In 1980 archaeologists excavating in the Talpiot neighborhood of Jerusalem discovered a burial cave filled with 10 ossuaries, or bone boxes, dating to the first century A.D. Six of the ossuaries were inscribed with names: Jesus son of Joseph; Mary; Mary; Joseph; Judah son of Jesus and Matthew.

On March 4, 2007, the Discovery channel broadcast “The Lost Tomb of Jesus,” a documentary by filmmakers James Cameron (who directed Titanic) and Simcha Jacobovici, which claims that the Talpiot cave is the tomb of Jesus and his family. Not surprisingly, the claim has created an instant sensation—and controversy. The merits of the case will likely take months and perhaps even years to sort out. To get a better sense of the issues involved, the editors of Biblical Archaeology Review (BAR) have compiled a free e-book with articles by prominent archaeologists on the burial customs in ancient Jerusalem, what Jesus’ tomb would have looked like and what we know of Jesus’ family.

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The Biblical Archaeology Society (BAS) has brought the excitement of archaeology and the latest in Bible scholarship to light since 1974. BAS's flagship publication is Biblical Archaeology Review (BAR). Covering both the Old and New Testaments, BAR presents the latest discoveries and controversies in archaeology with breathtaking photography and informative maps and diagrams. BAR's writers are the top scholars, the leading researchers, the world-renowned experts. BAR is the only nonsectarian forum for the discussion of Biblical archaeology.

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