Religion 216 - TOPICS IN BIBLICAL STUDIES

Topics course. This course explores the material culture of the peoples who lived in ancient Palestine from the Middle Bronze Age through the Israelite period and down to the Roman-Byzantine eras (c.1400 B.C.E. to 640 C.E.). We will consider the latest archaeological finds from Israel and the Mediterranean basin, including the ruins of great cities, temples, ancient churches and synagogues, and colorful mosaic artwork. Special attention will be given to a critical evaluation of the ways that archaeology can ? and cannot ? illuminate the key people, places, and events mentioned in biblical and post-biblical texts.

Topic: Archaeology and the Bible.