Pontifical Gregorian University · Biblical Institute
Pontifical Biblical InstituteJerusalem Campus · Gregorian University
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Academics

Archaeology and Geography in the Holy Land

This intensive course offers an introduction to the archaeology and geography of the Holy Land,

Archaeology and Geography in the Holy Land
ECTS: 3

Language: Italian

Description

This intensive course explores how archaeology, history, and geography can contribute to a critical reading of the biblical texts.

Objectives

The aim of the course is to help students approach key issues critically and to provide them with the basic tools needed to assess more effectively the contribution of archaeology and geography to the interpretation of the Bible.

Course Format

The course consists of a series of introductory lectures on various topics related to the history of the Old and New Testaments. In addition, a number of field visits are an integral part of the course:

  • Visits to sites in Jerusalem: the Holy Sepulchre, the Mount of Olives, Mount Zion, and the City of David.
  • Five study trips from Jerusalem:
    1. Bethlehem and ‘Ain Karem;
    2. the Dead Sea: Masada, Qumran, and Jericho;
    3. the Shephelah: Beit Guvrin, Ashkelon, and Lachish;
    4. Samaria: Shechem/Tell Balata, Sebasteh/Samaria, and Mount Gerizim;
    5. the Negev: Beersheba, Arad, and Mamshit.
  • A four-day study trip in Galilee:
    1. Qasr al-Yahud, Beth Shean, Beth Alpha, and Nazareth;
    2. Tabgha, Capernaum, Bethsaida, and Chorazin;
    3. Hazor, Caesarea Philippi, and Dan;
    4. Megiddo, Caesarea Maritima, and Emmaus Nicopolis.

Required Reading

BRIFFA, J. M., Archaeologia et Geographia Biblica. Unpublished course materials (Jerusalem–Rome: Pontifical Biblical Institute, 2025).

Further Reading

FINKELSTEIN, I. – SILBERMAN, N., The Bible Unearthed: Archaeology’s New Vision of Ancient Israel and the Origin of Its Sacred Texts (Simon and Schuster, 2002) [available in several languages].

MURPHY-O’CONNOR, J., The Holy Land: An Archaeological Guide (Oxford University Press, 2014) [also available in French and English].

CHARLESWORTH, J. H. (ed.), Jesus and Archaeology (Grand Rapids, 2006).

FINKELSTEIN, I. – MAZAR, A., The Quest for the Historical Israel: Debating Archaeology and the History of Early Israel (Atlanta, 2007).

Assessment

There will be an oral examination at the end of the course.

Option to Take the Course for Double Credit

(in conjunction with History of the Old/New Testament)

This September course in the Holy Land may be taken for a total of 6 ECTS. In addition to the 3 ECTS awarded for the Archaeology and Geography course, students may earn an additional 3 ECTS applicable to either the History of the Old Testament or the History of the New Testament, as provided for in the curriculum for the Licentiate.

Students who choose this option will be assigned additional readings, to be discussed in two seminar sessions during the following first semester, as well as two written assignments:

  • a review of one of the assigned chapters (40%);
  • a short written paper of approximately 1,500–2,000 words, on a topic agreed upon with the instructor (60%).