Episode: In this two-part series, Kyle and Chris delve deeply into the history of "biblical" archaeology. What is this field? How did we get to where we are today? Who are some of the characters that shaped the field along the way? If you've ever pondered these (or related) questions, then this mini-series is for you.

Hosts: Chris McKinny and Kyle Keimer

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Image Attribution: By NASA, earthobservatory, http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/ - http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Newsroom/NewImages/Images/modis_near_east_lrg.jpg, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=176941

Episode: In this second of our “Second Temple Series,” Mary Buck discusses the Neo-Babylonian period. Of particular interest is the impact of the Babylonian Empire on the Kingdom of Judah. Babylonian Period. This short-lived "flash-in-the-pan" empire has an outsized impact on history. Learn how and why in this episode!

Key BCE dates discussed: 627 - Nabopolassar (rebels against Assyria) 612 - Nineveh falls, capital moves to Haran 606 - Nebuchadnezzar II (famous from Daniel, etc.). Egyptians and Assyrians unite against Babylon. Battle of Carchemish - Nebuchadnezzar II defeats the Assyrian-Egyptian coalition. 605 - Nebuchadnezzar II pursues Egyptian army back to the brook of Egypt. (but don't take territory there) 599-597 - Jehoiakim rebels against Babylon (dies in 597), then Jehoiakin exiled to Babylon. Finally, Zedekiah appointed as vassal king. 588 - Judah relies on Egypt to resist Babylon 587/6 - Nebuchadnezzar II returns to Jerusalem a final time, laying siege to the city. Jerusalem falls, partial deportation. 586-573 - 13yr. siege of Tyre. 549 - Cyrus the Great comes to power in Elam 538 - Fall of Babylon (without battle?)

Other references:

• Al-Yahudu tablets - over 100 cuneiform tablets about the lives of Judean exiles, in the Bible Lands Museum (Israel)
• Ration texts related to Jehoiakin and his five sons

Host: Mary Buck is hosting this series!! Listen to the Assyrian episode HERE.

Image Attribution: By Robert Koldewey (10 September 1855 – 4 February 1925) - Die Tempel von Babylon und Borsippa : nach den Ausgrabungen durch die Deutsche Orient-Gesellschaft, 1911, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=87505819

Give: Visit our Donate Page if you want to help Biblical World and OnScript continue by becoming a regular donor.

Episode: We're back with Tablet IX of the Epic of Gilgamesh. Gilgamesh must face reality. From the grief over Enkidu to a search for his (Noah-like) ancestor Utnapishtim on Mt. Mashu, Gilgamesh will learn about his mortality. Meet scorpion beings and enjoy this next installment with Amy and Chris! Click to listen back to PART 1, PART 2, PART 3, PART 4, PART 5, PART 6, PART 7, PART 8 and PART 9.

Hosts: Chris McKinny and Amy Balogh

Image Source: https://religion.fandom.com/wiki/Scorpion_man