Following the 1868 discovery of the Mesha Stele, a series of artifacts emerged, suggesting a rich Moabite culture. These finds, known as the Moabitica, quickly caught the attention of collectors and scholars, igniting a fervent race among nations to secure these treasures. At the heart of this tale is Moses Wilhelm Shapira, an antiquities dealer…
Four biblical kings (Israel, Judah, Edom, and Moab) face off in the Battle of Moab. The story has long been known to us because of the Second Book of Kings, but in the latter half of the nineteenth century, an archaeological treasure surfaced that provided another account of this battle. Explore an extraordinary discovery made…
In "The Moses Scroll: A Prelude to the Dead Sea Scrolls," hosts Ross & Jono delve into the captivating story of Moses Wilhelm Shapira and his intriguing acquisition of sixteen ancient leather fragments. This instalment bridges Shapira's enigmatic find, often referred to as the Shapira Scrolls, with the landmark discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls…
Episode One of "INFAMOUS: XVI Fragments" - Revisiting The Moses Scroll Controversy; introduces the mysterious world of Moses Wilhelm Shapira. This episode rewinds to December 2019, marking a shift in Shapira's story from a mere historical intrigue to the heart of our project. Here, Ross and Jono recount their paths to discovering Shapira, setting up…
Ross & Jono discuss some of the archaeological debates going on in the news: The Shema Bulla, long thought to be a forgery, now declared authentic. Explore its fascinating journey from a Bedouin market to the center of a scholarly storm. Also, the Mount Ebal Amulet or Fish Weight?: Once hailed as a significant find,…
Made of Acacia wood and overlayed with gold, the Ark of the Covenant described in the Bible's book of Exodus has captivated imaginations, inspired movies, and remained a legendary icon. But where did it disappear? What secrets does it hold? Our discussion transcends common knowledge, exploring the lesser-known and perhaps the unknown realms as dictated…