Bible Archeology Discoveries

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Temple of Eshmun at Bustan esh-Sheikh
Discovered: Bustan esh-Sheikh (Bostan ech-Cheikh), near the Awali River north of Sidon, Lebanon
From: (c. Persian period, especially sixth–fourth centuries BC; later additions and use)

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Just north of ancient Sidon, near the Awali River, stood a major sanctuary dedicated to Eshmun, the Phoenician god associated with healing. Archaeologists uncovered a monumental stone platform, architectural remains, water installations, inscriptions, and votive offerings. The sanctuary developed over several centuries, with important building work during the Persian period.

Royal inscriptions connect Sidonian rulers, especially Bodashtart, with construction at the sanctuary. The surviving ruins show the importance of worship and royal patronage in Sidon, although not every part of the complex can be dated or reconstructed with certainty.

1 Kings 16:31; Ezekiel 28:20–23; Joel 3:4 (background references to Sidon and Phoenician religion, not to this sanctuary).

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Notable Finds

Much of what is described in Bible text is lost to history, requiring readers to assume the historicity of the scriptures.

However, many of the places and events described in the Old and New Testaments are periodically corroborated by archeological finds.

Some finds simply help us to better understand things from the ancient world. However, others provide important evidence as to the truth of scripture regarding things about which there had previously been skepticism.

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