Ancient Treasures

Start date: Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Event is ongoing: Until Monday, March 31, 2008

On the 2nd floor next to Dillard’s. Adults: $14.95 ($12.95 online), Seniors: $12.95, Children: $6.95, Children group of 10 or more: $6 per child + 1 free adult ticket for every 10 children.

For ages skeptics have debated the relevance of scriptural stories from the Torah or the Bible as they relate to the secular version of historical events in the Middle East. Archeological findings in the Middle East repeatedly confirm the scriptural accounts of ancient cities, cultures, and people. A chronological exhibit of more than 300 artifacts dating back 5,200 years to the time of Abraham are on loan, touring the U.S., from the Hebrew University Institute of Archeology in Jerusalem.

The exhibit of archeological artifacts encompasses regions where major religions originate. Centuries ago events set the stage in this region for events that still play out in today’s headlines. Learning the historical significance of the artifacts lends new insight into the sufferings and the challenges faced as people survive or die and their stories are passed down through the generations. Visitors can view in the exhibit a building stone from the City of Ur where Abraham set out from as he traveled to Canaan. Clay tablets are on display from this era as Abraham moved from the city of Ur to Haran. Idols from Egypt show the cult beliefs of the Pharaohs and Egyptians that the children of Israel had to serve during their days of captivity. Ivory pieces from wall panels of Queen Jezebel’s palace are on display. Ancient glassware, pottery, weapons, coins, tools, jewelry, and stone engravings are on exhibit from the lands currently known as Israel, Egypt, Syria, Iraq, Greece, and Jordan. Ancient ossuaries (bone boxes) are also on display including the ossuary for Simon of Cyrene who carried the cross of Jesus.