Boda & Rom-Shiloni (eds.), Crossing Borders between the Domestic and the Wild (T&T Clark)

NEW BOOK FROM BLOOMSBURY/T&T CLARK:

Crossing Borders between the Domestic and the Wild

Space, Fauna, and Flora

Mark J. Boda (Anthology Editor) , Dalit Rom-Shiloni (Anthology Editor)

Hardback
$120.00 $108.00

Ebook (PDF)
$108.00 $86.40

Ebook (Epub & Mobi)
$108.00 $86.40

Product details

Published Feb 22 2024
Format Hardback
Edition 1st
Extent 192
ISBN 9780567696359
Imprint T&T Clark
Dimensions 9 x 6 inches
Series DNI Bible Supplements
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

Description

The present volume searches for different biblical perceptions of the wild, paying particular attention to the significance of fluid boundaries between the domestic and the wild, and to the options of crossing borders between them. Drawing on space, fauna, and flora, scholars investigate the ways biblical authors present the wild and the domestic and their interactions. In its six chapters and two responses, Hebrew Bible scholars, an archaeobotanist, an archaeologist, a geographer, and iconographers join forces to discuss the wild and its portrayals in biblical literature.The discussions bring to light the entire spectrum of real, imagined, metaphorized, and conceptualized forms of the wild that appear in biblical sources, as also in the material culture and agriculture of ancient Israel, and to some extent observe the great gap between biblical observations and modern studies of geography and of mapping that marks the distinctions between “the wilderness” and “the sown.” The book is the first written product presented on two consecutive years (2019, 2020) at the SBL Annual Meetings in the Section: “Nature Imagery and Conceptions of Nature in the Bible.”

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The rest of the sword has been found in that drainage channel

MARTIAL MATERIAL CULTURE: Lost tip of 2,000-year-old Roman sword reunites with blade in remarkable City of David discovery. The sword likely belonged to a Roman legionary who participated in the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD (All Israel News).

"It wasn't until the excavation director, Eli Shukron, arrived at the sifting location and saw the fragment that I realized it was something significant. He was very excited and instantly recognized it as part of the same sword he had found over a decade ago. He even identified remnants of the leather scabbard that had covered the blade," [Ben] Mazuz added.

I noted the 2011 discovery of the larger fragment of the sword here, with more on it here.

I also noted the current excavation of that drainage channel here. The new sword fragment had not yet been found, or at least the excavators hadn't realized they had found it.

Visit PaleoJudaica daily for the latest news on ancient Judaism and the biblical world.

On the Kingdom of Judah

ANCIENT ORIGINS: Historical, Archaeological, and Theological Debates Surrounding the Kingdom of Judah (Aleksa Vučković).

The Kingdom of Judah, an ancient state established in the Southern Levant during the Iron Age, has long been a focal point for historians, archaeologists, and theologians alike. This small but significant kingdom, centered in Jerusalem, has left a major mark on history through its rich cultural heritage, complex political landscape, and profound religious traditions. The historical narrative of Judah is intertwined with the rise and fall of great empires, prophetic literature, and archaeological discoveries, making it a subject of intense scholarly debate and public fascination, even to this day. Scholars still aim to unravel the controversies surrounding the Kingdom of Judah by examining its historical context, archaeological findings, and theological implications, all of which will help them gain a deeper understanding of the complexities and significance of this ancient kingdom.

[...]

For more on the Siloam Inscription, see here and links. On the Tel Dan Stele, here and links. On the Lachish Letters, here and links.

Visit PaleoJudaica daily for the latest news on ancient Judaism and the biblical world.

Biblical Archaeology Review's 50th anniversary is coming

BIBLE HISTORY DAILY: Celebrate BAR’s 50th! Share your favorite BAR stories, memories, and controversies. The anniversary is in 2025. There is a comment box at the link where you can share your memories.

Visit PaleoJudaica daily for the latest news on ancient Judaism and the biblical world.

More on the move of that Megiddo mosaic

DECORATIVE ART EXHIBITION UPDATE: On loan from Israel, rare mosaic floor to be flown to museum in Washington. A rare third-century mosaic from an ancient church in Megiddo will be displayed at Washington's Museum of the Bible for three months, then return to Israel for future exhibition in a planned visitor center at its original discovery site (Israel Moskovitz, Ynet News).

I have already noted this story. But the earlier article said the loan was for nine months. This brief notice says three. I don't know if someone has made an error or if the agreement has changed. (I've held onto this post for a few days to check other coverage. It looks as though the three-month period is correct.)

Visit PaleoJudaica daily for the latest news on ancient Judaism and the biblical world.

ANE Today's new website

THE ANCIENT NEAR EAST TODAY: Introducing The Ancient Near East Today’s New Website.

ASOR is pleased to announce the launch of our new website for The Ancient Near East Today (ANE Today), our open-access digital platform for public scholarship, disseminating the latest research, insights, and news about the ancient Near East and beyond. Free to everyone, ANE Today constitutes an important part of ASOR’s mission to encourage public understanding of the cultures and history of the Near East from earliest times until today.

[...]

PaleoJudaica often links to the essays posted on this useful site.

I hope they preserve the old links when they migrate the old essays to the new site. Link rot is a serious problem on the Internet.

Visit PaleoJudaica daily for the latest news on ancient Judaism and the biblical world.

Another Shroud of Turin study

CONTROVERSIAL MATERIAL CULTURE: Turin Shroud Study Claims Controversial Cloth Does Date to Time of Jesus (Newsweek).

In the Heritage study, lead researcher Liberato De Caro, from the Institute of Crystallography in Italy, and colleagues employed a novel method for dating ancient linen threads by inspecting their structural degradations using a technique known as Wide-Angle X-ray Scattering. This was applied to a small sample from the Shroud, which currently resides in the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Turin, Italy.

The authors said the results of their analysis were "fully compatible" with analogous measurements obtained from a linen sample whose dating, according to historical records, is A.D. 55-74, and consistent with the hypothesis that the Shroud is a 2,000-year-old relic.

The authors note that the results are only compatible with this hypothesis under the condition that the artifact was kept at suitable levels of average temperature (around 20-22.5 degree Celsius, or 68-72.5 degrees Fahrenheit) and a relative humidity of 55-75 percent for 13 centuries of unknown history, in addition to seven centuries of known history in Europe.

And the authors noted that more research is needed.

This study is far outside my expertise, so I have no comments. Cross-file under Technology Watch.

For many PaleoJudaica posts on the Shroud of Turin, some of which note arguments in favor of or against its authenticity, start here and follow the links. The vast majority of scholarship views it as a medieval forgery.

Visit PaleoJudaica daily for the latest news on ancient Judaism and the biblical world.

Video on the Temple Mount Sifting Project

TEMPLE MOUNT WATCH: Unearthing Truth: The Temple Mount Sifting Project's Sacred Mission (All Israel News).

Journey to the heart of Jerusalem's sacred history with the Temple Mount Sifting Project. Hosted by Kayla Prague, this All Israel feature uncovers the remarkable story of how ancient artifacts from the holiest site in Judaism are being rescued and studied. Witness how archaeologists and volunteers from around the world are piecing together biblical history, one handful of soil at a time. From First Temple-era treasures to Herodian architecture, discover the fascinating finds that connect us to the spiritual legacy of the Temple Mount. Join us as we explore this unique endeavor that bridges faith, science, and heritage, revealing the enduring significance of this holy site for both Jews and Christians alike. Don't miss this inspiring look at how modern dedication is preserving ancient truths.

Follow the link for a link to the YouTube video.

The Temple Mount Sifting Project Blog, to which PaleoJudaica often links, is here.

Visit PaleoJudaica daily for the latest news on ancient Judaism and the biblical world.

Video reconstruction of Herod's Temple

RITMEYER ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESIGN: Jerusalem’s Temple Mount. Building the Most Detailed Depiction of Herod’s Temple.

This is truly a masterful video that aims to bring together the extensive research that began at the Temple Mount Excavations in Jerusalem in 1968, directed by the late Professor Benjamin Mazar. Many scholars have analysed the result of this and other excavations in Jerusalem to get a full picture of what Herod’s Magnum opus may have looked like. We understand that this 3D video is the first of a series designed to help people better understand this sacred structure.

Looks carefully researched and informative, with much attention to the technical details of reconstructing the architecture of the Temple.

Just so you know, the video is presented from a particular faith perspective.

Cross-file under (Virtual) Temple Mount Watch and Ancient Architecture.

Visit PaleoJudaica daily for the latest news on ancient Judaism and the biblical world.

Another aqueduct arch collapse in Caesarea

MORE DETERIORATION: Caesarea Roman aqueduct collapses in funding dispute. Collapse is the second to happen in one year after the Caesarea Development Corporation refused to fund a preservation project despite early warnings (Asi Haim, Matan Shor, Ynet News).

I noted last year's collapse of a Hadrianic aqueduct arch at Caesarea here.

Visit PaleoJudaica daily for the latest news on ancient Judaism and the biblical world.

Review of Buster, Remembering the Story of Israel

ANCIENT JEW REVIEW: Remembering the Story of Israel: Historical Summaries and Memory Formation in Second Temple Judaism (Doren Snoek).

Aubrey Buster, Remembering the Story of Israel: Historical Summaries and Memory Formation in Second Temple Judaism (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2022).

Aubrey Buster’s Remembering the Story of Israel: Historical Summaries and Memory Formation in Second Temple Judaism makes significant contributions in four areas: first, to the study of short, schematic histories in biblical literature; second, to memory studies and biblical literature; third, to study of the biblical work Chronicles, and fourth, to psalmody and prayer in Second Temple Jewish literature. Its primary question is: how did short historical accounts in various genres generate meaning in early Jewish communities? Secondarily, it asks: why did short historical accounts remain productive alongside long-form narrative histories? ...

I noted the publication of the book here.

Visit PaleoJudaica daily for the latest news on ancient Judaism and the biblical world.

Tracing the background of basalt blocks?

LITHIC MATERIAL CULTURE: Israeli Archaeologists Create Method to Analyze Basalt – to Their Own Surprise. Primordial Israel was volcanic and the ancient northern cities were built with basalt. But did they all use the same source to sate their marble envy? (Ruth Schuster, Haaretz).

Now a team has shown that basalt from different sources can be reliably distinguished and grouped even if the sources remain unknown. Dr. Mechael Osband of Kinneret Academic College and the University of Haifa, with Dr. Michael Eisenberg of the Zinman Institute of Archaeology at the University of Haifa, and Prof. Jeffrey Ferguson of the University of Missouri describe the methodology they developed to group the basalts at two sites in Israel based on composition. Their groundbreaking paper has been published this year in the journal Archaeometry.

The underlying article is open access:

XRF Analysis of Village and Urban Basalt Architecture in the Hippos Territorium during the Roman Period

Mechael Osband, Michael Eisenberg, Jeffery R. Ferguson

First published: 29 April 2024 https://doi.org/10.1111/arcm.12975

Funding information: ...

Abstract

This case study examines the use of X-ray fluorescence (XRF) as an effective method for defining distinct chemical compositions of local basalt stone from different sources in the Roman period, even when their quarries have not been identified. It also deals with the archaeological question if public and monumental structures from a village and urban site shared the same stone sources and stonemason's workshops. Ninety-six samples from the Hippos Territorium, mainly from the polis of Hippos and the village of Majduliyya, were analyzed. XRF was found to be an effective method for defining distinct chemical compositions of local basalt materials from different sources. The distinct composition of the basalt stones between the two sites provided valuable insights into socio-economic relationships, shedding light on the nature of city–village dynamics in the region. Additionally, it aids in discerning whether diverse basalt sources were utilized in both private and public constructions, as well as installations within a single site. Methodological questions and the application of this method in the archaeological research of basalt-based architecture are also addressed.

For many PaleoJudaica posts on the archaeological discoveries at and around Hippos-Sussita, see here and links. For stonemasons' marks on the basalt flooring blocks there, see here.

The site of Majduliyya is new to me.

Visit PaleoJudaica daily for the latest news on ancient Judaism and the biblical world.

Israel's biblical trees

ARBOREAL HISTORY: Hiking through history: Discovering Israel's native trees on the trails. Explore the unique beauty of Israel's native trees on your next hike, where ancient oaks, carobs, and figs bring the rich history and landscapes of the Holy Land to life (SUSANNAH SCHILD, Jerusalem Post).

t took about 20 years of living and traveling in Israel for me to deeply appreciate Israel’s own native trees, and their excellent qualities, suited to the local climate. In this land of rainy and dry seasons, oversized trees need too much water to survive. The low, shrubby forests native to Israel are less susceptible to drought and fire, common dangers of long, hot Israeli summers.

Biblical mentions of Middle Eastern trees are plentiful. ...

For more on the carob, see here and links. And for a bit of fun speculation about oaks and terebinths, see here.

Visit PaleoJudaica daily for the latest news on ancient Judaism and the biblical world.

Are Egyptians reviving Coptic?

COPTIC WATCH: Egyptians Are Learning The Coptic Language To Revive Their Original Identity (Farah Abdelkarim, lovin cairo).

A Bridge Between Past and Present

Coptic, the latest stage in the evolution of the ancient Egyptian language, is gaining renewed attention. This interest reflects a broader effort to understand and honor Egypt’s rich history, amidst ongoing debates about the true origins of the Egyptian people. Renowned archaeologist Zahi Hawass has reiterated in various media appearances that Egyptians “are neither Arabs nor Africans,” emphasizing cultural and behavioral differences from their Arab neighbors. This perspective has fueled curiosity and enthusiasm for Coptic among those keen to explore their ancient heritage.

Embracing the Language Through Modern Technology

The resurgence of interest in Coptic is being facilitated by modern technology. Social media platforms and online resources have made learning Coptic more accessible than ever. Experts in the field have leveraged these tools to offer online classes, providing educational materials and cultural insights to Egyptians eager to deepen their connection with their linguistic heritage.

For more historical background on the Coptic language, see here and links.

Visit PaleoJudaica daily for the latest news on ancient Judaism and the biblical world.

A.I. is finding more Gilgamesh Epic

ALGORITHM WATCH: Piecing Together an Ancient Epic Was Slow Work. Until A.I. Got Involved. Scholars have struggled to identify fragments of the epic of Gilgamesh — one of the world’s oldest literary texts. Now A.I. has brought an “extreme acceleration” to the field (Erik Ofgang, New York Times).

Now, an artificial intelligence project called Fragmentarium is helping to fill some of these gaps. Led by Enrique Jiménez, a professor at the Institute of Assyriology of the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, the Fragmentarium team uses machine learning to piece together digitized tablet fragments at a much faster pace than a human Assyriologist can. So far, A.I. has helped researchers discover new segments of Gilgamesh as well as hundreds of missing words and lines from other works. ...

Before 2018, only some 5,000 tablet fragments were matched. In the six years since, Jiménez’s team has successfully matched over 1,500 more tablet pieces, including those pertaining to a newly discovered hymn to the city of Babylon and 20 fragments from Gilgamesh that add detail to over 100 lines of the epic.

HT Todd Bolen at the Bible Places Blog.

Bit by bit, a letter at a time, whatever it takes. Until we're done.

Reconnecting cuneiform tablet fragments by shape seems to be a big part of this project. That's is a perfect task for A.I. The Fragmentarium site at the electronic Babylonian Library (eBL) is here.

For more on the Epic of Gilgamesh, and why PaleoJudaica is interested in it, with a trail of many links, start here.

Visit PaleoJudaica daily for the latest news on ancient Judaism and the biblical world.

Verde & Rossi (eds.), Cultural Hegemony, Ideological Conflicts, and Power in Second Temple Judaism (Peeters)

NEW BOOK FROM PEETERS:

Cultural Hegemony, Ideological Conflicts, and Power in Second Temple Judaism

SERIES:
Bibliotheca Ephemeridum Theologicarum Lovaniensium, 337

EDITORS:
Verde D., Rossi B.

PRICE: 87 euro
YEAR: 2024
ISBN: 9789042952676
E-ISBN: 9789042952683
PAGES: VIII-325 p

SUMMARY:

The literary texts of ancient Israel and early Judaism are infused with ideologies and reflect various social, economic, religious, and political agendas. On the one hand hegemonic and counter-hegemonic ideologies shaped the production of literary texts, on the other hand literary texts helped cement or at least spread such ideologies and worldviews. This volume explores the relationship between authoritative texts, ideologies, and social, religious, and political struggles in Second Temple Judaism by examining both the Hebrew Bible and other literary products of Second Temple Judaism, such as the Samaritan Pentateuch, the Septuagint, and the Dead Sea Scrolls. The volume focuses on a series of case studies and aims to shed light on how literary production in Second Temple Judaism is simultaneously the effect and medium of social struggles for hegemony. The first section of the volume focuses on the texts of the Hebrew Bible and the Samaritan Pentateuch, explicitly engaging with Antonio Gramsci's concept of cultural hegemony. The second section explores the broad themes of power dynamics, conflict, and different types of hegemonies.

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Phoenician Trade Associations in Ancient Greece

THE ANCIENT NEAR EAST TODAY: Phoenician Trade Associations in Ancient Greece (Denise Demetriou).

With their maritime ventures and their migratory patterns, the Phoenicians transformed the ancient Mediterranean basin and the societies that they encountered. They created the most important pan-Mediterranean artistic movement of the 8th–6th centuries BCE, conventionally called “orientalizing art;” they reintroduced a writing system adopted by the Greeks, Etruscans, Iberians, and later the Romans, among others; they transferred gods and myths to other groups living in the region; and they established new institutions.

One of these novel institutions was the phenomenon of professional associations structured around an occupation, the home state of its members, and that state’s patron deity. ...

Cross-file under Phoenician Watch.

Occasionally I like to link to this post, which explains why PaleoJudaica pays attention to the Phoenicians, the Phoenician language, the Carthaginians, and Punic and Neo-Punic.

Visit PaleoJudaica daily for the latest news on ancient Judaism and the biblical world.

Tu B'Av 2024

THE FESTIVAL OF TU B'AV begins this evening at sundown. Best wishes to all those celebrating.

Tu B'Av (which just means the 15th day of the month of Av) is an ancient matchmaking festival. Its first mention is in the Mishnah (Ta’anit 4). It has been revived in recent years as a kind of Jewish Valentine's Day.

For past posts on it, see here and links and here.

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Meanwhile, in Neolithic Turkey ...

SOMEWHAT OFF TOPIC for PaleoJudaica, but I have mentioned the Neolithic site of Göbekli Tepe before, so I may as well follow that up. It and Çatalhöyük in Turkey preserve remarkable material evidence for high culture, including religious culture, in the Neolithic era. Two recent stories:

A 10,000 Year Old Stone Calendar? (At Göbekli Tepe; Carl Rasmussen, HolyLandPhotos' Blog).

Çatalhöyük Mural: The Earliest Representation of a Volcanic Eruption? 9,000-year-old painting thought to depict an eruption at Hasan Dağ (Noah Wiener , Bible History Daily)

I can't guarantee the credibility of either. My expertise lies elsewhere. But peer-reviewed research underlies both. I blog, you decide.

Visit PaleoJudaica daily for the latest news on ancient Judaism and the biblical world.