Bruce Zuckerman

Archeological Applications of Advanced Imaging Techniques

Utilizing techniques developed by NASA, the imaging of texts on papyri, parchment, pottery, or plaster can capture much information invisible to the naked eye. Multi-spectral imaging and computer manipulation of digital images enhances legibility of obscured Dead Sea Scroll texts and faded ostraca alike.

The amulets from Ketef Hinnom: A new edition and evaluation

This article represents a substantial revision and rereading of the two silver plaques found at Ketef Hinnom in 1979. Our new analysis of detailed, high-resolution images made by West Semitic Research reveals traces of letters that were not previously identified as well as clarification of letters that were previously much harder to read and identify. Based on our new analysis and reading of these texts, we can reaffirm with confidence that the late preexilic period is the proper chronological context for the artifacts. We can further reassert the conclusion reached by most scholars: that the inscriptions found on these plaques preserve the earliest known citations of texts also found in the Hebrew Bible and that they provide us with the earliest examples of confessional statements concerning Yahweh. The new readings of the text further confirm the assumption that these artifacts are best classified as amulets that were utilized in an apotropaic manner.

InscriptiFact: A virtual archive of ancient inscriptions from the Near East

The need for preservation and reclamation of ancient Near Eastern texts that provide the foundation and historical point of reference for Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and the cultures from which they emerged has become urgent – especially in light of recent cultural disasters. The West Semitic Research Project at the University of Southern California addresses this urgency by documenting ancient inscriptions in a highly meticulous fashion in order to reclaim readings from deteriorated documents using a wide range of technologies. The complementary InscriptiFact image database application employs data organization along with search and display strategies to facilitate easy, intuitive access by scholars.

The challenges of Ketef Hinnom: Using advanced technologies to reclaim the earliest biblical texts and their context

The two paleo-Hebrew Ketef Hinnom inscriptions are famous for being our oldest biblical manuscripts. (Yet they contain even more readings than the famous priestly blessing of Numbers 6.) The present analysis provides the most reliable readings to date. They clarify two points of dispute: the date and nature of the artifacts. The authors support the thesis that these inscriptions constitute amulets with apotropaic functions and date them to the end of the seventh or the beginning of the sixth century BCE. Just as important, readers will find here an inside look at how epigraphers use state of the art technology to bring new readings to light.

The Throne of Ashtart Inscription

The Throne of ʿAshtart is a small cherub throne carved from rough limestone and dating from the third or second century B. C. E. It was discovered in the vicinity of Tyre around 1907. A two-line inscription is carved on the front of the base. This inscription dedicates the throne to the goddess ʿAshtart. Until 1983, there existed no clear photographic documentation of the inscription. New photographs, published here for the first time, have prompted a reevaluation and correction of the readings as previously understood. The new photographs also raise significant problems of interpretation, not easily resolved.

InscriptiFact: Internet Access to High-Resolution Images of Ancient Inscriptions and Artifacts from the Near Eastern and Mediterranean Worlds

InscriptiFact is a specialized database application designed to provide Internet access for researchers to a broad range of image data and associated metadata with the focus on ancient inscriptions and artifacts from the Near East and Mediterranean. It is especially intended to serve as a permanent image resource to aid researchers in the reclamation of ancient works by giving them intuitive access to images that take full advantage of current (and future) technologies.

Concrete Abstractions: Ancient Texts As Artifacts And The Future Of Their Documentation And Distribution In The Digital Age

This chapter discusses the accomplishment of the vision both in terms of imaging technologies and implementation of optimal distribution of the images. It considers some of the most important and most recent imaging technologies that significantly improve the reading, analysis, reconstruction and decipherment of ancient texts and how their images can be effectively and intuitively distributed over the internet, using InscriptiFact as a model. The chapter explains the implementation in an online context of some of the most important viewing features and real-time functionalities that facilitate better overall understanding of ancient texts. An increasing number of scholars are learning advanced image documentation techniques and considering them fundamental to research and study of a wide range of ancient texts. Students, even at the undergraduate level, are learning image documentation techniques and facilitating scholarly study of texts and artifacts in ways that have never been previously available. Keywords: ancient texts; artifacts; imaging technologies; InscriptiFact

Prototypical extensions to the paradigm of spatial search

Two digital library prototypes are presented that utilize non-geographical spatial systems to facilitate access to specialized materials. In one, the spatial system of the rat brain facilitates sharing of neuroscientific information. In the other, ancient documents represent separate spatial systems that integrate imagery of text portions.