Archeology- can't be viewed in isolation

When dealing with the idea of sacred space, much importance is usually placed to what can be seen at the surface level. However, less attention is placed on what lies underneath. The combination of ambiguity and the passing of time can result in the contortion of archaeological findings. As respectable fields grounded in scholastic endeavorers begin to uncover the physical remnants of the past, the opportunity to weaponize the findings in favor of a believe, politics, heritage, and ultimately identity arises. Silberman argues that such disciplines must not be viewed solely as scholarly endeavor but instead must be accommodated within its greater context. A context that is interwoven with social activity, economic gains, and political effects. I would argue that the application of the archeological discipline in Israel has only complicated the tensions of the region. Because for every archeological dig that gets a pro-Israeli interpretation there is a Palestine version of it. Each respective national consciousness is only fomented by the findings which further murks up the debate. Instead of being able to accept the guidance of a secular disciple, the age old points of contention automatically get clumped with it. For the "conflicting ideological images of national heritage and territorial interpretations become increasingly influential in the allotment of resources for archeological work" (Silberman, 74). The emphasis on material knowledge and the fickle nature of it brought to mind the closing statement of Marini's personal account. As he reflects on the significance of the Al_Haram Al-Sharif he can't help but deploy the assurance written in the book of Revelations. The assurance that "all things human are destined to disappear, leaving room only for the shinning light of the glory of God" (Martini, 377). Meaning that such uncertainty and contestation of the physical world are ultimately trivial. He finds assurance that truth is not necessarily found in the physical remnants as those are only temporary truths. However, that does not mean these grounds are insignificant. He urges the importance to maintain mutual respect among the religious beliefs because at the end of the day they are greatly interconnected in Jerusalem. In Jerusalem no religious movement existed in isolation thus it's nearly impossible to find solely one-sided truth in archeological facts. The example given of how the Dome of the Rock has an explicit reference to Jesus and his connection to the divine inscribed in a mosaic on the internal facade. Demonstrating the interconnectedness of physical space in Jerusalem.