The Dead Sea Scrolls

 

First Jewish-Roman War

Herod, king of the Jews, was known for killing anyone who wanted the throne including members of the previous Dynasty. Tensions rose between Rome and Jerusalem due to random attacks on Roman citizens near Judaea resulting in The First Jewish-Roman War. The Roman army set up a permanent camp outside Jerusalem when they failed to breach the city's walls. Jewish escapees were crucufied, averaging 500 per day. Those who penetrated the Roman defenses hid Jewish treasures including the scrolls before the city fell.

 

World War II Ends

On September 2, 1945 the Japanese surrender, bringing an end to World War II. As the Allies celebrated victory, clean up began and people paid respect to fallen soldiers. The world remained on high alert as thousands of Jewish refugees were displaced. Suprisingly, the Dead Sea Scrolls turned up one year after World War II. 

 

A Shepherd's Discovery

In 1946, Juma and Muhammed Ed-Dib, members of the Ta'amireh tribe wandered in search of a lost goat near Qumran. Upon searching a near by cave, the brothers discovered several large clay jars with 7 manuscripts (scrolls). The brothers decided to sell all 7 scrolls to two different dealers unaware of their value. Archbishop Samuel, head of the Syrian Orthodox Monastery in Jerusalem, later purchased 4 scrolls from one of the dealers.