Jerusalem Archaeology: Uncovering the History of the Ancient City

For centuries, the soil of Jerusalem has held the secrets of empires, kings, and ancient civilizations. Understanding how modern archaeology interprets these physical layers is key to separating historical fact from legendary narratives. This text-only course guides you through the foundational concepts of biblical archaeology, showing you how researchers piece together the city's complex past. You will develop a solid framework for analyzing archaeological reports, understanding stratigraphy, and evaluating historical claims. What you'll learn: Understand the fundamental principles of archaeology, including stratigraphy, material culture, and dating methods; Explore the transition of Jerusalem from the Jebusite settlement to the capital of the Kingdom of Israel; Analyze key archaeological sites, including the City of David, the Temple Mount, and the Western Wall; Examine how modern scientific techniques like radiocarbon dating and micro-archaeology resolve historical debates; Evaluate the relationship between ancient literary texts, biblical accounts, and physical material evidence. The course starts with essential archaeological terminology and basic methodology before taking you on a chronological journey through Jerusalem's major historical strata. You will read detailed analyses of landmark excavations and learn to assess conflicting historical interpretations. Designed entirely for beginners, this course requires no prior background in history or archaeology. Begin your reading journey today and uncover the layers of one of the world's most contested ancient cities.