Biblical World

Excavations have begun at the New Testament site of Lystra! In this episode, Jason Borges talks with Prof. Ilker Mimiroglu, the lead Turkish archaeologist at Lystra, about the city’s history and excavations. Learn more on Instagram @lystraexcavations.

In this episode, Chris McKinny interviews Jason Borges about his latest book — Christian Life in the Greco-Roman City — a unique guide to the foreign sites, sounds, and structures that defined the Biblical World of the emerging early Church.

In part II of our intro to Biblical Archaeology, Kyle and Chris explore the contributions of W. F. Albright (who knew over 20 languages) and G. E. Wright, Kathleen Kenyon and others, and the emergence of New Archaeology, regional approaches, and other new methods. They also consider questions of faith and history, theology and archaeology, and text and the past. They discuss how archaeology is ill-suited to ”slay the dragon of theological liberalism,” but also how it contributes to faith. How can we grapple well with the intersection of these fields that often seem so far apart?

Episode: In this second of our “Second Temple Series,” Mary Buck discusses the Neo-Babylonian period. Of particular interest is the impact of the Babylonian Empire on the Kingdom of Judah.Babylonian Period. This short-lived "flash-in-the-pan" empire has an outsized impact on history. Learn how and why in this episode! Key BCE dates discussed:627 - Nabopolassar (rebels against Assyria)612 - Nineveh falls, capital moves to Haran606 - Nebuchadnezzar II (famous from Daniel, etc.). Egyptians and Assyrians unite against Babylon. Battle of Carchemish - Nebuchadnezzar II defeats the Assyrian-Egyptian coalition.605 - Nebuchadnezzar II pursues Egyptian army back to the brook of Egypt. (but don't take territory there)599-597 - Jehoiakim rebels against Babylon (dies in 597), then Jehoiakin exiled to Babylon. Finally, Zedekiah appointed as vassal king.588 - Judah relies on Egypt to resist Babylon587/6 - Nebuchadnezzar II returns to Jerusalem a final time, laying siege to the city. Jerusalem falls, partial deportation.586-573 - 13yr. siege of Tyre.549 - Cyrus the Great comes to power in Elam538 - Fall of Babylon (without battle?) Other references: Al-Yahudu tablets - over 100 cuneiform tablets about the lives of Judean exiles, in the Bible Lands Museum (Israel) Ration texts related to Jehoiakin and his five sons Host: Mary Buck is hosting this series!! Listen to the Assyrian episode HERE. Image Attribution: By Robert Koldewey (10 September 1855 – 4 February 1925) - Die Tempel von Babylon und Borsippa : nach den Ausgrabungen durch die Deutsche Orient-Gesellschaft, 1911, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=87505819 Give: Visit our Donate Page if you want to help Biblical World and OnScript continue by becoming a regular donor.

We’re back now with Tablet VIII of the Epic of Gilgamesh, and our grief knows no bounds. Tune in and hear Amy and Chris discuss the depths of Gilgamesh’s pain, grief, and loss. They also discuss how Gilgamesh memorializes his friend, and what might have happened in the missing part of the tablet.

Kyle Keimer joins to add insights from archaeology to an earlier OnScript episode called Misunderstanding Sacrifice (listen HERE). Dru and Matt L talk about the incomplete pictures gained from archaeology AND the Bible, and how to grapple with both. This episode is cross-listed with the OnScript podcast.

We’re back, with Tablet VI of the Epic of Gilgamesh. Chris and Amy take us on a deep dive into the ”love” of Ishtar, Gilgamesh refusing that love as cruel and temporary, the Bull of Heaven’s rage and death, and the impending fate of Enkidu. Tune in and enjoy!

Back by popular demand is our Best Archaeological Finds series, and this one for 2024 (we’re not that far into 2025!). Enjoy this first of a two-part series.