Biblical Archaeology Review Magazine Winter 2024 The Life of Jesus Written in Stone How the Ten Tribes of Israel Were Lost The Mystery of Mary and Martha Cover story: “Written in Stone,” explores the first official churches built by Constantine the Great to commemorate key moments in the life of Jesus. In “Projecting Prestige,” visit the great Canaanite city of Hazor to learn how Egyptian statues from dynasties of old may have been used to cement the status of the city’s rulers. Then, follow archaeologist William Dever as he examines evidence for the Assyrian destruction of ancient Israel’s Northern Kingdom that may help unravel the mystery of “How the Ten Tribes of Israel Were Lost.” Finally, in “The Mystery of Mary and Martha,” investigate scribal changes made to early copies of John’s Gospel that may reflect later Christian attempts to downplay Mary Magdalene’s role in the Jesus movement. Beyond these articles, pore through ancient spellbooks that reveal the peculiar rituals Romans used to secure the affections of would-be lovers. Examine a decorated Bronze Age vessel from Tel Burna and what its stylized imagery may suggest about Canaanite goddess worship, and then join archaeologists in the laboratory as they try to determine whether opium was as widely used in antiquity as some believe. Learn fascinating stories about Jesus’s childhood that circulated among early Christians and why these noncanonical traditions proved so appealing.