Research Institute - Bringing Archaeological Sites of the Mediterranean to Adelaide Project
Israel
Theology begins with the story of the ancient Hebrew people. Their experience of God's self communication in the midst of struggles, journeys, settlement in a land, exile and restoration is reflected in the writings of the Bible.
The first Christians, also Jewish, treasured this story. Their lives were also shaped by their experience of the person of Jesus of Nazareth, by his words and deeds. The area of Galilee, particularly along the northern shores of the Sea of Galilee, was the focus of his ministry among peasants and those from the fishing industry. Jesus proclaimed to these people that, despite what they had heard from the religious leaders, God rejoiced in them. Jesus' ministry brought him into conflict with the civil and religious establishment, especially in Jerusalem. He died as a criminal on a cross. Three days later he rose from death and was seen by his disciples. This group of followers, his community of disciples, began to spread the good news they had witnessed.
The archaeological sites in Israel are rich in interest to the student of theology and the Bible. Israel is dotted with sites that reveal information about the earliest period of human habitation, the period of Hebrew occupation and settlement, and the time of Jesus and the first generation of disciples.
Click on the small images below to view larger images:
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The ancient stone age tower (8,000 BCE) at Jericho ("Tel es-Sultan"), and evidence of early human habitation. Jericho was like an oasis in the Judean desert and a day's walk from Jerusalem. |
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The wilderness of Zin through which the Israelites passed around 1250 BCE on their way to the "promised land" having been liberated from Egypt. |
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The beautiful Dome of the Rock of the 7th century CE is situated on the temple mount or platform constructed by Herod the Great (37-4 BCE) and near where the Temple once stood. |
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The western section of the original wall constructed by Herod the Great (37-4 BCE) which formed part of the platform on which the Temple was constructed. |
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The northern shores of the Sea of Galilee today. The focus of Jesus' ministry. |
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Jesus attracted those from the fishing industry. These became his first followers. |
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Gamla in Northern Galilee, a Jewish fortress-town captured by the Romans during the First Zealot Revolt (66-70 CE). Here is possibly the oldest synagogue structure in Israel (ca. 1st century BCE). |
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The centrepiece of a 4th century CE synagogue mosaic at Hammat Tiberias on the western shores of the Sea of Galilee. |
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