William Foxwell Albright

Albright (1891-1971) was an American archaeologist and biblical scholar. He became the foremost proponent of “biblical archaeology,” a movement that attempted to authenticate events, people, and ideas found in the Bible through scientific, archaeological excavations. Albright used the stratigraphic method of excavating a “tel” (hill) by digging down and studying how each layer or cross section relates to the layers above and below. This includes examining the distinct material from each layer, such as pottery, debris, coins, sediment, or building ruins that have piled up over time. Albright directed important excavations at Hazor and Megiddo.