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Dig May Confirm Solomon's Mines

Biblical account matches unearthed copper center in Jordan

By Ambreen Ali, Newser User

Posted Oct 28, 2008 2:31 PM CDT

(Newser) – Science and the Bible have a rare moment of “confluence,” says an archaeologist who helped unearth possible proof of King Solomon's reign, Newsweek reports. In present-day Jordan, scientists have found a 10th-century BC copper production center that coincides with the rule of the Biblical king of Israel. A spike in metallurgic activity also coincides with a rise in influence of a rival tribe.

Diggers also found ancient Egyptian artifacts in a layer that showed disruption in copper production at the end of that century, when the Bible says a pharaoh mounted an assault on the area following Solomon's death. Scientists hope further digging will unearth clues as to whether Solomon, his father David, or the rival Edomites controlled the copper industry.

[Images (3)]

[Quotes (1)]

Solomon's pillars in Yemen are part of a park that preserves the remains of an ancient copper mining industry like the one archaeologists recently unearthed in Jordan. (Biblewalks.com)

A sketch of King Solomon, famed for his great wealth and wisdom. (Getty Images)

King Solomon receives the Queen of Sheba in his sumptuous palace, surrounded by courtiers. (Getty Images)

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We can’t believe everything ancient writings tell us. But this research represents a confluence between the archaeological and scientific data and the Bible. - Thomas Levy, UC San Diego

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Dig May Confirm Solomon's Mines