Troweling Down
Dr. Steven Collins and Dr. Gary Byers discuss Biblical Archaeology for the 21st Century. They explore why archaeology is an important part of Bible study, how archaeology demonstrates the Bible’s historical accuracy and authenticity, and whether Tall el-Hammam is biblical Sodom.
Episodes
Hello from the ARC!
We are almost finished setting up the new TSU/VIU/TeHEP Archaeology Research Center!In the last episode, we showed a bit of the ARC, while we were still moving things around. We look forward to showing it off all finished and moved in, very soon!In this episode, Gary and Dr. Collins have time to sit down and rest a bit, and discuss a bit about what is going to take place in it. They also bring up
Our New Digs!
Introducing our new Archaeology Research Center, a.k.a. The ARC!Gary and Dr. Collins give you a short tour of the brand new facility for studying the Tall el-Hammam Excavation Project. This is very exciting for us. We hope for you, too!Follow Tall-el Hammam and TSU on Social Media:Facebook: X: Instagram: Substack:
What the TeHEP team does when not digging
Whew! What a month January was!Gary and Dr. Collins will fill you in on some of what has been going on. And, as a first, there is no discussion of Sodom!Watch this episode, just to see how messy Dr. Collins' shirt is, after a hard day of painting!Follow Tall-el Hammam and TSU on Social Media:Facebook X InstagramSubstack
Out of the sky, in a flash!
Happy New Year! Welcome to 2026!A lot is happening with the TeHEP team, as we are going full tilt on the massive publication process, this year. It will take several volumes. As we say about this dig, "it's a Lot to love!"We are also proud to be a part of the 2026 International Symposium on Archaeology & The Bible, happening January 28 - 31, in Albuquerque, NM. Go to isabq.org fo
SDS 10
This episode concludes our series on the treatments for Sodom Derangement Syndrome. In it, Dr. Collins points out that even ancient writers used figurative and metaphorical language, especially regarding the ruination and destruction of civilizations. Now for our (air)burst of inspiration!Symptom #10: ignorance of or ignoring the interpretation of biblical destruction-annihilation language in its
SDS 9
Tall el-Hammam was a very large city-state, during the Middle Bronze Age. This fact is further indication that it is the city of Sodom. In this episode, Dr. Collins continues his diagnosis and treatment of Sodom Derangement Syndrome.Symptom #9: Ignorance of or ignoring the primary and secondary geographical data for the location of Zoar Treatment: A good dose of proper hermeneutics on all the bibl
SDS 8
Tall el-Hammam was a very large city-state, during the Middle Bronze Age. This fact is further indication that it is the city of Sodom. In this episode, Dr. Collins continues his diagnosis and treatment of Sodom Derangement Syndrome.Symptom #8: ignorance of or ignoring the primary biblical texts in terms of the architectural features of Sodom, and the sophisticated landscape utilization of this Mi
SDS 7 - Part 2
Dr. Collins continues his treatment for Sodom Derangement Syndrome symptom seven. Say that seven times fast! Or better yet, just watch this episode!Symptom #7: ignorance of or ignoring the facts of the Genesis Sodom texts regardingthe city itself and associated events, and the archaeological data commensurate withthose textsTreatment: a good dose of textual understanding revealing details about th
SDS 7 - Part 1
The Bible says a lot about the location of Sodom. To recognize where it is located, you need to understand both the geography of the land and the cultural influence boundaries of ancient civilizations during that time. Dr. Collins continues his series on treating Sodom Derangement Syndrome!Symptom #7: ignorance of or ignoring the facts of the Genesis Sodom texts regarding the city itself and asso
SDS 6
In this episode, we shift to the nuts and bolts of the Sodom geography found in Genesis 13:1-12, in order to treat one more symptom of Sodom Derangement Syndrome.Symptom #6: Ignorance of or ignoring the primary biblical geography of Sodom.Treatment: A comprehensive understanding of the Genesis geography supported by on-the-ground exploration and experience!For expanded information on this episode&
SDS 5
Dr. Collins continues to deal out the treatment for Sodom Derangement Syndrome!Symptom #5: Ignorance of or ignoring the chronological implications of Abraham narrative geography in the light of the archaeological record.Treatment: A generous dose of the archaeological stratigraphy of excavated cities and towns mentioned in the Abrahamic narratives!For expanded information on this episode's top
SDS 4
Dr. Collins continues discussing his cure for Sodom Derangement Syndrome.In this episode, he treats Symptom #4: ignorance of or ignoring the socio-ethno-cultural dynamics of the Abraham narrativeFor expanded information on this episode's topic, look up Dr. Steven Collins on Substack and become a subscriber.
SDS 3
Dr. Collins continues discussing his cure for Sodom Derangement Syndrome.In this episode, he treats Symptom # 3: ignorance of or ignoring the non-etiological, factual nature of the Abraham narratives.For expanded information on this episode's topic, become a Substack subscriber.Follow Tall-el Hammam and TSU on Social Media:FacebookX Instagram
SDS 2
In this episode, Dr. Collins discusses the second symptom of Sodom Derangement Syndrome. The Doctor is in!
SDS 1
No, it is not a Space Shuttle mission.
It is Dr. Collins' newly coined name for the typical issues that characterize someone who does not agree with Tall el-Hammem being Biblical Sodom. It stands for Sodom Derangement Syndrome.
In this episode, Dr. Collins begins addressing the core symptoms of SDS.
Get out your Bible, the Doctor is in!
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When Words Collide
Happy New Year!
Dr. Collins welcomes in the year by discussing some new terminology he is employing, regarding Tall el-Hammam as Biblical Sodom.
He and Gary Byers also talk about some new archaeology that may show that alphabetic writing is older than previously thought.
Join us for our first episode of 2025!
North Paw or South Paw?
In English, a South Paw is left-handed, but in Hebrew it would be right-handed.
Dr. Collins speaks about the use of the Hebrew word "yamin" (יָמִין), in Ezekiel 16:46. Many new English translations translate it as "south". The Septuagent uses the word "dexios" (δεξιός), meaning right hand, or place of honor.
Find out how this passage in Ezekiel is important to the discussion of the location of S
Dating the Pharaoh
No, this episode isn't about a new romance movie, coming to a theater near you. It's about chronology and synchronisms.
Dr. Collins discusses who the Pharaoh of the Exodus is. Grab some popcorn and we'll see if CB – that is Mr. DeMille – got it right or not.
Grab some popcorn and we'll see if CB – that is Mr. DeMille – got it right or not.
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It's all about where to look!
Genesis chapter 13 gives the geography of Sodom and the cities of the Kikkar. It defines the location of the Kikkar (Disk) of the Jordan. Without a clear understanding of the limits of the geography, people have looked for these cities at the southern end of the Dead Sea. Dr. Collins explains how the Hebrew text is very specific in placing Sodom, and the story of Lot, northeast of the Dead Sea.
Even the Romans liked Tall el-Hammam!
We have a special guest with us in this episode!
Dr. David Graves has been involved in excavating the Roman area at Tall el-Hammam since the project began. Dr. Graves explains the Bath House complex that was discovered.
When you go roamin' around at Tall el-Hammam, you find all kinds of amazing stuff! Subscribe now for new episodes on the first Friday of every month!
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Part 3 of the "Trinitite" Story
This episode wraps up the discussion between Dr. Collins and Dr. Byers about the extreme heat evidence from the air-burst event that destroyed the civilization at Tall el-Hammam, during the Middle Bronze Age.
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Part 2 of the "Trinitite" Story
Happy New Year! It is now 2024!
In years past, the TeHEP team would be headed off to Jordan during January. But, it's the next chapter in the dig. The main focus now is collating and analyzing the mountain of information that has been collected over the last eighteen-plus years!
This episode of Troweling Down continues the story of the curious pottery and mud bricks that came out of the gro
Nice piece of Trinitite! Trinitite, what's that?
Tall el-Hammam was chosen to excavate as the possible site of Sodom, based not on the destruction evidence, but on the geography listed in the Bible. The idea of it having been destroyed by a cosmic airburst event was hit upon during the first season. Dr. Collins recounts how and why this theory was proposed, based on the evidence coming out of the ground during that initial excavation.
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Something's afoot with our pottery!
Why do archaeologists love to collect pottery sherds? If they find enough pieces, they might have enough to reconstruct a vessel–that they can keep their candy in! Smashed vessels are the original 3D puzzles.
In this episode, Dr. Steve and Gary discuss how the scattered sherds collected over sixteen seasons at Tall el-Hammam are proving to be a collection archaeologists have not seen elsewhere in
A Lot of growing interest in Tall el-Hammam!
Sure, the pun was intended! The airburst destruction evidence at Tall el-Hammam (Sodom) continues to be investigated and shared. Dr. Collins and Dr. Byers talk about some of the new discussions by scientists and journalists.
Here is the link to to Jerusalem Post Article mentioned in this episode.
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Best of the Best! Is Tall el-Hammam really biblical Sodom?
With over a dozen archaeological sites that could be Sodom, what makes Tall-el Hammam stand out? In this first and most popular episode of the Troweling Down Podcast, Dr. Collins and Dr. Byers discuss why Sodom is believed to be the location of Sodom.
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Recap of Cosmic Summit and Delving into Airburst Events
What led to the extinction of wooly mammoths, and how does the Younger Dryas event fit into this discussion? On this episode of Troweling Down, Dr. Collins and Dr. Byers delve into the historical significance of airburst events.
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This Site was Big and Well Defended!
The TeHEP team spent almost eight weeks at the site this year. The team excavated many areas on the Upper Tall, uncovering a huge amount of architecture.
In this episode, Dr. Collins and Dr. Byers discuss new discoveries relating to the fortifications that defended the city of Sodom!
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Tales of the Tell from 2023
Tall el-Hammam was continuously occupied throughout many Archaeological periods. It achieved its largest size during the time of Abraham. There were large-scale destruction events during many of these time periods. Dr. Collins and Dr. Byers continue discussing some of the new discoveries from the 2023 season at Tall el-Hammam, and especially discuss an earthquake that hit the city during the Int
Season 16 is a wrap! Let the Analysis Begin!
Excavation Season 16 has come to a close. It was the team's longest excavation season. In this episode, Dr. Collins and Dr. Byers start reviewing some of the amazing new findings from the past eight weeks of digging. Lots and lots of analysis to be done!
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Sup
What's new in 2023 at Tall el-Hammam?
Dr. Collins and Gary Byers discuss some of the new, early findings from this season at Tall el-Hammam. Onward and Downward!
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A BIT OF IRON AGE FROM THE TELL
Tall El-Hammam is back in action after missing two years of digging! Gary Byers and Carroll Kobs give an overview of some of the Iron Age buildings on the Acropolis.
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I've Been Slimed!
No, it isn't a line from a movie, but a quote that might have been said by one of the men from the armies of Sodom and Gomorrah. The King James Bible translation of Genesis 14:10 is, "And the vale of Siddim was full of slime pits, and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, and fell there;". Other translations use "asphalt" or "tar pits" for the translation of the Hebrew word חֵמָר
Somewhere in Time... Part 2
Ancient number systems and ancient concepts of time are a challenge to accurately place some of the events in the Old Testament. Our modern concept of recording dates is very accurate, but ancient people were not nearly as concerned as we are. Honorific ages were used in telling the stories and exploits of important individuals, and number systems were not always base ten. Dr. Collins
Somewhere in Time...Part 1
Dating the time of Abraham has become a controversial issue among Bible believers. The stories in the Bible happened, but dating, when they happened, has been based on a modern interpretation of the ancient peoples' ways of using numbers and speaking about time. Dating the destruction of Sodom is important because it pins Abraham to a specific point in time, from which a lot of events in the Bible
CSI Sodom
In this episode, Dr. Collins and Dr. Byers talk about the people of Sodom... and their bones. The "Necro-scape" at Tall el-Hammam is very large. There were many towns and villages that surrounded Sodom. Life was hard, so death was very much part of everyday life. When we find the physical remains of people, determining how they died can help us understand the hi
Pottery Puzzles Are Exciting!
Pottery sherds are the original 3D puzzles! When pottery vessels get smashed, sometimes enough pieces can be found that can be put together to give a good idea of what the whole vessel looked like.
In this episode, Dr. Collins and Dr. Byers show some examples restored at the Archaeological Research Center of the Tall el-Hammam Excavation Project.
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O'er the Ramparts Lot watched!
Ramparts aren't only from The Star-Spangled Banner. They are an important part of ancient fortifications, as well as modern ones. Gateways, too. Genesis 19:1 says that Lot was "sitting in the gateway" of Sodom. In this episode, Dr. Collins and Dr. Byers talk about the fortifications of Sodom.
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The Flying Casserole!
Dr. Collins and Dr. Byers discuss some of their favorite dishes! Not food, but what it is cooked in -- Casseroles! In particular, they discuss one dubbed "The Flying Casserole". This one has a very interesting story that reinforces the destruction theory of Tall el-Hammam.
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All of the King's Horses, All of the King's Men...
Like 3D puzzles? How about having to hunt for all of the pieces? We have a very interesting one to show you. It's another pottery vessel from the Palace Area. How it came to be so scattered about and burned is puzzling, but Dr. Collins and Dr. Byers offer a very compelling theory!
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Pottery Forensics!
What wonderful stories pottery has to tell! Not only can pottery give us a date for a civilization, it can also be used to give a better understanding of how a civilization lived. Most of the time it paints a picture of everyday life, how they cooked their meals, what products they stored, sometimes even what rituals a civilization performed.
In this episode, Dr. Collins a
Salted Pottery!
No, it's not an actual pottery style. In this episode, Dr. Collins and Dr. Byers show examples of pottery found at Tall el-Hammam that have been encrusted with salt. The Dead Sea is well known for its salt and mineral content, but how did the salt get all the way up the valley to Tall el-Hammam? Enjoy the discussion in this episode!
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Pottery, Pottery Everywhere!
Pottery is the timepiece of a site. Pottery forms help date when a civilization existed. In this episode, we look at some of the analyses being performed on the pottery from the "Palace Complex" at Tall el-Hammam.
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Sup
Evidence Supporting An Airburst Event Part 2
A continued discussion about a cosmic event that wiped out the cities of the plain in the Middle Bronze Age. The evidence suggests an airburst event occurred. Dr. Byers and Dr. Collins continue to discuss in Part 2, the evidence that 22 researchers & scientists unaffiliated with the Tall el-Hammam Excavation Project have provided. Published in Nature Scientific Reports, this paper is making an
Evidence Supporting An Airburst Event Part 1
A cosmic event wiped out the cities of the plain in the Middle Bronze Age. The evidence suggests an airburst event occurred. Dr. Byers and Dr. Collins continue to discuss the evidence that 22 researchers & scientists unaffiliated with the Tall el-Hammam Excavation Project have provided. Published in Nature Scientific Reports, this paper is making an impact in the scientific community.
T
The Airburst is Official!
Dr. Collins and Dr. Byers discuss the recently published paper in Nature Scientific Reports, on the airburst that destroyed Tall el-Hammam in the Middle Bronze Age. This paper was the collaboration of 22 researchers in various fields, lead by our own Dr. Phil Silvia. Learn what impact this paper is making!
This paper can be found at: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-97778-3 &
Lots of Rocks!
The site of Tall el-Hammam has hundreds of thousands of stones that did not move up the hill by themselves. Dr. Collins and Dr. Byers discuss what the ancient people built with all of these big rocks. What a lot of work!
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Location, Location, Location Part 3
Some people say, "You can't have it all!" But we do! The location of Tall el-Hammam put it right along one of the major trade routes in the Holy Land. Dr. Collins and Dr. Byers finish their discussion on how the location of Tall el-Hammam put it smack dab in the geographic background of many of the events in the Bible.
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Location, Location, Location Part 2
Having the right real estate is important for the survival of a civilization. The site of Tall el-Hammam was built upon by various cultures all throughout history. After the destruction of the Middle Bronze civilization, it was never rebuilt as a major city, but the excavation shows it was occupied again with buildings, even into the time of Jesus. In this episode, Dr. Collins and Dr.
Location, Location, Location Part 1
Just as today, ancient people understood the importance of location when deciding where to camp or put a city. The Plain of the Jordan Valley has always been one of the most important crossroads in the entire Holy Land. Everybody from Abraham to Jesus journeyed across the Kikkar (Plain of the Jordan). In this episode, Dr. Collins and Dr. Byers talk about the possibility of Moses and Joshua camping
Weapons of the Ancient Near East
Fighting with Sickle Swords and Duck-Billed Axes...Really? Sounds like a cartoon. Archaeologists may have strange names for ancient weapons, but they would still hurt...a lot! Dr. C and Dr. B. show off some of the ancient weapons in the collection at the Trinity Southwest Museum of Archaeology and Biblical History. Stick around! You'll get the point!
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Infant Sacrifice in Antiquity, Really?
Infant sacrifice was a prevalent ritual in antiquity. An infant burial was excavated at Tall el-Hammam. In this episode, Dr. Collins and Dr. Byers spend the afternoon at the TSU Museum of Archaeology, pointing out various artifacts and discussing infant sacrifice. If you visit our YouTube channel, you can see what they are discussing in this episode of Troweling Down, Biblical Archaeology for the
Dolmen! What is a Dolmen?
Aren't Dolmens those lettuce wrap-looking things at a Middle Eastern Restaurant? Nope! A Dolmen is a megalithic monument that ancient people erected out of huge stones. They are found from England to Japan, and everywhere in between. In this episode, we'll talk about the Dolmens found at Tall el-Hammam.
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Copper Mining in the Ancient Near East
Have you ever heard of "King Solomon's Mines"? Well, we know where they probably were. Dr. Collins and Dr. Byers discuss copper mining and smelting in Jordan at the time of Abraham and Sodom.
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Carbon Dating
Pottery Forms can show you what time period you are in, but this can cover hundreds of years of time. Radiocarbon Dating can narrow down the time frame. Dr. Collins and Dr. Byers discuss the use of carbonized barley and flax discovered in the destruction matrix at Tall el-Hammam. Subscribe now for new episodes the first Friday of every month! Become a dig volunteer for Season 16: https://bit.ly/Di
An Interview with Eric Metaxas
In this episode, Dr. Steve Collins and New York Times Best Selling Author, Eric Metaxas discuss why the work at Tall el-Hammam is important to archaeology. This clip comes from our Dig Deep 2021 TeHEP Livestream Fundraiser, January 23, 2021.
To watch the entire episode visit www.TeHEP.com Subscribe now for new episodes the first Friday of every month!
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Cooking Pots in the Middle Bronze Age
Mmm! What's cooking? Smells good!
We can't think about a culture without thinking about its food. Every region on the globe is famous for distinct and tasty eats. Let's learn about cooking in the Middle Bronze Age by looking at some cookware from Tall-el Hammam.
Find the recipes for Tah'u stew and desserts in The Harvest Handbook of Bible Lands. Order it from your fa
Historical Synchronisms and Anachronisms Part II
In this episode Dr. Collins and Dr. Byers continue the discussion on the importance of synchronisms and anachronisms. These connections archaeologically demonstrate how the Bible fits into specific periods including Moses and the Exodus, the collapse of the Egyptian 18th Dynasty, and Joseph being sold into slavery. Subscribe now for new episodes on the first Friday of every month! &nbs
Historical Synchronisms and Anachronisms? What Are They and What do They Have to do with Moses?
Historical synchronism? Anachronisms? In this episode, Dr. Collins and Dr. Byers explain the importance of synchronisms and anachronisms. These connections archaeologically demonstrate how the Bible fits into specific periods including Moses and the Exodus, the collapse of the Egyptian 18th Dynasty, and Joseph being sold into slavery.
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Trinitite! The Atomic Bomb! What do they have to do with Archaeology?
The first probe in the destruction matrix on the upper city reveals a very unusual find. In this podcast, Dr. Collins and Dr. Byers discuss how melted glass a.k.a. trinitite ended up on a piece of pottery found at Tall el-Hammam.
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A Trowel in One Hand, A Bible in the Other?
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Did you know there are at least 25 geographical indicators for the location of Sodom in the Bible? In this episode of the Troweling Down Podcast, Dr. Collins and Dr. Byers discuss how the Bible is the best geographical source surviving from antiquity and how it was used to discover the location of Sodom. We also learn how Dr. Co
The Fortification of Sodom
Dr. Collins and Dr. Byers give us a look at the defensive system of Sodom. They discuss the city wall and the multiple phases of the rampart system that provided a massive fortification for the largest city in the Southern Levant.
The Biblical City of Sodom: Myth or Reality?
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This 62 acre Middle Bronze Age city in the Jordan Valley was destroyed quickly by a violent cosmic event. In this episode of the Troweling Down Podcast, we get a close up look at a destruction layer of ash, collapsed plaster, and stones as Dr. Collins and Dr. Byers discuss why they believe this site is the location of the bibli
Fire from the heavens? Really? [Sodom & Gomorrah Destruction]
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Brimstone and fire from the heavens, really? Genesis 19 says that burning sulfur rained down out of the heavens and destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah. How is that possible? On today's podcast, Dr. Collins and Dr. Byers explain the destruction of Sodom. Working with astrophysicists on the site, they discuss the scientific evidence that reve
Is Tall el-Hammam really biblical Sodom?
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With over a dozen archaeological sites that could be Sodom, what makes Tall-el Hammam stand out? In this first episode of the Troweling Down Podcast, Dr. Collins and Dr. Byers discuss why Sodom is believed to be the location of Sodom.
Become a dig volunteer for Season 16: https://bit.ly/DigSodom2020
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