Inside The Secret Market for Ancient Bible Manuscripts

Stolen from the ground. Sold through shadowy dealers. Displayed in world-famous museums. This is how many looted manuscripts travel from illegal digs to prestigious collections, and why almost no one faces consequences.

Papyrologist and author Roberta Mazza ("Stolen Fragments") joins us to pull back the curtain on the hidden antiquities trade fueling modern biblical scholarship. We trace how unprovenanced papyri and ancient texts move through dealers, auction houses, and collectors before landing in institutions like the Museum of the Bible, and examine the controversial collecting practices of the Green Collection (the family behind Hobby Lobby) that sparked a federal investigation.

This isn't just an archaeology story. It's about money, power, and who gets to own the ancient world.

📚 Reading Recommendations:

Stolen Fragments by Roberta Mazza

Bible Nation by Candida Moss and Joel Baden

Faces & Voices (blog by Roberta Mazza)

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🎙️ Credits

Guest: Dr. Roberta Mazza

Hosted and edited by Dr. Jordan Jones

Bible & Archaeology is a University of Iowa Office of Innovation production. The views and opinions expressed on Bible & Archaeology belong solely to the individuals who share them. They do not represent the positions of the University of Iowa or the State of Iowa.