Dr. Kenneth Hanson
10 episodes listed below
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Can the science of archaeology confirm the earliest stories of the Bible? Can we prove that Abraham existed? What about Moses? Were Israelites ever Egypt at all? These are just a few of the questions addressed in Episode One of this new series on biblical archaeology. Let's have a look at the "founders" of biblical archaeology, going back to the nineteenth century, and recognize how these "diggers in the dirt" changed forever the way we approach "holy writ."
Short reviews from the PlayNext desk, based on the episodes we processed.
Herod's monuments turn architecture into a record of ambition, control, and power.
King Herod's building program comes through as spectacle with a purpose. The episode tracks the fortresses linked to his rule, from Alexandrium, Cyprus, Machairos, and Hyrcania to Herodium, the hilltop complex shaped by stone, earth, and defensive design.
A measured look at Solomon's archaeological case, from restricted ground in Jerusalem to contested gates at Tel Dan, Hatzor, and Lachish.
Solomon's temple gives this episode a clear center of gravity, using the sacred building at ancient Jerusalem's heart to ask how securely archaeology can place Solomon's kingdom in history.
Greek myth told with fatal momentum.
Ancient empire told in old public-domain voices.
This episode explores the 1950s excavation of Qumran by Father Roland de Vaux, uncovering the site's connection to the Dead Sea Scrolls and its historical significance.
This episode explores King David's strategic conquest of Jebus (Jerusalem) through a stealth attack via an underground water channel and examines archaeological evidence from Sir Charles Warren's 1866 exploration to verify the historical account.
This episode recounts the accidental discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls in 1947 by a Bedouin boy searching for a lost goat in the Judean wilderness.
This episode explores the history of Masada, a fortress in Judea where Jewish freedom fighters known as the Sicarii held off Roman troops during the Great Revolt from 70 to 73 CE.
This episode explores archaeological evidence and historical questions surrounding the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem as described in the Gospels.
This episode explores the ongoing archaeological and scholarly debate about the origins of biblical Israel, questioning whether the Israelites came from Egypt, migrated as nomads, or evolved from indigenous populations.
This episode explores the biblical figure Solomon, focusing on his wisdom and the significance of his temple in ancient Jerusalem.
This episode examines archaeological debates about evidence for King Solomon's kingdom at Megiddo, contrasting traditionalist views with minimalist critiques led by Israel Finkelstein.
This episode explores the archaeological legacy of King Herod the Great, focusing on his impressive ancient structures in Israel and his complex personality as described by historical sources.