As editor of Archaeological Diggings and presenter of our “Ancient Mysteries Reveal the Future” seminars, I travel on a lot of planes and have numerous conversations with people from all walks of life. I’m somewhat surprised at the number of people who, upon discovering that I’m the editor of a magazine on archaeology, will respond with something like, “Wow, that’s really interesting. I’m just so intrigued with history and ancient civilisations and digging up the past.”
For example, just recently, while flying to present some lectures on archaeology, I sat next to a young woman who was extremely interested. She had little time for the Bible or religion because of the negative impact of hypocritical believers. However, she was especially fascinated when I shared with her discoveries in archaeology that revealed the historical accuracy of the Bible. She was also surprised that the Bible contained many specific prophecies concerning certain ancient civilisations and confirmed by archaeology, made before the events predicted were fulfilled. Finally, after first sharing with her a number of examples of how its messages had dramatically changed the lives of those who read it, and then demonstrating from history and even science that the writings of the Bible are of enormous practical help to our daily lives, she began to see that maybe there was something in the Bible worth considering after all.
Which brings me to this edition of Archaeological DIGGINGS, which this month contains a number of interesting articles that relate to the above conversation. Titus Kennedy takes us to Ur and Haran, sites connected to Abraham that were so important to both Jews and Muslims. Regular contributor Daryn Graham continues his intriguing series on Roman Emperors by examining the life of Vespasian. And by the way, Daryn has just published his book Finding the Lost Years of Jesus, from which we have extracted a chapter, “Jesus and the Dead Sea Scrolls,” along with a review by Nick Mattiske. Suzette Hartwell’s article on the treasures of Tanis may surprise readers who thought there was nothing more spectacular than the treasures of Tutankaman. We also visit Emperor Nero’s house, the Domus Aurea, or “Golden House,” with photo journalist Marco Merola. Then yours truly takes a look at medical practice in Egypt and Israel, some of which I shared with the young woman on the flight mentioned above, which was so eye-opening for her. I’m sure you will enjoy it too.
And finally, DIGGINGS has put together two great tours for 2016, with new themes and destinations. Ancient Empires leaves in June for Iran, Carthage, Greece, Israel, but then to Xian in China, home of the Terracotta Warriors, and finally to Angkor Wat, the world’s largest ancient temple complex in Cambodia. Our Amazing Discoveries tour travels to Egypt, Jordan, Israel, Turkey, Greece (including Patmos) and Italy, including Rome and Pompeii. Both tours enable you to “hop-on” or “hop-off” to fit your time and budget. Join us for an unforgettable experience.
Enjoy!
Gary Webster
Editor
