Evidence — graded
Archaeology
Artifacts and inscriptions keyed to passages, confidence-graded — the stones, honestly weighed.
- 104finds published
- 2confidence tiers
Tier 1
64 finds- Shaphan — attested in contemporary inscriptiontier 1
City of David bulla of 'Gemariah son of Shaphan'
Biblical figure (Scribe under Josiah, 640/639-609 BC) identified in extra-biblical epigraphy.
- So (Osorkon IV) — attested in contemporary inscriptiontier 1
Assyrian inscriptions
Biblical figure (Pharaoh, 730-715 BC) identified in extra-biblical epigraphy.
- Tirhakah (Taharqa) — attested in contemporary inscriptiontier 1
Egyptian hieroglyphic and Assyrian records
Biblical figure (Pharaoh (Cush), 690-664 BC) identified in extra-biblical epigraphy.
- Necho II — attested in contemporary inscriptiontier 1
Ashurbanipal inscriptions; Babylonian Chronicle
Biblical figure (Pharaoh, 610-595 BC) identified in extra-biblical epigraphy.
- Hophra (Apries) — attested in contemporary inscriptiontier 1
Egyptian and Babylonian inscriptions
Biblical figure (Pharaoh, 589-570 BC) identified in extra-biblical epigraphy.
- Mesha — attested in contemporary inscriptiontier 1
Mesha Stele (self-authored)
Biblical figure (King of Moab, mid-9th c. BC) identified in extra-biblical epigraphy.
- Hadadezer — attested in contemporary inscriptiontier 1
Shalmaneser III inscriptions; Melqart stele
Biblical figure (King of Aram-Damascus, early 9th c.-844/842 BC) identified in extra-biblical epigraphy.
- Ben-hadad (son of Hadadezer) — attested in contemporary inscriptiontier 1
Melqart stele
Biblical figure (King of Aram-Damascus, 844/842 BC) identified in extra-biblical epigraphy.
- Hazael — attested in contemporary inscriptiontier 1
Shalmaneser III inscriptions; Zakkur stele; Tel Dan Stele (as unnamed victor, per one reconstruction); bridle/ivory inscriptions
Biblical figure (King of Aram-Damascus, 844/842-ca. 800 BC) identified in extra-biblical epigraphy.
- Ben-hadad (son of Hazael) — attested in contemporary inscriptiontier 1
Zakkur stele lines 4-5
Biblical figure (King of Aram-Damascus, early 8th c. BC) identified in extra-biblical epigraphy.
- Rezin — attested in contemporary inscriptiontier 1
Tiglath-pileser III inscriptions and stele
Biblical figure (King of Aram-Damascus, mid-8th c.-732 BC) identified in extra-biblical epigraphy.
- Omri — attested in contemporary inscriptiontier 1
Mesha Stele; Assyrian inscriptions ('house of Omri')
Biblical figure (King of Israel, 884-873 BC) identified in extra-biblical epigraphy.
- Ahab — attested in contemporary inscriptiontier 1
Kurkh Monolith of Shalmaneser III (Qarqar, 853 BC)
Biblical figure (King of Israel, 873-852 BC) identified in extra-biblical epigraphy.
- Jehu — attested in contemporary inscriptiontier 1
Black Obelisk of Shalmaneser III (tribute scene, 841 BC); other Shalmaneser III inscriptions
Biblical figure (King of Israel, 842/841-815/814 BC) identified in extra-biblical epigraphy.
- Joash (Jehoash) of Israel — attested in contemporary inscriptiontier 1
Tell al-Rimah stele of Adad-nirari III
Biblical figure (King of Israel, 805-790 BC) identified in extra-biblical epigraphy.
- Jeroboam II — attested in contemporary inscriptiontier 1
Seal of 'Shema servant of Jeroboam', Megiddo
Biblical figure (King of Israel, 790-750/749 BC) identified in extra-biblical epigraphy.
- Menahem — attested in contemporary inscriptiontier 1
Tiglath-pileser III Calah Annals and stele
Biblical figure (King of Israel, 749-738 BC) identified in extra-biblical epigraphy.
- Pekah — attested in contemporary inscriptiontier 1
Tiglath-pileser III Summary Inscription 4
Biblical figure (King of Israel, ca. 750-732/731 BC) identified in extra-biblical epigraphy.
- Hoshea — attested in contemporary inscriptiontier 1
Tiglath-pileser III Summary Inscription 4
Biblical figure (King of Israel, 732/731-722 BC) identified in extra-biblical epigraphy.
- Sanballat I — attested in contemporary inscriptiontier 1
Elephantine papyrus (TAD A4.7); Wadi Daliyeh bulla
Biblical figure (Governor of Samaria, mid-5th c. BC) identified in extra-biblical epigraphy.
- David — attested in contemporary inscriptiontier 1
Tel Dan Stele ('House of David'/bytdwd); Mesha Stele line 31 (restored, contested)
Biblical figure (King of Judah/Israel (dynastic founder), ca. 1010-970 BC) identified in extra-biblical epigraphy.
- Uzziah (Azariah) — attested in contemporary inscriptiontier 1
Royal-servant seals (Abiyaw, Shubnayaw); the later 'bones of Uzziah' reburial plaque is Second-Temple, not contemporary
Biblical figure (King of Judah, 788/787-736/735 BC) identified in extra-biblical epigraphy.
- Ahaz (Jehoahaz) — attested in contemporary inscriptiontier 1
Tiglath-pileser III Summary Inscription 7; royal bulla
Biblical figure (King of Judah, 742/741-726 BC) identified in extra-biblical epigraphy.
- Hezekiah — attested in contemporary inscriptiontier 1
Sennacherib's Prisms ('shut up like a bird in a cage'); Ophel royal bulla (Mazar, scientifically excavated)
Biblical figure (King of Judah, 726-697/696 BC) identified in extra-biblical epigraphy.
- Manasseh — attested in contemporary inscriptiontier 1
Esarhaddon and Ashurbanipal inscriptions
Biblical figure (King of Judah, 697/696-642/641 BC) identified in extra-biblical epigraphy.
- Hilkiah — attested in contemporary inscriptiontier 1
City of David bulla of 'Azariah son of Hilkiah'
Biblical figure (High priest under Josiah, 640/639-609 BC) identified in extra-biblical epigraphy.
- Shishak (Sheshonq I) — attested in contemporary inscriptiontier 1
Bubastite Portal relief, Temple of Amun, Karnak; Megiddo stele fragment
Biblical figure (Pharaoh, 945-924 BC) identified in extra-biblical epigraphy.
- Azariah — attested in contemporary inscriptiontier 1
City of David bulla of 'Azariah son of Hilkiah'
Biblical figure (High priest (Josiah's reign), 640/639-609 BC) identified in extra-biblical epigraphy.
- Gemariah — attested in contemporary inscriptiontier 1
City of David bulla of 'Gemariah son of Shaphan'
Biblical figure (Official under Jehoiakim, 609-598 BC) identified in extra-biblical epigraphy.
- Jehoiachin (Jeconiah/Coniah) — attested in contemporary inscriptiontier 1
Babylonian ration tablets (Jehoiachin ration records, Ishtar Gate archive)
Biblical figure (King of Judah, 598-597 BC) identified in extra-biblical epigraphy.
- Tiglath-pileser III (Pul) — attested in contemporary inscriptiontier 1
Multiple Assyrian royal inscriptions
Biblical figure (King of Assyria, 744-727 BC) identified in extra-biblical epigraphy.
- Shalmaneser V (Ululaya) — attested in contemporary inscriptiontier 1
Neo-Babylonian Chronicle; king-lists
Biblical figure (King of Assyria, 726-722 BC) identified in extra-biblical epigraphy.
- Sargon II — attested in contemporary inscriptiontier 1
Multiple Assyrian inscriptions; Khorsabad palace
Biblical figure (King of Assyria, 721-705 BC) identified in extra-biblical epigraphy.
- Sennacherib — attested in contemporary inscriptiontier 1
Rassam Cylinder, Taylor/Oriental Institute/Jerusalem Prisms; Lachish reliefs
Biblical figure (King of Assyria, 704-681 BC) identified in extra-biblical epigraphy.
- Adrammelech (Arda-Mulissu) — attested in contemporary inscriptiontier 1
Letter to Esarhaddon (Nineveh archive)
Biblical figure (Son and assassin of Sennacherib, early 7th c. BC) identified in extra-biblical epigraphy.
- Esarhaddon — attested in contemporary inscriptiontier 1
Multiple Assyrian inscriptions
Biblical figure (King of Assyria, 680-669 BC) identified in extra-biblical epigraphy.
- Merodach-baladan II — attested in contemporary inscriptiontier 1
Sennacherib inscriptions; Neo-Babylonian Chronicles
Biblical figure (King of Babylon, 721-710, 703 BC) identified in extra-biblical epigraphy.
- Nebuchadnezzar II — attested in contemporary inscriptiontier 1
Numerous cuneiform tablets, cylinders, bricks; Babylonian Chronicle
Biblical figure (King of Babylon, 604-562 BC) identified in extra-biblical epigraphy.
- Nebo-sarsekim — attested in contemporary inscriptiontier 1
Babylonian tablet BM 114789 (Nebo-Sarsekim tablet)
Biblical figure (Official of Nebuchadnezzar II, early 6th c. BC) identified in extra-biblical epigraphy.
- Nergal-sharezer — attested in contemporary inscriptiontier 1
Nebuchadnezzar II Prism (Istanbul)
Biblical figure (Officer of Nebuchadnezzar II, early 6th c. BC) identified in extra-biblical epigraphy.
- Nebuzaradan — attested in contemporary inscriptiontier 1
Nebuchadnezzar II Prism (Istanbul)
Biblical figure (Chief officer of Nebuchadnezzar II, early 6th c. BC) identified in extra-biblical epigraphy.
- Evil-merodach (Amel-Marduk) — attested in contemporary inscriptiontier 1
Babylonian inscriptions
Biblical figure (King of Babylon, 561-560 BC) identified in extra-biblical epigraphy.
- Belshazzar — attested in contemporary inscriptiontier 1
Nabonidus Cylinder (Sippar); 'Verse Account of Nabonidus'; administrative tablets
Biblical figure (Son and co-regent of Nabonidus, ca. 550-539 BC) identified in extra-biblical epigraphy.
- Cyrus II (the Great) — attested in contemporary inscriptiontier 1
Cyrus Cylinder and royal inscriptions
Biblical figure (King of Persia, 559-530 BC) identified in extra-biblical epigraphy.
- Darius I (the Great) — attested in contemporary inscriptiontier 1
Behistun inscription; numerous royal inscriptions
Biblical figure (King of Persia, 522-486 BC) identified in extra-biblical epigraphy.
- Tattenai — attested in contemporary inscriptiontier 1
Babylonian tablet dated 502 BC naming Tattannu
Biblical figure (Governor of Trans-Euphrates, late 6th-early 5th c. BC) identified in extra-biblical epigraphy.
- Xerxes I (Ahasuerus) — attested in contemporary inscriptiontier 1
Own royal inscriptions; period documents
Biblical figure (King of Persia, 486-465 BC) identified in extra-biblical epigraphy.
- Artaxerxes I Longimanus — attested in contemporary inscriptiontier 1
Own royal inscriptions; period documents
Biblical figure (King of Persia, 465-425/424 BC) identified in extra-biblical epigraphy.
- Darius II Nothus — attested in contemporary inscriptiontier 1
Own royal inscriptions; period documents
Biblical figure (King of Persia, 425/424-405/404 BC) identified in extra-biblical epigraphy.
- Tel Dan Steletier 1
Tel Dan, Upper Galilee (secondary use in a wall) · Israel Museum, Jerusalem (IAA)
- Mesha Stele (Moabite Stone)tier 1
Dhiban (biblical Dibon), Jordan, 1868 · Louvre, Paris (AO 5066)
- Siloam (Shiloah) Tunnel Inscriptiontier 1
Hezekiah's Tunnel, City of David, Jerusalem, 1880 · Istanbul Archaeology Museums (removed under Ottoman rule)
- Hezekiah Bulla (Ophel)tier 1
Ophel, south of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem · Israel Antiquities Authority
- Sennacherib's Prisms (Taylor / Oriental Institute / Jerusalem)tier 1
Nineveh (Kuyunjik) · British Museum (Taylor Prism); Oriental Institute, Chicago (OIP Prism); Israel Museum (Jerusalem Prism)
- Black Obelisk of Shalmaneser IIItier 1
Nimrud (Kalhu), central palace · British Museum (BM 118885)
- Kurkh Monolith of Shalmaneser IIItier 1
Kurkh (Uctepe), near Diyarbakir, Turkey · British Museum
- Lachish Letters (Ostraca)tier 1
Guardroom of the city gate, Tel Lachish · British Museum and Israel Museum
- Ketef Hinnom Silver Scrollstier 1
Burial cave, Ketef Hinnom (Hinnom Valley shoulder), Jerusalem · Israel Museum, Jerusalem
- Merneptah Stele (Israel Stele)tier 1
Merneptah's mortuary temple, Thebes · Egyptian Museum, Cairo (JE 31408)
- Temple Warning (Soreg) Inscriptiontier 1
Near the Temple Mount, Jerusalem · Istanbul Archaeology Museums (complete); Israel Museum (fragment)
- Great Isaiah Scroll (1QIsa-a)tier 1
Qumran, Cave 1 · Shrine of the Book, Israel Museum, Jerusalem
Tier 2
40 finds- Ananias son of Nedebaeus — attested in contemporary inscriptiontier 2
Josephus Ant. 20.5.2; Masada ostracon (debated)
Biblical figure (High priest at Paul's trial, AD 47-59) identified in extra-biblical epigraphy.
- Augustus (Caesar) — attested in contemporary inscriptiontier 2
Vast inscriptions, coins, Res Gestae
Biblical figure (Roman emperor, 27 BC-AD 14) identified in extra-biblical epigraphy.
- Tiberius (Caesar) — attested in contemporary inscriptiontier 2
Vast inscriptions and coins
Biblical figure (Roman emperor, AD 14-37) identified in extra-biblical epigraphy.
- Claudius (Caesar) — attested in contemporary inscriptiontier 2
Inscriptions and coins; expulsion of Jews noted by Suetonius
Biblical figure (Roman emperor, AD 41-54) identified in extra-biblical epigraphy.
- Herod I (the Great) — attested in contemporary inscriptiontier 2
Josephus; coins; monumental building (Herodium, Temple Mount, Caesarea, Masada)
Biblical figure (King of Judea, 37-4 BC) identified in extra-biblical epigraphy.
- Herod Archelaus — attested in contemporary inscriptiontier 2
Josephus; coins
Biblical figure (Ethnarch of Judea, 4 BC-AD 6) identified in extra-biblical epigraphy.
- Shelemiah — attested in contemporary inscriptiontier 2
City of David bulla (2005, E. Mazar)
Biblical figure (Father of the official Jehucal, late 7th c. BC) identified in extra-biblical epigraphy.
- Jehucal (Jucal) — attested in contemporary inscriptiontier 2
City of David bulla (2005, E. Mazar)
Biblical figure (Official under Zedekiah, 597-586 BC) identified in extra-biblical epigraphy.
- Pashhur — attested in contemporary inscriptiontier 2
City of David bulla (2008, E. Mazar)
Biblical figure (Father of the official Gedaliah, late 7th c. BC) identified in extra-biblical epigraphy.
- Gedaliah (son of Pashhur) — attested in contemporary inscriptiontier 2
City of David bulla (2008, E. Mazar)
Biblical figure (Official under Zedekiah, 597-586 BC) identified in extra-biblical epigraphy.
- Herod Antipas — attested in contemporary inscriptiontier 2
Josephus; coins minted at Tiberias
Biblical figure (Tetrarch of Galilee, 4 BC-AD 39) identified in extra-biblical epigraphy.
- Herodias — attested in contemporary inscriptiontier 2
Josephus Ant. 18.5.4
Biblical figure (Wife of Antipas, 1st c. AD) identified in extra-biblical epigraphy.
- Philip the Tetrarch — attested in contemporary inscriptiontier 2
Josephus; coins
Biblical figure (Tetrarch of Iturea/Trachonitis, 4 BC-AD 34) identified in extra-biblical epigraphy.
- Herod Agrippa I — attested in contemporary inscriptiontier 2
Josephus; coins
Biblical figure (King of Judea, AD 37-44) identified in extra-biblical epigraphy.
- Herod Agrippa II — attested in contemporary inscriptiontier 2
Josephus; coins
Biblical figure (King, AD 50-ca. 93) identified in extra-biblical epigraphy.
- Bernice (Berenice) — attested in contemporary inscriptiontier 2
Josephus; Beirut (Berytus) inscription; Athens inscription
Biblical figure (Sister of Agrippa II, 1st c. AD) identified in extra-biblical epigraphy.
- Drusilla — attested in contemporary inscriptiontier 2
Josephus Ant. 20.7.1-2
Biblical figure (Wife of Felix, 1st c. AD) identified in extra-biblical epigraphy.
- Publius Sulpicius Quirinius — attested in contemporary inscriptiontier 2
Josephus; Lapis Venetus (Q. Aemilius Secundus inscription); Lapis Tiburtinus (debated)
Biblical figure (Legate of Syria, AD 6-9 (Syrian governorship)) identified in extra-biblical epigraphy.
- Pontius Pilate — attested in contemporary inscriptiontier 2
Pilate Stone (Caesarea, 1961); Josephus; Tacitus Ann. 15.44; bronze prutot coins; the Herodium 'Pilatus' ring (contested)
Biblical figure (Prefect of Judea, AD 26-36/37) identified in extra-biblical epigraphy.
- Lucius Junius Gallio — attested in contemporary inscriptiontier 2
Delphi (Gallio) Inscription -- rescript of Claudius; Seneca; Tacitus
Biblical figure (Proconsul of Achaia, proconsul ca. AD 51-52) identified in extra-biblical epigraphy.
- Marcus Antonius Felix — attested in contemporary inscriptiontier 2
Josephus; Tacitus; coins
Biblical figure (Procurator of Judea, AD 52-ca. 59) identified in extra-biblical epigraphy.
- Porcius Festus — attested in contemporary inscriptiontier 2
Josephus; coins minted under Festus
Biblical figure (Procurator of Judea, AD 59-62) identified in extra-biblical epigraphy.
- Aretas IV — attested in contemporary inscriptiontier 2
Josephus; Nabatean inscriptions; coins
Biblical figure (King of Nabatea, 9 BC-AD 40) identified in extra-biblical epigraphy.
- Sergius Paulus — attested in contemporary inscriptiontier 2
Latin inscription(s) naming a Sergius Paullus (Rome; and a Cyprus/Soloi fragment, debated)
Biblical figure (Proconsul of Cyprus, mid-1st c. AD) identified in extra-biblical epigraphy.
- Erastus — attested in contemporary inscriptiontier 2
Erastus pavement inscription, Corinth ('Erastus...aedile laid [this pavement] at his own expense')
Biblical figure (City official (oikonomos) of Corinth, mid-1st c. AD) identified in extra-biblical epigraphy.
- Deir Alla Plaster Inscription (Balaam Text)tier 2
Tell Deir Alla, Jordan Valley · Jordan Archaeological Museum, Amman
- Pilate Stonetier 2
Reused in the theater at Caesarea Maritima · Israel Museum, Jerusalem (replica at Caesarea)
- Caiaphas Ossuarytier 2
Burial cave, Peace Forest (North Talpiot), Jerusalem · Israel Museum, Jerusalem
- Delphi (Gallio) Inscriptiontier 2
Temple of Apollo, Delphi, Greece · Archaeological Museum of Delphi
- Balaam son of Beor — attested in contemporary inscriptiontier 2
Tell Deir Alla plaster inscription ('Balaam son of Beor, seer of the gods')
Biblical figure (Non-Israelite seer, inscription ca. 800 BC) identified in extra-biblical epigraphy.
- Baalis — attested in contemporary inscriptiontier 2
Ammonite seal impression, Tell el-Umayri
Biblical figure (King of the Ammonites, late 7th-early 6th c. BC) identified in extra-biblical epigraphy.
- Geshem (Gashmu) the Arabian — attested in contemporary inscriptiontier 2
Aramaic silver-bowl inscription, Tell el-Maskhuta (naming Qainu son of Geshem, king of Qedar)
Biblical figure (Arabian opponent of Nehemiah, late 5th c. BC) identified in extra-biblical epigraphy.
- Shebna (Shebnayahu) — attested in contemporary inscriptiontier 2
Silwan 'Royal Steward' tomb-lintel inscription (name partly broken)
Biblical figure (Royal steward under Hezekiah, late 8th c. BC) identified in extra-biblical epigraphy.
- Jaazaniah — attested in contemporary inscriptiontier 2
Agate seal 'belonging to Jaazaniah servant of the king', Tell en-Nasbeh (Mizpah)
Biblical figure (Officer, associate of Gedaliah, early 6th c. BC) identified in extra-biblical epigraphy.
- Isaiah the prophet — attested in contemporary inscriptiontier 2
Ophel bulla reading 'Yesha'yah[u] nvy[...]' (E. Mazar 2018)
Biblical figure (Prophet, late 8th c. BC) identified in extra-biblical epigraphy.
- Jesus of Nazareth — attested in contemporary inscriptiontier 2
Tacitus Annals 15.44; Josephus Ant. 18.3.3 (Testimonium, partial interpolation) and 20.9.1 (James passage, widely accepted); Pliny Ep. 10.96
Biblical figure (Jewish teacher, crucified under Pilate, ca. 4 BC-AD 30/33) identified in extra-biblical epigraphy.
- John the Baptist — attested in contemporary inscriptiontier 2
Josephus Ant. 18.5.2
Biblical figure (Prophet/baptizer, d. ca. AD 28-29) identified in extra-biblical epigraphy.
- James (brother of Jesus) — attested in contemporary inscriptiontier 2
Josephus Ant. 20.9.1
Biblical figure (Jerusalem church leader, d. AD 62) identified in extra-biblical epigraphy.
- Annas (Ananus son of Seth) — attested in contemporary inscriptiontier 2
Josephus Ant. 18.2.1-2
Biblical figure (High priest, AD 6-15) identified in extra-biblical epigraphy.
- Caiaphas (Joseph Caiaphas) — attested in contemporary inscriptiontier 2
Josephus Ant. 18.2.2; ornate ossuary 'Yehosef bar Qayafa' (Jerusalem, 1990); Miriam-daughter-of-Yeshua ossuary (2011) naming the Qayafa priestly family
Biblical figure (High priest at Jesus's trial, AD 18-36/37) identified in extra-biblical epigraphy.