International online archaeology conference is free tasting menu of lectures

‘The Land that I will Show You: Recent Archaeological and Historical Studies of Ancient Israel’ runs October 25–28

Over 40 of the best scholars and archaeologists in the field of Ancient Israel are coming together — virtually — from October 25 to October 28 in an international online conference, “The Land that I will Show You: Recent Archaeological and Historical Studies of Ancient Israel.”

In a feast fit for archaeology enthusiasts of all ages, the topics include updates from top dig directors on their recent excavations in Israel; new insights into the region’s prehistorical residents; new discoveries in Jerusalem; science and technology; synagogues and churches; and archaeology of Roman period Judaism and Christianity.

The arguable main event is a showdown on October 27 between three of the most influential biblical archaeologists of our era. In a session called “The United Monarchy between Image and Reality,” Tel Aviv University Prof. Israel Finkelstein will go head to head with Hebrew University professors Amihai Mazar and Yosef Garfinkel. Sparks are sure to fly.

Other sessions sure to capture popular interest include “Biblical Incenses: Cannabis and Frankincense at the Judahite Shrine of Arad” with Eran Arie of The Israel Museum, Jerusalem, and Dvory Namdar, Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Center; a series of lectures on Israelite religion and women; and a talk by University of North Carolina’s Jodi Magness on “The Huqoq Synagogue Mosaics: Recent Discoveries.”

Other scholars hail from New York University, Hebrew Union College, University of California, San Diego, University of Nebraska, Duke University, Princeton Theological Seminary, Bar-Ilan University, University of Haifa, University of Iowa, Wheaton College, George Washington University, Pennsylvania State University, Weizmann Institute, University of North Carolina, Yeshiva University and Nyack College.

Dr. Shlomit Weksler-Bdolah, director of the excavations at the Western Wall plaza on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority, with the rare First Temple sealing her team published in December 2017. (Yoli Shwartz, Israel Antiquities Authority)

The meeting of mega minds is co-sponsored by the Israel Antiquities Authority and the Friends of the Israel Antiquities Authority in collaboration with NYU Tel Aviv, NYU Global Network for Advanced Research in Jewish Studies & the Skirball Department of Hebrew and Judaic Studies.

The full schedule is available online. Conference registration is free but required for each day and capacity is limited.