Colorado Christian University Partners with Ariel University in Israel for Ongoing Excavation at Ashdod Site

Posted on July 15, 2025

Colorado Christian University Partners with Ariel University in Israel for Ongoing Excavation at Ashdod Site

Lakewood, Colo. - Colorado Christian University (CCU) is pleased to announce an ongoing partnership with Ariel University (Israel) and Lipscomb University (Tenn.) for archaeological work at the ancient city of Ashdod, one of the five major Philistine cities mentioned in the Old Testament.

Earlier this spring, Dr. Seth Rodriquez, Associate Professor of Old Testament and Biblical Archaeology in CCU's School of Theology, joined a team of archaeologists to assist with the conservation of a 9th-century BC city gate at Ashdod. The site lies within Ashdod National Park and is being prepared for future public access.

"This gate was standing during the days of King Ahab and the prophet Elijah - a time when God was powerfully at work among his people," said Dr. Rodriquez. "It is an immense privilege to partner with our friends in Israel, preserving this structure for future generations. Sites like this give us a tangible connection with the past, allowing us to touch and see things built by people mentioned in the Bible. It reminds us that our faith is rooted in history."

The current excavation phase, under license from the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA), focuses specifically on the re-excavation of the gate area. While broader project approvals are still in progress, CCU and its partners envision a long-term collaboration that could extend over several years as work continues to unfold at the site.

Beginning in summer 2026, CCU plans to send student and faculty teams annually to contribute to the project. This opportunity will allow students to engage in hands-on archaeological fieldwork, deepen their understanding of Scripture, and experience spiritual growth through immersion in the biblical lands.

"This collaboration exemplifies our mission to deliver Christ-centered higher education that transforms students to impact the world with grace and truth," said Eric Hogue, CCU President. "We are honored to participate in a project that affirms the historical reliability of Scripture."

Ashdod features prominently in the Bible, including 1 Samuel 5, where it is identified as the first Philistine city that housed the Ark of the Covenant after it was captured from Israel. The Ark was moved to another Philistine city after the idol of Dagon mysteriously fell down before it and the inhabitants of Ashdod were struck with a plague.

About Colorado Christian University

Founded in 1914 in Lakewood, Colorado, Colorado Christian University is the region's premier Christ-centered university, serving more than 10,500 students through over 200 academic programs. Rooted in its mission of Christ-centered higher education transforming students to impact the world with grace and truth, CCU delivers exemplary academics grounded in biblical formation, cultivating both hearts and minds for lifelong influence. As a Christ-centered community committed to spiritual formation and engagement with the world, CCU equips students to think critically, lead courageously, and live faithfully in every sphere of life.