The Final Days of Jesus

The Archaeological Evidence

Description

“No one knows more about the history and archaeology of ancient Jerusalem than Shimon Gibson.... This book is destined to become the standard in the field.” — Prof. James D. Tabor, author of The Jesus Dynasty

A world renowned archaeologist reveals the historic footprint of Jesus in Jerusalem and what really happened during the final days. Fans of Elaine Pagels and of John Dominic Crossan and Marcus J. Borg’s The Last Week will find a wealth of new information in The Final Days of Jesus, the first book of its kind to present a detailed archaeological footprint of Jesus.


But what can rigorous, scientific archaeology truly tell us about these final, fateful days?


  • First-Century Jerusalem: Walk the streets of a city dominated by Herod’s Temple, from the purification pools of Siloam and Bethesda to the gates of Pontius Pilate’s palace.
  • The Place of the Trial: Follow the evidence to a newly identified location for the trial before Pontius Pilate—a spot thousands of visitors pass by today without realizing its significance.
  • Crucifixion: The Archaeological Evidence: Examine the only known physical remains of a crucified man from the first century and understand what this grim discovery reveals about Jesus’s final hours.
  • The Empty Tomb: Investigate the original rock-cut tomb beneath the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the clues it holds about the events of that Sunday morning.

About the author(s)

Shimon Gibson is a senior associate fellow at the W. F. Albright Institute of Archaeological Research in Jerusalem and an adjunct professor of archaeology at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. During the past thirty years he has conducted numerous excavations and field surveys in different parts of Israel. He was the head of the research and scientific reports department of the Israel Antiquities Authority from 1995 to 1999.

Reviews

“For over 25 years, Gibson, a distinguished archaeologist, has excavated in and near Jerusalem’s walls. The book, directed to a wide audience, is rigorously scientific, and frequently brilliant. It is a must read for all Jews and Christians who are curious about Jesus and his final fateful week in Jerusalem.” - James H. Charlesworth, George L. Collord Professor of New Testament Language and Literature, Princeton University

“An expert archaeologist’s valuable insights on the final days of Jesus.” - Geza Vermes, FBA, University of Oxford, author of JESUS THE JEW and THE PASSION

“A well-written guide to the archaeology behind Jesus’ death and burial, written by one of Jerusalem’s finest archaeologists.” - Jonathan L. Reed, author of the HarperCollins Visual Guide to the New Testament

“Shimon Gibson, an archaeologist with many years of experience working in Israel, presents an up-to-date and credible description of discoveries relating to Jesus’ last days. Gibson synthesizes evidence from archaeology and the New Testament to craft a clear and enjoyable account.” - Jodi Magness, Professor of Early Judaism, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

“Gibson’s book punctures fourth century mythology with first century evidence drawn from intimate knowledge of the great city of Jerusalem. Gibson’s background in landscape archaeology and his analyses of the physical evidence...combine to provide a provocative series of observations and insights.” - Herb Krosney, author of The Lost Gospel: The Quest for the Gospel of Judas Iscariot

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