Archaeology of Jesus' Nazareth

Archaeology of Jesus Nazareth is the first book on the archaeology of first-century Nazareth, outlining the latest evidence and placing the Gospels account of Jesus' youth in a new context. It focuses on the Sisters of Nazareth site, where a Byzantine pilgrimage church and a first-century house are likely to be the childhood home of Jesus.

Format: Hardback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 09 February 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Archaeology of Jesus Nazareth is a groundbreaking work that delves into the rich tapestry of the archaeology of the first-century Nazareth, the hometown of Jesus in Galilee. Written with a broad audience in mind, this book offers a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the field of biblical history and archaeology. It presents the latest archaeological evidence, placing the Gospels' account of Jesus' youth and the origins of Christian pilgrimage in a fresh and compelling context.

The book focuses its attention on the fascinating Sisters of Nazareth site, located in the heart of modern-day Nazareth. Through meticulous twenty-first-century archaeological research, the site has yielded remarkable discoveries. One of the most significant findings is the identification of a Byzantine pilgrimage church, believed to be the Church of the Nutrition. This church holds immense historical significance as it is believed to be the most important previously lost early Christian church in the Holy Land.

According to a seventh-century pilgrim, a vaulted area beneath the Church of the Nutrition contained the actual house where Jesus was brought up by Mary and Joseph. This discovery raises intriguing questions about the historical authenticity of the Sisters of Nazareth house as the childhood home of Jesus.

Interestingly, below the Byzantine church at the Sisters of Nazareth site, a vaulted area has preserved what are likely the ruins of a first-century house. Even before the Byzantine church was built, a cave-church, likely constructed in the fourth century, was erected next to the first-century ruins. This suggests that the ruins had already acquired Christian religious importance at that time. The similarities between the pilgrim's description and the archaeological findings raise the possibility that the Sisters of Nazareth house could indeed have been the childhood home of Jesus.

In conclusion, Archaeology of Jesus Nazareth offers a thought-provoking exploration of the historical existence of Jesus and its implications for understanding the Gospels. Through its comprehensive analysis of the archaeological evidence, the book provides a fresh perspective on the life and times of Jesus, shedding light on the origins of Christian pilgrimage and the development of the Christian faith. This book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in exploring the rich tapestry of biblical history and archaeology.

Weight: 480g
Dimension: 240 x 164 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780192865397