Treasures of the Rockefeller Museum

The Rockefeller Museum

After visiting the archaeological site of early Jerusalem (see April 14 blog) I decided to get a broader sampling of civilizations in the area at the Rockefeller Archaeological Museum, which is just a few blocks from our house in East Jerusalem. It was built in the 1930s with initial funding from U.S. philanthropist John D. Rockefeller, Jr. The museum displays a wealth of objects from the prehistoric period to the Ottoman period.  The images below are an arbitrary sampling of some of my favorites, arranged roughly in chronological order.

The stele (commemorative slab)  at right is from Beth-Shean, 1289-1278 BC. Seti I, an Egyptian ruler, led a military expedition to Canaan to suppress a revolt. He is shown wearing a royal cobra on his head, presenting libation and incense to the sun god Re-Harakhty.

Clay coffin from Beth-Shean, 12th century BC

Lada and swan on sarcophagus from Beth-Shean, 2nd century AD

Large foot from Askelon, 2nd/3rd century AD,
with sandal typical of Roman emperors

Altar at Megiddo honoring 6th Roman Legion,
218-219 AD. Nike, goddess of victory, atop globe.

Sarcophagus, Tel Menorah, early 3rd century AD, depicts battle between Amazons and Greeks

Eagle and Medusa mosaic from floor of
synagogue in Yafia near Nazareth, 4th century AD

Carved wooden panel from Al-Aqsa mosque,
8th century AD

Ceiling decoration from Hisham's Palace near Jericho, first half of 8th century AD

Central court of the Rockefeller Museum

It was a most enjoyable visit, with no crowds (just one school group). I did not even have to remove objects from my pockets to go through the metal detector as I do at checkpoints. The guard took my word for it that I was not carrying any weapons.