Exploring Mysteries Of Ancient History
GWU Students Take Part in Dig at Megiddo, Where King Solomon Might Have Lived
By Bill Broadway
Washington Post Staff Writer
Saturday, August 7, 2004; Page B07
Five local students and their archaeology professor went to Armageddon this summer, not to search for clues to a cosmic battle yet to come between Good and Evil, but to seek understanding of civilizations past.
One of the most important issues they addressed was whether a palace attributed to King Solomon in what is now northern Israel was in fact built by Solomon, the son of King David renowned for his wise leadership and for his illicit relationship with the queen of Sheba.
It's no small question, and it has great significance for Jews and Christians alike, said Eric Cline, associate professor of ancient history and anthropology at George Washington University, who co-directed a dig on a hill about 15 miles southeast of Haifa, Israel, known as Megiddo. (Armageddon is a Greek corruption of the Hebrew word har, meaning mount, and Megiddo.)
Little evidence has been uncovered to prove Solomon's ties to a particular building -- or to prove that he existed at all. Some European scholars who call themselves "biblical minimalists" maintain that Solomon is a mythological figure, a kind of Jewish King Arthur.
"These guys are nuts," Cline said in a terse assessment of their thinking.
Cline and other archaeologists believe that the so-called Solomon's Palace at Megiddo, which some consider a cornerstone in understanding Solomon's life and times, was constructed in the 9th century B.C., a century after Solomon's reign. This conclusion is based on recent excavations at the site, which is one of the world's richest archaeological fields and has yielded the layered remains of two dozen cities over a 6,000-year period.
It's an interesting article, with interviews with a number of the student volunteers. But there is this odd paragraph:
Cline said many professional and student archaeologists are drawn to Megiddo by the Armageddon connection. Many biblical scholars believe that the Jezreel Valley will be the site of the penultimate battle between the forces of God and Satan, with the final conflict and return of the Messiah taking place in Jerusalem.
My emphasis. Rather than "many biblical scholars," it would be clearer to say "Christian dispensationalists." It's not an issue that biblical scholarship (i.e., historical-critical study, archaeology, etc.) has any bearing on.
I should warn you that for some reason, I have no idea why, this article made my Netscape 7.02 browser crash three times.