Matthew J. Adams is an archaeologist who specializes in the Near East. He earned his degrees at Pennsylvania State University and the University of California, Los Angeles.[1] He served as the director of the Albright Institute of Archaeological Research in Jerusalem (2014–2022),[2][3] and is the current the president of American Archaeology Abroad, Inc.[4][5][6] He has worked on several archaeological projects in the past, and is currently director of the Jezreel Valley Regional Project,[7] Co-Director of the Megiddo Expedition along with Israel Finkelstein and Mario Martin,[8] and co-director of the Solomon's Pools Archaeological Project with Mark Letteney.[9][10][6][11]
Adams' work in Tel Megiddo has been extensively covered in the press in relation to Christian eschatological interest in Armageddon.[12][13][14][15] His discoveries at the site of the Roman military camp at Legio has attracted public attention,[16][17] including the uncovering of a legionary burial.[18][19]
In 2014, Adams and his colleagues revealed that Megiddo's proto-historic Great Temple contained evidence for mass animal sacrifice and the dawn of urbanization in the Levant.[20][21] In 2018, excavators led by Adams announced the discovery of an undisturbed Canaanite royal tomb, for the first time in over a century.[22][23][24]
Adams is also the owner of Djehuti Productions, a musical/film production company, and published titles for Harvey Brooks.[25][26]
He is also co-owner of St. Thomas Liquor Co. (STLC), a family-run commercial real estate company owning and leasing property at St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands.[27][28]