Aerial photo of Masada, Israel
King Herod the Great is most often associated with the Massacre of the Innocents described in the Gospel according to Matthew (2:1–23). Whether that event really happened is a matter of debate among biblical scholars, but among archaeologists, there’s little doubt Herod was the single greatest builder in the history of the Holy Land.
Jodi Magness, an archaeologist who specializes in ancient Palestine, explores some of the major archaeological sites dating to the reign of Herod, including the rebuilding of the Second Temple in Jerusalem; his fortified palace at Masada; and Jewish tombs and burial customs (including the tomb of Jesus).
9:30–10:45 a.m. Jerusalem in the Time of Herod and Jesus: Part 1
Historical background and an introduction to ancient Jerusalem.
11 a.m.–12:15 p.m. Jerusalem in the Time of Herod and Jesus: Part 2
Herod's reconstruction of the Second Temple; the Antonia fortress; and archaeological remains in Jerusalem associated with the Passion of Jesus.
12:15–1:30 p.m. Lunch (participants provide their own).
1:30–2:45 p.m. Masada, Last Stronghold of the Jewish Revolt Against Rome
Survey Herod's palaces on Masada, and explore archaeological remains associated with the Roman siege of the mountain in 73–74 A.D., excavated by Magness in 1995. A discussion of Josephus' account of the mass suicide of nearly 1,000 Jews following the siege.
3–4:15 p.m. Ossuaries and the Burials of Jesus and James
A survey of ancient Jewish tombs and burial customs in Jerusalem sets the stage for a review of evidence relating to the deaths and burials of Jesus and his brother James. A discussion of recent claims about the "James ossuary" and the discovery of Jesus's family tomb.
Magness is the Kenan Distinguished Professor for Teaching Excellence in Early Judaism at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.
