Two wooden anchors found in the Dead Sea are now on display in the Israel Museum, and are remarkable both for their size and their preservation. These anchors were revealed as the level of the Dead Sea continues to drop, and archaeologists date the two anchors to 500 B.C. and the 1st century A.D. The metal portions of the anchors have corroded away, but the wooden pieces and some of the attached ropes remain. These anchors attest to a time of flourishing boat traffic on the Dead Sea as depicted on the Medeba Map (600 A.D.). Archaeologists are hopeful that as the water level recedes, intact boats may be recovered. For more information, see the Jerusalem Post article [no longer available].

Excavations of an important administrative building continue in Tiberias and recently archaeologists have cleared what they believe were detention cells for prisoners. Measuring about 6 by 9 feet (1.8 x 2.7 m), the cells have walls that are about 3.5 feet (1.1 m) thick. The cells probably were not used for long-term prisoners, but instead held those awaiting trial. More information and a photo can be found in the Haaretz article.

The Washington Post has a story on the City of David excavations and the "palace of David." The use of the Bible in archaeological work is discussed, as is the political angle. Biblical Archaeology Review has also made available its article on the palace, written by the excavator, Eilat Mazar. I was at the site last week and noticed that the entire excavation area is being covered with steel girders, probably both for protection of the remains and to allow the modern courtyard above to be completed.

If you're one of those who prefers a rural hillside to an icon-filled church for visualizing the biblical sites, some of the most important places in Jesus' life are the most disappointing. The place of Jesus' birth, Bethlehem, and the place of his home until age 30, Nazareth, are large, crowded cities today. The best that one can do is visit the churches built over the "holy sites" or to escape the city altogether.

Such is no longer the case in Nazareth, with the completion of "Nazareth Village." Situated in the heart of the modern city, this re-creation of a 1st century town illustrates ancient life in Jesus' hometown. Local people play the parts of ancient farmers, carpenters, and weavers, demonstrating and explaining their crafts. This month's featured photos should help you to better understand and illustrate Scripture, and hopefully will encourage you to make Nazareth Village a stop on your next trip to Israel.

Each photo is linked to a higher-resolution version which may be used freely for personal and educational purposes. Commercial use requires separate permission. These photos are also available for download in a PowerPoint file (2.3 MB). For more high-quality, high-resolution photographs and illustrations of biblical sites, purchase the Pictorial Library of Bible Lands or the Historic Views of the Holy Land series.