Christian apologists often point to archaeological discoveries to convince skeptics that Bible stories are true. But how much evidence have archaeologists unearthed? According to Purdue University history scholar Lawrence Mykytiuk, archaeological inscriptions confirm the existence of 53 Bible characters.

Mykytiuk has compiled a list that includes a wide range of individuals mentioned in the pages of Scripture, from Israel’s King David to Egyptian rulers to lesser-known figures.

Experts have authenticated each inscription as consistent with the correct period in history — and, in most cases, within or close to the lifetime of the Bible figure named.

Mykytiuk’s latest report appears in the May/June issue of Biblical Archaeology Review.