world, that are relevant for the comprehension of events in the Bible. Explain why every excavation is relevant for the comprehension of the Biblical text.
11. Do one of the following:
a. Assemble a simple model of Jerusalem observing the following:
i. Relief
ii. Different perimeters of the city in the time of the First Temple (David and Solomon), of the Second Temple (Herod and Jesus Christ) and the current Jerusalem
iii. The major archaeological sites
iv. The main points of religious visitation
b. Simulate an archaeological dig (often referred to online as a “schoolyard dig”). Either set up the dig OR participate in a meaningful way at all stages of the dig process including:
i. Collecting tools
ii. Laying out the grid/area for excavation
iii. Digging
iv. Identifying artifacts
v. Identifying artifact context
vi. Recording data
vii. Assessing the importance of the dig process
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