| CARBON 14: THE SOLUTION TO DATING DAVID AND SOLOMON?
Archaeology’s most popular dating technique has some drawbacks
Since the development of the Carbon-14 dating technique, the precision with which scientists are able to date material culture has increased significantly. But BAR columnist Lily Singer-Avitz draws attention to the limitations of this technique in the current issue’s Archaeological Views column. The failure to take these limitations into account could result in erroneous conclusions, which could adversely affect the accuracy of broader historical interpretations. Take the case of the reigns of David and Solomon: Researchers have long tried to find evidence to support either the "high-chronology" or "low-chronology" timelines. Singer-Avitz explains why exclusive reliance on radiocarbon dating to solve this chronological debate is ill-advised.
Read more about the limitations of Carbon-14 dating techniques
Check out the latest news in Biblical archaeology and related topics–updated daily
This week in the news, the battle against illegal antiquities smuggling scores a victory when U.S. Customs officials recovere a fresco stolen from Pompeii 12 years ago, while a guilty conscience prompts the return of an artifact taken from the Temple Mount. In Iran, the lives of commoners come to life in ancient Persepolis, and late Stone Age artifacts are discovered in Abu Dhabi. Meanwhile, scientists in Italy discover the cause of the "sardonic grin."
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THE DEUTERONOMY SCROLL AT THE ROYAL ONTARIO MUSEUM
The oldest written copy of the Ten Commandments in the world comes to the ROM
This fall, Dead Sea Scrolls that have never been seen before will be on special exhibition at the world-class Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto, Canada. The exhibit will include a limited-time, two-week exhibit of the legendary Deuteronomy Scroll, the oldest known copy of the Ten Commandments. Scholars from around the world will converge in Toronto to study and discuss the documents that comprise one of the most celebrated discoveries of the last century. Would you like to be a part of the conversation? BAS is considering holding our own special seminar at the ROM, with renowned scholars Drs. Peter Flint and Steve Mason, on October 9 and 10, 2009. If you would like to see the realization of such a unique seminar–and think you would be able to attend–please let us know by emailing email@example.com.
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CARTOON CAPTION CONTEST
Submit a caption
Write a caption for this cartoon! The author of the best caption will receive a BAS T-shirt, a Dead Sea Scroll mug and three complimentary subscriptions to give BAR to friends. Runners-up will receive a BAS T-shirt and two complimentary subscriptions.The deadline for captions is October 15, 2009.
Submit your caption
The Dead Sea Scrolls at the Royal Ontario Museum
Cartoon Caption Contest
DEAD SEA SCROLLS, BIBLE AND COVENANT
(DVD LECTURE COURSE)
Now 60% off!
until June 30, 2009
James H. Charlesworth (Princeton Theological Seminary) and Henry W. Rietz (Grinnell College) explore the significance of the Dead Sea Scrolls, the settlement at Qumran, the development of Biblical texts and the meaning of covenantal relationships. This 5-Part DVD set includes 20 lectures and additional reading materials.
Was $199.95, now $79.95
James Tabor’s DVD lecture Locating the Herodian Temple with your purchase of two or more sale items.
Enter code E9X5I when ordering to get free gift.
View all sale items here. _______________________