Who Wrote the Dead Sea Scrolls?

The Dead Sea Scrolls, discovered by Bedouin shepherds between 1946 and 1947, are considered one of the greatest archaeological finds of the 20th century. Comprising 972 texts, they include copies of the Hebrew Bible and unique sectarian writings. The scrolls were found in caves near Qumran, and evidence suggests they were written by a Jewish sectarian community, possibly the Essenes. Despite the destruction of Qumran in 68 CE, the Essenes may have survived, leaving a lasting impact on religious studies.

What event led to the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls?

• An archaeological dig uncovered them.

• A shepherd stumbled upon them while herding sheep.

• A rock thrown into a cave broke pottery containing the scrolls.

• A flood exposed them in a cave.

What is the significance of the Dead Sea Scrolls?

• They provide insight into ancient Egyptian culture.

• They are the oldest known copies of the New Testament.

• They contain the original Ten Commandments.

• They are considered the greatest archaeological discovery of the 20th century.

What is the primary method used to date the Dead Sea Scrolls?

• Carbon dating

• Paleography

• DNA analysis

• Thermoluminescence

What percentage of the Dead Sea Scrolls are sectarian writings?

• 70%

• 10%

• 30%

• 50%

What evidence at Qumran supports the idea of communal dining?

• Remains of large feasts

• Written records of communal meals

• Discovery of a large dining hall

• Presence of over 1000 stacked dishes

Which Jewish sect is hypothesized to have written the Dead Sea Scrolls?

• Pharisees

• Sadducees

• Essenes

• Zealots

What did Pliny the Elder describe about the Essenes?

• They were a warrior tribe.

• They lived apart from the world.

• They were merchants.

• They were Roman allies.