Robert Cargill

Robert Cargill is an Associate Professor in the Classics and Biblical Studies departments at the University of Iowa since 2011. He specializes in Second Temple Judaism, Dead Sea Scrolls, and Digital Humanities, including a VR reconstruction of Qumran. His research bridges archaeology, biblical studies, and technology. He earned his Ph.D. from UCLA.

• Education: Ph.D., UCLA

Research interests include Hellenistic/Second Temple Judaism, Pseudepigrapha, Aramaic Targums, and Melchizedek traditions. He also focuses on faith-science intersections and biblical languages (Hebrew, Aramaic, Syriac, Greek). Digital Humanities work includes 3D modeling and virtual reality for archaeological sites.

Publications span books like Melchizedek, King of Sodom (Oxford, 2019) and The Cities that Built the Bible (HarperOne, 2016), plus peer-reviewed articles on Aramaic manuscripts and Qumran archaeology. Media contributions include TV appearances on History Channel, CNN, and National Geographic, as well as consultancy for documentaries like Finding Jesus and Writing the Dead Sea Scrolls.

Editorial roles include Editor of Biblical Archaeology Review (2018–2021) and current Editor of Bible & Archaeology. Teaches courses on biblical archaeology, digital modeling, Hebrew, and ancient languages. Active in professional societies including the Society of Biblical Literature and Archaeological Institute of America.