Hot Topics in Biblical Archaeology

Join the AIA for a follow-up discussion to the Hot Topics in Biblical Archaeology series fromRegister for the lecture Register for the follow-up discussionDR. ISRAEL FINKELSTEIN:RECONSTRUCTING THE HISTORY OF ANCIENT ISRAEL: THE BIBLE VS. ARCHAEOLOGYDiscovering the history of ancient Israel demands bridging the gap between biblical texts and archaeological findings. How should we balance the stories we read against the evidence uncovered in the field? How do we manage the tension between theology and history?Dr. Finkelstein will discuss the rules he follows and the advantages and limitations of each kind of evidence in the context of an examination of the dichotomy in power and prosperity between the kingdoms of Israel and Judah, the rise of literacy in ancient Israel and when and why biblical texts were composed.Dr. Israel Finkelstein is Jacob Alkow Professor of the Archaeology of Israel in the Bronze and Iron Ages at Tel Aviv University and director of the Megiddo Expedition.