Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Germany
Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Zwickel, Emeritus
Professor Emeritus of Old Testament and Biblical Archaeology
Department of Protestant Theology
Official University Profile: Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz – Wolfgang Zwickel
Expertise: Old Testament Studies; Biblical Archaeology; History of Ancient Israel; Ancient Near Eastern Archaeology; Archaeology of Palestine; Religious History of Ancient Israel; Temple Studies; Cult and Ritual Studies; Social History of the Ancient Near East.
CURRICULUM VITAE
Academic Profile
Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Zwickel is Professor Emeritus of Old Testament and Biblical Archaeology at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz. He is internationally recognized for his interdisciplinary research combining Hebrew Bible studies, archaeology, and the religious history of ancient Israel and the ancient Near East.
His scholarship focuses on the historical and cultural environment of the Hebrew Bible, especially the archaeology of Palestine, Israelite religion, ancient cult practices, and the relationship between archaeological discoveries and biblical traditions.
Prof. Zwickel has made significant contributions to the study of ancient Israelite worship, temples, sanctuaries, ritual practices, and everyday life in biblical times. His research bridges textual studies and material evidence, providing important insights into the development of Israelite society and religion.
QUALIFICATIONS
1977–1983
Studies in Protestant Theology, University of Tübingen.
1983
First Theological Examination.
1986
Doctorate (Dr. theol.), University of Tübingen.
1990
Habilitation in Old Testament Studies and Biblical Archaeology, University of Tübingen.
ACADEMIC POSITIONS AND APPOINTMENTS
Professor Emeritus of Old Testament and Biblical Archaeology, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz.
Professor of Old Testament and Biblical Archaeology, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz.
Academic positions at the Universities of Tübingen, Munich, and Mainz.
Director and participant in archaeological research projects in the Near East.
Member of numerous international societies for biblical studies, archaeology, and ancient Near Eastern studies.
RESEARCH
Prof. Zwickel’s research focuses on the historical, archaeological, and religious world of ancient Israel and the southern Levant. His work examines how archaeological remains, ancient texts, and cultural practices illuminate the development of Israelite religion and society.
A central area of his scholarship is the study of cult and ritual in ancient Israel, including temples, sanctuaries, sacrifices, priesthood, and religious practices. He has also conducted extensive research on the archaeology of Palestine, settlement history, and the interaction between Israel and neighboring cultures of the ancient Near East.
His interdisciplinary methodology combines biblical exegesis, archaeology, history, and cultural studies to reconstruct the social and religious realities behind the Hebrew Bible.
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Old Testament Studies
Biblical Archaeology
History of Ancient Israel
Ancient Near Eastern Archaeology
Archaeology of Palestine
Israelite Religion
Cult and Ritual Studies
Temple Studies
Sanctuaries of Ancient Israel
Social History of the Ancient Near East
Hebrew Bible in Historical Context
ACADEMIC LEADERSHIP
Professor Emeritus, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz.
Former Professor of Old Testament and Biblical Archaeology.
Director and participant in international archaeological research projects.
Member of international scholarly organizations in Biblical Studies and Ancient Near Eastern Archaeology.
Editor and contributor to numerous academic publications in Old Testament studies and archaeology.
PRIZES AND AWARDS
Recipient of academic research grants supporting biblical archaeology and Near Eastern studies.
Recognized internationally for contributions to Old Testament scholarship and biblical archaeology.
PUBLICATIONS
Selected Publications
The Ancient Near East and the Old Testament.
The Temple in Jerusalem: History and Archaeology.
Calwer Bibellexikon. (Co-author and contributor.)
Das Heilige Land: Geschichte und Archäologie.
Religion und Kult im Alten Israel.
Author and editor of numerous books and articles on Old Testament studies, biblical archaeology, ancient Israelite religion, cult practices, and the archaeology of the southern Levant.