Kelsey Museum of Archaeology

Jul 12

While in Ann Arbor Michigan this week, I had a chance to visit the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology on the campus of the University of Michigan.

The Museum is custodian of the collections of Francis W Kelsey, a University of MI professor in the early 1900’s. Dr Kelsey participated in digs, expeditions and research projects in Pompeii and Puteoli Italy, Karanis Egypt, Antioch near Psisidia, Seluecia on the Tigris in Iraq, and many other places.

We’ve included a few photos of items from familiar Biblical names and places: There are casts of cylinder seals of King Darius (Ezra 6). From Psidian Antioch there are fragments of the Res Gestae from the temple of Augusta, mosaic tiles from a Byzantine era basilica, and some marble fragments from the sanctuary of the pagan moon god men (Acts 13). There is an artistic imagining of the Psidian Antioch city gate. From Puteoli Italy there are many urns / glass pieces / funerary monuments from the Roman era of Paul’s time (Acts 18).

There is always a sense of awe when looking at the everyday objects from ancient biblical times - the people of Ur at the time of Abraham needed bowls for their food, implements for their garden, wanted pretty jewelry and makeup stored in pretty shells with polished bronze mirrors - they really were just like us in so many ways! The museum is open to the public and free.

Psidian Antioch, one of the expedition site of Francis W. Kelsey

Kelsey Museum of Archaeology, University of Michigan Ann Arbor

Royal seal of Darius the Great of Persia (Ezra 6, Daniel 6)

Grain mill from Pompeii Italy

First c BC wine casks from Puteoli Italy (Acts 28)

Puteoli funerary urn "for the deserving who lived for 13 years 3 months and 1 night" metal straps that clamp the lid on are still in place

The childish appearance of the winged head a reminder that this is the funeral urn of a young person.

Ruins of the triple gate at the city of P. Antioch

Fragments of a votive Steele from Psidian Antioch (Acts 13)

Mosaic tiles from an early byzantine basilica at P. Antioch

A fragment of the inscribed Res Gestate (life and accomplishments) of Caesar Augustus at the temple of Augustus in Psidian Antioch.

Margel decoration from the sanctuary of the moon god men at P. Antioch

Model of the Temple of Augustus at Psidian Antioch

Fragment of bowl early 1st c P. Antioch. Image of a man rowing/fish in the water / grapevine. Scholars say this could refer to Dionysos god of war or Christian disciples as fisherman.