Course Description:

While the Dead Sea Scrolls have altered our understanding of the biblical text and have been described as one of the greatest archaeological findings in history, they existed within a context. When people hear about the Dead Sea Scrolls, they often recognize that they are old, have some kind of connection to the Bible, and significantly affected our understanding of ancient Judaism. But they don’t often think about the world in which they were written. Preparing students to tour the Reagan Library’s Desd Sea Scrolls exhibit, this set of lectures will consider the world in which the Desd Sea Scrolls were written, examining places like Masada, and new archaeological discoveries like the Pilgrimage Road in Jerusalem (both of which are discussed at the Reagan Library). Further, it will prepare students to see the Dead Sea Scrolls in person and truly recognize the significance of what they are seeing.

Topic Outline/Schedule:

Week 1, June 5: Judaism, the Temple, and the War with Rome

Week 2, June 12: The Dead Sea Scrolls and Masada