For PERSPECTIVES Vol. 2 No. 2 [April-June 1999]
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The Lost 10 Tribes & Lactase Deficiency
I have just read your article on the lost tribes of Israel, remembering your having mentioned it the last time you were with us, but found no mention of the incidence of lactase deficiency, or lactose intolerance, within the current Jewish population, presumably the purest inheritors of that mutation you discussed. Of course, something like a very high incidence, comparable to that within the current Anglo-Saxon population, would add credence to the possibility of their being the ten lost tribes. When you get a moment, I'd love to hear your thoughts.
–Eric & Peggy Moore
In the editorial, Perspectives 1.2 (Nov./Dec. 1998), I did not make an issue of lactase deficiency or its persistence. This could be one avenue of research toward explaining matter of the Lost Ten Tribes. Even if one established a high correlation, for purposes arguendo, the questions of cause would still remain. What is required is a comprehensive review of the technical literature and the development of a carefully crafted scientific research design including testable research hypotheses. Even if all this is done, I see this approach as only one in a larger research strategy involving a series of genetic markers. In other words, the collective evidence is more probable than pieces of evidence standing alone. If we take several factors together then we can draw overall conclusions based on the weight of the collective evidence.
Jared Diamond, writing in Discover magazine, says that around 4000 BCE fresh milk obtained from domestic animals became a major food for adults in a few human populations. He lists present-day "northern and central Europeans, Arabians, north Indians, and several milk-drinking black African peoples such as the Fulani of West Africa" as examples. You can read Diamond's article, Race Without Color, article on the Web (look at the Discover magazine archive). I have not researched out the details as to various populations of Jews. How Jewish populations scattered in the Diaspora fit in this picture I'm not sure. If you would like to follow this matter up a good starting point would be OMIM (Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man) Web site at the National Center for Biotechnology Information. Take a look at the file 223100 DISACCHARIDE INTOLERANCE III. I also suggest the article by T. Gilat, R. Kuhn, E. Gelman, and O. Mizrahy. "Lactase Deficiency in Jewish Communities in Israel" (Gilat, Kuhn, Gelman, and Mizrahy 1970:895-904).
–editor
Is this is Our Mail?
How does one subscribe to the magazine Biblical Archeology?
–H. Rosenstoc
Dear Sir: I know it is not the kind of thing you are meant to deal with, but I tried contacting your e-mail [email protected] and the message came back. I have a subscription to your wonderful magazine and a new address where I would like it sent. Please do confirm that you did receive this e-mail.
–Thamar Jaramillo, Santiago, Chile
We know there is a little confusion between bibarch.com (that's us) and bib-arch.org (that's them). For BAR subscription information we suggest you go directly to the BAR Web site at http://www.bib-arch.org where the editors have placed detailed subscription information. We highly recommend the BAR publications and appreciate the hard work Mr. Hershel Shanks and his colleagues put into their publications. If you do not have a subscription to the Bible Review and the Biblical Archaeology Review you are missing out on a great source of information. For their e-mail we suggest [email protected] and it should go right through.
–editor
St. Paul's Corinth
I'm trying to look for the Biblical Archaeological Review 1988, vol. 14, issue no. 3 which contains some facts about Corinth during Paul's time. Would it be possible for me to view it on-line? Thanks and hope to hear from you soon.
–Sr. Jojo, FMA
I believe you may want to check with BAR. I forwarded your e-mail to them. I have used the article by Victor Furnish you referred to in teaching my epistles of Paul course. Its well done. You might have to resort to hard copy because I searched the internet and came up empty.–editor
Where in the World is Noah's Ark?
Can you please show me some information on Noah's Ark? I heard it was on top of some mountain. Supposedly new information has surfaced. If so, I was wondering why I hadn't heard about it? Please put that on your website if you could.
–Amber Cummings
Years ago, around 1976 actually, I saw a movie called The Search for Noah's Ark. It was so exciting that I was ready to sign up for an expedition. Later I came across a paperback with the same title. As I recall it was the narration of the movie. When I read the book, where I could think about the issues involved rather than having my emotions manipulated on the silver screen, I began to realize how speculative the matter was.
Assuming, arguendo, the veracity of the Hebrew Scriptures in the Genesis report of the flood, then "the ark rested upon the mountains of Ararat" (Genesis 8:4 NASB). This would have been Early Bronze IV (sometimes referred to as EB IVa-EB IVb where the former is their old world and the latter their strange new world somewhere in 2000-2200 BCE). Notice that Genesis refers to the mountains, plural, not specifically Mt. Ararat.
Even as a social scientist I find Michael Grant's opening in his work The Rise of the Greeks, somewhat haunting in this context. Grant begins "during the third millennium BC there were people in Greece who did not speak Greek, or any language related to it" (Grant 1987:1). After citing an echo of their language he goes on to say "but in about 2000-1900 BC - at the beginning of what archaeologists call the middle Hellenic or middle Bronze Age - invaders, speaking a version of what later became Greek, came in from the north, and devastated most of the previous habitation centers" (Grant 1987:1).
In Amihai Mazar's Archaeology of the Land of the Bible: 10,000-586 B.C.E he devotes chapter 5 called "An Interlude The EB IV/MB I Period (2300/2250-2000 B.C.E.)" to a roughly 300 year period where:
...Palestine was sparsely populated, mainly by pastoralists and village dwellers. This period of decline parallels the First Intermediate Period in Egypt (Dynasties VII-XII, during which there was a decentralization of power and a break in the traditional connections between Egypt and Asia, particularly with Byblos. (Mazar 1990:151.)
P. Kyle McCarter, Jr., writing in the BAR's Ancient Israel: A Short History from Abraham to the Roman Destruction of the Temple says:
It now seems unlikely that an invasion or immigration of nomads was a primary factor in the collapse of urban civilization in the last part of the third millennium. The pastoral peoples so prominent in this period were present in earlier times as well, living alongside the established urban centers. Overpopulation, drought, famine or a combination of such problems may have exhausted the resources necessary to the maintenance of an urban way of life. When the cities disappeared, the nomadic encampments remained (McCarter 1988:9.)
Other authors have suggested disease epidemics as well for the massive depopulation of the region. Is there a pattern here? Not? Don't be too sure. Something exceptional occurred during this time period and we don't have enough data to offer a reasonable scientific explanation. All three sources are learned men who take the meager available facts, reflecting the disappearance of massive populations, cities, and civilization itself, and in good faith interpret them to provide a logical cultural continuity consistent with cultural materialism and the paradigm of science. But the Genesis account of Noah and his little family is neither logical nor scientific. It deals with an unforeseen independent intervening event called a miracle. Were there only 8 people left in ca. 2200 BCE? With this science cannot deal. Some scientists scoff at the very idea. Why?
We social scientists are not going to take the sparse data of EB I/MBIV to explain to the rest of the scientific community and the world that civilization collapsed because of Noah's flood. The sciences, in general, have a deep macroevolutionary presumption underlying them. Science deals with physical phenomena, the relationship of patterned events, and variables. Scientists seek physical explanations, through physical causes and effects, not divine intervention. Nevertheless, existing proffered explanations for the disappearance of the cities and the like in EB I/MBIV are guesswork. There is insufficient data to offer any reasonably conclusive scientific explanation.
To dismiss the Genesis deluge out of hand, however, as ridiculous and a waste of time is condescending, nonscientific, and a little silly. Why not develop and test some research hypotheses relating to the Genesis flood proposition? If researchers falsify them, and on that scientific basis reject the theory, then we can get along with our archaeology, history, religion and theology without having to complicate things any more than they are already. If not, then we better rethink and mend our ways. If anyone wants to consider the implications of all this then think on Jesus' statement "For the coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah...and they did not understand until the flood came and took them all away, so it shall the coming of the Son of Man be (Matthew 24:37-39 NASB). Some whit said that those who fail to learn the lessons of history are condemned to repeat them.
According to Josephus the ark came to rest in Armenia. Josephus says, probably relying on the account of the historian Berosus the Chaldean, "the ark being saved in that place, its remains are shown there by the inhabitants to this day" (Josephus Antiquities of the Jews 1.3.5; Whiston 1957:37-38). Josephus certainly seemed to believe that the Armenia of his day was the authentic location but he does not say he was an eyewitness. Berosus, quoted in Josephus, says "It is said there is still some part of this ship in Armenia, at the mountain of the Cordyaens; and that some people carry pieces of the bitumen, which they take away, and use chiefly as amulets for the averting of mischief's" (Josephus Antiquities of the Jews 1.3.6; Whiston 1957:38). Said by whom? This is hearsay. Hearsay is highly unreliable evidence, even in a literary context, let alone in a scientific one.
Explorer B. J. Corbin publishes noahsarksearch.com which is a comprehensive web site dedicated to the Search for Noah's Ark. This site will give you more information from someone who has been searching at Mt. Ararat. Another interesting project, published by Douglas Peterson, dedicated to the study of the ark is the Noah's Ark Project. Take a look at both sites as it is well worth it.
–editor
What was the Biblical World Like?
I am extremely fascinated with Biblical society and culture. In reading Mark's Gospel, Jesus is led into the "wilderness" where there are "wild animals." It made me wonder, what was the wilderness landscape like 2000 years ago? Somewhere, I read that archaeological weathermen think weather patterns could have been somewhat wetter and cooler than today. Also, in the movies, the wilderness looks just like Death Valley where there are very few "wild animals" (like lions and bears and something for them to eat). Does archeology offer any evidence as to what the world was physically like 2000 years ago? Giddy with anticipation.–Gary Johnson
I find this region to be very much like Southern California. The Levant is relatively small by American standards but has several climate zones. We know from the architecture of the Mediterranean that the region had a more temperate climate 2,000 years ago. Moreover, the study of tree-rings on a worldwide basis has contributed to our knowledge of changes in weather patterns over time. Ice core research also provides data allowing us to learn more of global weather patterns. This topic would make a good term paper for someone.
The wilderness, known as the Negev, in Israel and Jordan is desert but it is not exactly like Death Valley. There is far more natural vegetation and wildlife. Moreover, the area is much smaller and not as harsh. In Israel, north of Eilat, lies the Yotvata Visitors Center which includes the Hi Bar. The latter is a large natural habitat for biblical-era local birds and animals, e.g. the striped-legged wild ass, ongers, addaxes, gazelles and ibexes, white oryxes, and the like. The facility also has a Predator Center where workers raise local birds and beasts of prey and then release them to populate the Negev. You might want to take a look at the Bridges for Peace Web site which will give you a lot more detailed information.
–editor
Is the Real Mt. Sinai in Saudi Arabia?
Thanks for a such an informative website! It is truly a blessing. I recently read a book The Gold of Exodus. It is about the true Mount Sinai located in Saudi Arabia? Will I be able to find out more on this subject in the future?
–Ricky Simmons, Virginia
You refer to the The Gold of Exodus, by Howard Blum, a pop-archaeology adventure story about the Bob Cornuke and Larry Williams expedition to locate Mount Sinai in Saudi Arabia. A major motion picture based on The Gold of Exodus, from a script written by John Sayles, is in production by Castle Rock Entertainment, Warner Bros. Studios. The book and the forthcoming movie are entertainment not science. It is pop-archaeology and a lot of fun. Details of the exploits of these adventures and their current undertakings is at the BASE Institute Web site.
For biblical scholars, whose adventures are usually no further than the nearest library or conference, the question of where the true Mount Sinai lies is a matter of dispute, as is the Exodus itself, and the Conquest of Canaan. As a biblical archaeologist I endorse scientific explanation developed through the methods of science. If we assume that the Israelites left Egypt precisely as described in the Hebrew Scriptures, a very literal approach, then we would have the parting of the Red Sea by a miracle ca. 1443 BCE. The Israelites would have proceeded inland over a period of several weeks to Mt. Horeb (Exodus 3:1, 12). A population of the magnitude suggested in the Hebrew Scriptures, probably well over a million men, women, and children, plus their cattle, sheep, and other animals, and the like, would move fairly slowly. The simplest answer would then be that the Mt. Horeb of Moses' day was on the present day Sinai Peninsula.
In hermeneutics, as opposed to science, literally scores of possible routes of the Israelites and Mt. Horeb are possible. The advocates of various theories select ancient literary accounts, quote authorities (usually those they agree with), and argue selected archaeological discoveries to support their opinion. This is not science. The approach only brings about more argument and more questions not understanding, fact, and truth.
Scientific analysis of the Exodus route, still assuming a literal one as reported in the Hebrew Scriptures, through biblical archaeology is quite difficult. Nomadic peoples leave very little surviving material culture to excavate. They didn't manufacture the pottery and build the villages, towns, and settlements that we can excavate today. That does not mean that there is no evidence. One day we will develop more information about this matter and place it on bibarch.com. Our opinion, for whatever that is worth, is that the biblical Mt. Horeb is today the place called Jabal Musa or Gebal Musa in the southern Sinai Peninsula. Nevertheless, I plan to go to the The Gold of Exodus movie as I enjoy a good adventure too.
–editor
Careers in Archaeology
I live in the Los Angeles area. How would I pursue and begin a career as an archeologist. I would need to study in the Los Angeles area.
–Rick Meyer
Since you are considering a career in archaeology then plan to complete a doctoral program. I suggest you check out all the local institutions such as UCLA, UC Riverside, USC, and the state universities such as Cal. State L.A., Fullerton, San Bernardino, and the like. For archeology you will want to look at Anthropology Departments although at UCLA you have other options in their area studies approach. As to beginning a career you might want to research some of the links at the AAA Web site. You can start your research at the Anthropology Links Page.
–editor
Aila on the Red Sea
Thank you for your wonderful publications! Do you know where Aila is - where this new discovery of the oldest church building (circa 300 AD) was found?
–Paul Vermilion
Its at the Jordanian Red Sea port of Aqaba. The ancient name was Aila. Check the story in Archaeology. Thanks for your kind words.–editor
Canaanite gods
I study History in Brazil and my research is about Hebrew history. Now, I'm studying about the Conquest of the Promised Land. I'd like to receive archaeological and historical information, bibliography, or news about this subject. Do you know how can I get pictures from the Internet about Canaanite gods? Thanks and congratulations. The Home Page of BibArch is very interesting.
–Priscila Pugsley Grahl
Don't stop with our home page. There is a lot worth thinking about deeper in the site. We are not familiar with Web sources that would provide pictures of Canaanite gods. What we suggest is a search strategy on hotbot.com or one of the other major search engines. We like hotbot.com because it is so easy for beginners to use.
Go to google.com and select MORE SEARCH OPTIONS. Enter Canaanite AND gods in the search box. Then, in the "Look for" drop-down menu, select Boolean phrase. Next, in the Word Filter, key in bronze age. Scroll down and select 50. Then click on the search button. You should get about 290 sites. You probably will have to start checking each one to see if it is what you want.
–editor
Page last edited: 01/02/06 05:17 PM
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