Introduction to Archaeology

2025/2026

Academic Year

ENG

Instruction in English

6

ECTS credits

Delivered at:

Centre of Classical and Oriental Archaeology

Course type:

Elective course

When:

1 year, 1, 2 module

Instructor

Mordvintseva, Valentina

Course Syllabus

Abstract

Biblical Archaeology: The archaeology of ancient Israel and Judah An introductory course on biblical archaeology of ancient Israel and Judah during the Iron Age (ca. 1200-586 BCE). In this course, we will use cutting-edge, inter-disciplinary archaeological research to explore the fascinating field of archaeology, the history of this era, and it’s “players”(e.g. Israel, Judah, Philistine, Mesopotamia, Phoenicia, Aram, Moab, Edom, ancient Egypt etc.). Special focus will be given to complex relationship between archaeology, history and the bible, and how modern research interfaces between these different, and at times conflicting, sources. In particular, how can archaeology be used to understand the biblical text – and vice a versa. The course will combine short video lectures with extensive illustrative materials, on-site discussions at relevant archaeological locations, display 3D images and discuss relevant archaeological finds. In addition, it includes interviews with leading researchers in the field, both to discuss specific aspects, finds and sites, as well as to present different sides of debated issues.

Learning Objectives

• learn how Archaeologists work
• Recent archaeological discoveries and findings
• The archaeology and history of ancient Israel and Judah
• The meaning of Biblical Archaeology and its relationship with the Hebrew Bible
• How to determine if archaeology - and biblical archaeology - is a potential career for you

Expected Learning Outcomes

• to to acquire knowledge about biblical archaeology of ancient Israel and Judah during the Iron Age (ca. 1200-586 BCE).

Course Contents

• Introduction
• The early Iron Age
• The First Kingdoms? A "United Monarchy" of David and Solomon?
• The Northern Kingdom of Israel: ca. 930-722 BCE
• The Southern Kingdom of Judah: ca. 930-586 BCE
• Daily Life and Material Culture of Ancient Judah and Israel
• Neighboring Cultures in the Iron Age II
• Aftermath of Iron Age Israel and Judah and Course Epilogue

Assessment Elements

• контроль посещения
• Письменная контрольная работа
• Экзамен
• Работа на семинарах

Interim Assessment

• 2025/2026 2nd module
  0.2 * Письменная контрольная работа + 0.2 * Работа на семинарах + 0.5 * Экзамен + 0.1 * контроль посещения

Bibliography

Recommended Core Bibliography

• Davis, Thomas W.. Shifting Sands : The Rise and Fall of Biblical Archaeology, Oxford University Press USA - OSO, 2004. ProQuest Ebook Central, https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/hselibrary-ebooks/detail.action?docID=3052020.

Recommended Additional Bibliography

• Cline, E. H. (2009). Biblical Archaeology: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=292779

Authors

• Ivanov Nikita Mikhailovich