Bible Archeology Discoveries

Res Gestae
Discovered: Rome, Italy
From: (c. AD 20)

The Res Gestae Divi Augusti was commissioned by Emperor Augustus, supposedly years before his death in AD 14. It is described as “perhaps the most famous inscription left to us by Antiquity”. The inscription was outside Augustus’ mausoleum in Rome. As a primary source that was undoubtedly drafted and rewritten many times prior to Augustus’ death due to the high profile it would have in maintaining his legacy, it stretches many truths and conceals some facts of Augustus’ reign. However what is does provide is an insight into the need for legacy to survive, and the importance placed by Augustus on being remembered.

Among the accomplishments listed for Augustus was the commisioning of censuses, including one for Quirinius of Syria in 8 BC. At the time there were said to be about 4.2 million citizens of Rome.

Although this was recorded in 8 BC, there may well have been others as indicated by the statement, "This was the first enrolment."

"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

Select Pages

- page 42 of 71 -

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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