Product Details

• Format: Box set, Color, NTSC
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 3
• Studio: Goldhill Home Media
• VHS Release Date: January 18, 2000
• Run Time: 165 minutes
• ASIN: 6305243557
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #385,211 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Is biblical archeologist Vendyl Jones the real-life model for Stephen Spielberg's Indiana Jones? Who was the Mona Lisa of the Galilee mosaic? How did the builders of the Ceasaria harbor use molten metal in underwater construction? Excavating the Bible is an introduction to the work of biblical archeologists and the theories, disputes, legends, history, and unresolved questions that constitute their profession. Volume 1 strives to decipher the intrigue and controversy surrounding the Dead Sea scrolls. The second volume focuses on marine archeology and Tel Hazor, the world's largest biblical archeological site. The final volume delves into the tunnels beneath Jerusalem and the Temple Mount and the mysterious mosaics found near Nazareth. It's particularly fascinating to see how the fragile, ancient mosaics are transported to the Jerusalem museum that now houses them.

Excavating the Bible's strengths are its on-site interviews with leading field archeologists and footage shot during a wide variety of recent digs. Its weaknesses are the relatively low production values, poor editorial choices that result in a certain amount of repetition, and its own lack of certainty about who its target audience is. The videos assume the viewer is familiar with the difference between the first and second temple periods and biblical references, but otherwise they maintain a generally nonacademic stance. Consider starting with the Mysteries of the Bibleseries and if you're still eager for more, particularly something with an archeological flair, then this will make a wonderful complement in your collection. --Tara Chace