Yes, this is very, very interesting. Thanks for sharing it.

Archaeological findings have been consistent with what the Bible reports. Some say that the miracles done were over-exaggerated, but I have seen miracles in my life. I don't mean to start a debate on the validity of the Bible, but I am just reinforcing the facts that Bob shared with us.

There was a lot of wizardry (sorcery) and witchcraft during those times. All of this was prior to the birth of Jesus. I like to use the biblical study tools given at www.crosswalk.com. The following is written in the New International version.
Deuteronomy 18:10-11 talks about people sacrificing their children, witchcraft, divination, sorcery, and using a medium to communicate with the dead. I thought that was really interesting that such practices as that go back that far in history.