Qumran and the Essenes: A Re-Evaluation of the Evidence

by Lena Cansdale

Publisher:

Mohr Siebeck

, 1997

Overview

The main thrust of the book is an examination of the settlement of Qumran to discover its connection with the Essenes and the Dead Sea Scrolls. In her investigation, Lena Cansdale uses archaeological evidence, the writings of ancient authors (including the writers of the scrolls), the reports of nineteenth-century explorers, and researches in many disciplines up to the present day. She reexamines the concept of Qumran as an Essene monastery where the Dead Sea Scrolls were written and proposes alternative functions for Qumran and possible authors of the scrolls. Her examination of Qumran extends over the whole Dead Sea region with particular emphasis on its climate, agricultural activity, and mineral wealth. The ancient trade routes by land and sea are traced and their importance to Qumran is considered.

The book starts with an overview of Qumran scholarship and archaeology and the change in emphasis in Dead Sea Scrolls studies, triggered by the recent availability of the closely guarded fragments. A detailed study is made of the internal evidence of the scrolls in comparison with the Essene belief, the position of women, the practices of various Jewish sects, and early Christian origins. Cansdale challenges some of the well-entrenched theories about Qumran, the Essenes, and the Dead Sea Scrolls.

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Key Features

• Discusses Qumran’s connection with the Essenes and the Dead Sea Scrolls
• Reexamines the concept of Qumran as an Essene monastery
• Proposes alternative functions for Qumran and possible authors of the scrolls

Contents

• Brief History of Scroll Finds and Literature Review
• The Essenes
• Some Inconsistencies within the Rule Scrolls
• Were the Scrolls addressed to all the People of the Jewish Nation?
• Status of Women Members of the Scroll Community
• Comparison of the Scroll Community with the Essenes
• Comparison of the Scroll Community with other Jewish Sects
• Scroll Finds–Past and Present
• The Name and Identity of Qumran
• Was Qumran Part of a Land and Sea Trade Route Network?
• Archaeology of Qumran: The Cisterns
• Archaeology of Qumran: Tower and “Scriptorium”
• Archaeology of Qumran: Industrial Workshops; Finds of Pottery, Glass, Stone, Bone and Coins
• Archaeology of the Surroundings: Cemeteries and Caves
• Settlements near Qumran: Ain Feshkha & other Villages
• The Priestly City of Jericho and its Connection with Qumran

Product Details

• Title: Qumran and the Essenes: A Re-Evaluation of the Evidence
• Author: Lena Cansdale
• Series: Texte und Studien zum Antiken Judentum
• Volume: 60
• Publisher: Mohr Siebeck
• Print Publication Date: 1997
• Logos Release Date: 2014
• Pages: 232
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subjects: Qumran community; Essenes; Dead Sea Scrolls
• ISBNs: 3161467191, 9783161467196
• Resource ID: LLS:QMRNSSNSRVLTNVD
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-30T02:32:17Z

About Lena Cansdale

Lena Cansdale was a student of Alan D. Crown’s at the University of Sydney, where she studied archaeology.