Top 10 Biblical Archaeology Discoveries of 2024
In the world of biblical archaeology, every year brings new discoveries that illustrate, sometimes transform but always inform our view of the past. And in spite of the tumultuous events in the land of the Bible, 2024 has been no exception. Here is our list of top 10 discoveries in biblical archaeology for the past calendar year.
10. Hallucinogenic Plants in Philistine Temples
In February, Bar-Ilan University researchers published a report on discoveries of various plants used in Philistine temples, including hallucinogenic plants. The report focused on two temples discovered at Tell es-Safi— biblical Gath—constructed in the 10th and ninth centuries b.c.e. and destroyed around 830 b.c.e. Over 2,000 samples of burnt seeds and fruits were collected and tested. They derived from plants like the chaste tree—an aphrodisiac and anesthetic—and the poison darnel—a hallucinogenic fungi containing lsd alkaloids. The researchers concluded that for the Philistine worshipers, “it is plausible that temple ritual praxis included the use of medicinal and mood-enhancing additions to regular foods.” Although the Bible does not explicitly say anything about the Philistines consuming hallucinogenic drugs, Isaiah 2:6 does condemn their religious “soothsayers” (עננים)—a Hebrew word etymologically linked to the word for “clouds,” thus perhaps hinting at just how one became a Philistine soothsayer—through the ritual inhalation of hallucinogenic substances.
9. Patriarchal Period Insect Dyes
On July 13, joint researchers from Bar-Ilan University and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem published a report on a 3,800-year-old textile from the “Cave of the Skulls.” When it was uncovered in 2016, researchers had been struck by the vibrant red color of the fabric. It turns out this red was unique: Though most ancient red dyes were produced from a plant root, this dye was produced from a scale insect. The use of scale insect dyes is mentioned dozens of times in the Bible, including in early contexts, such as for the tabernacle drapery (e.g. Exodus 26:1; see also Genesis 38:28 for a case relating to the sons of Judah). Of further significance is the fact that, though there are scale insects (sometimes referred to as “scarlet worms”) native to Israel, this particular dye comes from a species found west of Israel, inhabiting regions “including Spain, France and other areas.” This fragment, then, shows remarkable evidence of wide trade connections across the Mediterranean during such an early period (the Middle Bronze Age).
8. Deep-sea Shipwreck
The discovery of the “earliest ship ever found in the deep seas” was announced in June as “history-changing.” The 3,300-year-old, roughly 13-meter-long ship was found submerged 90 kilometers from Israel’s coast—further out at sea than any other Mediterranean shipwreck from that period. The head of the Israel Antiquities Authority ( iaa) Marine Unit Jacob Sharvit said: “The discovery of this boat now changes our entire understanding of ancient mariner abilities: It is the very first to be found at such a great distance with no line of sight to any landmass.” The hull of the shipwreck contains hundreds of Late Bronze Age amphorae: Thus far, only a small representative number of the vessels have been brought to the surface, and await comprehensive research, analysis and publication.
7. Rearranging the Tel Dan Stele
The Tel Dan Stele, or House of David inscription, is arguably the single most prized artifact in the world of biblical archaeology. This automatically makes any significant contribution toward the understanding of it worthy of a top 10 position. In 2024, Prof. Michael Langlois—following his research of the parallel “David” inscription on the Mesha Stele—turned his attention to the Tel Dan. Utilizing the same digital imaging techniques used on the Mesha Stele ( rti—Reflectance Transformation Imaging), Langlois completed a full comparative letter-by-letter analysis of the three fragments of the stele, determining that they have been pieced together erroneously. Certainly, all three fragments—A (right), B1 and B2 (left, upper and lower)—are part of the same stele, and based on paleomagnetic analyses it can be concluded that they are from the same side.
Summary of Archaeological Data for 2024
- Philistine Hallucinogens: Plants like the chaste tree and the poison darnel found in 10th and ninth centuries b.c.e. temples.
- Ancient Dyes: 3,800-year-old textile from the “Cave of the Skulls” produced from a scale insect.
- Deep-sea Shipwreck: A 3,300-year-old, 13-meter-long ship found submerged 90 kilometers from Israel’s coast.
- Tel Dan Stele: Full comparative letter-by-letter analysis determining that three fragments have been pieced together erroneously.