A series of weekend-long events that delve into the lives, politics, customs and other history of Middle Easterners, including the Apostles, will be held on the campus of La Sierra University in Riverside next weekend.
The campus’ 18th annual “Archaeology Discovery Weekend” is slated for Nov. 14-15 throughout the grounds, which are located at Riverwalk Parkway and Yeager Drive.
Campus officials said that the goal is to introduce visitors to life as it was lived around the time of Jesus and the Apostles. This year’s theme is “People & Places of the New Testament World.”
Archaeologists from around the country plan to be on hand for lectures and interactions with visitors, according to La Sierra University History of Antiquity Professor Kent Bramlett.
“Archaeology Discovery Weekend brings a lineup of world-class scholars to present lectures on important New Testament themes, including new insights on central figures such as Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Jesus, Apostle Paul … and the search for the places where biblical events took place,” Bramlett said. “These researchers are at the cutting edge of discovery and will share their findings in person with illustrated lectures. The accompanying events demonstrate archaeological laboratory methods and technologies and provide immersive opportunities for the whole family.”
Topics due for presentation include “Geography of the Gospels,” “Paul and the Politics of Sacrifice,” “The Ossuaries and Burials of Jesus and James,” “Finding the City of the Apostles,” “Mother Mary in Jerusalem? Recent Excavations on Mt. Zion,” and “Mary Magdalene and the Defilement of Tiberias.”
There will be a Bedouin hospitality tent to welcome guests, and the campus’ Center for Near Eastern Archaeology will host displays of ancient artifacts, according to organizers.
Hands-on workshops with artisans providing guidance will be among the fare, which will also feature special events geared for kids, including a screening of the movie, “The Prince of Egypt.”
Most of the lectures and exhibitions are scheduled between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. each day.
Additional information is available at lasierra.edu/centers/near-eastern-archaeology/discovery-weekend/.