Note

Abstract

On the basis of archeological data presented in Finkelstein 2008, 8–13, it is concluded that the settlements of returnees listed in Ezra 2:20–30 and Nehemiah 7:25–33 reflect an actual socio-political reality of the late 6th century BCE. As Finkelstein draws the opposite conclusion on the basis of the same data, this study describes how he construed relevant data and evaluates the validity of his argumentation. Additionally, locations are proposed for some heretofore unidentified settlements, the complex literary history of the lists is examined, and how the vague term 'Persian Period' has confused both archaeological and historical discourses is explored.     

Reviews

Abstract

An analysis of a group of underglaze-painted stonepaste vessels produced in Bilad al-Sham (Greater Syria) is presented. Decorated in turquoise and black pigments under a colourless glaze, this ware was probably manufactured for a relatively limited period in the mid to late fourteenth century. The strong stylistic affinities exhibited in the underglaze painting and vessel profiles of the surviving corpus indicate that the bulk of the 'turquoise and black' ware was made by a single workshop. Comparisons are drawn with fourteenth-century decorated stonepaste wares recovered from excavations in Iraq. In the conclusion, it is speculated that Iraqi potters may have travelled west in the mid fourteenth century and established new workshops in Syria.     

Dr Thomas Chaplin,Scientist and Scholar in Nineteenth-Century Palestine

Abstract

For a quarter of a century Dr Thomas J. Chaplin (1830–1904) held the position of director of the British Hospital for the Jews in Jerusalem. During these years he acted to improve the medical situation in the city and engaged in scientific researches in a variety of fields. The article critically reviews his activities in the Holy Land and shows that the impact of his works and the contribution of his achievements are diverse. However, by virtue of these achievements and his gracious personality, the Jewish people in Jerusalem named Chaplin as 'The Great English Doctor'.     

A Note on Henry Timberlake's Route from Gaza to Beersheba to Hebron in 1601

Abstract

The proper identification of the town that Christian travellers described as biblical Beersheba during the Crusader, Medieval, and Early Modern periods is key to understanding many pilgrim accounts, and none more so than that of Henry Timberlake. During these periods Christian pilgrim viewed Bayt Jibrīn as biblical Beersheba, not Bi'r al-Sab' as most scholars do today. Once this identification is clear it is possible to trace the likely route Timberlake followed from Gaza to Bayt Jibrīn and on to the Hebron area. Timberlake's caravan had the choice of two roads as they left Bayt Jibrīn and, in part because of the social conditions of 1601, I argue the caravan took the more northerly road to reach the Hebron area as opposed to the better known and southerly Roman Road.