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The worlds of archaeology and the Bible move fast. Check back regularly for the latest news.

Underwater Archaeological Site Discovered in Greek Isles

An ancient shipwreck discovered off the coast of uninhabited Polyaigos Island in the central Aegean Sea will be designated an underwater archaeological site by the Culture Ministry of Greece. By studying the style of amphorae found amongst the wreck, researchers were able to date the ship to somewhere between the end of the fifth and beginning of the fourth centuries B.C.

During the excavation, archaeologists recovered amphorae, ceramic vases and portions of the vessel’s anchor. The discovery of this shipwreck has allowed researchers to better understand the commercial seafaring routes of the Classical period and the transfer of goods in this region of islands located between modern Turkey and Greece.

Balkan Travellers reports on the underwater archaeology site among the islands of Greece.

Ancient Zoroastrian Fire Festival Celebrated in Iran

Iranian Muslims are beginning to recognize and celebrate an ancient Persian religious festival that predates Iran’s Islamic era, Christianity and even Judaism. Sadeh, the celebration of the discovery of fire among the ancient religion of Zoroastrianism, which was the dominant religion before the seventh century Muslim invasion, is a nationwide festival that is gaining more recognition throughout the Iranian nation.

The attendance of a police band at a party in a central Iranian village shows that the government is also taking a step and recognizing the ancient religious celebration. The number of participants for the celebration keeps increasing and it may soon be a widely accepted Iranian national holiday.

The Washington Post reports on ancient fire festival celebration in Iran.

Recent Excavations Highlight Syria’s Important Throughout Human History

Numerous archaeological finds scattered among modern Syria emphasize the region’s importance throughout various eras of civilization. Joint international excavation teams have found evidence from as far back as the Yabroudi civilization, tools from the time of Neanderthals during the Musterian civilization, and structures from the Bronze, Byzantine and Islamic eras. Research and study of all these sites are ongoing projects.

Global Arab Network reports on the collection of archaeological finds throughout Syria.

Lost Roman Legal Codex Rediscovered

Researchers in University College London’s History Department have found part of a Roman legal codex that was believed to have been lost forever. The surprise discovery came when 17 pieces of unidentified parchment were positioned together and were then able to be deciphered and translated by Simon Corcoran and Benet Salway of UCL.

Researchers believe the parchments are that of the Gregorian Code, which was a compilation of laws by Roman emperors including Hadrian (A.D. 117 to 138) and Diocletian (A.D. 284 to 305). The codex was published around 300 A.D. The discovery came during a ten year study of Roman law in its full social, legal and political context, “Projet Volterra,” being conducted by UCL’s Arts & Humanities Research Council’s.

EurekAlert reports on the discovery of an ancient Roman legal codex.

Illegal Excavations and Stolen Artifacts in Italy

Italian authorities have closed down an illegal archaeological excavation located in the Puglia region, and have recovered a number of ancient artifacts that were found at the site. Routine checks by Italian tax police uncovered these various excavations near the town of Rodi Garganico, where looters where searching for artifacts to sell on the illegal antiquities market.

The artifacts recovered by the police had been unearthed Daunian-era tombs, which are from the time period before the Roman Empire and date back over 2,000 years. Included among the 108 items saved by authorities were a number of vases, ornamental objects and spearheads.

Little About reports on the illegal excavations and stolen artifacts from Italy.

Modern Maintenance of King David’s Tomb

Located on Mt. Zion, the traditional sites of King David’s tomb and the upper room of the Last Supper are undergoing restoration attempts. Even though thousands of tourists visit this spot every year, it has not been maintained properly, and this neglect has resulted in damage to the site.

In 2007 a proposed construction project would have endangered the complex, so the Israel Antiquities Authority stepped in and asked to see plans for future development. This involvement was their first step in maintaining the site. With the recent success of the first phase of renovations, the Jerusalem Development Authority has decided to continue with other projects throughout the complex.

Ynet News reports on the renovation of King David’s Tomb.

Mount of Olives Burial Info Hits the Web

The City of David archaeological park is undertaking the massive project of identifying the burials within the Mount of Olives cemetery and creating a Web site with all the obtainable information (www.mountofolives.co.il). The project aims to document the 200,000 to 300,000 burials on the mount—the oldest of which date back 3,000 years. An estimated 20,000 tombstones have already been documented and information uploaded, leaving many more with data yet to be collected.

The goals of the project include restoring the graves, many of which were damaged over the years, collecting as much information about the people buried there as possible, to alert the public about the history of the region, to allow modern people to reconnect with their past, and to increase tourism interest and activities.

The Jerusalem Post reports on the Mount of Olives cemetery going to the Internet.

Modern Spain Home to Ancient Atlantis?

Researchers participating in recent archaeological work in southwestern Spain are attempting to uncover the capital of a lost ancient civilization that some believe could be the origin of the myth of Atlantis. Where the Guadalquiver River meets the Atlantic Ocean, archaeologists have already found evidence of the wealthy Tartessos civilization (11th to 7th centuries B.C.) that predates the Phoenicians. Moving on to the other river bank, the location of the Donana National Park, researchers are hoping to find out more information.

The finding of this material is significant because archaeologists believed this land had been submerged since the Ice Age, but the evidence of a civilization means the water level had to change over thousands of years. Some researchers believe this site could lead to information on civilizations that could be associated with the mythical Atlantis, while others refuse any possible link between the two.

Telegraph.co.uk reports on the possible discovery of the lost city of “Atlantis.”