Let the Stones Speak
Let the Stones Speak brings you archaeology from a biblical perspective. Host Brent Nagtegaal is on location in Jerusalem to give you the most important developments happening on the ground—and emerging from beneath it. Nagtegaal is a contributor for ArmstrongInstitute.org.
Episodes
#70: 2026 Ophel Excavation Begins in Jerusalem
Less than 100 meters from the southern wall of the Temple Mount, the Ophel Excavation is currently underway in one of the most important locations in all Israel. The joint project by Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the Armstrong Institute of Biblical Archaeology seeks to uncover the monumental remains from the late Second Temple Period (2,000 years ago) and even earlier. On today’s epi
#69: Has the Queen of Sheba Been Found?
Host Brent Nagtegaal interviews Let the Stones Speak contributor Christopher Eames about his article in the May-June 2026 magazine, proposing the identity of this elusive queen on the scene some 3,000 years ago. https://armstronginstitute.org/1495-interview-has-the-queen-of-sheba-been-found
#68: Unearthing the Tabernacle Site at Shiloh: Interview With Dr. Abigail Van Huss
On today’s program, Dr. Van Huss explains the three areas of excavation, including further indication that an emerging monumental structure may indeed be the biblical tabernacle. https://armstronginstitute.org/1492-unearthing-the-tabernacle-site-at-shiloh-interview-with-dr-abigail-van-huss
#67: New Archaeological Evidence of King Hezekiah’s Religious Reform
Brand-new archeological evidence he discovered at Tel ‘Eton in southern Israel supports the biblical case for King Hezekiah’s reform. On today’s program, host Brent Nagtegaal explains the new evidence in the context of the biblical narrative. https://armstronginstitute.org/1483-new-archaeological-evidence-of-king-hezekiahs-religious-reform
#66: Discovering the Seal Impressions of the Prophet Jeremiah’s Captors
A personal retelling of the discovery of seal impressions discovered on Dr. Eilat Mazar’s excavations https://armstronginstitute.org/1470-discovering-the-seal-impressions-of-the-prophet-jeremiahs-captors
#65: Melchizedek, David or Neither? What to Make of the Mysterious Rock-Cut Rooms in Ancient Jerusalem
Since their unearthing in the 2010–2011 excavations of Eli Shukron and Ronny Reich, the City of David “rock-cut rooms” have generated significant interest and speculation. The unusual nature of the rooms, including apparently cultic installations, has led some to associate them with Melchizedek (known to some as “Temple Zero”), King David or even the work of a later biblical king. Melchiz
#64: Bodies of Dozens of Infants From 2,500 Years Ago Discovered in Cistern at Tel Azekah
While excavating Tel Azekah in the Judean lowlands in 2012, archaeologists discovered the remains of over five dozen young children. This is the first time a mass burial of children was ever discovered from the Persian Period in the land of Israel. Research about the discovery was published in the Palestine Exploration Quarterly on March 27. On today’s podcast, host Brent Nagtegaal analyz
#63: New Research: Is the Hezekiah Tunnel Inscription Evidence of an Ancient Deadly Workplace Accident?
Carved into a wall of bedrock, the Siloam Inscription is the longest piece of writing ever discovered in biblical Jerusalem. The question then arises: If it’s so important, why hide the inscription inside the darkened tunnel where almost no one could read it?
Prof. Ariel Cohen, from the Department of Foreign Literatures and Linguistics at Ben Gurion University of the Negev, believes he ma
#62: Israeli Underwater Excavations Reveal Earliest Hoard of Iron Blooms From 600 B.C.E.
The earliest evidence of a grouping of iron blooms has been discovered in a shipwreck off the Carmel coast. On today’s program, host Brent Nagtegaal interviews lead author Prof. Tsilla Eshel of the School of Archaeology and Maritime Cultures, University of Haifa, about the discovery. https://armstronginstitute.org/1451-israeli-underwater-excavations-reveal-earliest-hoard-of-iron-blooms-fr
#61: Top 10 Biblical Archaeology Finds of 2025
From ancient shipwrecks to an Egyptian fortress and New Kingdom Period tomb, as well as new research relating to two of Judah’s notably righteous kings—Hezekiah and Josiah—2025 brought us many new and exciting discoveries illustrating the biblical account. https://armstronginstitute.org/1408-top-10-biblical-archaeology-finds-of-2025
#60: Revealed: A 2,700-Year-Old Depiction of Jerusalem and King Hezekiah (Exclusive Interview)
Around 170 years ago, British archaeologist Sir Austin Henry Layard excavated much of Assyrian King Sennacherib’s palace in ancient Nineveh. In the royal throne room, there stood a stunning 3-meter-high carving of a majestic city that was utterly unique in all of Sennacherib’s reliefs. Atop the tallest tower in the city was one individual holding up a royal standard. Could this be a depic
#59: Revealing the Source of Royal Ivory from Biblical Times
Ivory was a luxury item in the ancient biblical world, associated exclusively with royalty and the rich. King Solomon sat on a throne of ivory in Jerusalem. King Ahab had a famous house of ivory in Samaria.
Where did the Bible’s ivory come from?
Dr. Harel Shochat from the School of Archaeology and Maritime Cultures at the University of Haifa answers this question in a recently published a
#58: A 3,000-Year-Old Palace on Israel’s Northern Frontier
Excavating the time of David and beyond at Abel Beth Maacah with Prof. Naama Yahalom-Mack https://armstronginstitute.org/1328-a-3000-year-old-palace-on-israels-northern-frontier
#57: Massive 2,800-Year-Old Dam Discovered In Ancient Jerusalem
Excavators in the City of David have uncovered a massive dam built during the time of Jerusalem’s biblical kings. The dating of the reservoir to about 800 B.C.E., two hundred years after King David reigned, was determined following the publication of new carbon-14 results of the dam wall. On today’s program, Brent Nagtegaal reviews the discovery in light of biblical history. https://armst
#56: New Excavations: King Rehoboam’s Fortifications at Lachish
The Bible records that King David’s grandson, King Rehoboam, fortified 15 cities in the kingdom of Judah almost 3,000 years ago. The biggest of these was Lachish, recognized as Judah’s second most important city after Jerusalem. Prof. Yosef Garfinkel of Hebrew University is currently excavating at Tel Lachish. Two days before the end of the excavation, Let the Stones Speak host Brent Nagt
#55: Touring Tel Shiloh With Dr. Scott Stripling
Shiloh is famous as the location of the biblical tabernacle. Archaeological excavations have been taking place annually on the north side of the ancient tel. Excavation director Dr. Scott Stripling believes his team may have found remains from the tabernacle itself, as well as the city gate and sacrificial deposits.
In this end-of-season interview, Dr. Stripling leads Let the Stones Speak
#54: Khirbet el-Maqatir: Evidence of Biblical Ai
The biblical city of Ai was one of three cities that met a fiery demise when the Israelites conquered the Promised Land: “So Joshua burnt Ai, and made it a heap …” (Joshua 8:28). Over the years, archaeologists have proposed a few sites as being biblical Ai. One such site is Khirbet al-Maqatir.
Al-Maqatir was excavated by the Associates for Biblical Research for 14 seasons. This small site
#53: Meet Jerusalem's Chief Archaeologist
The Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) safeguards the history of Israel. We've had the opportunity to work closely with the lAA on many projects over the years. Most recently, we've been working with Dr. Amit Re'em, the lAA director of Jerusalem district archaeology. Re'em is a man who has been "working, exploring, writing on ancient Jerusalem for more than 30 years."
In today's interview
#52: Season Wrap-up: Excavating Jerusalem's Gatehouse
After three weeks of excavation, our work at Jerusalem’s royal quarter has ended. We had a successful and productive season in an area of the Ophel that has not been touched since Dr. Eilat Mazar’s 2009-2010 excavations.
In today’s episode, Let the Stones Speak co-host Christopher Eames interviews excavation director Prof. Yosef Garfinkel about his perspective on the season and the future
#51: The Egyptian Army at Megiddo: A New Archaeological Window Into King Josiah’s Last Stand
Over a century of excavations at Tel Megiddo have finally unearthed a construction layer from the late seventh century B.C.E. and with it the largest assemblage of Egyptian pottery ever discovered in the southern Levant. This is at the precise time the Bible says King Josiah traveled to Megiddo to war against Egypt. On today’s program, host Brent Nagtegaal talks about the new discovery as
#50: Excavating the Ophel ‘Water Gate’
On April 2, renewed excavation began in Jerusalem's biblical royal quarter in preparation for reconstruction work to highlight the ancient city's famed past. The three-to- four-week excavation is the first return to the area, known as the Ophel, since the excavations led by the late Dr. Eilat Mazar in 2009–2010. This current excavation is led by Hebrew University's Prof. Yosef Garfinkel,
#49: The Discoveries of the Temple Mount
The Temple Mount Sifting Project has produced some remarkable finds. The discoveries are diverse—from arrowheads to astragals—and unique, including items made of gold! Each discovery, just like the sifting project itself, makes a great contribution to the archaeological record of Jerusalem.
During their December interview, project co-director Zachi Dvira gave Let the Stones Speak co-host
#48: 2,500-Year-Old Tomb Complex Discovered at Critical Crossroads in Southern Israel
In a first for Israel, a tomb complex holding the bones of about 60 individuals was recently uncovered in the Negev region of southern Israel. On today's program, Let the Stones Speak host Brent Nagtegaal speaks with Israel Antiquities Authority senior researcher and Negev expert Dr. Tali Erickson-Gini about the unique discovery. https://armstronginstitute.org/1189-2500-year-old-tomb-comp
#47: Interview: The Copper Mines of Ancient Edom
The Bible says King Solomon possessed such quantities of bronze (an alloy of copper and tin) that it became a common material, not worthy of being enumerated. From where did Solomon acquire such vast supplies of copper?
Let the Stones Speak co-host Christopher Eames interviewed Prof. Erez Ben-Yosef, director of excavations at Timna, to discuss the copper mines of Israel’s united monarchy.
#46: The Temple Mount Sifting Project—Past, Present and Future
In December, Let the Stones Speak co-host Christopher Eames interviewed Zachi Dvira. In this first installment of the interview, Dvira discusses the history of the project, as well as some details about where the project stands today.
#45: Top 10 Biblical Archaeology Discoveries of 2024
From the biggest of shipwrecks to the smallest of pendants—here’s our list of 2024’s greatest hits in biblical archaeology. https://armstronginstitute.org/1145-top-10-biblical-archaeology-discoveries-of-2024
#44: Interview: The Book of Esther--Fact or Fiction?
The book of Esther contains one of the most riveting and dramatic stories in the Bible. But is it true? There are those who have tried to discredit the book of Esther, relegating it to myth and fables. However, what does the evidence say?
On today’s program, host Nicholas Irwin interviews staff writer Christopher Eames about his article “The Book of Esther: Fact or Fiction?” The Book of
#43: King Rehoboam’s Fortifications Found at Biblical Lachish
On today’s program, host Brent Nagtegaal speaks to Hebrew University Archaeologist Prof. Yosef Garfinkel about a recently discovered city wall at Lachish during his excavations in collaboration with Prof. Hoo-Goo Kang of Seoul Jangsin University, Korea. The interview occurred on the sidelines of the American Schools for Oversees Research annual meeting held in Boston in late November. htt
#42: New Research on the House of David Inscription With Prof. Michael Langlois
The Tel Dan Stele is arguably the most important artifact ever discovered in the world of biblical archaeology, containing the earliest confirmed mention of King David. In light of the opening celebration, Let the Stones Speak host Brent Nagtegaal interviewed epigrapher and historian Prof. Michael Langlois, who is currently researching the Stele. https://armstronginstitute.org/1110-new-re
#41: Jerusalem Ophel Excavation 2024 Preview
The team from Hebrew University and the Armstrong Institute of Biblical Archaeology is about to start excavations again in the royal quarter of ancient Jerusalem—the Ophel. On today’s program, host Christopher Eames talks with excavation directors Prof. Uzi Leibner and Dr. Orit Peleg-Barkat about the upcoming Ophel dig.
#40: Interview: The Moat of Ancient Jerusalem
The Givati Parking Lot excavations at the northwestern edge of the City of David have upended our ideas about what ancient Jerusalem looked like. A sensational new discovery has revealed the city had a moat. Not one that contained water but rather a monumental artificial valley that separated the northern part of the city (the Ophel and Temple Mount) from the southern region (the City of
#39: Tel Shiloh 2024: End-of-Season Interview With Dr. Scott Stripling
Shiloh is famous as the location of the biblical tabernacle. Archaeological excavations have been taking place annually on the north side of the ancient tel. Excavation director Dr. Scott Stripling believes his team may have found remains from the tabernacle itself, as well as the city gate and sacrificial deposits. In this end-of-season interview, Let the Stones Speak host Christopher Ea
#38: Key Takeaways From a Revolutionary Carbon-dating Study of Biblical Jerusalem
Over the past decade, archaeologists and scientists have collected and analyzed carbon samples from archaeological strata dating from 3,000 years ago—the time of the biblical kings of King David’s dynasty. Now, the results are finally in. What it revealed is a stunning overlap between biblical history and who built what in Jerusalem during the time of the biblical kings. A Revolutionary C
#37: Interview: Is This Moses?
Can you confirm the identity of Moses in Egyptian history? Can you confirm the identity of Moses in Egyptian history? There is one particular princely individual in the New Kingdom Period who remarkably parallels the biblical account of Moses. The similarities are so close, one key proponent believes the evidence is secure. Has the question of Moses’s identity in Egyptian history been sol
#36: Mesha Stele: The Second 'House of David' Inscription
On today’s program, Prof Michael Langlois joins host Brent Nagtegaal to discuss the Mesha Stele along with current scholarship’s unscientific reluctance to accept the historicity of King David. https://armstronginstitute.org/1051-mesha-stele-the-second-house-of-david-inscription
#35: Royal Solomonic Architecture
The Bible describes several peculiar architectural features of Solomon’s temple and palace complex. Remarkable parallels to these features were discovered on a 3,000-year-old strange stone model at Khirbet Qeiyafa. On today’s program, Let the Stones Speak host Christopher Eames interviews Dr. Madeleine Mumcuoglu, a lead researcher of the shrine model. They also discuss her discovery of th
#34: Top 10 Biblical Archaeology Finds of 2023
Another year in biblical archaeology is behind us—and a big year it was, particularly in discoveries and research relating to kings David and Solomon. https://armstronginstitute.org/980-top-10-biblical-archaeology-discoveries-of-2023
#33: King David-Era Outpost Discovered in Southern Israel
For today’s program, Let the Stones Speak host Brent Nagtegaal traveled to Ein Hatzeva, located in southern Israel, to interview Israel Antiquities Authority archaeologist Dr. Tali Erickson-Gini at what she believes is one of the many military outposts dating to King David’s time. https://armstronginstitute.org/969-outposts-built-by-king-david-discovered-in-southern-israel
#32: Did the Massive Copper Mines of Edom Empower the Kingdom of David and Solomon?
On today’s podcast, host Brent Nagtegaal talks to Professor Ben-Yosef about how the copper production site in Timna—as well as the wider Aravah Valley area—could have contributed to the power and wealth of the kingdom of David and Solomon, as well as the Edomites. https://armstronginstitute.org/966-did-the-massive-copper-mines-of-edom-empower-the-kingdom-of-david-and-solomon
#31: Beautiful Ceiling Panel From Time of Jesus Unearthed Near Temple Mount
This amazing discovery was made on one of the final days of the Ophel excavation in Jerusalem. On this program, host Brent Nagtegaal speaks with dig codirector Dr. Orit Peleg-Barkat, one of the world’s foremost experts on Second Temple Period architecture, about the ornate ceiling panel. VIDEO HERE -www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7VFJatNxqs
#30: Jerusalem Inscriptions From the Time of the Biblical Kings
AIBA's Christopher Eames presents the first full accounting of Jerusalem inscriptions from the Iron ii period at the distinguished “Epigraphy in Judah” conference in Jerusalem. VIDEO HERE
#29: The Curse Tablet from Joshua’s Altar on Mount Ebal
On today’s program, host Brent Nagtegaal interviews the lead author of the paper, archaeologist Dr. Scott Stripling, about the discovery and its final publication. Video Here https://armstronginstitute.org/897-the-curse-tablet-from-joshuas-altar-on-mount-ebal
#28: Jerusalem Ophel Excavation 2023 Preview
Interview with excavation director Prof. Uzi Leibner VIDEO HERE
#27: Touring the Bible’s Buried Cities: Megiddo
A journey through one of the most important sites in biblical archaeology Video HERE
#26: Jerusalem Inscription Proves Link Between King Solomon and Sheba
On today’s program, host Brent Nagtegaal interviews Dr. Vainstub about his new reading of the inscription and its connection to the biblical narrative. https://armstronginstitute.org/888-jerusalem-inscription-proves-link-between-king-solomon-and-sheba
#24: King Darius in Israel: An Almost Amazing Archaeological Discovery
On today’s program, host Brent Nagtegaal talks about how an honest archaeological mistake led to an all-too-wonderful discovery. Then he discusses how the famous Persian king was critical in the construction of the second temple in Jerusalem. https://armstronginstitute.org/871-king-darius-in-israel-an-almost-amazing-archaeological-discovery
#23: Top 10 Biblical Archaeology Finds of 2022
A somewhat belated discussion about another amazing year of discovery https://armstronginstitute.org/861-top-10-biblical-archaeology-finds-of-2022
#22: Excavation of the Entire Siloam Pool Begins
We talk with the City of David Foundation's Ze'ev Orenstein about an excavation two decades in the making. https://armstronginstitute.org/858-excavation-of-the-entire-siloam-pool-begins
#21: Touring the Bible’s Buried Cities: Gezer
A journey through one of the most important sites in biblical archaeology https://armstronginstitute.org/854-touring-the-bibles-buried-cities-gezer
#20: Investigating King Solomon’s Jerusalem Gatehouse
One of the most important archaeological discoveries in Jerusalem is the Ophel Gatehouse, uncovered by the late Dr. Eilat Mazar. On today’s program, host Brent Nagtegaal takes you on a tour of the gatehouse and discusses its 10th-century B.C.E. dating. https://armstronginstitute.org/836-investigating-king-solomons-jerusalem-gatehouse
#19: King Solomon's Gates
On today's program, host Brent Nagtegaal speaks with archaeologist Christopher Eames about four ancient gatehouses that have been attributed to King Solomon's era. https://armstronginstitute.org/830-king-solomons-gates
#18: Rare 2,000-Year-Old Silver Half-Shekel Coin Discovered in Jerusalem
Following a careful cleaning process, a new discovery can be revealed to the public: an exceptionally rare silver half-shekel coin, from Year 3 of the Great Revolt. On today's program, we talk with Dr. Yoav Farhi who analyzed the coin. https://armstronginstitute.org/817-extremely-rare-silver-coin-from-year-three-of-the-great-revolt-unveiled
#17: Prof. Yosef Garfinkel Presents Earliest Alphabetical Inscription
And a second “House of David” inscription confirmed https://armstronginstitute.org/804-prof-yosef-garfinkel-presents-earliest-alphabetical-inscription
#16: King Hezekiah’s Monumental Jerusalem Inscription
And a new tool in biblical archaeology: archaeomagnetism https://armstronginstitute.org/791-king-hezekiahs-monumental-jerusalem-inscription
#15: The Ishmael Papyrus, a Silver Shekel and a Fully Stocked 3,300-Year-Old Tomb
Protecting antiquities from looters and illicit markets continues to be a problem in Israel. Yet in the past week, Israel has announced the repatriation of two key discoveries: a First Temple Period papyrus and a silver shekel from the fourth year of the Great Revolt. https://armstronginstitute.org/763-the-ishmael-papyrus-a-silver-shekel-and-a-fully-stocked-3300-year-old-tomb
#14: Interview: 2,600-Year-Old Ornate Ivories Discovered in Jerusalem
This week, host Brent Nagtegaal spoke with Givati dig co-director Dr. Yiftah Shalev about the ivory discovery, as well as other unique biblical-period finds from the excavation. https://armstronginstitute.org/758-interview-2600-year-old-ornate-ivories-discovered-in-jerusalem
#13: 'And Rehoboam built ... Lachish'
On today’s program, host Brent Nagtegaal goes to Tel Lachish to talk with excavation director Prof. Yosef Garfinkel about his team’s discoveries at the site from the time of Rehoboam, as well as to preview his new excavations set to begin on June 26, 2022.
#12: 'And Solomon Built Gezer'
On today’s program, host Brent Nagtegaal takes you on a tour of Gezer, highlighting the latest evidence supporting Solomonic-period construction. https://armstronginstitute.org/717-and-solomon-built-gezer
#11: Will the Location of the Tabernacle Soon Be Discovered at Tel Shiloh?
The upcoming excavation at Shiloh may reveal the resting place of the biblical tabernacle, says dig director Dr. Scott Stripling. https://armstronginstitute.org/708-will-the-location-of-the-tabernacle-be-soon-discovered-at-tel-shiloh-13-10
#10: Hidden Biblical Clues Reveal History’s Greatest Conflicts
History records several major, famous conflicts that took place during the same chronological window as the Hebrew Bible. Yet for various reasons, these battles are not mentioned in the Bible.
Or are they? https://armstronginstitute.org/706-hidden-biblical-clues-reveal-some-of-historys-greatest-conflicts
#9: Debunked: The Early Philistines Are NOT Proof Against the Bible
Is the biblical description of “Philistines” prior to the 12th century B.C.E.—in fact, over half a millennium earlier—evidence of biblical fable? Many modern scholars believe it is.
On today’s podcast, host Brent Nagtegaal interviews Christopher Eames to examine how the textual evidence from the Bible itself answers the question. https://armstronginstitute.org/699-debunked-the-early-phili
#8: Evidence of Israel in Egypt—From the ‘Egypt’ in Israel
Debate over events aside, the detailed, eyewitness-style, Egyptianized language within the Torah points clearly to an Israelite experience in Egypt. Evidence of Israel in Egypt—From the ‘Egypt’ in Israel
#7: 2,600-Year-Old Wine Jars, Vanilla and the Book of Jeremiah
Researchers from Tel Aviv University and the Israel Antiquities Authority have just released surprising findings from a chemical analysis of sixth-century B.C.E. wine jars recently discovered in the City of David. It turns out that Jerusalem’s elites enjoyed their wine with a touch of vanilla. New Discovery: Jerusalem Elites Were Imbibing on Vanilla-Laced Wine Before City’s Fall
#6: Interview: The Most Important Inscription Ever Discovered in Biblical Archaeology?
On today’s podcast, host Brent Nagtegaal talks with Dr. Stripling about the newly discovered Ebal inscription and how it could revolutionize our understanding of when the Bible was written. https://armstronginstitute.org/687-interview-the-most-important-inscription-ever-discovered-in-biblical-archaeology
#5: A Big Week Ahead in Biblical Archaeology
Later this week, scholars will present their reading of an ancient curse tablet discovered on Mt Ebal. https://armstronginstitute.org/683-a-big-week-ahead-in-biblical-archaeology
#4: Biblical Prophets Amos and Jeremiah Proved Correct on Philistine Origins
On today’s program, host Brent Nagtegaal discusses a recent article by Ashkelon excavator Dr. Daniel Master in Biblical Archaeology Review that shows how dna evidence finally put to rest any debate about the Philistine origins. Biblical Prophets Amos and Jeremiah Proved Correct on Philistine Origins
#3: The Book of Jonah: Fact or Fiction?
On today’s program, host Brent Nagtegaal interviews archaeologist Christopher Eames to discuss the historical evidence supporting the biblical account. https://armstronginstitute.org/664-the-book-of-jonah-fact-or-fiction
#2: Interview: Joshua, Mount Ebal and the Discovery of an Ancient Hebrew Amulet
On today’s podcast, Dr. Stripling joins host Brent Nagtegaal to discuss some amazing discoveries from excavation dumps on Mt Ebal that could reshape archaeology discussion regarding the period of Joshua’s conquest https://armstronginstitute.org/658-interview-joshua-mount-ebal-and-the-discovery-of-an-ancient-hebrew-amulet
#1: Rethinking the Search for Kings David and Solomon
One of the great debates in the world of biblical archaeology is about the historicity of the biblical kingdom of kings David and Solomon. Many would say the evidence for such kingdoms is provided exclusively by the grand structures they left behind. But are other metrics of empire being overlooked? On today’s program, host Brent Nagtegaal interviews Christopher Eames about his recent art
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