Archaeologist
Adam Zertal
About Adam Zertal
Adam Zertal was an Israeli archaeologist and professor of Near Eastern archaeology at the University of Haifa who carried out surveys in the West Bank and interpreted archaeological sites in relation to biblical narratives. Zertal's work was characterized by an integration of archaeological evidence with biblical texts, which provoked both interest and debate within the scholarly community.
Academic Career and Education
Adam Zertal pursued his studies in archaeology at Tel Aviv University following his recovery from severe injuries as an engineering officer during the 1973 Yom Kippur War. He later became a tenured professor of Near Eastern archaeology at the University of Haifa, where he conducted much of his research. Throughout his career, Zertal participated in archaeological surveys and excavations, contributing to the Israel Antiquities Authority's efforts after the Six-Day War, and volunteering at Masada with archaeologist Yigael Yadin before formalizing his academic path.
Major Works and Contributions
Zertal's publications include A Nation Born, part of his trilogy which details the discovery of what he identified as Joshua's altar on Mount Ebal, and The Footsteps of God, where he analyzed Iron Age ceremonial sites through "foot-shaped" enclosures. These works reflect his two decades of fieldwork in Judea and Samaria.
He also authored five volumes documenting the results of his 30-year Manasseh Hill Country Survey, covering approximately 1,000 square miles and identifying over 3,200 sites.
His report on the El-Ahwat excavations (1993-2000) is another of his publications; he proposed the site as the biblical Harosheth Haggoyim, associated with Sisera's fortress.
At Mount Ebal, Zertal identified an Iron Age structure, the Mount Ebal Altar Site, as Joshua's altar; most archaeologists accept the site as an early Israelite cultic site, but its link to Joshua remains debated. He also surveyed "foot-shaped" enclosures.
Organizational Affiliations and Public Engagement
Zertal was affiliated with the Israel Antiquities Authority. His work and discoveries have been featured in documentaries, such as "The Discovery of Joshua's Altar," produced by the Armstrong Institute in 2023. His public engagement primarily focused on sharing his interpretations of archaeological findings with both academic and popular audiences.
Critique and Reception
Zertal's identification of the Mount Ebal site as Joshua's altar has been a subject of significant scholarly debate. While some accept the site as an early Israelite cultic center, many scholars contest the specific biblical connection he proposed.
See also: Biblical Archaeology, Iron Age Israel