The Archaeology of Qumran

Abstract

by Judy Louise McKay

(Judy McKay is a third-year undergraduate in the M.Theol. honours programme at the University of St. Andrews.--JRD)

The essay sets out to illustrate that, although the archaeological evidence can be confusing, there is always a core of three main questions. Who were the people residing at Qumran? What were the dates of the periods of residence? What was the function of the settlement?

With all these questions there are basically two answers from the scholars, those in agreement with R. de Vaux and those who do not accept his views. Some of the proposed alternatives are, of course, more difficult than others. Golb's theory, that Qumran was a military fortress, has not been accepted by archaeologists. (It will be discussed in detail in a later seminar.) I am also unconvinced by the theory of the Donceels of Qumran as a villa, on the basis of Magness's comparison of Qumran with other contemporary Hasmonean and Herodian palaces. The function of Qumran was most likely as a monastic settlement with ascetic ideals, as the simplicity of the building would suggest.

The intricate drainage system and communal assembly room also point to the identity of the residents, as does the nature of the scrolls discovered in the caves nearby. I agree with de Vaux that they were an Essene group, though my essay does not definitively decide how to resolve the issue of the women's bodies in the Qumran cemetery. I am led to conclude that they were Essene due to the simplicity of their living, which can be seen in the finds of plain pottery and simple building structure. Also the ritual purity alluded to in the scrolls is evident from the large and complex water system unique to Qumran. I conclude that Qumran functioned as a settlement with the main building used for administration, not for living quarters, as has been suggested. Also that the main settlers did not live in the caves as Broshi says but that they resided in huts or tents, despite the lack of evidence for tent remains.

(c) 2001
Reproduction beyond fair use only on permission of the author.