In the Ephesus Museum in Vienna, a few items dominate that no longer exist at the ancient site. The Harbor Gymnasium and the Parthian Battle Wall are forgotten monuments that do not appear at the ancient site. Yet, in Vienna, these items dominate the rooms.
[Read more…] about Two Forgotten Monuments of Ephesus
Analyzing the Celsus Library statues in Vienna
The original statues from the Celsus Library now stand in Vienna, far from their ancient home in Ephesus. What can we learn by comparing the statues Vienna displays with what remains at the ancient site? Their journey from Ephesus to Vienna opens a fascinating story about archaeology, empire, and the decisions that shaped what we see today.
[Read more…] about Analyzing the Celsus Library statues in Vienna
From Ephesus to Vienna: Surprises in the Ephesos Museum
When I planned a visit to Vienna, I had no idea the city was home to a museum dedicated to Ephesus. Having recently walked through the archaeological site of Ephesus myself, I was intrigued when my research kept linking to Vienna and the collections preserved there. Visiting the museum added another dimension to my experience. Seeing artifacts, maps, and statues connected to Ephesus gave me a broader perspective on the ancient city and helped me better understand the archaeological site I had recently explored.
[Read more…] about From Ephesus to Vienna: Surprises in the Ephesos Museum
Unique Facts about Colossae in light of Archaeology
The 2025 archaeological excavation at Colossae (modern Honaz, Denizli Province, Türkiye) opens the door to one of the few remaining biblical sites in Asia Minor. The primary excavations of this city may create answers to the many mysteries of the book of Colossians. Let’s consider some unique ideas about this ancient city in light of its biblical history.
[Read more…] about Unique Facts about Colossae in light of Archaeology
Beneath the Pahlavi Script: The Greek Bible That Refused to Be Silenced
One of the most fascinating artifacts in the Papyrus Museum of the Austrian National Library in Vienna appears at first to be a seemingly ordinary piece of worn parchment. Large, dark Pahlavi writing (Middle Persian) dominates its surface. However, a closer look beneath the bold letters reveals another text emerging, a much older Greek manuscript of the New Testament hidden underneath.
[Read more…] about Beneath the Pahlavi Script: The Greek Bible That Refused to Be Silenced
The Making of the Bible as a Book
Most ancient histories began as oral traditions before they were written down and eventually compiled into complete works. The Bible, however, stands apart. Christians believe and know it is God’s inspired Word, and throughout history, people have taken extraordinary care to preserve and transmit its text. Today, it remains the most translated and widely distributed book in the world.
A visit to the Papyrus Museum in Vienna gave me a deeper appreciation for that remarkable history. As I examined ancient biblical manuscripts and fragments, I realized how much effort generations of scribes invested in preserving the Scriptures. These fragile papyri are more than archaeological treasures; they are tangible evidence of the care with which the biblical text has been copied and passed from one generation to the next.
[Read more…] about The Making of the Bible as a Book