RIVERSIDE, Calif. – (www.lasierra.edu) When ancient Near Eastern
civilizations fought their adversaries they used swords, spears
and arrows. But how did they make these weapons, how much damage
did they do, and how did kings supply their far-flung troops? A
new, multidimensional exhibit at the Western Science Center in
Hemet, in partnership with La Sierra University, helps answer
these and other questions through a display of ancient weapons
and cultural artifacts, audio-visual media and a hands-on
weapons replica table. Visitors experience the sights and sounds
of ancient war, preparations for battle, learn about the rituals
performed before going to war, and ways in which ancient wars
impacted history. The exhibit, “Weapons & War in the Iron Age,”
is comprised of artifacts from La Sierra’s extensive collection,
some excavated by La Sierra archaeologists from ancient sites in
Jordan, and some from sites in Israel and Palestine. Most of the
artifacts, including arrows, spears and swords, date from 1200BC
to 6