Bible Archeology Discoveries

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Tombstone of Q. Aemilius Secundus
Discovered: Beirut, Lebanon
From: (c. AD 6)

Archaeologist: Original discoverer unknown; inscription documented in Venice by the 17th century; lower portion recovered in 1880

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The tombstone of this official indicates that he was put in charge of a census in Syria in 6 AD by Quirinius. Althought this is not likely the census mentioned in the New Testament, it may have been one of several done during the period.

Scripture indicates that the census affecting Joseph was the "first census" conducted during Quirinius' time.

"Now it came to pass in those days, there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be enrolled.
This was the first enrolment made when Quirinius was governor of Syria.
And all went to enrol themselves, every one to his own city."
Luke 2: 1-3

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Notable Finds

Much of what is described in Bible text is lost to history, requiring readers to assume the historicity of the scriptures.

However, many of the places and events described in the Old and New Testaments are periodically corroborated by archeological finds.

Some finds simply help us to better understand things from the ancient world. However, others provide important evidence as to the truth of scripture regarding things about which there had previously been skepticism.

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