Contact: Maridith Geuder
A biblical scholar who has spent the past 15 years conducting archaeological research in Israel and Palestine speaks Monday [Feb. 17] at Mississippi State University.
John T. Greene, professor of religious studies at Michigan State University, will discuss his work during an illustrated presentation in 102 Hilbun Hall. The 5 p.m. program is open to all.
In 1985, Greene became director of Michigan State's archaeology and language program in Israel, subsequently participating in excavations at Gamla on the Golan Heights. In 1988, he helped initiate excavations at Bethsaida-Julias north of the Sea of Galilee and continues to serve as co-director of that project.
Most recently, he participated in the Cave of Letters Project. The religious history investigation near Jerusalem seeks to learn more about the last days of Jewish rebels who sought refuge during the second century in a cave of the Judean Desert canyons. They were fleeing the Roman army that had crushed the Jewish Revolt and sacked the holy city.
A Memphis, Tenn., native, Greene holds bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Detroit and a doctorate from Boston University. He joined the Michigan State faculty in 1980 as an assistant professor of religious studies and Modern Hebrew language.
The author or editor of seven books, he has written about ancient Near Eastern and biblical traditions, archaeology, U.S. Civil War history, and African-American studies.
Greene's MSU visit is sponsored by the Cobb Institute of Archaeology and the philosophy and religion department.
For more information about the program, telephone (662) 325-3826.