Excavating the Land of Jesus: How Archaeologists Study the People of the Gospels - Paperback

Archaeological Textbook on First-Century Roman Galilee

This academic textbook provides students and researchers with professional methodology for archaeological work in first-century Roman Galilee. Written by an active field archaeologist with direct experience excavating in Israel, this guide addresses the practical and theoretical aspects of understanding material culture from the time of Jesus.

Professional Archaeological Methodology

James Riley Strange, director of the Shikhin Excavation Project in Israel, teaches students how to approach archaeological work scientifically. The book covers ground surveying techniques, excavation procedures, and data interpretation methods currently used in professional archaeological practice. Students learn how to address fundamental questions: where to dig, how to excavate properly, and how to interpret findings within their historical context.

Understanding Daily Life in First-Century Galilee

The focus is on reconstructing the lives of ordinary people who lived in Roman Galilee during the first century. Rather than attempting to prove biblical narratives, the archaeological approach presented here examines material evidence to understand social structures, economic patterns, domestic life, and cultural practices of the period. The textbook explains how to interpret physical artifacts alongside textual evidence from the Gospels to build a comprehensive picture of the historical context.

Essential Guide for Biblical Archaeology Students

This textbook serves students studying the archaeology of Palestine during the Hellenistic through Byzantine periods, early Christianity, and postbiblical Judaisms. The methodology presented applies scientific archaeological standards to the specific challenges of working in the Holy Land. Students gain practical knowledge about excavation projects, material culture analysis, and the integration of archaeological and textual evidence.

How do archaeologists unearth the daily life of people from Jesus's time?

Contrary to popular belief, archaeology of first-century Roman Galilee is not about illustrating or proving the Gospels, drawing timelines, or hunting treasure. Rather, it is about understanding the lives of people, just like us, who lived in the time of Jesus. How do we understand Jesus and his mission as part of a larger world? How do we interpret material culture alongside textual evidence from the Gospels? How do we know where and how to dig?

James Riley Strange teaches students how to address these problems in this essential textbook. Drawing on professional experience as a scientific archaeologist in Israel, Strange explains current methodology for ground surveying, excavating evidence, and interpreting data. Excavating the Land of Jesus is the ideal guide for students seeking answers in the dirt of the Holy Land.