The Associates for Biblical Research (ABR) announces the discovery of an Egyptian scarab, dated to around the time period of the book of Joshua in the Bible. Rated the #1 Bible archaeology discovery of 2013 by Christianity Today.
Major Artifact Confirms Biblical Account
ABR has been conducting excavations in Israel since 1995 at Khirbet el-Maqatir (9 miles north of Jerusalem), which meets the biblical requirements to be identified as the fortress of Ai conquered by the Israelites as recorded in Joshua 7-8.
Copyright 2013, Associates for Biblical Research. may not be reproduced anywhere, in any format, without the express written permission of the Associates for Biblical Research. Photo by Mike Luddeni.
Pottery excavated at the site indicates the fortress was in use in the Late Bronze period, circa 1500-1400 BC. The scarab is a rare type that was made in the early 18th dynasty, ca. 1485-1418 BC. This is a significant discovery since it provides an independent date for the fortress apart from pottery. According to the Bible, the Israelites left Egypt in 1446 BC and entered Canaan in 1406 BC. The scarab substantiates the historical accuracy of the narratives found in Joshua.
Named the Number One Discovery of 2013 by Christianity Today!
For more information, please contact:
Henry B. Smith Jr. / Associates for Biblical Research / Director of Development
Media Photo File (off site link)
Watch video footage of the Discovery of the Scarab at Khirbet el-Maqatir.
Hear Dr. Scott Stripling talk about the Khirbet el-Maqatir Exhibit at Houston Baptist University.
Press_Release_Maqatir_Scarab_Museum-Press_Conf_FINAL.pdf
