5 Incredible Archaeological Finds Mentioned In the Bible

A small textile was recently discovered and it’s among the the earliest known evidence of dyeing with Kermes vermilio. Kermes vermilio, found in the Mediterranean, is referenced in the Bible and commonly used in making sacred garments.

In this gallery, we explore this particular discovery, as well as other significant finds by the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA).

The IAA has made numerous significant archaeological finds across Israel. One notable discovery is the site of Arnona, which is known to have been crucial in the history of the Kingdom of Judah.

The IAA has also uncovered ancient synagogues, such as one in the Galilee region, which provided insights into Jewish life during the Byzantine period. Such sites have exposed various architectural styles and living practices of the time.

Another significant find includes the Dead Sea Scrolls, discovered in the Qumran Caves. These ancient manuscripts date back to the 3rd century BCE and contain biblical texts.

The IAA has excavated numerous burial sites, including those from the Second Temple period, which have revealed burial customs and artifacts. In addition to these finds, the IAA has been involved in the restoration of numerous historical sites, such as the ancient city of Caesarea, which revealed Roman architecture and urban planning in ancient Israel.

Na’ama Sukenik of the IAA described the labor-intensive dye production, saying, “The dye was produced from the female scale insect, which lives on the kermes oak tree (Quercus coccifera).”

Sukenik said, “This biblical artifact represents a unique connection between the written sources and the physical evidence.”

Sukenik added, “The fact that this particular species of scale insect isn’t found in Israel points to broad international commercial networks already functioning at this time and indicates the presence of an elite society.”

The use of a scale insect not native to Israel suggests international trade networks existed during the Middle Bronze Age. While ancient texts reference scale insect dyes, tangible evidence before the Roman period is rare.