The Field of Blood
In the Bible, Akeldama represents the darkest hour. It is inextricably linked to Judas Iscariot and the thirty pieces of silver paid for his betrayal. But what exactly is this site, where is it, and what has archaeology dug up from its rocky soil? Let's get straight to the facts. The Biblical Backstory The story of the Field of Blood comes to us primarily from two New Testament accounts that offer slightly different, but overlapping, details: The Gospel of Matthew (27:3-8): Judas, filled with remorse after betraying Jesus, throws the thirty pieces of silver back at the chief priests in the temple and hangs himself. The priests, declaring it "blood money," refuse to put it in the treasury. Instead, they use it to buy a "potter's field" to serve as a burial ground for foreigners. The Book of Acts (1:18-19): This account states that Judas himself acquired the field with the reward of his unjust deed, and died there...