By Maryanna Gabriel
One of my passions is archaeology which includes anthropology.
I am taking an online course on the Dead Sea Scrolls from Dr. James Tabor, a specialist in this field. It has taken a long time for the world to translate the scroll information and I am curious to know more. He is very knowledgeable as he has worked at the Qumran cave site.
About 150 to 200 years before Christ, a group of approximately 150 people lived on the lowest point of earth (the absolute opposite of Mount Everest), on the Dead Sea, and quietly went about their business. Something about preparing the way for their teacher yet to come. Apparently, there were a lot of rules. I don't think I would have liked that much. We know this because of the discovered texts. It seems awfully strict. Bathroom etiquette was also specified. Strictly off site, for one. In other words, no convenient ensuites.
One edifying piece of information I have already learned. Archaeology has revealed these good denizens partook in a ritual of purification in the mikvah, or ritual communal bath. Someone had tape worm which they gave to one another in the water. Dr. Tabor feels it may be the reason many did not live past the age of 40. Yikes. See how much I'm learning?
One of my favourite go to authors when I need escapist literature is Kathy Reichs, the anthropologist who is responsible for the film series Bones and who is a prolific author. She teaches at the same university as Dr. Tabor used to, in Charlotte, North Carolina. They are great friends. She wrote a book, Cross Bones, in part inspired by Dr. Tabor's work, a compelling whodunnit set in Israel. I loved that two people who have given me so much are connected in this way. I never knew. It would have been a lot of fun and most interesting to have gone to their classes back in the day.