List of Biblical Figures

List of biblical figures identified in extra-biblical sources
These are biblical figures unambiguously identified in contemporary sources according to

scholarly consensus. Biblical figures that are identified in artifacts of questionable authenticity,
for example the Jehoash Inscription and the bullae of Baruch ben Neriah, or who are mentioned
in ancient but non-contemporary documents, such as David and Balaam,[n 1] are excluded from
this list.
Hebrew Bible
Tiglath-Pileser III: stela from

the walls of his palace (British
Museum, London).
Although the first mention of the name 'Israel' in archaeology dates to the 13th century BC,[1]
contemporary information on the Israelite nation prior to the 9th century BC is extremely
sparse.[2] In the following centuries a small number of local Hebrew documents, mostly seals and
bullae, mention biblical characters, but more extensive information is available in the royal
inscriptions from neighbouring kingdoms, particularly Babylon, Assyria and Egypt.[2]
Date Biblical
Name Title Attestation and notes
(BCE)[n 2] references[n 3]
Identified as the murderer of his

Is. 37:38, 2
father Sennacherib in the Bible and
Kgs. 19:37 (htt
Prince of in an Assyrian letter to Esarhaddon
Adrammelech fl. 681 ps://www.esv.
Assyria (ABL (https://archive.org/details/assy
org/2+Kings+
rianandbaby10harpgoog) 1091),
19:37) †
where he is called "Arda-Mulissi".[3][4]
Identified in the contemporary Kurkh 1 Kgs. 17 (htt

Monolith inscription of Shalmaneser ps://www.esv.
III[5] which describes the Battle of org/1+Kings+
King of c. 874 – c. Qarqar and mentions "2,000 chariots, 17:1) , 2 Chr.
Ahab
Israel 853 10,000 soldiers of Ahab the Israelite" 18 (https://w
defeated by Shalmaneser, though ww.esv.org/2
the actual number of chariots is +Chronicles+
disputed.[6] 18:1)
Mentioned in a contemporary
2 Kgs. 16 (htt
Summary Inscription of Tiglath-
ps://www.esv.
Pileser III which records that he
King of c. 732 – c. org/2+Kings+
Ahaz received tribute from "Jehoahaz of
Judah 716 16:1) , Hos.
Judah".[7] Also identified in royal
1:1, Mi. 1:1, Is.
bullae belonging to Ahaz himself[8]
1:1
and his son Hezekiah.[9]
Also known as Hophra; named in

numerous contemporary inscriptions
Pharaoh of including those of the capitals of the
Apries 589–570 Jer. 44:30†
Egypt columns of his palace.[10][11]
Herodotus speaks of him in Histories
II, 161–171.[12]
Neh. 2:1 (http

Widely identified with "Artaxerxes" in
s://www.esv.o
the book of Nehemiah.[13][14] He is
rg/Nehemiah
also found in the writings of
King of +2:1) , Neh.
Artaxerxes I 465–424 contemporary historian
Persia 5:14 (https://
Thucydides.[15] Scholars are divided
www.esv.org/
over whether the king in Ezra's time
Nehemiah+5:
was the same, or Artaxerxes II.
14)
Date Biblical
Generally identified with "the great

and noble Osnappar", mentioned in
the Book of Ezra.[16][17] His name
King of 668 – c.
Ashurbanipal survives in his own writings, which Ezr. 4:10†
Assyria 627
describe his military campaigns
against Elam, Susa and other
nations.[18][19]
Dn. 5 (https://
www.esv.org/
Mentioned by his father Nabonidus Daniel+5:1) ,
in the Nabonidus Cylinder.[20] Dn. 7:1 (http
Coregent According to another Babylonian s://www.esv.o
Belshazzar c. 553–539
of Babylon tablet, Nabonidus "entrusted the rg/Daniel+7:
kingship to him" when he embarked 1) , Dn. 8:1 (h
on a lengthy military campaign.[21] ttps://www.es
v.org/Daniel+
8:1)
1 Kings 20 (ht
tps://bible.ore
mus.org/?pas
sage=1%20Ki
ngs%2020&v
ersion=nrsv)
1 Kings 22 (ht
tps://bible.ore
King of Mentioned in the Kurkh Monoliths as mus.org/?pas
Ben-Hadad II
Aram c. 865-842 one of the kings allegedly defeated sage=1%20Ki
(Hadadezer)
Damascus by Shalmaneser III of Assyria. ngs%2022&v
ersion=nrs
v) ,2 Kings
12 (https://bib
le.oremus.or
g/?passage=
2%20Kings%2
012&version=
nrsv)
Date Biblical
2 Kgs. 13:3 (ht

tps://www.es
v.org/2+Kings
King of Mentioned in the Zakkur Stele.[22] A
early 8th +13:3) , 2
Ben-Hadad III Aram son of Hazael, he is variously called
century Kgs. 13:24 (htt
Damascus Ben-Hadad/Bar-Hadad II/III.
ps://www.esv.
org/2+Kings+
13:24)
Is. 45:1 (http

s://www.esv.o
Appears in many ancient inscriptions,
rg/Isaiah+45:
King of most notably the Cyrus Cylinder.[23]
Cyrus II 559–530 1) , Dn. 1:21
Persia He is also mentioned in Herodotus'
(https://www.
Histories.
esv.org/Daniel
+1:21)
Mentioned in the books of Haggai,

Zechariah and Ezra.[24][25] He is the
King of Hg. 1:1, Ezr.
Darius I 522–486 author of the Behistun Inscription.
Persia 5:6
He is also mentioned in Herodotus'
Histories.
Is. 37:38 (http

s://www.esv.o
rg/Isaiah+37:
His name survives in his own
King of 38) , Ezr. 4:2,
Esarhaddon 681–669 writings, as well as in those of his son
Assyria 2 Kgs. 19:37
Ashurbanipal.[26][27]
(https://www.
esv.org/2+Kin
gs+19:37)
Amel-Marduk King of c. 562–560 His name (Akkadian Amēl-Marduk) 2 Kgs. 25:27

(Evil Merodach) Babylon and title were found on a vase from (https://www.
his palace,[28] and on several esv.org/2+Kin
[29]
cuneiform tablets. gs+25:27) ,
Jer. 52:31 (htt
ps://www.esv.
Date Biblical
org/Jeremiah
+52:31) †
1 Kgs. 19:15
(https://www.
esv.org/1+Kin
Shalmaneser III of Assyria records
gs+19:15) , 2
that he defeated Hazael in battle and
King of Kgs. 8:8 (http
c. 842 – c. captured many chariots and horses
Hazael Aram s://www.esv.o
800 from him.[30] Most scholars think that
Damascus rg/2+Kings+
Hazael was the author of the Tel Dan
8:8) , Am. 1:4
Stele.[31]
(https://www.
esv.org/Amos
+1:4)
2 Kgs. 16:20
An account is preserved by (https://www.
Sennacherib of how he besieged esv.org/2+Kin
"Hezekiah, the Jew", who "did not gs+16:20) ,
King of c. 715 – c. submit to my yoke", in his capital city Prv. 25:1 (http
Hezekiah
Judah 686 of Jerusalem.[32] A bulla was also s://www.esv.o
found bearing Hezekia's name and rg/Proverbs+
title, reading "Belonging to Hezekiah 25:1) , Hos.
[son of] Ahaz king of Judah".[9][33] 1:1, Mi. 1:1, Is.
1:1
2 Kgs. 15:30
(https://www.
He was put into power by Tilgath- esv.org/2+Kin
King of c. 732 – c. Pileser III, king of Assyria, as gs+15:30) , 2
Hoshea
Israel 723 recorded in his Annals, found in Kgs. 18:1 (http
Calah.[34] s://www.esv.o
rg/2+Kings+1
8:1)
2 Kgs. 13:10, 2
Mentioned in records of Adad-nirari Chr. 25:17 (htt
King of c. 798 – c.
Jehoash III of Assyria as "Jehoash of ps://www.esv.
Israel 782 [35][36]
Samaria". org/2+Chroni
cles+25:17)
Date Biblical
2 Kgs. 25:14
He was taken captive to Babylon
(https://www.
after Nebuchadrezzar first captured
esv.org/2+Kin
Jerusalem. Texts from
King of gs+25:14) ,
Jehoiachin 598–597 Nebuchadrezzar's Southern Palace
Judah Jer. 52:31 (htt
record the rations given to
ps://www.esv.
"Jehoiachin king of the Judeans"
org/Jeremiah
(Akkadian: Ya'ukin sar Yaudaya).[37]
+52:31)
1 Kgs. 19:16
(https://www.
King of c. 841 – c.
Jehu Mentioned on the Black Obelisk.[30] esv.org/1+Kin
Israel 814
gs+19:16) ,
Hos. 1:4
Neh. 12:22–23
(https://www.
High Priest c. 410 – c. Mentioned in a letter from the
Johanan esv.org/Nehe
of Israel 371 Elephantine Papyri.[38]
miah+12:2
2)
2 Kgs. 15:5 (ht

Identified as the father of King Ahaz tps://www.es
King of c. 740 – c. on a contemporary clay bulla, v.org/2+Kings
Jotham
Judah 732 reading "of Ahaz [son of] Jotham +15:5) , Hos.
[8]
king of Judah". 1:1, Mi. 1:1, Is.
1:1
2 Kgs. 20:21
(https://www.
Mentioned in the writings of
esv.org/2+Kin
Esarhaddon, who lists him as one of
King of c. 687 – c. gs+20:21) ,
Manasseh the kings who had brought him gifts
Judah 643 Jer. 15:4 (http
and aided his conquest of
s://www.esv.o
Egypt.[27][39]
rg/Jeremiah+
15:4)
Menahem King of c. 752 – c. The annals of Tiglath-Pileser (ANET3 2 Kgs. 15:14–

[40]
Israel 742 283) record that Menahem paid 23 (https://w
ww.esv.org/2
Date Biblical
him tribute, as stated in the Books of +Kings+15:1
Kings.[41] 4)
King of
Mesha fl. c. 840 Author of the Mesha Stele.[42] 2 Kgs. 3:4†
Moab
Is. 39:1 (http

s://www.esv.o
Named in the Great Inscription of
rg/Isaiah+39:
Sargon II in his palace at
Merodach- King of 1) , 2 Kgs.
722–710 Khorsabat.[43] Also called "Berodach-
Baladan Babylon 20:12 (https://
Baladan" (Akkadian: Marduk-apla-
www.esv.org/
iddina).
2+Kings+20:1
2) †
Ez. 26:7 (http

s://www.esv.o
rg/Ezekiel+26:
Mentioned in numerous
7) , Dn. 1:1 (h
contemporary sources, including the
ttps://www.es
Nebuchadnezzar King of inscription of the Ishtar Gate, which
c. 605–562 v.org/Daniel+
II Babylon he built.[44] Also called
1:1) , 2 Kgs.
Nebuchadrezzar (Akkadian: Nabû-
24:1 (https://
kudurri-uṣur).
www.esv.org/
2+Kings+24:
1)
Jer. 52:12, 2
Mentioned in a prism in Istanbul (No. Kgs. 25:8 (http
Babylonian
Nebuzaradan fl. c. 587 7834), found in Babylon where he is s://www.esv.o
official
listed as the "chief cook".[45][46] rg/2+Kings+2
5:8)
Chief
Listed as Nabu-sharrussu-ukin in a
Nebo-Sarsekim Eunuch of fl. c. 587 Jer. 39:3†
Babylonian tablet.[47][48]
Babylon
Necho II Pharaoh of c. 610 – c. Mentioned in the writings of 2 Kgs. 23:29

Egypt 595 Ashurbanipal[49] (https://www.
esv.org/2+Kin
gs+23:29) ,
Date Biblical
Jer. 46:2 (http
s://www.esv.o
rg/Jeremiah+
46:2)
1 Kgs. 16:16
Mentioned, together with his (https://www.
unnamed son or successor, on the esv.org/1+Kin
King of c. 880 – c. Mesha Stele.[42] His eponymous gs+16:16) ,
Omri
Israel 874 dynasty became the Assyrian Mi. 6:16 (http
Empire's byname for the Israelite s://www.esv.o
[50][51]
kingdom. rg/Micah+6:1
6)
2 Kgs. 15:25
(https://www.
esv.org/2+Kin
King of c. 740 – c. Mentioned in the annals of Tiglath-
Pekah gs+15:25) ,
Israel 732 Pileser III.[34]
Is. 7:1 (https://
www.esv.org/I
saiah+7:1)
2 Kgs. 16:7–9
A tributary of Tiglath-Pileser III of (https://www.
King of Assyria and the last king of Aram esv.org/2+Kin
[52]
Rezin Aram died c. 732 Damascus. According to the Bible, gs+16:7) , Is.
Damascus he was eventually put to death by 7:1 (https://w
Tiglath-Pileser. ww.esv.org/Is
aiah+7:1)
Neh. 2:10 (htt

A leading figure of the opposition ps://www.esv.
which Nehemiah encountered during org/Nehemia
Governor the rebuilding of the walls around h+2:10) ,
Sanballat fl. 445
of Samaria the temple in Jerusalem. Sanballat is Neh. 13:28 (ht
mentioned in the Elephantine tps://www.es
Papyri.[38][53] v.org/Nehemi
ah+13:28)
Date Biblical
He besieged and conquered the city

of Samaria and took many thousands
captive, as recorded in the Bible and
King of in an inscription in his royal
Sargon II 722–705 Is. 20:1†
Assyria palace.[54] His name, however, does
not appear in the biblical account of
this siege, but only in reference to
his siege of Ashdod.
2 Kgs. 18:13
The author of a number of (https://www.
King of
Sennacherib 705–681 inscriptions discovered near esv.org/2+Kin
Assyria
Nineveh.[55] gs+18:13) ,
Is. 36:1
2 Kgs. 17:3 (ht

tps://www.es
Mentioned on several royal palace
v.org/2+Kings
weights found at Nimrud.[56] Another
King of +17:3) , 2
Shalmaneser V 727–722 inscription was found that is thought
Assyria Kgs. 18:9 (http
to be his, but the name of the author
s://www.esv.o
is only partly preserved.[57]
rg/2+Kings+1
8:9) †
Is. 37:9 (http

Called "Tirhaka, the king of Kush" in s://www.esv.o
the books of Kings and Isaiah.[58] rg/Isaiah+37:
Pharaoh of
Several contemporary sources 9) , 2 Kgs.
Taharqa Egypt, King 690–664
mention him and fragments of three 19:9 (https://
of Kush
statues bearing his name were www.esv.org/
excavated at Nineveh.[59] 2+Kings+19:
9) †
Tattenai Governor fl. 520 Known from contemporary Ezr. 5:3 (http
of Eber- Babylonian documents.[60][61] He s://www.esv.o
Nari governed the Persian province west rg/Ezra+5:
of the Euphrates river during the 3) , Ezr. 6:13
reign of Darius I. (https://www.
Date Biblical
esv.org/Ezra+
6:13)
2 Kgs. 15:19
(https://www.
esv.org/2+Kin
gs+15:19) , 2
Kgs. 15:29 (htt
ps://www.esv.
Also called "Pul" in Second Kings. org/2+Kings+
Numerous writings are ascribed to 15:29) , 2
him and he is mentioned, among Kgs. 16:7 (http
King of
Tiglath-Pileser III 745–727 others, in an inscription by Barrakab, s://www.esv.o
Assyria
king of Sam'al.[62] He exiled rg/2+Kings+1
inhabitants of the cities he captured 6:7) , 2 Kgs.
in Israel. 16:10 (https://
www.esv.org/
2+Kings+16:1
0) , 1 Chr. 5:6
(https://www.
esv.org/1+Chr
onicles+5:6)
Est. 1:1 (http

s://www.esv.o
Called Ahasuerus in the books of
rg/Esther+1:
Ezra and Esther.[17][63] Xerxes is
1) , Dn. 9:1 (h
known in archaeology through a
King of ttps://www.es
Xerxes I 486–465 number of tablets and
Persia v.org/Daniel+
monuments,[64] notably the "Gate of
9:1) , Ezr. 4:6
All Nations" in Persepolis. He is also
(https://www.
mentioned in Herodotus' Histories.
esv.org/Ezra+
4:6)
Deuterocanonicals
Cleopatra Thea with her first husband,

Alexander Balas
While the deuterocanon describes events between the eighth and second centuries BCE, most
historically identifiable people mentioned in the deuterocanon lived around the time of the
Maccabean Revolt (167–160 BCE), during which Judea was part of the Seleucid Empire. Coins
featuring the names of rulers had become widespread and many of them were inscribed with the
year number in the Seleucid era, allowing them to be dated precisely.
First-hand information comes also from the Greek historian Polybius (c. 200 – c. 118 BCE), whose
Histories covers much of the same period as the Books of Maccabees, and from Greek and
Babylonian inscriptions. Josephus also discusses the Maccabean Revolt in some detail in Jewish
Antiquities Book XII, although the Greek version of the book of 1 Maccabees was one of
Josephus's main sources, so Antiquities is considered by some scholars a circular reference rather
than truly independent confirmation.[65]
Date Scriptural
Name[n 4] Title Attestation and Notes
1 Macc. 10:1
(https://bible.
oremus.org/?
passage=1%2
0Maccabees%
Pretended to be a son of Antiochus 2010:1&versio
Alexander King of Epiphanes, as he is also described in 1 n=nrsvae) , 1
150–146
Balas Asia[n 5] Maccabees.[66] Mentioned in Polybius' Macc. 11:1 (ht
Histories.[67] tps://bible.ore
mus.org/?pas
sage=1%20M
accabees%20
11:1&version
=nrsvae)
1 Macc. 1:1 (h
ttps://bible.or
emus.org/?pa
ssage=1%20
Maccabees%2
01:1&version
=nrsvae) , 1
Macc. 6:2 (htt
ps://bible.ore
Referred to by Athenian orator mus.org/?pas
Alexander the King of [68][69]
336–323 Aeschines, and identified on his sage=1%20M
Great Macedon [70]
coins. accabees%20
6:2&version=
nrsvae) 1
Macc. 1:10 (ht
tps://bible.ore
mus.org/?pas
sage=1%20M
accabees%20
1:10&version
=nrsvae) †
Date Scriptural
1 Macc. 1:10
(https://bible.
oremus.org/?
passage=1%2
0Maccabees%
201:10&versio
Mentioned by contemporary historian
Antiochus III King of n=nrsvae) , 1
222–187 Polybius.[71][72] and coins with his
the Great Asia Macc. 8:6 (htt
name have survived.[73]
ps://bible.ore
mus.org/?pas
sage=1%20M
accabees%20
8:6&version=
nrsvae)
1 Macc. 10:1
(https://bible.
oremus.org/?
passage=1%2
0Maccabees%
2010:1&versio
Antiochus IV King of Known from Polybius' Histories[74][75] n=nrsvae) , 2
175–164
Epiphanes Asia and from contemporary coins.[76] Macc. 4:7 (htt
ps://bible.ore
mus.org/?pas
sage=2%20M
accabees%20
4:7&version=
nrsvae)
Antiochus V King of 163–161 Executed by his half-brother 2 Macc. 2:20

Eupator Asia Demetrius I when he was 11 years old. (https://bible.
Identified in an inscription from oremus.org/?
[77]
Dymi, and on contemporary passage=2%2
[78]
coins. 0Maccabees%
202:20&versio
n=nrsvae) , 2
Macc. 13:1 (ht
Date Scriptural
tps://bible.ore
mus.org/?pas
sage=2%20M
accabees%20
13:1&version
=nrsvae)
1 Macc. 11:39
(https://bible.
oremus.org/?
passage=1%2
0Maccabees%
Reigned only nominally, as he was 2011:39&versi
Antiochus VI King of very young when his father died,[79] on=nrsvae) ,
145–142
Dionysus Asia but he is identified on contemporary 1 Macc. 12:39
coins.[80] (https://bible.
oremus.org/?
passage=1%2
0Maccabees%
2012:39&versi
on=nrsvae)
1 Macc. 15 (ht
tps://bible.ore
Dethroned the usurper Tryphon. mus.org/?pas
Antiochus VII King of
138–129 Coinage from the period bears his sage=1%20M
Sidetes Asia
name.[81] accabees%20
15&version=n
rsvae) †
1 Macc. 15:22
(https://bible.
oremus.org/?
King of
Ariarathes V 163–130 Mentioned by Polybius.[82][83] passage=1%2
Cappadocia
0Maccabees%
2015:22&versi
on=nrsvae) †
Arsinoe III Queen of 220–204 Married to her brother, Ptolemy IV. 3 Macc. 1:1 (h
Egypt Several contemporary inscriptions ttps://bible.or
Date Scriptural
dedicated to them have been emus.org/?pa
[84]
found. ssage=3%20
Maccabees%2
01:1&version
=nrsvae) , 3
Macc. 1:4 (htt
ps://bible.ore
mus.org/?pas
sage=3%20M
accabees%20
1:4&version=
nrsvae) †
Bel and the

Dragon 1:1 (ht
tps://bible.ore
The contemporary Chronicle of
mus.org/?pas
King of Nabonidus refers to the mutiny on the
Astyages 585–550 sage=Bel%20
Medes battlefield as the cause for Astyages'
and%20the%2
overthrow.[85]
0Dragon%20
1:1&version=
nrsvae) †
1 Macc. 15:22
(https://bible.
oremus.org/?
Attalus II King of Known from the writings of
160–138 passage=1%2
Philadelphus Pergamon Polybius.[86][87]
0Maccabees%
2015:22&versi
on=nrsvae) †
Cleopatra Thea Queen of 126–121 First married to Alexander Balas,[88] 1 Macc.

Asia later to Demetrius II and Antiochus 10:57–58 (htt
VII, she became sole ruler after ps://bible.ore
Demetrius' death.[89] Her name and mus.org/?pas
portrait appear on period coinage.[89] sage=1%20M
accabees%20
10:57%E2%8
Date Scriptural
0%9358&versi
on=nrsvae) †
1 Macc. 1:1 (h
ttps://bible.or
Last king of the Achaemenid Empire, emus.org/?pa
King of
Darius III 336–330 defeated by Alexander the Great. ssage=1%20
Persia
Mentioned in the Samaria Papyri.[90] Maccabees%2
01:1&version
=nrsvae) †
1 Macc. 7:1 (h
ttps://bible.or
emus.org/?pa
ssage=1%20
Maccabees%2
A cuneiform tablet dated to 161 BCE 07:1&version
[91]
Demetrius I King of refers to him, and Polybius, who =nrsvae) , 1
161–150
Soter Asia personally interacted with Demetrius, Macc. 9:1 (htt
[92][93]
mentions him in his Histories. ps://bible.ore
mus.org/?pas
sage=1%20M
accabees%20
9:1&version=
nrsvae)
Demetrius II King of 145–138, Ruled over part of the kingdom, 1 Macc. 11:19
Nicator Asia 129 – 126 simultaneously with Antiochus VI and (https://bible.
Tryphon. He was defeated by oremus.org/?
Antiochus VII, but regained the throne passage=1%2
in 129 BCE. Mentioned in the 0Maccabees%
Babylonian Astronomical Diaries.[94] 2011:19&versi
on=nrsvae) ,
1 Macc. 13:34
(https://bible.
oremus.org/?
passage=1%2
0Maccabees%
Date Scriptural
2013:34&versi
on=nrsvae)
1 Macc. 11:39
(https://bible.
oremus.org/?
passage=1%2
0Maccabees%
Usurped the throne after the death of 2011:39&versi
Diodotus King of Antiochus VI. Although Antiochus VII on=nrsvae) ,
142–138
Tryphon Asia melted down most of his coins, some 1 Macc. 12:39
have been found in Orthosias.[81] (https://bible.
oremus.org/?
passage=1%2
0Maccabees%
2012:39&versi
on=nrsvae)
1 Macc. 8:8 (h
ttps://bible.or
emus.org/?pa
Eumenes II King of Several of his letters have survived,[95]
197–159 ssage=1%20
Soter Pergamom and he is mentioned by Polybius.[96]
Maccabees%2
08:8&version
=nrsvae) †
Heliodorus Seleucid fl. 178 Identified in contemporary 2 Macc. 3:7 (h

[97][98]
legate inscriptions. ttps://bible.or
emus.org/?pa
ssage=2%20
Maccabees%2
03:7&version
=nrsvae) , 2
Macc. 5:18 (ht
tps://bible.ore
mus.org/?pas
sage=2%20M
accabees%20
Date Scriptural
5:18&version
=nrsvae)
1 Macc. 14:2–
3 (https://bibl
e.oremus.or
g/?passage=
1%20Maccab
ees%2014:2%
E2%80%933&
Also called Arsaces.[86] He captured
King of version=nrsva
Mithridates I 165–132 Demetrius II as recorded in the
Parthia e) , 1 Macc.
Babylonian Astronomical Diaries.[94]
15:22 (https://
bible.oremus.
org/?passage
=1%20Macca
bees%2015:22
&version=nrs
vae) †
1 Macc. 8:5 (h
ttps://bible.or
[99]
Son of Philip V. Mentioned by emus.org/?pa
King of
Perseus 179–168 Polybius.[100] and identified on his ssage=1%20
Macedon
coins.[101] Maccabees%2
08:5&version
=nrsvae) †
Philip II King of 359–336 Father of Alexander the Great. Known 1 Macc. 1:1 (h
Macedon from contemporary coins,[102] and ttps://bible.or
[68][69]
mentioned by Aeschines. emus.org/?pa
ssage=1%20
Maccabees%2
01:1&version
=nrsvae) , 1
Macc. 6:2 (htt
ps://bible.ore
mus.org/?pas
sage=1%20M
Date Scriptural
accabees%20
6:2&version=
nrsvae) †
1 Macc. 8:5 (h
ttps://bible.or
emus.org/?pa
King of His name appears on his coins,[103]
Philip V 221–179 ssage=1%20
Macedon and in Polybius' Histories.[104]
Maccabees%2
08:5&version
=nrsvae) †
3 Macc. 1:1 (h
ttps://bible.or
emus.org/?pa
ssage=3%20
Maccabees%2
Mentioned together with his wife and 01:1&version
Ptolemy IV King of sister Arsinoe III in contemporary =nrsvae) , 3
221–204
Philopator Egypt inscriptions from Syria and Macc. 3:12 (ht
[84]
Phoenicia. tps://bible.ore
mus.org/?pas
sage=3%20M
accabees%20
3:12&version
=nrsvae)
Ptolemy VI King of 180–145 Referred to in ancient inscriptions,[105] 1 Macc. 1:18

Philometor Egypt and mentioned by Polybius.[106] (https://bible.
oremus.org/?
passage=1%2
0Maccabees%
201:18&versio
n=nrsvae) , 2
Macc. 9:29 (ht
tps://bible.ore
mus.org/?pas
sage=2%20M
accabees%20
Date Scriptural
9:29&version
=nrsvae)
3 Macc. 2:1 (h
ttps://www.bi
blegateway.co
m/passage/?s
earch=3+Mac
cabees+2%3A
1&version=N
RSV) ,
Sirach 50:1 (ht

tps://www.bib
Late 3rd Praised in Sirach for his apparent role
legateway.co
High Priest century- in repairing and fortifying the Temple
Simon II m/passage/?s
of Israel early 2nd in Jerusalem, also briefly mentioned in
earch=Sirach
century Josephus' Antiquities.[107]
+50%3A1&ve
rsion=NRS
V) , Sirach
50:20 (https://
www.biblegat
eway.com/pas
sage/?search
=Sirach+50%
3A20&version
=NRSV) , †
New Testament
The Blacas Cameo (20–50 AD)

depicting Roman emperor
Augustus
By far the most important and most detailed sources for first-century Jewish history are the
works of Jewish historian Flavius Josephus (37 – c. 100 AD).[108][109] These books mention many
of the same prominent political figures as the New Testament books and are crucial for
understanding the historical background of the emergence of Christianity.[110] Josephus also
mentions Jesus and the execution of John the Baptist[111] although he was not a contemporary of
either. Apart from Josephus, information about some New Testament figures comes from Roman
historians such as Tacitus and Suetonius and from ancient coins and inscriptions.
Persons mentioned in the Gospels
Biblical
Name[n 6] Title Attestation and Notes references
[n 3]
Reigned between 27 BC and 14 AD, during which time

Jesus was born. He left behind a wealth of buildings, Lk. 2:1 (htt
[112]
Augustus Emperor of coins and monuments, including a funerary ps://www.
Caesar Rome inscription in which he described his life and esv.org/Lu
accomplishments. His life is also described in detail by ke+2:1) †
several ancient Roman historians.
Mentioned by Josephus in the Antiquities of the

Jews.[113] In 1990, workers found an ornate limestone
Jn. 18:13
ossuary while paving a road in the Peace Forest south
(https://w
of the Abu Tor neighborhood of Jerusalem.[114][115] This
ww.esv.or
ossuary appeared authentic and contained human
g/John+1
remains. An Aramaic inscription on the side was
8:13)
High Priest thought to read "Joseph son of Caiaphas" and on the
Caiaphas Jn. 11:49
of Israel basis of this the bones of an elderly man were
(https://w
considered to belong to the High Priest
ww.esv.or
Caiaphas.[114][116] In 2011, archaeologists from Bar-Ilan
g/John+1
University announced the recovery of a stolen ossuary,
1:49)
It is inscribed with the text: "Miriam, daughter of
Lk. 3:2
Yeshua, son of Caiaphas, Priest of Ma’aziah from Beth
‘Imri".
Lk. 3:1, Mt.

14:1 (http
Tetrarch of A son of Herod the Great. Mentioned in Antiquities[117]
Herod s://www.es
Galilee and and Wars of the Jews.[118] Both Mark, Matthew, Luke
Antipas v.org/Matt
Perea and Josephus record that he killed John the Baptist.
hew+14:
1)
Ethnarch of
A son of Herod the Great. He is known from the
Herod Judea,
writings of Flavius Josephus[117] and from contemporary Mt. 2:22†
Archelaus Samaria and
coins.[119]
Edom
Herod the King of Mentioned by his friend, the historian Nicolaus of Mt. 2:1, Lk.
[120][121]
Great Judea Damascus and by Josephus in the Antiquities. 1:5 (http
Biblical
[n 3]
His name is also found on contemporary Jewish s://www.es

[119]
coins. v.org/Luke
+1:5)
Mt. 14:3 (h
ttps://ww
The wife of Herod Antipas.[122] According to the w.esv.org/
synoptic gospels, she was formerly married to Antipas's Matthew+
Herodian brother Philip, apparently Philip the Tetrarch. However, 14:3) ,
Herodias
princess Josephus writes that her first husband was Herod II. Mk. 6:17 (h
Many scholars view this as a contradiction, but some ttps://ww
[123]
have suggested that Herod II was also called Philip. w.esv.org/
Mark+6:1
7)
James the Bishop of The brother (or stepbrother or cousin, depending on Mk 6:3 (htt
Just Jerusalem the interpretation) of Jesus and the first Bishop of ps://bible.
and relative Jerusalem. He is mentioned by Josephus in the oremus.or
[124]
of Jesus Antiquities, which state that he was arrested and g/?passag
stoned to death by order of High Priest Ananus ben e=Mark%2
Ananus. Ananus's decision angered Roman procurator 06:3&versi
Lucceius Albinus and local king Herod Agrippa II, who on=nrs
had him removed from his post. v) , Mt
13:55–56
(https://bi
ble.oremu
s.org/?pas
sage=Matt
hew%201
3:55%E2%
80%9356&
version=nr
sv) , Gal
1:19 (http
s://bible.or
emus.or
g/?passag
Biblical
[n 3]
e=Galatian
s%201:19
&version=
nrsv)
All four
The founder of Christianity, he was a Jewish itinerant Gospels,
preacher who clashed with the Jewish authorities, was most
Jesus of arrested and handed over to Roman prefect Pontius Pauline
The Messiah
Nazareth Pilate, who had him crucified. He is mentioned by epistles,
[125]
Josephus in the Antiquities and by Tacitus in his and most
[126]
Annals. catholic
epistles.
A Jewish itinerant preacher, known for having baptized

Jewish Jesus. He is mentioned by Josephus in the
John the All four
itinerant Antiquities,[127] which state that he was arrested and
Baptist Gospels
preacher executed by order of the ethnarch of Galilea Herod
Antipas.
The three
Synoptic
Matthew Disciple of He is identified in The Talmud as a disciple of Jesus,
Gospels
the Apostle Christ Mattai, who is slated to be executed.[128]
and Book
of Acts
On Wednesday, 27 July 2011, the Turkish news agency

Jn 12:21 (h
Anadolu reported that archaeologists had unearthed a
ttps://ww
tomb that the project leader claims to be the tomb of
w.esv.org/J
Saint Philip during excavations in Hierapolis close to the
ohn+12:2
Philip the Bishop of Turkish city Denizli. The Italian archaeologist, Professor
1) Jn
Apostle Hierapolis Francesco D'Andria stated that scientists had
1:43 (http
discovered the tomb within a newly revealed church. He
s://www.es
stated that the design of the tomb, and writings on its
v.org/John
walls, definitively prove it belonged to the martyred
+1:43)
apostle of Jesus.[129]
Philip the Tetrarch of Josephus writes that he shared the kingdom of his Lk. 3:1
Tetrarch Iturea and father with his brothers Herod Antipas and Herod
Biblical
[n 3]
Trachonitis Archelaus.[130] His name and title appear on coinage

from the period.[131][132]
He ordered Jesus's execution. A stone inscription was

Mt. 27:2,
found that mentions his name and title: "[Po]ntius
Jn. 19:15–
Pilatus, [Praef]ectus Iuda[ea]e" (Pontius Pilate, prefect of
Pontius Prefect of 16 (http
Judaea),[133][134] see Pilate Stone. He is mentioned by his
Pilate Judea s://www.es
contemporary Philo of Alexandria in his Embassy to
v.org/John
Gaius, by Josephus in The Jewish War and the
+19:15)
Antiquities and by Tacitus in his Annals.
Conducted a census while governing Syria as reported

Lk. 2:2 (htt
Publius by Luke and Josephus,[135] and confirmed by a tomb
Governor of ps://www.
Sulpicius inscription of one Quintus Aemilius Secundus, who had
Syria esv.org/Lu
Quirinius served under him.[136] He is mentioned by Josephus in
ke+2:2)
the Antiquities and by Tacitus in the Annals.
Mt. 14:6 (h
ttps://ww
w.esv.org/
A daughter of Herodias.[122] Although she is not named
Matthew+
in the Gospels, but referred to as 'the daughter of
Herodian 14:6) ,
Salome Herodias', she is commonly identified with Salome,
princess Mk. 6:22 (h
Herodias' daughter, mentioned in Josephus'
ttps://ww
Antiquities.[137]
w.esv.org/
Mark+6:2
2)
A prominent apostle of Jesus and the first Bishop of

Rome. He is mentioned by Ignatius of Antioch's Letter
Peter the Mt. 4:18-
Simon Peter to the Romans and to the Smyrnaeans, and the First
Apostle 20, Mt. 16
Epistle to the Corinthians by Clement, who also says
that Peter died as a martyr.[138][139][140][141]
Named in many inscriptions and on Roman coins.

Tiberius Emperor of Among other accounts, some of his deeds are
Lk. 3:1
Caesar Rome described by contemporary historian Velleius (died c. 31
CE).[142]
Persons mentioned in the New Testament outside the Gospels
Biblical
references[n 3]
Ananias son He held the office between c. 47 and 59 CE, as

High Priest Acts 23:2, Acts
of recorded by Josephus,[143] and presided over the
of Israel 24:1†
Nedebaios trial of Paul.
Acts 23:24 (htt

ps://www.esv.
Mentioned by historians Josephus,[144] Suetonius[145]
org/Acts+23:2
Antonius Procurator of and Tacitus[146] He imprisoned the apostle Paul
4) , Acts
Felix Judea around the year 58 CE, two years before Porcius
25:14 (https://
Festus replaced him.[147]
www.esv.org/
Acts+25:14)
1 Cor 3:6 (http

Both Paul and Clement affirmed that he was a s://www.esv.o
Apollos
Christian in Corinth.[138] rg/1+Corinthi
ans+3:6)
According to Paul, Aretas' governor in Damascus 2 Cor. 11:32

tried to arrest him. Besides being mentioned by (https://www.
Aretas IV King of the
Josephus,[148] his name is found in several esv.org/2+Cor
Philopatris Nabateans
contemporary inscriptions[149] and on numerous inthians+11:3
coins.[150] 2) †
Acts 25:23 (htt

A daughter of Herod Agrippa I. She appears to have
ps://www.esv.
had almost equal power to her brother Herod
org/Acts+25:2
Herodian Agrippa II (with whom she was rumored to have an
Berenice 3) , Acts
princess incestuous relationship, according to Josephus)[144]
26:30 (https://
and is indeed called Queen Berenice in Tacitus's
www.esv.org/
Histories.[151]
Acts+26:30)
Acts 11:28 (htt

ps://www.esv.
Like other Roman emperors, his name is found on org/Acts+11:2
Claudius Emperor of
numerous coins[152] and monuments, such as the 8) , Acts 18:2
Caesar Rome
Porta Maggiore in Rome. (https://www.
esv.org/Acts+
18:2) †
Biblical
references[n 3]
Acts 24:24 (htt

Herodian Married to Antonius Felix, according to the Book of ps://www.esv.
Drusilla
princess Acts and Josephus' Antiquities.[144][153] org/Acts+24:2
4) †
Seneca the Younger, his brother, mentions him in his

Lucius
epistles to Lucilius Junior.[154] In Delphi, an
Junius Proconsul of Acts 18:12–
inscription, dated to 52 CE, was discovered that
Gallio Achaea 17†
records a letter by emperor Claudius, in which Gallio
Annaeanus
is also named as proconsul[155]
He is named as the father of Simon by Flavius

Gamaliel Rabbi of the Josephus in his autobiography.[156] In the Talmud he Acts 5:34, Acts
the Elder Sanhedrin is also described as a prominent member of the 22:3†
[157]
Sanhedrin.
Acts 12:1 (htt

Although his name is given as Herod by Luke,[n 8]
ps://www.esv.
and as Agrippa by Josephus,[158] the accounts both
org/Acts+12:
Herod King of writers give about his death are so similar that they
1) , Acts
Agrippa I Judea are commonly accepted to refer to the same
12:21 (https://
person.[22][159] Hence many modern scholars call him
www.esv.org/
Herod Agrippa (I).
Acts+12:21)
Acts 25:23 (htt

ps://www.esv.
He ruled alongside his sister Berenice. Josephus
org/Acts+25:2
Herod King of writes about him in his Antiquities,[144] and his name
3) , Acts 26:1
Agrippa II Judea is found inscribed on contemporary Jewish
(https://www.
coins.[119]
esv.org/Acts+
26:1)
Christian
John of Mentioned by his contemporary Ignatius of
prophet and Rev. 1
Patmos Antioch[160]
writer
Acts 5:37 (htt

Leader of a Jewish revolt. Both the Book of Acts and
Judas of Galilean ps://www.esv.
Josephus[135] tell of a rebellion he instigated in the
Galilee rebel org/Acts+5:3
time of the census of Quirinius.[161]
7) †
Biblical
references[n 3]
Rev. 13:18, 2
Thes. 2:3 (http
Nero Emperor of
Depicted in contemporary coins.[162] s://www.esv.o
Caesar Rome
rg/2+Thessalo
nians+2:3) †
Mention by Ignatius of Antioch's Epistle to the

Romans and Epistle to the Ephesians, Polycarp's
Paul the Christian Epistle to the Philippians, and in Clement of Rome's Gal. 1, 1 Cor.
Apostle apostle Epistle to the Corinthians, who also says that Paul 1
suffered martyrdom and that he had preached in
the East and in the Far West[163][164][140][165]
Acts 24:27,
Acts 26:25 (htt
Porcius Governor of Succeeded Antonius Felix, as recorded by Josephus
ps://www.esv.
Festus Judea and the Book of Acts.[166][167]
org/Acts+26:2
5)
Tentatively identified
These are Biblical figures for which tentative but likely identifications have been found in
contemporary sources based on matching names and credentials. The possibility of coincidental
matching of names cannot be ruled out however.
Hebrew Bible (Protocanonical Old Testament)
Timeline showing the kings of Israel and

Judah according to the chronology from
Edwin R. Thiele. Kings that are known from
contemporary extra-biblical sources are
highlighted in yellow. Tentatively identified
kings are highlighted in orange.
Ahaziah/Amaziah, King of Judah. The Tel Dan Stele contains, according to many scholars, an
account by a Syrian king (probably Hazael), claiming to have slain "[Ahaz]iahu, son of [... kin]g
of the house of David", who reigned c. 850 – 849 BCE.[168][169] However, an alternative view,
which dates the inscription half a century later, is that the name should be reconstructed as
'[Amaz]iahu', who reigned c. 796–767 BCE.[170]
Asaiah, servant of king Josiah (2 Kings 22:12). A seal with the text Asayahu servant of the king
probably belonged to him.[171]
Azaliah son of Meshullam, scribe in the Temple in Jerusalem: Mentioned in 2 Kings 22:3 and 2
Chronicles 34:8. A bulla reading "belonging to Azaliahu son of Meshullam." is likely to be his,
according to archaeologist Nahman Avigad.[172]
Azariah son of Hilkiah and grandfather of Ezra: Mentioned in 1 Chronicles 6:13,14; 9:11 and
Ezra 7:1. A bulla reading Azariah son of Hilkiah is likely to be his, according to Tsvi
Schneider.[173]
Baalis king of Ammon is mentioned in Jeremiah 40:14. In 1984 an Ammonite seal, dated to c.
600 BCE, was excavated in Tell El-`Umeiri, Jordan that reads "belonging to Milkomor, the servant
of Baalisha". Identification of 'Baalisha' with the biblical Baalis is likely,[174] but it is not currently
known if there was only one Ammonite king of that name.[175]
Ben-Hadad I, was identified by William F. Albright as the "Bar-Hadad, son of [...], king of Aram"
mentioned on the Melqart stele,[176] however, several other scholars, such as Kenneth
Kitchen,[177] dispute this identification, as the stele's inscription is damaged and there is no
outside evidence supporting this conclusion.
David, or more accurately his eponymous royal house, is mentioned in the Tel Dan Stele, see
above entry for Ahaziah.
Darius II of Persia, is mentioned by the contemporary historian Xenophon of Athens,[178] in the

Elephantine Papyri,[38] and other sources. 'Darius the Persian', mentioned in Nehemiah 12:22, is
probably Darius II, although some scholars identify him with Darius I or Darius III.[179][180]
Gedaliah son of Ahikam, governor of Judah. A seal impression with the name 'Gedaliah who is
over the house' is commonly identified with Gedaliah, son of Ahikam.[181]
Gedaliah son of Pashhur, an opponent of Jeremiah. A bulla bearing his name was found in the
City of David[182]
Gemariah (son of Shaphan), son of Shaphan the scribe. A bulla was found with the text "To
Gemaryahu ben Shaphan". This may have been the same person as "Gemariah son of Shaphan
the scribe" mentioned in Jeremiah 36:10,12.[183]
Geshem (Gusham) the Arab, mentioned in Nehemia 6:1,6 is likely the same person as Gusham,
king of Kedar, found in two inscriptions in Dedan and Tell el-Mashkutah (near the Suez
Canal)[184]
Hilkiah, high priest in the Temple in Jerusalem: Mentioned throughout 2 Kings 22:8–23:24 and
2 Chronicles 34:9–35:8 as well as in 1 Chronicles 6:13; 9:11 and Ezra 7:1. Hilkiah in extra-biblical
sources is attested by the clay bulla naming a Hilkiah as the father of an Azariah,[173] and by
the seal reading Hanan son of Hilkiah the priest.[185]
Isaiah, In February 2018 archaeologist Eilat Mazar announced that she and her team had
discovered a small seal impression which reads "[belonging] to Isaiah nvy" (could be
reconstructed and read as "[belonging] to Isaiah the prophet") during the Ophel excavations,
just south of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.[186] The tiny bulla was found "only 10 feet away"
from where an intact bulla bearing the inscription "[belonging] to King Hezekiah of Judah" was
discovered in 2015 by the same team.[187] Although the name "Isaiah" in Paleo-Hebrew
alphabet is unmistakable, the damage on the bottom left part of the seal causes difficulties in
confirming the word "prophet" or a common Hebrew name "Navi", casting some doubts
whether this seal really belongs to the prophet Isaiah.[188]
Jehoram, King of Israel (c. 852 – 841 BCE) is probably mentioned in the Tel Dan inscription.
According to the usual interpretation, the author of the text claims to have slain both Ahaziah
of Judah and "[Jeho]ram".[168][169] However, some scholars, reconstructing the pieces of the
stela differently, do not see "[..]ram" as the name of an Israelite king.[189]
Jehucal son of Shelemiah, an opponent of Jeremiah. Archaeologists excavated a bulla with his
name,[190] but some scholars question the dating of the seal to the time of Jeremiah.
Jerahmeel, prince of Judah. A bulla bearing his name was found.[191]
Jeroboam (II), king of Israel. A seal belonging to 'Shema, servant of Jeroboam', probably refers
to king Jeroboam II,[192] although some scholars think it was Jeroboam I.[175]
Jezebel, wife of king Ahab of Israel. A seal was found that may bear her name, but the dating
and identification with the biblical Jezebel is a subject of debate among scholars.[193]
Josiah, king of Judah. Three seals were found that may have belonged to his son Eliashib.[194]
Nathan-melech, one of Josiah's officials in 2 Kings 23:11. A clay bulla dated to the middle of
the seventh or beginning of the sixth century B.C was found in March 2019 during the Givati
Parking Lot dig excavation in the City of the David area of Jerusalem bearing the inscription, "
(belonging) to Nathan-melech, servant of the king."[195][196]
Nergal-sharezer, king of Babylon is probably identical to an official of Nebuchadnezzar II

mentioned in Jeremiah 39:3, 13.[132] A record of his war with Syria was found on a tablet from
the 'Neo-Babylonian Chronicle texts'.[197]
Seraiah son of Neriah. He was the brother of Baruch. Nahman Avigad identified him as the
owner of a seal with the name " to Seriahu/Neriyahu".[173]
The so-called Shebna Lintel
Shebna (or Shebaniah), royal steward of Hezekiah: only the last two letters of a name (hw)
survive on the so-called Shebna lintel, but the title of his position ("over the house" of the
king) and the date indicated by the script style, have inclined many scholars to identify the
person it refers to with Shebna.[198]
Shelomith, a daughter of Zerubbabel mentioned in the genealogy of 1 Chronicles 3:19. She

has been identified with the owner of a seal reading “Belonging to Shelomith, maidservant of
Elnathan the governor”.[199]
Sheshonq I, Pharaoh of Egypt, is normally identified with king Shishaq in the Hebrew Bible. The
account of Shishaq's invasion in the 5th year of Rehoboam (1 Kings 14:25–28) is thought to
correspond to an inscription found at Karnak of Shoshenq's campaign into Palestine.[200]
However, a minority of scholars reject this identification.[201]
Tou/Toi, king of Hamath. Several scholars have argued that Tou/Toi, mentioned in 2 Samuel 8:9
and 1 Chronicles 18:9, is identical with a certain 'Taita', king of 'Palistin', known from
inscriptions found in northern Syria.[202][203] However, others have challenged this identification
based on linguistic analysis and the uncertain dating of king Taita.[204]
Uzziah, king of Judah. The writings of Tiglath-Pileser III may refer to him, but this identification
is disputed.[205] There is also an inscription that refers to his bones, but it dates from the 1st
century CE.
Zedekiah, son of Hananiah (Jeremiah 36:12). A seal was found of "Zedekiah son of Hanani",
identification is likely, but uncertain.[206]
Deuterocanonicals or biblical apocrypha

Aretas I, King of the Nabataeans (fl. c. 169 BCE), mentioned in 2 Macc. 5:8 (https://bible.oremu
s.org/?passage=2%20Maccabees%205:8&version=nrsvae) , is probably referred to in an
inscription from Elusa.[207]
New Testament
'The Egyptian', who was according to Acts 21:38 the instigator of a rebellion, also appears to
be mentioned by Josephus, although this identification is uncertain.[208][209]
Joanna, wife of Chuza: An ossuary has been discovered bearing the inscription, "Johanna,
granddaughter of Theophilus, the High Priest.",[210] It is unclear if this was the same Joanna
since Johanna was the fifth most popular woman's name in Jewish Palestine.[211]
Sergius Paulus was proconsul of Cyprus (Acts 13:4–7), when Paul visited the island around 46–
48 CE.[212] Although several individuals with this name have been identified, no certain
identification can be made. One Quintus Sergius Paulus, who was proconsul of Cyprus
probably during the reign of Claudius (41–54 CE) is however compatible with the time and
context of Luke's account.[212][213]
Lysanias, was tetrarch of Abila around 28 CE, according to Luke (3:1). Because Josephus only
mentions a Lysanias of Abila who was executed in 36 BCE, some scholars have considered this
an error by Luke. However, one inscription from Abila, which is tentatively dated 14–29 CE,
appears to record the existence of a later tetrarch called Lysanias.[214][215]
Theudas. The sole reference to Theudas presents a problem of chronology. In Acts of the
Apostles, Gamaliel, a member of the sanhedrin, defends the apostles by referring to Theudas
(Acts 5:36–8). The difficulty is that the rising of Theudas is here given as before that of Judas of
Galilee, which is itself dated to the time of the taxation (c. 6–7 AD). Josephus, on the other
hand, says that Theudas was 45 or 46, which is after Gamaliel is speaking, and long after Judas
the Galilean.
See also
Biblical archaeology
Biblical figures
Chronology of Jesus
Historicity of the Bible
List of artifacts significant to the Bible
List of burial places of biblical figures
List of people in both the Bible and the Quran
Notes
1. Identified in the Tel Dan Stele and the Deir Alla Inscription respectively.
2. For kings and rulers these dates refer to their reigns. Dates for Israelite and Judahite kings are
according to the chronology of Edwin R. Thiele.
3. The dagger symbol (†) indicates that all occurrences in the Bible (including the Deuterocanonical
books) have been cited.
4. Names that are also mentioned in the Hebrew Bible are not repeated here.
5. The official title for kings of the Seleucid dynasty
6. Names that are also mentioned in the Old Testament are not repeated here.
7. Names that are also mentioned in the Gospels are not repeated here.
8. i.e. the author of the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles. See Authorship of Luke–Acts.
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125. Antiquities, Book 18, Chapter 3; Book 20, Chapter 9
126. Annals, Book 15, Chapter 44
127. Antiquities, Book 18, Chapter 5
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139. From the exposition of the oracles of the Lord. (http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0125.htm)
140. The Epistle of Ignatius to the Romans (http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0107.htm)

141. The Epistle of Ignatius to the Smyrnaeans (http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0109.htm)
142. Marcus Velleius Paterculus, Roman History, Book 2, Chr. 122 (https://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/
Roman/Texts/Velleius_Paterculus/2D*.html#122)
143. Antiquities, B. XX Chr. 5 § 2
144. Antiquities, B. XX Chr. 7
145. Gaius Suetonius Tranquillus, The Twelve Caesars, translated by J. C. Rolfe, Book V, par. 28 (https://penel
ope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Suetonius/12Caesars/Claudius*.html#28)
146. Cornelius Tacitus, Annals, translated by Alfred John Church and William Jackson Brodribb, Book XII Chr.
54 (https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.02.0078%3Abook%3D1
2%3Achapter%3D54)
147. Cate, Robert L., One Untimely Born: The Life and Ministry of the Apostle Paul, Mercer University Press,
2006, p. 117, 120 [11] (https://books.google.com/books?id=vMVwtMopjeUC&pg=PA117)
149. Healey, John F., Textbook of Syrian Semitic Inscriptions, Volume IV: Aramaic Inscriptions and Documents
of the Roman Period (https://books.google.com/books?id=1MLmDJmIVasC) , Oxford University Press
2009, pp. 55–57, 77–79, etc.
150. Galil, Gershon & Weinfeld, Moshe, Studies in Historical Geography and Biblical Historiography:
Presented to Zechariah Kallai (Supplements to Vetus Testamentum) (https://books.google.com/books?id
=Q8U9Gv7ibJ8C) , Brill Academic Publishers 2000, p. 85
151. Cornelius Tacitus, The Histories, translated by Alfred John Church and William Jackson Brodribb, Book
II, par. 2 (http://classics.mit.edu/Tacitus/histories.2.ii.html)
152. Burgers, P., Coinage and State Expenditure: The Reign of Claudius AD 41–54 [12] (https://www.jstor.org/p
ss/4436604) in Historia: Zeitschrift für Alte Geschichte Vol. 50, No. 1 (1st Qtr., 2001), pp. 96–114
153. Borgen, Peder, Early Christianity and Hellenistic Judaism, T&T Clark, 1998, p. 55 [13] (https://books.goo
gle.com/books?id=Nsx0qpB4_24C&pg=PA55)
154. Lucius Annaeus Seneca, Letter 104 (https://archive.org/stream/adluciliumepistu03seneuoft#page/190/

mode/2up) from Epistulae Morales ad Lucilium, translation by Richard M. Gummere
155. Tiberius Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus, Gallio Inscription (http://www.kchanson.com/ANCDOC

S/greek/gallio.html) Archived (https://web.archive.org/web/20110518174141/http://kchanson.com/A
NCDOCS/greek/gallio.html) 2011-05-18 at the Wayback Machine, translation by K. C. Hanson
(adapted from Conzelmann and Fitzmyer).
156. Flavius Josephus, The Life of Flavius Josephus (http://www.ccel.org/j/josephus/works/autobiog.htm) ,

translated by William Whiston, paragraph 38.
157. Gamaliel I (http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/view.jsp?letter=G&artid=51) in the Jewish

Encyclopedia

159. Bruce, F.F. The Book of Acts (revised) (https://books.google.com/books?id=QE5UhL88eOcC) , part of
The New international commentary on the New Testament, Wm. B. Eerdmans, 1988
160. Spurious Epistles of St. Ignatius of Antioch (http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0114.htm)
161. Kinman, Brent, Jesus' Entry Into Jerusalem: In the Context of Lukan Theology and the Politics of His Days,
BRILL, 1995, p. 18 [14] (https://books.google.com/books?id=pRdiwjAeYLkC&pg=PA18)
162. Coinweek - NGC Ancients: Roman Coinage of Emperor Nero (https://coinweek.com/ancient-coins/ngc-

ancients-coinage-emperor-nero/)
163. St Paul (http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/11567b.htm)
164. St. Polycarp (http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/12219b.htm)
165. The Epistle of Ignatius to the Ephesians (http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0104.htm)
166. Antiquities, Book XX, Chr. 8, § 9
167. Yamazaki-Ransom, K., The Roman Empire in Luke's Narrative, Continuum, 2010, p. 145 [15] (https://boo
ks.google.com/books?id=4O9nHVKka4EC&pg=PA145)
168. Dever, William G. (2017). Beyond the Texts: An Archaeological Portrait of Ancient Israel and Judah (http
s://books.google.com/books?id=mog6DwAAQBAJ&pg=PA492) . SBL Press. p. 492.
ISBN 9780884142171.
169. Irvine, Stuart A. (2002). "The rise of the House of Jehu" (https://books.google.com/books?id=d3yxAwA
AQBAJ&pg=PA113) . In Dearman, J. Andrew; Graham, M. Patrick (eds.). The Land that I Will Show You:
Essays on the History and Archaeology of the Ancient Near East in Honor of J. Maxwell Miller. A&C Black.
pp. 113–115. ISBN 9780567355805.
170. Becking, Bob E.J.H.; Grabbe, Lester, eds. (2010). Between Evidence and Ideology: Essays on the History of
Ancient Israel Read at the Joint Meeting of the Society for Old Testament Study and the Oud
Testamentisch Werkgezelschap Lincoln (https://books.google.com/books?id=DF7RzZJXM-UC&pg=PA1
8) . Brill. p. 18. ISBN 9789004187375.
171. Heltzer, Michael, THE SEAL OF ˓AŚAYĀHŪ. In Hallo, 2000, Vol. II p. 204
172. Avigad, Nahman (1997). Corpus of West Semitic Stamp Seals (2 ed.). Institute of Archaeology, the
Hebrew University of Jerusalem. p. 237. ISBN 978-9652081384.; WSS 90, published by the Israel
Academy of Sciences & Humanities
173. Schneider, Tsvi, Six Biblical Signatures: Seals and seal impressions of six biblical personages recovered',
Biblical Archaeology Review, July/August 1991
174. Grabbe, Lester L., Can a 'History of Israel' Be Written?, Continuum International, 1997, pp. 80–82 [16] (ht
tps://books.google.com/books?id=pk7Oy64C2fYC&pg=PA80)
175. Mykytiuk, Lawrence J., Identifying Biblical persons in Northwest Semitic inscriptions of 1200-539 B.C.E.,
Society of Biblical Literature, 2004, Baalis: p. 242 [17] (https://books.google.com/books?id=eprY1Qd0v
eAC&pg=PA242) ; Jeroboam: p. 136 [18] (https://books.google.com/books?id=eprY1Qd0veAC&pg=P
A136)
176. Albright, W. F. (October 1942). "A Votive Stele Erected by Ben-Hadad I of Damascus to the God
Melcarth". Bulletin of the American Schools of Oriental Research. 87 (87): 23–29. doi:10.2307/1355460 (h
ttps://doi.org/10.2307%2F1355460) . JSTOR 1355460 (https://www.jstor.org/stable/1355460) .
S2CID 163203878 (https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:163203878) .
177. Kitchen, K. A. (2006). On the Reliability of the Old Testament. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing. ISBN 978-0-
8028-0396-2.
178. Xenophon of Athens, Hellenica, Book 1, Chapter 2 (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/1174/1174-h/1174-

h.htm#2H_4_0002)
179. VanderKam, James C., From revelation to canon: studies in the Hebrew Bible and Second Temple
literature, Volume 2000, Brill, 2002, p. 181 [19] (https://books.google.com/books?id=L352z_jZSmcC&pg
=PA181)
180. Freedman, David N., The Unity of the Hebrew Bible, University of Michigan Press, 1993, p. 93 [20] (http
s://books.google.com/books?id=f-VqAdnCD20C&pg=PA93)
181. Wright, G. Ernest, Some Personal Seals of Judean Royal Officials [21] (https://www.jstor.org/pss/320924
1) in The Biblical Archaeologist, Vol. 1, No. 2 (May, 1938), pp. 10–12
182. Unique biblical discovery at City of David excavation site [22] (http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/History/Early+
History+-+Archaeology/Unique+biblical+discovery+at+City+of+David+excavation+site+18-Aug-2008.
htm) , Israel Ministry of Foreign affairs; 18-Aug-2008. Retrieved 2009-11-16
183. Ogden, D. Kelly Bulla *2 "To Gemaryahu ben Shaphan" (http://en.scientificcommons.org/23488503) ,

published by Brigham Young University. Dept. of Religious Education
184. Wright, G. Ernest Judean Lachish (https://www.jstor.org/pss/3209101) in The Biblical Archaeologist, Vol.
18, No. 1 (Feb., 1955), pp. 9–17
185. Josette Elayi, New Light on the Identification of the Seal of Priest Hanan, son of Hilqiyahu (2 Kings 22),
Bibliotheca Orientalis, 5/6, September–November 1992, 680–685.
186. Mazar, Eilat. Is This the "Prophet Isaiah’s Signature?" (https://members.bib-arch.org/biblical-archaeolo

gy-review/44/2/7) Biblical Archaeology Review 44:2, March/April May/June 2018.
187. In find of biblical proportions, seal of Prophet Isaiah said found in Jerusalem (https://www.timesofisrae
l.com/in-find-of-biblical-proportions-proof-of-prophet-isaiah-believed-unearthed/) . By Amanda
Borschel-Dan. The Times of Israel. 22 February 2018. Quote: "Chanced upon near a seal identified with
King Hezekiah, a tiny clay piece may be the first-ever proof of the prophet, though a missing letter
leaves room for doubt."
188. "Isaiah’s Signature Uncovered in Jerusalem: Evidence of the prophet Isaiah?" (https://www.biblicalarcha
eology.org/daily/people-cultures-in-the-bible/people-in-the-bible/prophet-isaiah-signature-jerusale
m/) By Megan Sauter. Bible History Daily. Biblical Archeology Society. 22 Feb 2018. Quote by Mazar:
"Because the bulla has been slightly damaged at end of the word nvy, it is not known if it originally
ended with the Hebrew letter aleph, which would have resulted in the Hebrew word for "prophet" and
would have definitively identified the seal as the signature of the prophet Isaiah. The absence of this
final letter, however, requires that we leave open the possibility that it could just be the name Navi.
The name of Isaiah, however, is clear."
189. Athas, George (2006). The Tel Dan Inscription: A Reappraisal and a New Introduction (https://books.goo
gle.com/books?id=OPqpzmYBOxgC&pg=PA242) . A&C Black. pp. 240–242. ISBN 9780567040435.
190. Clay seal connects to Bible (http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/oct/01/clay-seal-connects-to

-bible/) in The Washington Times, Wednesday, October 1, 2008
191. Avigad, Nahman, Baruch the Scribe and Jerahmeel the King's Son [23] (https://www.jstor.org/pss/320937
2) in The Biblical Archaeologist, Vol. 42, No. 2 (Spring, 1979), pp. 114–118
192. Boardman, John, The Cambridge ancient history, Vol. 3 Part 1, p. 501 [24] (https://books.google.com/bo
oks?id=vXljf8JqmkoC&pg=PA501)
193. Korpel, Marjo C.A., Scholars Debate “Jezebel” Seal (http://www.bib-arch.org/debates/jezebel-seal-01.as

p) , Biblical Archaeology Review
194. Albright, W. F. in Pritchard 1969, p. 569
195. Weiss, Bari.The Story Behind a 2,600-Year-Old Seal (https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/30/opinion/sun

day/bible-josiah-david-seal.html) Who was Natan-Melech, the king’s servant?. New York Times.
March 30, 2019
196. 2,600-year old seal discovered in City of David (https://m.jpost.com/Israel-News/2600-year-old-seal-di

scovered-in-City-of-David-585321) . Jerusalem Post. April 1, 2019
197. The Chronicle Concerning Year Three of Neriglissar (https://www.livius.org/articles/person/neriglissa

r/) , translation adapted from A. K. Grayson & Jean-Jacques Glassner
198. Deutsch, Robert, Tracking Down Shebnayahu, Servant of the King (http://www.bib-arch.org/bar/article.as
p?PubID=BSBA&Volume=35&Issue=3&ArticleID=9) in Biblical Archaeology Review May/Jun 2009
199. Cataldo, Jeremiah W. (2009). A Theocratic Yehud?: Issues of Government in a Persian Province (https://
books.google.com/books?id=TraoAwAAQBAJ&dq=shelomit+seal&pg=PA91) . Bloomsbury
Publishing USA. p. 91. ISBN 978-0-567-54223-6.
200. Grabbe, Lester L., Israel in transition: from late Bronze II to Iron IIa (c. 1250–850 B.C.E.), Continuum
International Publishing Group, 2010, p. 84 [25] (https://books.google.com/books?id=agSC0aHvri0C&
pg=PA84)
201. Schreiber, N., The Cypro-Phoenician pottery of the Iron Age, Brill, 2003 p. 87 [26] (https://books.google.
com/books?id=0ITEc8yuYu4C&pg=PA87)
202. Steitler, Charles (2010). "The Biblical King Toi of Ḥamath and the Late Hittite State "P/Walas(a)tin" ".
Bibische Notizen (146): 95.
203. The History of King David in Light of New Epigraphic and Archeological Data, (link (https://www.haifa.ac.
il/index.php/en/11-english/news-english/900-the-history-of-king-david-in-light-of-new-epigraphic-an
d-archeological-data) ), website of University of Haifa, citing publications by Gershon Galil from
2013-2014
204. Simon, Zsolt (2014). "Remarks on the Anatolian Background of the Tel Reḥov Bees and the Historical
Geography of the Luwian States in the 10th c. BC" (https://www.academia.edu/7861592) . In Csabai,
Zoltán (ed.). Studies in Economic and Social History of the Ancient Near East in Memory of Péter Vargyas.
The University of Pécs, Department of Ancient History. pp. 724–725. ISBN 9789632367958.
205. Haydn, Howell M. Azariah of Judah and Tiglath-Pileser III (https://www.jstor.org/pss/4617145) in

Journal of Biblical Literature, Vol. 28, No. 2 (1909), pp. 182–199
206. Day, John In search of pre-exilic Israel: proceedings of the Oxford Old Testament Seminar (https://books.g
oogle.com/books?id=yM_X2yzRLx4C&dq=zedekiah+son+of+hananiah+seal&pg=PA376) p. 376
207. Healey, John F., The Religion of the Nabataeans: A Conspectus, Brill, 2001, p. 29 [27] (https://books.goog
le.com/books?id=coso-V3gCEAC&pg=PA29)
208. Vanderkam, James C., in The Continuum History of Apocalypticism [28] (https://books.google.com/book
s?id=7UlbWioOV7sC) (edited by McGinn, Bernard J.; Collins, John J.; Stein, Stephen J.), Continuum,
2003, p. 133
209. Frankfurter, David, Pilgrimage and Holy Space in Late Antique Egypt [29] (https://books.google.com/book
s?id=3yENB_dXAtwC) , Brill, 1998, p. 206
210. D. Barag and D. Flusser, The Ossuary of Yehohanah Granddaughter of the High Priest Theophilus, Israel
Exploration Journal, 36 (1986), 39–44.
211. Richard Bauckham, Gospel Women: Studies of the Named Women in the Gospels (Grand Rapids, MI:
Eerdmans, 2002), 143
212. Gill, David W. J. (ed.) & Gempf, Conrad (ed.), The Book of Acts in Its Graeco-Roman Setting [30] (https://
books.google.com/books?id=W-L1DA1ptKQC) Wm. B. Eerdmans 1994, p. 282
213. Bromiley, Geoffrey W. (ed.), The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Vol. III: K–P [31] (https://book
s.google.com/books?id=Zkla5Gl_66oC) Wm. B. Eerdmans 1986, pp. 729–730 (entry Paulus, Sergius)
214. Kerr, C. M., International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Wm. B. Eerdmans 1939, entry Lysanias [32] (htt
p://www.internationalstandardbible.com/L/lysanias.html)
215. Morris, Leon, Luke: an introduction and commentary [33] (https://books.google.com/books?id=1ngd8Xts

wdEC) Wm. B. Eerdmans 1988, p. 28
Bibliography
Coogan, M. D.; Brettler, M. Z.; Newsom, C. A.; et al., eds. (2010). The New Oxford Annotated
Bible with the Apocrypha (https://books.google.com/books?id=Nc-i_pQsiW8C) (4th ed.).
Oxford University Press. ISBN 9780195289602.
Hallo, William W., ed. (1997–2002). The Context of Scripture. Brill. ISBN 9789004131057.
OCLC 902087326 (https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/902087326) . (3 Volumes)
Flavius, Josephus. Antiquities of the Jews (https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/The_Antiquities_of_the

_Jews) . Translated by Whiston, William.
Polybius. Histories (http://data.perseus.org/citations/urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0543.tlg001.perseus-en

g1:1.1) . Translated by Shuckburgh, Evelyn Shirley.
Pritchard, James B., ed. (1969). Ancient Near Eastern Texts Relating to the Old Testament with
Supplement (3d ed.). Princeton University Press. ISBN 9780691035031. OCLC 5342384 (https://
www.worldcat.org/oclc/5342384) .
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List of Biblical Figures

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List of biblical figures identified in extra-biblical sources

These are biblical figures unambiguously identified in contemporary sources according to

Tiglath-Pileser III: stela from

Identified as the murderer of his

Identified in the contemporary Kurkh 1 Kgs. 17 (htt

Also known as Hophra; named in

Neh. 2:1 (http

Generally identified with "the great

2 Kgs. 13:3 (ht

Is. 45:1 (http

Mentioned in the books of Haggai,

Is. 37:38 (http

Amel-Marduk King of c. 562–560 His name (Akkadian Amēl-Marduk) 2 Kgs. 25:27

2 Kgs. 15:5 (ht

Menahem King of c. 752 – c. The annals of Tiglath-Pileser (ANET3 2 Kgs. 15:14–

Is. 39:1 (http

Ez. 26:7 (http

Necho II Pharaoh of c. 610 – c. Mentioned in the writings of 2 Kgs. 23:29

Neh. 2:10 (htt

He besieged and conquered the city

2 Kgs. 17:3 (ht

Is. 37:9 (http

Est. 1:1 (http

Cleopatra Thea with her first husband,

Antiochus V King of 163–161 Executed by his half-brother 2 Macc. 2:20

Bel and the

Cleopatra Thea Queen of 126–121 First married to Alexander Balas,[88] 1 Macc.

Heliodorus Seleucid fl. 178 Identified in contemporary 2 Macc. 3:7 (h

Ptolemy VI King of 180–145 Referred to in ancient inscriptions,[105] 1 Macc. 1:18

Sirach 50:1 (ht

The Blacas Cameo (20–50 AD)

Reigned between 27 BC and 14 AD, during which time

Mentioned by Josephus in the Antiquities of the

Lk. 3:1, Mt.

His name is also found on contemporary Jewish s://www.es

A Jewish itinerant preacher, known for having baptized

On Wednesday, 27 July 2011, the Turkish news agency

Trachonitis Archelaus.[130] His name and title appear on coinage

He ordered Jesus's execution. A stone inscription was

Conducted a census while governing Syria as reported

A prominent apostle of Jesus and the first Bishop of

Named in many inscriptions and on Roman coins.

Ananias son He held the office between c. 47 and 59 CE, as

Acts 23:24 (htt

1 Cor 3:6 (http

According to Paul, Aretas' governor in Damascus 2 Cor. 11:32

Acts 25:23 (htt

Acts 11:28 (htt

Acts 24:24 (htt

Seneca the Younger, his brother, mentions him in his

He is named as the father of Simon by Flavius

Acts 12:1 (htt

Acts 25:23 (htt

Acts 5:37 (htt

Mention by Ignatius of Antioch's Epistle to the

Timeline showing the kings of Israel and

Darius II of Persia, is mentioned by the contemporary historian Xenophon of Athens,[178] in the

Jerahmeel, prince of Judah. A bulla bearing his name was found.[191]

Nergal-sharezer, king of Babylon is probably identical to an official of Nebuchadnezzar II

Shelomith, a daughter of Zerubbabel mentioned in the genealogy of 1 Chronicles 3:19. She

Deuterocanonicals or biblical apocrypha

Historicity of the Bible

List of artifacts significant to the Bible