Ancient World Questions. Uncover Historical Insights and Biblical Connections
Delve into our curated list of questions about the ancient world, exploring historical insights and their biblical connections. Perfect for history buffs and Bible scholars alike. Discover the answers today!
Was the Caspian Sea Mentioned in the Bible?
The Caspian Sea was not mentioned in the Bible. In Old Testament times the Caspian Sea was mainly just a large body of water marking the northeast corner of what we recognize as the world of the Old Testament. One interesting fact is that the Caspian...
What are the Historical Sources for the Second Temple?
There are five primary sources for the study of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, the Temple of Herod. They are: The BibleThe Books of MaccabeesJosephus*The Dead Sea ScrollsThe Mishna** *War book 5, chapter 5; Antiquities book 15 chapter 11**tractates ...
What did the Crown of Thorns Symbolize?
In the Bible, the crown of thorns is mentioned in the account of Jesus' crucifixion. Matthew 27:29, Mark 15:17, and John 19:2 describe how the Roman soldiers twisted thorns into a crown and placed it on Jesus' head as a form of mockery and humiliatio...
What does the word Babylon mean?
Babylon is Akkadian “babilani” which means “the Gate of God(s)” and it became the capital of the land of Babylonia. The etymology of the name Babel in the Bible means “confused” (Gen 11:9) and throughout the Bible, Babylon was a symbol of...
What is significant about the Dead Sea?
The Dead Sea holds several significant aspects in biblical and historical contexts. Here are some key points: Geological and Natural Features: The Dead Sea is a saltwater lake located at the lowest elevation on Earth. Its high salt concentration make...
What is the Black Obelisk?
In 1846 an English traveler and artist named Austen Henry Layard was digging around the ruins of ancient Nimrud (known as Calah) in northern Iraq. He discovered something amazing, a black limestone obelisk now referred to as “The Black Obelisk of S...
What is the Bronze Bust of Augustus?
This bust was discovered by archaeologists at Meroe (Modern Sudan) and is currently in the British Museum. It depicts the face of the Roman Emperor Augustus who ordered the census just before the birth of Jesus. This brought the parents of Jesus (Jos...
What is the Extent of the New Testament World?
This map reveals the “Nations” within the ancient world during the first century A.D., the time of the New Testament. The New Testament world includes the areas of Israel, Asia, Greece, and Italy. During the life of Jesus his ministry took place ...
What is the Extent of the Old Testament World?
Geographically, the Old Testament “world” extended from the Nile river in the south west, to eastern Greece in the north west, to the Caspian Sea on the north east to the mountains just east of the Persian Gulf on the south east. The entire area ...
What is the Meaning of Jerusalem?
The etymology of the name Jerusalem is not certain; it is apparently of Semitic origin. An Egyptian notice from the third quarter of the nineteenth century B.C. mentions Urusalimum. The Assyrians called it Ursalimmu. Modern scholars take these names ...
What is the Passover Papyrus?
The Passover Papyrus is a letter from among the elephantine papyri that dates back to the time of Darius II, in 419 BC. In 1907 archaeologists discovered in Aswan papyrus fragments of a letter that bears the royal authority of the Persian Empire (not...
What is the Western Wall?
The Western Wall, also known as the Wailing Wall or Kotel, is a significant religious site in Jerusalem, Israel. It is a section of the retaining wall that once surrounded the Second Temple's courtyard and is revered as the most sacred site for Jewis...
What was a Roman Centurion?
In ancient Rome the “centurion” meant “captain of 100”, and the Roman centurion was captain over 100 foot soldiers in a legion. The centurion was loyal and courageous, beginning as a soldier in the army and working their way up the ranks. The...
What was a Roman Legion?
Augustus, the first emperor of Rome had in his empire 25 legions of approximately 6,000 soldiers each. A legion was formed of 10 Cohorts (540 men in each Cohort). Each Cohort was subdivided into 6 Centuries (90 men formed a Century), and each legion ...
What was the Persian Gulf in the Bible?
The Persian Gulf marked the southeast corner of the world of the Old Testament, with the Caspian Sea marking the northeast corner. Many rivers flow into the Persian Gulf including the famous Tigris and Euphrates rivers. In Old Testament times the nor...
What was the Wilderness of Judea?
The Wilderness of Judea, mentioned in the Bible, refers to a geographical region located east of Jerusalem and extending toward the Dead Sea. It is characterized by its rugged terrain, barren landscapes, and limited vegetation, making it a challengin...
What Weapons did the Roman Soldier Carry?
The weapons of a Roman solder included: the gladius (the short, straight, two-edged sword with which he would thrust rather than slash), and this he carried on a belt either from the shoulder or round the waist. He also carried the javelin “pilum...
What were the Boundaries of the Roman Empire?
During the time of Augustus the boundaries of the Roman empire were the Atlantic on the west, the Euphrates on the east, the deserts of Africa, the cataracts of the Nile and the Arabian deserts on the south, the British Channel, the Rhine, the Danube...
About
Welcome to Free Bible: Unearthing the Past, Illuminating the Present! Step into a world where ancient history and biblical narratives intertwine, inviting you to explore the rich tapestry of human civilization.
Discover the captivating stories of forgotten empires, delve into the customs and cultures of our ancestors, and witness the remarkable findings unearthed by dedicated archaeologists.
Immerse yourself in a treasure trove of knowledge, where the past comes alive and illuminates our understanding of the present.
Join us on this extraordinary journey through time, where curiosity is rewarded and ancient mysteries await your exploration.
Recent posts
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Faith Through Art: Bible Craft Ideas for Teens and Children
Faith can take many forms—spoken, sung, or even painted. For teens and children, expressing spirituality through art is a hands-on way to explore biblical themes while having fun and developing creative skills. Crafting allows young believers to interact with stories, symbols, and lessons in a way that feels personal and... -
The Kings of Persia in the Bible: Historical and Theological Perspectives
The Persian Empire looms large in the latter chapters of the Hebrew Bible, not only as a dominant world power but as an unexpected instrument of divine will. While ancient empires like Egypt, Assyria, and Babylon are often depicted as oppressors of Israel, the kings of Persia occupy a more... -
Babylon, Persia, and the Exile: How Iran Shaped Jewish Identity
The Babylonian exile is often seen as one of the darkest moments in Jewish history—a time of destruction, displacement, and despair. Yet, it was also a transformative period, one that reshaped Jewish faith, practice, and identity in profound ways. While Babylon (in modern-day Iraq) was the setting for exile, it... -
Zion and Susa: Two Sacred Cities in Dialogue Through History
At first glance, Zion—the biblical name for Jerusalem—and Susa—the ancient royal city of Persia—seem worlds apart. One is the spiritual heart of the Hebrew Bible and Jewish tradition; the other, a seat of imperial power in ancient Iran, known from royal inscriptions and palatial ruins. Yet within the pages of... -
Apocalyptic Visions and Persian Power: Iran in the Books of Daniel and Ezra
Ancient Persia—modern-day Iran—plays a pivotal but often underexplored role in the prophetic and apocalyptic literature of the Hebrew Bible. Two books in particular, Daniel and Ezra, shed light on the complex intersection of divine vision and imperial rule. Set against the backdrop of Persian dominance, these texts offer both a...
Main Menu
- Ancient Assyrian Social Structure
- Ancient Babylonia
- Ancient Canaan During the Time of Joshua
- Ancient History Timeline
- Ancient Oil Lamps
- Antonia Fortress
- Archaeology of Ancient Assyria
- Assyria and Bible Prophecy
- Augustus Caesar
- Background Bible Study
- Bible
- Biblical Geography
- Fallen Empires - Archaeological Discoveries and the Bible
- First Century Jerusalem
- Glossary of Latin Words
- Herod Agrippa I
- Herod Antipas
- Herod the Great
- Herod's Temple
- High Priest's in New Testament Times
- Jewish Literature in New Testament Times
- Library collection
- Map of David's Kingdom
- Map of the Divided Kingdom - Israel and Judah
- Map of the Ministry of Jesus
- Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
- Messianic Prophecy
- Nero Caesar Emperor
- Online Bible Maps
- Paul's First Missionary Journey
- Paul's Second Missionary Journey
- Paul's Third Missionary Journey
- Pontius Pilate
- Questions About the Ancient World
- Tabernacle of Ancient Israel
- Tax Collectors in New Testament Times
- The Babylonian Captivity
- The Black Obelisk of Shalmaneser
- The Books of the New Testament
- The Court of the Gentiles
- The Court of the Women in the Temple
- The Destruction of Israel
- The Fall of Judah with Map
- The History Of Rome
- The Incredible Bible
- The Jewish Calendar in Ancient Hebrew History
- The Life of Jesus in Chronological Order
- The Life of Jesus in Harmony
- The Names of God
- The New Testament
- The Old Testament
- The Passion of the Christ
- The Pharisees
- The Sacred Year of Israel in New Testament Times
- The Samaritans
- The Scribes
Ancient Questions
- Who Were the Main Powers in Italy Before the Roman Empire?
- Is the Hebrew Text on the Scroll of Isaiah Accurate?
- What is the Western Wall?
- What were the main causes of the fall of the Roman Empire?
- What were the major trade routes and trading practices of the ancient world?
- Does the Bible Mention the Mediterranean Sea?
- Did the Ancient Assyrians Impale their Victims?
- When did Jerusalem become the Capital of Israel?
- What is the Extent of the New Testament World?
- Why is the Arch of Titus Relief so Significant?
Bible Study Questions
- How do we understand the concept of eternal life and the afterlife?
- The Message: Specific Aspects, Comparison to Other Paraphrases, Impact on Bible Study, and Theological Distinctives
- What is the importance of the Great Commission in spreading the Gospel?
- An In-Depth Examination of the NASB1995: Key Aspects, Comparison to the Original NASB, Impact on Bible Study, and Theological Distinctives
- Exploring the Jewish Publication Society’s JPS Tanakh (JUB): Word Usage and Comparison to Literal and Dynamic Equivalence Translations
- Analyzing the New Century Version (NCV): Language Examples and Comparison with Other Bible Translations
- An In-Depth Examination of the New American Bible Revised Edition (NABRE): Key Aspects, Comparison to Other Catholic Translations, Impact on Catholic Liturgy, and Theological Distinctives
- What is the role of faith in the life of a believer?
- Exploring the Evangelical Heritage Version (EHV): Aspects, Comparisons, Impact on Lutheran Worship, and Theological Distinctives
- The Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (RSVCE): Specific Aspects, Comparison to Other Catholic Translations, Influence on Catholic Liturgy, and Challenges of Modernizing the Text