Author and scholar Dr. Tony Mariot has contributed to several archeological projects that seek to broaden knowledge about Biblical history. In 2008, Dr. Tony Mariot contributed to excavations in Khirbet Qeiyafa, where researchers found artifacts dated to the time of King David.
In September of 2016, the Bible Lands Museum in Jerusalem opened a new exhibition that features items thought to be from the kingdom of David in Judea. The objects come from an excavation in the Elah Valley, where archaeologists uncovered evidence of urbanization that aligns with the Bible’s description of the growth of David’s kingdom.
The Bible tells of a change during which small farming communities gave way to fortified towns. In the Elah Valley, at Khirbet Qeiyafa, archaeologists found evidence of one such town. There, a modern wall lies atop an ancient wall, both of which feature hollows indicative of two gates.
Researchers have also found a number of iron stones and shards of pottery, the latter of which feature inscriptions that are the earliest written evidence of the Hebrew language. These shards include such words as “judge,” “king,” and “don’t do.” Visitors to the exhibition can view these pieces, as well as models of larger items found at the site.
Tony - W.A.M. 