Biblical Archaeology of the Old Testament

Dr. Petrovich examines many important aspects of biblical archaeology. These include the study of chronology (aligning biblical events with historical timelines) and epigraphy (examining ancient writings to gain insights into the thoughts and lives of people from the past). He also provides an in-depth examination of geography, illuminating the lands where biblical events actually happened.

Through a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical examples, students will engage with archaeological methods and discoveries, learning about the tools and techniques used in archaeology. Dr. Petrovich brings his own extensive field work to bear in this class, providing students with a fascinating look into the ancient world. The course explains the importance of artifacts such as pottery, inscriptions, and architecture in order to understand the material culture of the Biblical era.

Dr. Petrovich also brings much of his original research to bear on questions and controversies of Biblical archaeology. He looks at specific sites and artifacts, carefully explaining his reasoning for their support of the Biblical record.

This course is ideal for students interested in history, archaeology, or biblical studies. By the end of the class, students will have developed a new understanding of how archaeological discoveries contribute to our knowledge of the biblical world.

Dr. Douglas Petrovich earned a PhD from the University of Toronto, with a major in Syro-Palestinian archaeology. His research interests include biblical history and exegesis, Egyptology, and ancient Near Eastern history (including archaeology, epigraphy, chronology, and iconography). His books include The World’s Oldest Alphabet and Origins of the Hebrews.