The Dead Sea Scrolls are among the most important archaeological discoveries ever made, but not every fragment has turned out to be real. This week, Dr. Kipp Davis joins the Bible & Archaeology podcast to explore how early questions about authenticity emerged, why the circumstances of the Scrolls’ discovery created an environment ripe for forgery, and how the early antiquities trade laid the groundwork for future fake fragments.

This is just part one of a deeper conversation about how Dead Sea Scroll forgeries began, how experts detect them, and what these mistakes teach us about archaeology, manuscripts, and the modern antiquities market, so stay tuned for more!

📺 Check out Kipp's YouTube Channel

👉 Dr. Davis helps us explore:

– Did scholars always think the Dead Sea Scrolls were authentic?

– Why did conspiracy theories about the Dead Sea Scrolls begin?

– Did the early antiquities market setup later Dead Sea Scroll forgeries?

📚 Reading Recommendations:

God's Propaganda: Pulling Back the Curtain on What the Bible Wants You to See

Gleanings from the Cave of Wonders? Fragments, Forgeries, and “Biblicism” in the Dead Sea Scrolls

Dating ancient manuscripts using radiocarbon and AI-based writing style analysis

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🎙️ Credits

Guest: Dr. Kipp Davis

Hosted and edited by Dr. Jordan Jones

Additional contributions by Mary Kathryn Lichty

The Bible & Archaeology podcast is made with support from Amanda Stone

DAB December 12 - 2025