Special Exhibit Closing: Dead Sea Scrolls

Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum
Simi Valley, CA

Journey through time to explore one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century, returning to the U.S. after nearly a decade.

In 1947, a Bedouin shepherd stumbled upon a remarkable discovery in the Judaean Desert – the first of the Dead Sea Scrolls. Over the next decade, this chance finding would lead to the unearthing of thousands of manuscript fragments from 11 caves near the ancient site of Qumran, dating back two millennia.

These fragile parchments, preserved by the arid climate and darkness of the caves, represent an unparalleled treasure trove of ancient wisdom. They include the oldest known copies of the Hebrew Bible (Christian Old Testament) and an extraordinary library of previously unknown religious writings, offering unprecedented insights into the spiritual and cultural landscape of the Second Temple period (516 BCE – 70 CE)

Highlights of This State-of-the-Art Exhibition Include:
The Magdala Stone, which dates to the Second Temple Period, features intricate carvings of the Temple. These carvings provide insights into the role of synagogues as sacred spaces prior to the Temple's destruction and showcase the earliest known synagogue images of the Temple Menorah.
The Sea of Galilee Boat, often referred to as the "Jesus Boat," a 1st-century CE fishing boat discovered in 1986 along the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee. Unearthed during a severe drought, the reconstruction measures 27 feet in length and 7.5 feet in width and includes wood from the original vessel.
The Psalm Scroll, the most substantial and well-preserved manuscript of Psalms of the thirty-six discovered in the Qumran caves. The Psalm Scroll is a rare find, as it contains several Psalms not found in the Hebrew Bible. These include two on display, focusing on the greatness of King David. The first focuses on his wisdom, attributing to him the writing of Psalms. The second, told in first person, describes the manner in which David was
Ossuaries, small stone receptacles used for secondary burial. They represent burial practices unique to the Second Temple Jewish population, bearing decorative reliefs and inscriptions. These ossuaries teach us about early Jewish beliefs regarding the afterlife, as well as the importance social structure given to family life and death.
Objects from Masada, a natural fortress in the Judean Desert overlooking the Dead Sea, a key site in the struggle between Jewish rebels and the Roman Empire almost two thousand years ago. Items on display include Aramaic, Hebrew and Latin ostraca—small potsherds bearing writing, botanical remains such as pomegranate peels, walnut shells and olive pits; and imported textiles.
Tyrian shekels, that were minted in Tyre, were the only coin accepted as the annual Temple tax, mentioned in the New Testament, and contributed by males above 20 years old.