Monday, 16th February 2009
Dr John Kane (University of Manchester)
JEWISH TOMBS OF JERUSALEM IN THE SECOND TEMPLE PERIOD: SURVEY AND CONTROVERSIES
As well as presenting a survey of the excavated and monumental evidence which is very rich, Dr. Kane comments on the work of Rahmani, Kloner and others and presents some controversial ossuary-inscriptions. He relates this body of material to theories about the Holy Sepulchre, Garden Tomb and recent "tomb of Jesus" statements with original analysis.
Some monumental tombs have survived above ground and been commented on through the ages, and, of course, comprehensively robbed. These are best analysed in terms of forms and ornament (with a few helpful sarcophagi); even, in a few instances, by links to Josephus or other literature of the time. Most, however, and these usually somewhat smaller but still rock-cut, were lost and have been excavated. Thus, though there is no stratigraphy in a rock-cut floor, they may be understood with the aid of pottery, coins, ossuaries and inscriptions (and sometimes sarcophagi). An extensive array of tombs is presented in order to provide the necessary background of forms and content for analysis relating to particular controversies. The movement in general has been from 'theological' to 'socio-economic' explanations.
Arguments for the "Garden Tomb" are shown by the surveyed material to be easily refuted on formal grounds, and there is almost nothing to be said for the (recently controversial) "tomb of Jesus", though something more for the "James" inscription. But formal analysis and ancient texts suggest that the traditional "Holy Sepulchre" is archaeologically plausible.
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