Ossuaries and the Burials of Jesus and James: a Public Lecture by Professor Jodi Magness

Co-sponsored by UHAA and the Archaeological Institute of America — Hawaii Chapter

Date: Jan. 29, 2009
Time: 7:30-8:30 p.m.
Place: University of Hawai'i at Mānoa Campus Center Ballroom
Cost: Free
Parking: On campus, $3 after 4 p.m.

In November 2002, the existence of a sensational archaeological artifact was announced to the world: a small stone box called an ossuary inscribed with the name of James, the brother of Jesus. And in spring 2007, yet another sensational claim made headlines around the world: the supposed identification of Jesus' family tomb in Jerusalem's Talpiyot neighborhood.

In this slide-illustrated lecture, archaeologist Jodi Magness discusses these finds within the context of ancient Jewish tombs and burial customs in Jerusalem in the time of Jesus. She concludes that the so-called Talpiyot tomb could not have belonged to Jesus' family, and the so-called James ossuary never contained the remains of Jesus' brother, James the Just. Magness is the Kenan Distinguished Professor for Teaching Excellence in Early Judaism in the Department of Religious Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The lecture is free.