“Assured Results” of Archaeology

I love archaeology, and love having the chance to share my passion with others.  But as my teacher and later colleague Professor Anson Rainey use to say: “archaeology is the science of digging a hole and spinning a tale about it.”  One example of a change in the interpretation of finds follows.

Temple to Augustus or ???

Years ago the above structure was interpreted as possibly the Temple to the Roman Emperor August that Josephus mentions as being by the harbor at Caesarea Maritima.

But now, a Nymphaeum (monumental fountain), not a Temple.

Today, the structure is interpreted as being a monumental fountain that is located at the northwestern corner of the podium on which the Temple to Augustus stood.

Thus, as research continues, the interpretation, and dating of finds can change: think at Timna—Solomon’s Mines, Not Solomon’s Mines, and now, Solomon’s Mines.  Hmm.

For an article on the projected “visitor upgrades” at Caesarea Maritima see Here.

Turkish Archaeology Magazine

The other day I came across an wonderful archeology magazine—in Turkish—that I thought might be of interest to others.   I was not aware that it is available in English.  The English title is Archaeology — Time To Discover Anatolia.

Recent issues have covered:

The Urartians
The Lycians
The Persians in Anatolia
The Hittites
Gobekle Tepe (magnificent neolithic site)

It appears 4 times a year—glossy pages, beautiful photos.  It looks to me like this would be a useful periodical for those interested in Anatolia, Turkey, Biblical, Classical, Hittite, etc. studies.  It costs $60 per year for 4 issues.