Chris McKinny and Kyle Keimer - Archaeology of Passion Week (pt 2)
Apr 7, 2023
auto_awesome
Archaeological discoveries in Jerusalem breathe new life into Passion Week's events. Chris and Kyle explore ancient water systems like the Pools of Siloam and Bethesda, linking them to Jesus' miracles. They take us through the Garden of Gethsemane's rich history and examine the complexities surrounding Jesus' trials in Herod's Palace and the Praetorium. The Via Dolorosa's historical significance is also unveiled, revealing connections to key biblical narratives. Insights from these sites deepen understanding of the Gospel accounts.
Recent archaeological discoveries reveal the Pool of Siloam's massive structure and its significance in ancient Jerusalem's water system during Jesus' time.
The findings at the Pools of Bethesda illustrate their role in ritual purification, connecting Jesus' healing narratives to broader cultural beliefs about water.
Excavations of Herod's Palace provide insights into the socio-political context of Jesus' trial, challenging traditional associations with the Antonia Fortress.
Deep dives
The Significance of Jerusalem's Water Systems
Recent archaeological discoveries highlight the importance of water systems in ancient Jerusalem, particularly during the Second Temple period. The Pool of Siloam, initially thought to be smaller and of Byzantine origin, was revealed to be a massive structure dating back to Jesus' time, with dimensions of approximately 50 meters by an unknown width. This pool served crucial functions, including ritual purification and providing water for the estimated population's needs. The findings indicate that aqueducts from the Bethlehem region were essential for transporting water to various pools in Jerusalem, underscoring the city's reliance on these water sources.
The Exploration of the Bethesda Pools
The podcast delves into the archaeological findings related to the Pools of Bethesda, known from the Gospel of John as a place of healing for the disabled. Excavations revealed that the pools were large, each approximately 100 meters wide, and featured a sophisticated water management system. The pools may have played a role in ritual purification, paralleling the Jewish practice of mikvah. Notably, the narrative of Jesus healing a paralyzed man here connects to broader themes of healing and ritual in the Gospels, possibly influenced by local Roman beliefs about water and health.
Cultural Context of the Garden of Gethsemane
Significant archaeological evidence supports the tradition of the Garden of Gethsemane as a site of Jesus' prayer before his crucifixion. The presence of ancient olive trees, some potentially thousands of years old, and the adjacent finding of a mikvah support the area's historical and ritual significance. The mikvah's proximity to olive groves suggests the continuous practice of ritual purity among those who worked with sacred olive oil. These findings reconstruct a cultural landscape that enhances our understanding of the events in the Passion Week.
Historical Insights from Herod's Palace
Herod's Palace, although largely destroyed, has yielded insights into the political landscape during Jesus' trial. Located in the Armenian Quarter, archaeological remnants relate to Josephus' descriptions of a significant palace complex. This site is seen as the likely location where Jesus was presented to Pontius Pilate, rather than the traditional link to the Antonia Fortress. The examination of this area provides a clearer understanding of Roman judicial proceedings and the socio-political context in which these events occurred.
Re-evaluating the Via Dolorosa Tradition
The well-known Via Dolorosa, traditionally linked to Jesus' journey to crucifixion, is critiqued for its historical inaccuracies linked to the Antonia Fortress. Archaeological evidence suggests that Roman procurators like Pilate would more likely reside in Herod's Palace than the fortress, leading to a potential misplacement of the route. The implications of historical and medieval traditions illustrate a complex tapestry of faith practices that have emerged over the centuries. Ongoing archaeological work continues to challenge and refine our understanding of Jesus' final steps on earth as narrated in the Gospels.
Episode: This episode is part two of the three-part series on the archaeology of Passion Week. Chris and Kyle take a detailed look at how archaeological finds in Jerusalem can help us better situate and understand the events of this fateful week. They delve into the Gospel of John, the Last Supper, and Jesus’ trials. (republished from 2021)
Summary: Chris and Kyle discuss the following topics:
- Archaeology and the Gospel of John—the pools of Siloam and Bethesda
- The Garden of Gethsemane
- The room of the last supper
- Jesus’ Jewish and Roman trials
- Herod’s palace
- The Praetorium and Gabatha
- The Via Dolorosa.