Expert: John J. Shea - 1/18/2006

Question
Hello,

 I was wondering if you are aware of the published findings of Aviram Oshri. I had a couple of questions. First, are his findings being accepted, or met with opposition?

 I have read that from 6 BCE to 70 CE, there was no Jewish presence, actually no presence whatsoever, of people living in Bethlehem of Judea. Is this true? Are there archaeological findings that support that there was life in Bethlehem of Judea during the years of 6BCE through 70CE?

Thank You,
Michael

Answer
Dear Michael
This is not my main area of expertise, but from what little I know about Biblical Archaeology it sounds wrong. A quick look at any basic reference on the archaeology of Israel (Levy's Archaeology of Society in the Holy Land, Ben-Tor's Archaeology of Ancient Israel, or Mazar's Archaeology of the Holy Land) ought to provide you with good references.  If you go to the website of the American Schools of Oriental research  (www.asor.org) and look for Biblical archaeologist among their roster of "ask an archaeologist" you can get a more authoritative view on this issue than I can provide.
Cheers,
John Shea