Excavation Report on Jericho (Tell es-Sultan)
James Williams
Liberty University
BIBL471_B01_202530
Dr. Jerry F. Knoblet
June 16, 2025
Introduction
Jericho, or Tell es-Sultan, is among the world's oldest cities continuously inhabited, with
a wealth of history that spans over 10,000 years. Located in the Jordan Valley, its archaeological
significance is augmented by its biblical connotations, particularly the mythic account of
Jericho's walls falling when the Israelites marched around the city. This report aims to examine
the archaeological and historical aspects of Jericho concerning the relationship between
archaeological records and biblical accounts. The research question that directs this research is:
How do new excavations at Jericho enhance our understanding of its historical timeline and
significance to biblical records? To this question, the report will examine the objectives of the
ongoing dig, illuminate significant discoveries, and discuss their applicability to archaeology and
biblical scholarship in general. Overall, this question seeks to present an urbane portrait of
Jericho, illuminating its position as an ancient Near Eastern crossroads and examining the
historical validity of the descriptions that have constituted its reputation.
History of Previous Archaeological Excavations
Jericho has been known to play a pivotal role in archaeology since Charles Warren's
excavations in 1867. His excavation, which was motivated by the need to determine the biblical
importance of Jericho, and especially the celebrated walls in the Book of Joshua, provided a
benchmark for all subsequent investigations.1 Following Warren, the site was excavated by John
Garstang in the 1930s, where he discovered ancient walls that he believed were connected to
the biblical record of Canaan's conquest. He believed that the walls had collapsed, hence
supporting the biblical record of Joshua's triumph.2 This contrasts with the 1950s excavation
done by
2
Kathleen Kenyon, which disputed Garstang's conclusions. Her results revealed no destruction
layer to verify the biblical account but suggested a historical environment that could be different
from the biblical account.2 This disparity has created a great deal of controversy among scholars,
propelling research on archaeology at Jericho into new methodological turf.
In contemporary times, there has been a notable shift towards multidisciplinary research
that includes geological and climatological studies to advance knowledge of Jericho's
archaeological layers. This synthesis of various sciences is an attempt to explain the complex
history of the site.3
1 Graves, David E. 2014. “Biblical Archaeology: An Introduction with Recent Discoveries that Support the
Reliability of the Bible”. New Brunswick: David E. Graves.
2 Neev, David, and K. O. (Kenneth Orris) Emery. 1995. “The Destruction of Sodom, Gomorrah, and
Jericho: Geological, Climatological, and Archaeological Background”. 1st ed. New York: Oxford University Press.
3 Graves, David E. 2014. “Biblical Archaeology: An Introduction with Recent Discoveries that Support the
Reliability of the Bible”. New Brunswick: David E. Graves.
Objectives of the Current Excavation
The history of previous archaeological excavations at Jericho is a complex tale of
discovery that has significantly added to our present understanding of the site. The earliest
excavations began in the 19th century with Charles Warren in 1867, and then John Garstang in
the 1930s. Garstang's dig was significant, as he claimed to have discovered the walls of Jericho
that he associated with the Joshua conquest narrative from the Bible. His findings attracted
much attention and sparked an era of fascination with biblical archaeology.
It was following Garstang that Kathleen Kenyon dug from 1952 to 1958, which
revolutionized archaeological practice at the site. Kenyon's stratigraphic systematic
methodology meant that the site's chronology was re-evaluated, and some of the previous
claims, like Garstang's regarding the date of Jericho's destruction, were rejected.5 More recently,
excavations undertaken as part of the Jericho Archaeological Project utilize modern
technologies to further
5
enhance our understanding of the city.4 These multidisciplinary projects are not just attempting
to unknot the chronological layers of Jericho but are also attempting to explore the cultural
environment, trade routes, and biblical records that have marked its legacy.5
Progress at the Site
The recent archaeological excavations at Jericho have done a lot to enhance our
understanding of its historical complexity. Utilization of advanced technology, such as
groundpenetrating radars and sophisticated stratigraphic techniques, has assisted scholars in
4 Digging Up Jericho. 2019. Place of publication not identified: ARCHAEOPRESS.
5 Graves, David E. 2014. “Biblical Archaeology: An Introduction with Recent Discoveries that Support the
Reliability of the Bible”. New Brunswick: David E. Graves.
unearthing buildings that were previously hidden beneath soil. The most significant discovery
among them is a massive wall complex, which a lot of scholars suggest could be equivalent to
the walls mentioned in ancient narratives. However, there is some debate regarding the precise
function and date of this building since scholars have very different opinions about it.
Furthermore, excavations have also revealed a thick fire layer indicating a catastrophic
occurrence, and people question whether it has anything to do with the destruction in the
biblical version. Experts are working overtime on this correlation, acknowledging that while the
evidence points towards widespread devastation, establishing a firm link to the biblical account
has not yet been undertaken.6 Moreover, a broad range of artifacts, including pottery and
implements, have been dug up and showcase Jericho's historical position as a major trading
hub. These finds are not only representative of regional craftsmanship but also reflect extensive
trade relations with other ancient cultures and affirm Jericho's status as a major cultural
metropolis in the ancient Near East.9
9
6 Ibid
The latest findings indicate a more complex picture of Jericho than previously understood. The
presence of distinct architectural styles and imported goods suggests that Jericho was a melting
pot of cultures, which could provide insights into the historical context of the biblical
narratives.7
Significance of Discoveries to Biblical Study
The Jericho excavation has profound implications for biblical research, primarily in
reinterpreting the historic records of the conquest of Canaan. The evidence from this ancient
city provides a valuable template to critically assess the historical accuracy of biblical writings.
As new layers of evidence are unearthed by historians and archaeologists, the legitimacy of
such biblical testimonies is questioned, and academics verify or invalidate the testimonies
credited to episodes documented in scriptures.8
In addition, the proof of cultural contact at Jericho demonstrates the complex network of
interchange between the ancient cultures. These can have no doubt played a role in the
development of the theological and social constructs of the biblical texts. From information
regarding the mundane and traditions of the inhabitants, we may see how external influences
spurred beliefs and traditions put forward in these mythic histories, further developing our
knowledge of the origins of the texts.
Further, the techniques employed during recent excavations in Jericho reflect the practice of
innovation in archaeology, encouraging interdisciplinary research. This syncretism of techniques
indicates the use of different sciences to dig and interpret well, thereby having a better
understanding of biblical archaeology.9 All this makes it possible for scholars to bridge the gap
between ancient history and today's understanding, which is advantageous to both disciplines.
7 Neev, David, and K. O. (Kenneth Orris) Emery. 1995. “The Destruction of Sodom, Gomorrah, and
Jericho: Geological, Climatological, and Archaeological Background”. 1st ed. New York: Oxford University Press.
8 Graves, David E. 2014. “Biblical Archaeology: An Introduction with Recent Discoveries that Support the
Reliability of the Bible”. New Brunswick: David E. Graves.
9 Digging Up Jericho. 2019. Place of publication not identified: ARCHAEOPRESS.
Conclusion
The ongoing excavations at Jericho represent the concluding point of the scholarship on biblical
reports and archaeology. The findings not only counter and confirm the historical authenticity
of the accounts in the Bible regarding the conquest of Canaan but also reveal a glimpse of the
rich cultural nuances of the period. By following the cross-cultural interactions, it is easier for
researchers to grasp the historical context in which the theological concepts developed in
biblical literature. In addition, the input of sophisticated archaeological methods brought by
these digs highlights the importance of multi-disciplinary collaboration in biblical scholarship.
This collaborative approach not only enhances the accuracy in archaeological analyses but also
formulates a deeper understanding of socio-cultural dynamics among ancient civilizations.
Finally, the Jericho research not only adds to our understanding of biblical history but also
provokes incessant argument as to how religion, history, and archaeology meet as a means of
keeping the study vibrant and current in contemporary discourse.
Biography:
Bryant G. Wood PhD, “The Walls of Jericho,” last modified June 9, 2008,
https://biblearchaeology.org/research/conquest-of-canaan/3625-the-walls-of-jericho.
Digging Up Jericho. 2019. Place of publication not identified: ARCHAEOPRESS.
Graves, David E. 2014. “Biblical Archaeology: An Introduction with Recent Discoveries that
Support the Reliability of the Bible”. New Brunswick: David E. Graves.
Kennedy, Titus. 2023. "The Bronze Age Destruction of Jericho, Archaeology, and the Book of
Joshua" Religions 14, no. 6: 796. https://doi.org/10.3390/rel14060796
Kramer, Joel P. 2020. “Where God Came Down: The Archaeological Evidence”. Sourceflix.
Neev, David, and K. O. (Kenneth Orris) Emery. 1995. “The Destruction of Sodom, Gomorrah, and
Jericho: Geological, Climatological, and Archaeological Background”. 1st ed. New York: Oxford
University Press.
