The Sean McDowell Show From Myth to History: 10 Bible Figures Confirmed by Archaeology
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Mar 3, 2026 Titus Kennedy, archaeologist and author who studies biblical archaeology, gives a lively tour of material evidence tied to Bible figures. He explains his five criteria for IDing finds. Short segments highlight David, Ahab, Isaiah, Belshazzar, and lesser-known names like Berenice. The conversation also touches on Roman-era attestations and AI’s role in archaeology.
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Uzziah Supported By Assyrian Texts And Royal Seals
- King Uzziah/Azariah is corroborated by a Tiglath-Pileser III inscription referencing 'Azariahu of Yahudah' and by two 8th-century seals naming servants of Uzziah.
- A later funerary inscription (Uzziah tablet) exists but is non-contemporary, so it counts as tradition not direct attestation.
Isaiah Identified On A Jerusalem Bulla
- Isaiah is attested archaeologically by a seal impression (bulla) from Jerusalem reading Isaiah and likely 'prophet,' found near a Hezekiah bulla and dated to ~700 BC.
- The Great Isaiah Scroll (Dead Sea Scroll) provides an early textual witness (4th century BC) but is non-contemporary.
Adrammelech Verified By Assyrian Records And Reliefs
- Adrammelech (Arda-Mulissu) appears in both 2 Kings/Isaiah and Assyrian sources as a son of Sennacherib who helped assassinate him.
- An Assyrian relief may depict the crown prince, strengthening cross-cultural corroboration.
