Steven Collins

Steven Collins is an American archaeologist and biblical scholar noted for his extensive work in Near Eastern archaeology, particularly his controversial identification of Tall el-Hammam in Jordan as the biblical city of Sodom. With over three decades of fieldwork and research, Collins has significantly contributed to the intersection of archaeology and biblical history.

Academic Career and Education

Steven Collins holds a Bachelor of University Studies (B.U.S.) from the University of New Mexico, a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, a Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) from Luther Rice University, and a Ph.D. in Archaeology & Biblical History from Trinity Theological Seminary, completed in 1997. He has also pursued post-doctoral studies in archaeological methods and Levantine ceramic typology at the Jerusalem Center for Biblical Studies in 1989.

As of 2026, Collins serves as the Director of the Ph.D. program in Archaeology and Biblical History at Veritas International University, and he is the Executive Dean and Dean of the College of Archaeology & Biblical History at Trinity Southwest University, where he also curates the TSU Museum of Archaeology.

Major Works and Contributions

Collins's major publications include *Discovering the City of Sodom* (Simon & Schuster, 2013) and the *Harvest Handbook of Bible Lands* (co-editor and principal author; Harvest House Publishers, 2019), which was a Gold Medallion finalist. He has written extensively in various journals and magazines, such as *Biblical Archaeology Review* and *The Ancient Near East Today*.

His archaeological fieldwork is primarily associated with the Tall el-Hammam Excavation Project in Jordan, which he has directed since 2005. Collins argues that this site corresponds to the biblical city of Sodom, a claim that has sparked considerable debate within the academic community.

Organizational Affiliations and Public Engagement

• Collins has been affiliated with several professional organizations, including the American Schools of Oriental Research (ASOR) and the Society of Biblical Literature (SBL). He is also a board member of the Near East Archaeological Society (NEAS).

• He has appeared in documentaries produced by National Geographic Society, Discovery Channel, and History Channel, among others, discussing his archaeological findings and their implications for biblical history.

• Collins is a frequent speaker at conferences, including the Cosmic Summit 2025 and various church events, where he shares his research and insights into biblical archaeology.

Impact on Biblical Studies

Steven Collins's work has been influential within evangelical circles, particularly his identification of Tall el-Hammam as Sodom, which challenges traditional southern Dead Sea theories. His research has provided new insights into the geography and historicity of biblical narratives, although it remains a subject of ongoing debate among scholars.

Critique and Reception

Collins's identification of Tall el-Hammam as Sodom has been challenged. Writing for the Associates for Biblical Research, Bryant G. Wood, who regards Bab edh-Dhra as the likely site of Sodom, argued that Collins's claim that Tall el-Hammam is "far and away, the best candidate for biblical Sodom" goes beyond the available evidence, noting that there had been insufficient excavation to determine whether its destruction was site-wide.

Despite the contentious nature of some of his claims, Collins is valued for his contributions to biblical archaeology and his ability to engage with both scholarly and popular audiences.

See also: Near Eastern archaeology, Biblical archaeology