How the Dead Sea Scrolls Came to Light

In nineteen forty-seven, members of the Ta'amra Bedouin found ancient manuscripts in a cave near the northwestern shore of the Dead Sea. The first seven scrolls passed through local hands, dealers, scholars, and institutions before their age and importance were fully established. News of the discovery drew Bedouin searchers and archaeologists to more caves. Historical and archaeological education. Interpretations, provenance, and ownership may remain debated or change as evidence develops. Sources and further reading: - Israel Museum, Discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls: https://dss.collections.imj.org.il/discovery - Library of Congress, Scrolls from the Dead Sea: https://loc.gov/exhibits/scrolls/intr.html - Israel Antiquities Authority, The Leon Levy Dead Sea Scrolls Digital Library: https://www.deadseascrolls.org.il/