Does a private individual hold two of the most important archaeological items ever discovered in Israel? In 2002, antiquities collector Oded Golan was accused of forging two items of the highest importance: the ossuary of James, brother of Jesus, and the Jehoash Inscription — the only physical proof of Solomon’s Temple. Twenty years later, after repeated expert examination, it’s still unclear if these items are authentic or at least partially falsified.For PaleoJudaica posts on the Israel Forgery Trial, follow the links from here. For posts on the Jehoash (Joash) inscription and the James Ossuary inscription, start here and follow the respective links.In this second episode of The Times of Israel’s new, original “Into the Land” docuseries, we explore the international controversy behind these alleged archaeological forgeries — and the uncertainty and interests that appear inherent to historical verification.
For the recently renewed debate over the authenticity of the Shapira Scroll fragments, start here and follow the links.
Visit PaleoJudaica daily for the latest news on ancient Judaism and the biblical world.