The Iconography of the Magdala Stone: Tracing Connections Between Judea and Galilee in the First Century
Join Museum of the Bible, in person or via Zoom, for our speaker series focusing on topics related to Dead Sea Scrolls: The Exhibition.
The opening lecture of the Dead Sea Scrolls Speaker Series focuses on the Magdala Stone, an embossed stone table for the reading of sacred scrolls found in a first-century synagogue in the town of Magdala. Magdala is famously associated with Mary Magdalene, one of Jesus’s most prominent followers, and may have been visited by him during his ministry in the Galilee.
Dr. Marcela Zapata-Meza will first explore the symbolic and religious significance of the Magdala Stone through its iconography, which includes the earliest-known depiction of the temple menorah, and will then examine the stone’s relevance to the broader Jewish world, including potential links between Galilee and Judea, particularly Qumran. Each lecture will include time for an audience Q&A.
Tickets to the lecture do not include admission to the museum or to the Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit. Guests who attend this lecture will receive 10% off the price of the other lectures. The discount code will be included in your receipt.
Get your tickets today and learn more about Jewish worship and religious practice during the time of Jesus.
Please note: This lecture will be presented in Spanish and again in English:
- Duración de la Conferencia en Español: 1:00–2:30 p.m.
- English lecture time: 3:00–4:30 p.m.
Dec 7, 2025 - Dec 7, 2025
1:00 PM - 4:30 PM EST
Scholars Initiative Conference Room, Floor 5R
General in Person $39.99
Members and Students in Person $29.99
General Virtual $19.99
Members and Students Virtual $14.99
In Person Event
Virtual Event
Find details below using the following links:
Speaker
Dr. Marcela Zapata-Meza
Marcela Zapata-Meza earned her BA in archaeology from the National School of Anthropology and History, and her MA and PhD in philosophy from Universidad Anáhuac México. She pursued further specialization in religious pluralism at UCSB, in Egyptology at the Sophia Foundation, Spain, and in biblical archaeology at the Hebrew University of Mexico and at Oxford University.
She was the director of the Magdala Archaeological Project from 2010–2014, becoming the first Mexican female archaeologist to lead an archaeological project abroad. She is the founder of the Research Center for Ancient Cultures, and served as its director from 2014 to 2024. From 2000 to 2025, she has been a professor and researcher at Universidad Anáhuac México. Since 2017, Marcela has also served as cultural coordinator for the Israel Chapter of the Global Network of Highly Qualified Mexican Talent Abroad, under the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Marcela has more than 60 publications, including her book, Religions of the World: History, Philosophy and Creed, in addition to numerous articles and chapters. She has delivered more than 150 lectures and participated in several national and international conferences. She was honored in 2016 by the organization “Women Add Value,” supported by iChangeNations and affiliated with the UN Interfaith Peacebuilding Initiative for her leadership and scientific development in Israel through the Magdala Archaeological Project. In 2017, the Embassy of Israel in Mexico and the Mexico-Israel Friendship Group of the Chamber of Deputies granted her an award “For her contribution to strengthening cultural relations and collaboration between Israel and Mexico.” She is the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions.
Resumen
La Dra. Marcela Zapata Meza (Universidad Anáhuac México) explora el significado simbólico y religioso de la Piedra Magdala, un hallazgo arqueológico único de Galilea. A través de su iconografía, arroja luz sobre el paisaje cultural y teológico del judaísmo del primer siglo y examina la relevancia de la piedra para el mundo judío más amplio, incluyendo posibles conexiónes entre Galilea y Judea, en particular Qumran. Esta sesión ofrece nuevas ideas sobre las interacciones regionales y las expresiones religiosas durante un período formativo de la historia judía.
Oradora
Dr. Marcela Zapata-Meza
Licenciada en Arqueología por la Escuela Nacional de Antropología e Historia. Maestra en Filosofía por la Universidad Anáhuac México. Candidata a Doctora en Filosofía por la Universidad Anáhuac México.
Especialista en Religious Pluralism (University of California Santa Barbara, CA.); Archaeology of the Bible Lands (Oxford University); y, Lectura de Jeroglíficos y Egiptología (Fundación Sophia de España). Realizó estudios en Arqueología Bíblica por la Universidad Hebraica en México.
Directora del Proyecto Arqueológico Magdala con el cual se ha convertido en la primera arqueóloga mexicana, en dirigir un proyecto de arqueología en el extranjero. Ha impartido más de 100 conferencias en México y en el extranjero. Cuenta con más de 60 publicaciones entre artículos de divulgación, capítulos de libros y artículos en revistas indexadas tanto de arqueología como de religiones. Ha participado en diversos congresos nacionales e internacionales. La organización “Women Add Value” respaldada por iChangeNations y afiliada a la iniciativa interreligiosa para la construcción de la paz de la ONU, la reconoció con esta distinción por su liderazgo femenino y desarrollo científico en Israel a través del Proyecto Arqueológico Magdala en 2016.