La Sierra University’s 18th annual “Archaeology Discovery Weekend,” focused on the lives, politics and customs of people in the New Testament world, concludes Sunday.
The event, themed “People & Places of the New Testament World,” is being held on the university campus at Riverwalk Parkway and Yeager Drive.
The program is intended to introduce visitors to life around the time of Jesus and the Apostles, according to campus officials.
Archaeologists from around the country are scheduled to present lectures and interact with visitors, said 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 scheduled 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.”
A Bedouin hospitality tent will welcome guests, while the campus’ Center for Near Eastern Archaeology will display ancient artifacts, organizers said.
The event will also include hands-on workshops with artisans, children’s activities and a screening of “The Prince of Egypt.”
Most lectures and exhibitions are scheduled from 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday.
Additional information is available at lasierra.edu/centers/near-eastern-archaeology/discovery-weekend/.