Eilat Mazar (1956-2021) was a prominent Israeli archaeologist specializing in biblical-era sites, renowned for her contributions to biblical archaeology, particularly in Jerusalem. Born in Jerusalem on September 10, 1956, she came from a distinguished family of archaeologists as the granddaughter of legendary Israeli archaeologist Benjamin Mazar. As a third-generation archaeologist, she began her career early, assisting her grandfather on digs at age 11. She studied archaeology at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, earning a PhD focusing on Phoenician culture. Her early work included excavations at Achziv on Israel's northern coast, contributing significantly to understanding Phoenician history and artifacts.

Mazar's most notable achievements centered on Jerusalem, where she conducted extensive excavations in the City of David over more than 50 years, uncovering structures such as the Large Stone Structure, which she identified as the palace of King David, supporting historical and biblical claims to the area. Her work was conducted in close collaboration with settler-oriented organizations, aligning with efforts to reinforce Jewish historical presence in East Jerusalem. Mazar was a key figure in biblical archaeology, publishing widely and advocating for the integration of archaeological findings with biblical narratives. She also explored Phoenician influences in the region, bridging ancient Mediterranean cultures with Israelite history.

Mazar passed away on May 25, 2021, leaving a legacy as the 'Queen of Biblical Archaeology.' Her discoveries have been both celebrated for advancing scholarly understanding and controversial for their implications in Israeli-Palestinian territorial disputes, particularly due to her associations with organizations promoting settlement expansion in Jerusalem.