Answers to Questions - The Bible and Archaeology

What are some examples of finds covering the period of New Testament history (0 - 64 AD)?

New Testament finds cover a much shorter period of time (only about 100 years) but, being more recent, are still abundant.

• The foundations of the Temple Mount built by Herod the Great still stand in Jerusalem.
   

• The Southern Steps where Jesus and his followers entered the Temple are preserved in a vast archaeological park which is still undergoing active excavation (some of the original steps are still intact and can be walked on).
   

• The Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem and the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem are fairly reliable historical sites of the birth, crucifixion and burial of Jesus. These sites were covered over by Romans in the 2 C AD and uncovered by Helena in 320-330 AD as Rome turned toward Christianity.
   

• In the Galilee, towns such as Nazareth thrive to this day.
   

• Capernaum and Chorazin, two sites Jesus frequented most, have been excavated and preserved.
   

• Sites of famous teachings such as Kursi (the swine miracle), Tabgha (loaves and fishes), Mount of Beatitudes (Sermon on the Mount) and Caesarea Philippi (Peter’s confession) are all preserved and commemorated.

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