Educational Media Reviews Online

An up-close look at Biblical archaeology, this series takes viewers on a journey to ancient sites, where experts use archaeological tools to investigate Bible stories. Each part in this series (The Patriarchs, The Exodus, The Kings, and The Book) employs a number of film techniques to explain its premise: live action, old film clips and stills, and lots of information given by scholars in the field.

Israël Finkelstein (Tel Aviv University) and Neil Silberman (Ename Center for Public Archaeology, Belgium), authors of The Bible Revealed, appear throughout the film, providing continuity. They and their archaeological colleagues are shown at work at digs, in libraries, and in labs. The main dig shown throughout this film is in Megiddo, Israel, although many digs are shown. The film also takes the viewer to Switzerland, Paris, and England to interview experts.

The production values are excellent. A sense of industriousness permeates the film, and even the "talking head" segments are exciting. Many of these show the expert with books or artifacts, which may attract students interested in archaeology. Graphics consist of maps, which are clear and helpful in pinpointing locations that are being discussed. The photography is first-class, with wide scenes of country and desert that are truly inspiring, as well as city scenes and, of course, the digs themselves.

Although the central question here – how do Biblical stories compare to historical data – is thoroughly investigated, this film is more history than religion, more archaeology than theology. It is a scholarly look at parts of the Old Testament and its origins. It would appeal most to archaeologists and students of archaeology, as well as those engaged in Biblical Studies and ancient history, especially that of Egypt and the Middle East. Academic libraries may want to consider purchase if they support such programs, although public libraries may well have patrons who would be interested.

From the use of simple tools (shovels, brushes) to computers, this film shows how modern archaeologists are investigating ancient sites and events. For those with an interest, it is an excellent series.