Bible Archeology Discoveries

Name:

Black Obelisk of Shalmaneser III
Discovered: Nimrud, Assyria
From: (c. 841 BC)
Current Home: British Museum

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The obelisk is a black limestone Neo-Assyrian sculpture with many scenes in bas-relief and inscriptions. It commemorates the deeds of King Shalmaneser III (reigned 858–824 BC). It is historically significant because it is thought to display the earliest ancient depiction of a biblical figure.

"I received tribute from Iaua, son of Omri: silver, gold, a golden bowl, a golden tureen, golden pails, tin, the staffs 'of the king's hand' and a spear."

Shalmaneser, beneath a paraso , accepts the "tribute of Iaua of the House of Omri" in 841 BC. This is king Jehu of Israel, who appears in the Bible (2 Kings 9-10).

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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.

Note: Click any image on these pages to see larger photos.