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Archaeological Excavations in Israel 2002
(Updated May 29, 2002)
INTRODUCTION
This list of archaeological expeditions which accept volunteers is compiled
by the Israel Foreign Ministry as a service to the public. The
excavation details below been contributed by the archaeologists in charge of the individual expeditions, who bear responsibility for their contents.
NOTE: Any questions, comments or requests for additional information must be directed to the contact person indicated for each project, and not to the Israel Foreign Ministry.
VOLUNTEERING
Many archaeologists enlist volunteer help on their digs, as volunteers are
highly motivated and wish to learn and gain experience, although the work
is often difficult and tedious. Usually, no previous experience is
necessary. The work includes digging, shovelling,
hauling baskets of earth and sherds, cleaning pottery sherds and more.
Volunteers are responsible for their own travel arrangements to and from
Israel.
ACCOMMODATION
Accommodations for volunteers can range from sleeping bags in the field, to
rooms in hostels or kibbutzim, to 3-star hotels near a site. Each expedition has its own accommodation arrangements.
There is usually a charge for food and lodging, although on some
excavations these are free. All charges listed are in US dollars.
Volunteers who require kosher food should inquire in advance. Excavations
conducted in or near a city often require volunteers to find their own
accommodations.
CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT
Volunteers should have comfortable, sturdy clothes for heavy work. Sunhats
are absolutely compulsory in summer; warm clothing is suggested for summer
evenings as the weather can be cool. Winters are wet and cold; warm clothes
and water-proof boots are necessary.
Equipment that may be useful - depending on the conditions at the site and
the type of accommodation available - includes work-gloves, sleeping bag,
canteen, towels and sunscreen lotion.
WORK HOURS
The work schedule at an excavation is organized according to the conditions
at the site. A day on an average dig begins before dawn and ends after
noon. There is normally a rest period after lunch. The afternoons and early
evenings may be devoted to lectures, additional excavation work, cleaning
and sorting of pottery and other finds, or they may be free.
CREDIT COURSES
Some expeditions offer credit courses from sponsoring institutions. Details
concering subjects, conditions and cost may be obtained by contacting the
expedition director.
LECTURES
Most expedition directors (or other staff members) offer informal lectures
covering the history and archaeology of the site and discussion of the type
of work involved. Volunteers should feel free to request information
regarding an excavation in order to be able to appreciate all aspects of
the work.
RECREATION AND TRIPS
Recreational facilities (swimming pools, beaches and sporting grounds) may
be available, depending on the location of the site. Most expeditions
organize sightseeing and field trips to sites in the area and to
neighboring museums.
INSURANCE
In most cases, volunteers must arrange for medical and accident insurance
in advance. Even in instances when accident insurance is provided, it is
strongly advised that volunteers come fully insured as the insurance
offered is minimal.
APPLICATION AND REGISTRATION
When applying to the director of an excavation you should indicate any
previous studies you may have in archaeology or related fields, such as
anthropology, architecture, geography, surveying, graphic arts; or
experience in excavation work, pottery restoration or photography.
For registration, please contact the persons listed in the individual
entries. Please note that a registration fee is often required.
Note: Israel Ministry of Interior regulations require that passports of all
volunteers (other than Israeli) be stamped with a volunteer visa (B4). This
request should be made by the volunteer at the point of entry into
Israel.
EXCAVATIONS 2002
(Listed by starting date)
Ein Gedi | Jan 6 - Feb 1 |
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Bethsaida | Jan 6-21; May 5-16; May 20 - Jun 6; Jun 10-27; Jul 1-18; Jul 22 - Aug 8 | Canceled |
Sepphoris | May 9 - Jun 7; Jun 17 - July 12 | Canceled |
Banias
Caesarea Philippi | May 12 - June 4 |
Yotvata | June 2 - June 21 |
Tel Kedesh | June 2 - July 12 |
Megiddo | June 7 - July 26 |
Ashkelon | June 9 - July 27 | Canceled |
Tel Beth-Shemesh | June 9 - July 6
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Zeitah | June 15 - July 20 | Canceled |
Tell es-Safi | June 23 - July 19 |
Sha'ar Hagolan | June 23 - August 2 |
Tel Hazor | June 25 - August 6 |
Hippos (Sussita) | July 1 - July 25
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Ramat Hanadiv | July 7 - August 1
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"Northern Sea Peoples" (el-Ahwat and Tel Assawir) | July 14 - August 16 |
Kursi | Aug 31 - Sept 22 |
Capernaum | Sept 29 - Oct 22 |
Note: There will be no excavations at
Tel Dor and Yavneh-Yam in 2002. The next excavations are scheduled for 2003. |
EIN GEDI | Desert oasis located along the shores of the Dead Sea. The last season of excavations of the Roman-Byzantine village at Ein Gedi exposed a large dwelling near hte synagogue. Another important discovery was a ritual bath (miqveh) typical of the Second Temple period. The 7th season this winter will continue to uncover these findings. |
Director: | Prof. Yizhar Hirschfeld, Institute of Archaeology, Hebrew University of Jerusalem
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Dates: | Jan 6 - Feb 1 |
Accommodation: | Ein Gedi Youth Hostel. |
Cost: | Costs per 5-day week (full board, Sunday afternoon till Friday morning) from $100-$420 depending on type of accommodation. Lectures on history and methodology included. |
Registration fee: | $30 (non-refundable). |
Application deadline:
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January 1, 2002 |
Work hours: | Mondays to Fridays, 7:00-14:30
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Minimum participation: | One week. |
Academic credit: | A 3-week academic program (6 credits) accredited by the Hebrew University of daily lectures and weekend fieldtrips (Jan 4-24) will be offered under the direction of Dr. Katharina Galor of Brown University. Registration and tuition for non-Rothberg School students: $1,055. Deadline for registration: December 1, 2001. Contact: Division of Undergraduate Studies, Rothberg International School, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Mount Scopus, Jerusalem, Israel 91905
Tel.: 972-2-5882610 / FAX: 972-2-5827078
E-mail: undergrad@roth.hul.huji.ac.il
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Recreation: | Lecture program and fieldtrips open to all participants. Daily lectures free, weekend fieldtrips additional cost.
After-dig recreational activities include bathing in the hot springs of Ein Gedi or in the Dead Sea, and walks through the oasis. |
Insurance: | Volunteers must arrange their own medical and
accident insurance in advance and offer proof of doing so. |
Contact: | Dr. Y. Hirschfeld, Institute of Archaeology, Hebrew University, Mount Scopus, Jerusalem, Israel 91905. Fax: 972-2-5825548. E-mail: hani@actcom.co.il
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Website: | For more information and registration form see: http://www.hum.huji.ac.il/archaeology/eingedi/ |
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BETHSAIDA | Tell Bethsaida (e-Tell) is situated 1.5 km off the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Research revealed that Bethsaida was probably a fortified city known as Zer on the Sea of Galilee and mentioned in the Hebrew Bible. Bethsaida means "House of the Fisherman". According to the New Testament, Jesus performed some of his most important miracles there, including the "Feeding of the Multitudes," and the "healing of the Blind Man," and from the Bethsaida shores, he was seen walking on the Sea of Galilee. |
Directors: | Prof. Rami Arav, University of Nebraska at Omaha;
Prof. Richard Freund, University of Hartford
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Dates: | The excavation is divided into one winter session (Jan 6-21, 2001) and five summer sessions: May 5-16; May 20-Jun 6; Jun 10-27; Jul 1-18; Jul 22-Aug 8 (2002) |
Accommodation: | Kibbutz Ginosar, western coast of Sea of Galilee |
Cost: | $420 per week room and board (7 nights); additional days $60/night for dormitory housing (4-5 beds/room). A limited number of single, double, and triple occupancy rooms are available at additional cost. |
Registration fee: | All applications must include a $200 deposit to reserve one's space, $100 of which is non-refundable. In addition, all applicants are charged a $25 processing fee, which will be calculated in the final cost. |
Minimum participation: | One week |
Application and payment deadlines:
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See website |
Academic credit: | Students are encouraged to arrange credit with their home
institutions (Independent Study) so that they know it's applicable to their
program, or they can get up to six hours of undergraduate credit from the
University of Nebraska at Omaha. |
Work days: | Monday-Friday |
Recreation: | Kibbutz Ginosar is located right on the Sea of Galilee, and there is also a swimming
pool on the kibbutz. Weekend tours are arranged throughout the season (for
an additional charge).
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Insurance: | All participants must have health insurance that covers
international travel to Israel. Volunteers are encouraged to seek additional
traveler's and flight insurance. |
Contact: | Wendi Chiarbos, Coordinator, University of Nebraska at Omaha,
Bethsaida Excavations Project,
International Studies and Programs - ASH 238,
Omaha, NE 68182-0227
Telephone: (402) 554 - 2902;
Fax: (402) 554 - 3681
E-mail: wchiarbos@mail.unomaha.edu
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Website: | For more information see: http://www.unomaha.edu/~betsaida/ |
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SEPPHORIS | Sepphoris is a major Roman and Byzantine city four air miles from Nazareth. Sepphoris remained a loyal Roman city of largely Jewish population through the First and Second Jewish Revolts against Rome. In the second century CE it took the name Diocaesarea and became a great Jewish intellectual center. In excavations since 1983 we have excavated a Jewish villa first excavated by the University of Michigan in 1931, a bathing establishment, and an enormous market building or basilica with stunning mosaics built in the first century CE and going out of use in the middle of the fourth century CE.
Two sessions are planned for 2002. Students from Illinois Wesleyan University will be given priority consideration for enrollment in the first session, from May 9 through June 7, although other applicantions are encouraged. The second session, from June 17 through July 12, will draw together an excavation team more widely assembled from several colleges, universities, and other institutions, as well as volunteers who are not enrolled as students. In both sessions excavations will continue in the Early Roman to Byzantine basilical building which we currently understand as a major public building. |
Director: | Dr. James F. Strange, Department of Religious Studies, University of South Florida
Associate Directors: Thomas R.W. Longstaff, Colby College; Dennis E. Groh, Illinois Wesleyan University |
Dates: | May 9 - Jun 7; Jun 17 - July 12 |
Accommodation: | Kibbutz Ha-Solelim, with youth hostel type guest facilities. Full room and board, 7 days a week. |
Recreation: | The kibbutz has a swimming pool, tennis courts, and basketball courts. Horseback riding is available in the vicinity
for a fee. Participants can rent cars for the weekend and are free to travel Saturdays and Sundays, though
those taking courses for credit are expected to join the weekend tours.
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Credit courses: | Undergraduate academic credit for this program will normally be given through the University of South Florida Oversees Study and Exchange Program at an extra cost of $75.21 per undergraduate credit for Florida residents and $308.16 for non-residents. Graduate credit is available by agreement with your university for a higher fee. |
Cost: | The cost for each session is not yet firmly set but will be approximately $3,250.00, which includes full room & board, round-trip fare from New York, two Saturday guided trips, transportation to and from the site daily, transportation of breakfast to the site, and lectures by the staff of the expedition. Tuition for credit is not included. |
Registration fee: | $25 (non-refundable). |
Application deadline:
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March 1, 2002 for the May session and April 1, 2002 for the June/July session. |
Insurance: | Volunteers must arrange their own medical and
accident insurance in advance and offer proof of doing so. |
Contact: | Dr. James F. Strange, Professor
Dept of Religious Studies, CPR 107,
University of South Florida,
Tampa, FL 33620, Tel: 813-974-1859; Fax: 813-974-5911
E-mail: strange@chuma.cas.usf.edu;
or Barbara Pilcher,
Administrative Assistant, Tel: 813-961-0324 (home)
813-935-2163 (office)
E-mail: bcpilcher@aol.com
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Website: | For more information and application form see: http://www.colby.edu/rel/archaeology/Announce02.html |
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BANIAS
(Caesarea Philippi) | Known in the Gospels as Caesarea Philippi, Banias is located at the foot of Mt. Hermon near the source of the Jordan River in northern Israel and is associated with the Galilean ministry of Jesus. Excavators at the site have unearthed an important early Roman city containing an enormous palace that they believe belonged to King Agrippa II. Not far from the city, a stream flows from the Cave of Pan, a shrine established in the third century BCE and mentioned by many ancient writers. This year volunteers will continue to work on the palace of Agrippa.
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Directors: | Vassilios Tzaferis, Israel Antiquities Authority; Charles R. Page II, Jerusalem Center for Biblical Studies
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Dates: | May 12 - June 4 |
Accommodation: | Snir Guest House |
Cost: | $2,799 (includes airfare)
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Contact: | Charles R. Page II, 85 Country Oak Dr., Humboldt, TN 38343. Tel: 731-824-2577; fax: 731-824-2611 E-mail: cpagejcbs@aol.com
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YOTVATA |
Yotvata is mentioned in Deuteronomy 10:7 as an Israelite desert encampment. A fort dated to the late Roman period occupies this site, 28 miles north of Eilat in the Great Rift Valley (the Arava). Past excavations have unearthed a Latin imperial inscription. The objective of this excavation will be to excavate and preserve the rest of the fort.
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Directors: | Uzi Avner, Arava Institute;
Jodi Magness,Tufts University;
Gwyn Davies, Florida International University
Dates: | June 2 - June 21
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Minimum participation: | Three weeks. | s
Accommodation: | Furnished rooms at Kibbutz Ketura (AC, private bath, swimming pool) |
Cost: | Room & Board: $1,600 for full season.
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Credit courses: | 1 credit from Tufts University (contact Jodi Magness for tuition)
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Contact: |
Jodi Magness, Dept. of Classics, 321 Eaton Hall, Tufts Univ., Medford, MA 02155; tel: 617-627-2680; fax: 617-627-2896.
E-mail: jodi.magness@tufts.edu
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TEL KEDESH |
Identified in the Bible as a "city of refuge" for those who accidentally cause the death of another (Joshua 20:7), Tel Kedesh is located about 22 miles north of Tiberias. The site was first occupied during the Bronze and Iron Ages, then again in the Hellenistic and Roman periods. According to 1 Maccabees 11:73, Kedesh was the site of a siege during the rise of the Hasmoneans. Josephus also writes about it in Antiquities of the Jews and The Jewish War. Among the finds unearthed at the site is a cache of more than 2,500 bullae found in the corner of an enormous building, likely a Hellenistic administrative archive. This season, volunteers will continue excavating this administrative center and its outbuildings.
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Directors: | Andrea Berlin (University of Minnesota) and Sharon Herbert (University of Michigan)
Dates: | June 2 - July 12
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Accommodation: | Moshav Ramot Naftali |
Cost: | Room & Board: $1,600 for full season.
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Credit courses: | You may receive three (3) undergraduate or graduate credits through the Department of Classical and Near Eastern Studies at the University of Minnesota. Please contact Andrea Berlin at the University of Minnesota for more information.
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Work hours: | Sundays to Fridays, 5:15-12:00 - excavation in the field; afternoons - pottery washing and analysis.
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Contact: |
Professor Andrea Berlin,
Department of Classical and Near Eastern Studies,
University of Minnesota,
330 Folwell Hall,
Minneapolis, MN 55455.
E-mail: aberlin@tc.umn.edu
Professor Sharon Herbert,
Kelsey Museum of Archaeology,
University of Michigan,
434 South State Street,
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1390.
E-mail: sherbert@umich.edu
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Website: |
For additional information and application form see: http://www.umich.edu/~kelseydb/Excavation/Kedesh/
Kedesh.html |
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MEGIDDO | Megiddo was inhabited continuously for six millennia (ca. 7000-500 BCE) and
sporadically occupied for another millennium. Its location explains its longevity:
nearby, a road emerged into the Jezreel Valley from the coastal plain, linking
Egypt in the south with Syria, Anatolia and Mesopotamia in the north and east.
This was the Via Maris, the "Way of the Sea". Megiddo controlled a bottleneck on
this road, and with it long-distance trade and traffic.
The Book of Revelation accords Megiddo a crucial role in the future, promising an eschatological battle there, where the children of light triumph over the forces of evil. Armageddon is literally "the hill of Megiddo".
The main goal of the renewed excavations is to clarify the stratigraphy and chronology of the site, from the Early Bronze Age to the Late Iron Age, and to shed light on specific problems such as the identification of the stratum representing Solomonic Megiddo.
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Directors: | Prof. Israel Finkelstein
Head of Institute of Archaeology, Tel Aviv University;
Prof. Baruch Halpern, Pennsylvania State University;
Prof. David Ussishkin, Tel Aviv University
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Dates: | June 7 - July 26. Available sessions: 3 weeks - June 7-June 27;
4 weeks - June 28-July 26;
7 weeks - June 7-July 26 |
Accommodation: | Kibbutz Megiddo .
Full room and board (kosher) - 7 days per week.
Vegetarian dishes are available. |
Cost: | 3 weeks - $1125;
4 weeks - $1450; 7 weeks - $2250. Reductions for Consortium Members and returnees. |
Registration fee: | $75.00 non-refundable |
Application:
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Accepted from October 2001. |
Work hours: | Sun.-Thurs. 05:00-13:00; afternoon and evening activities include pottery washing and reading,
lectures. |
Academic credit: | Tel Aviv University offers up to nine credits. Each of the 3-credit courses cost $300. Graduate level credit courses are also available
For full course information see website.
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Recreation: | Swimming pool and sports facilites on kibbutz. The kibbutz has a disco (entry fee of 25 shekels) open every Thursday and Friday night. Weekends at leisure. |
Insurance: | Volunteers must arrange their own medical and
accident insurance in advance and offer proof of doing so. |
Contact: | megiddo@psu.edu
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Website: | For more information and application form see: http://www.digmegiddo.com |
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ASHKELON | The ancient seaport of Ashkelon - oldest and largest seaport yet known in Israel - capital of Canaanite kings, harbor of the Philistines, and stomping ground of the biblical hero, Samson, is located 30 miles south of Tel Aviv.
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Director: | Prof. Lawrence E. Stager,
Harvard University
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Dates: | June 9 - July 27 |
Accommodation: | Full room and board (7 days per week). |
Cost: | Cost for full season: $2,100 (subject to change)
Cost per week: $350 (subject to change) |
Minimum participation: | Three weeks. |
Academic credit: | Eight undergraduate or graduate academic credits are available through Harvard Summer School for an additional tuition fee for qualified full Summer Session volunteers. Field training focuses on methods of stratigraphic excavation, recording, and interpretation, ceramic typology and its application. Field work is complemented by a series of lectures by staff and Israeli scholars on the archaeology, geography, and history of Israel, Phoenicia, and Philistia. The course will include several field trips to other archaeological sites in Israel. |
Recreation: |
Field trips to archaeological sites. |
Insurance: | Volunteers must arrange their own medical and
accident insurance in advance and offer proof of doing so. |
Contact: | Prof. Lawrence E. Stager,
Harvard University,
Ashkelon Excavations,
The Semitic Museum,
6 Divinity Avenue,
Cambridge, MA 02138
Tel: (617) 495-9385
E-mail: stager@fas.harvard.edu
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Website: | For more information see: http://www.fas.harvard.edu/~semitic/ashkelon_dig.html |
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TEL BETH-SHEMESH | Once a major Canaanite city-state and later Israelite royal administrative center, with a strong Biblical background. Sixteen miles from Jerusalem, on the western border of the Kingdom of Judah, facing its powerful Philistine rivals.
Last summer, volunteers uncovered a unique ironsmith workshop dating to the tenth-ninth centuries BCE. In the 2002 season, volunteers will continue to examine the iron production center at Beth-Shemesh. They will also uncover more of the Iron Age (Israelite) village, the destruction level and earlier layers of the Bronze Age (Canaanite) city and parts of the fortification system.
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Directors: | Dr. Zvi Lederman (Tel Aviv University);
Dr. Shlomo Bunimovitz (Tel Aviv University)
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Dates: | June 9 - July 6 |
Accommodation: | Air conditioned B&B-style kibbutz guest house near site |
Cost: | $315 per week, $1100 for four week season |
Minimum participation: | One week (preference for two weeks and longer) |
Lectures: | Intensive archaeological summer school: guided field sessions, morning and afternoon workshops, 2-3 lectures every week on archaeological methods, ancient cultures, interdisciplinary analysis, archaeological and historical related issues. |
Academic program: |
$250/3 credits; Indiana University or Tel Aviv University |
Recreation: |
Free access to swimming pool;
Weekend tours with environmental and archaeological emphasis
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Insurance: | Volunteers must arrange their own medical and
accident insurance in advance and offer proof of doing so. |
Contact: | Dr. Zvi Lederman, Department of Archaeology,
Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv
E-mail: ledermn@netvision.net.il
Dale W. Manor, Harding Univ., 900 E. Center, Box 12280, Searcy, AR 72149; tel: 501-279-4456; E-mail: dmanor@harding.edu
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ZEITAH |
One of the major goals of the Zeitah excavations is to clarifying our understanding of life in a local, town setting in ancient Israel. A strategically located "outlying" town, Zeitah (Hebrew "Zayit") lies in the Beth Guvrin Valley, roughly halfway between the Israelite city of Lachish and Tell es Safi (Philistine Gath).
During the three excavations seasons, volunteers discovered a large Late Bronze Age public building or palace and have studied a massive destruction level also dating to the Late Bronze Age. There is also significant destruction at the Iron Age II (ninth century BCE) level that is thought to be associated with an invasion by Arameans. In 2002 volunteers will continue to explore and clarify the extent of these destruction levels, focusing also on the dimensions of a late Roman fortress at the site.
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Director: |
Ron E. Tappy, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary
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Dates: |
June 14 - July 20 |
Accommodation: |
Kibbutz Gal'on - hostel-style rooms, A/C.
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Cost for volunteers: |
Room and board: $1,400 for full five weeks; $1,200 for four weeks; and $960 for three weeks. |
Registration fee: |
US $25 (non-refundable). |
Application deadline:
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April 8 (group flight participants) or May 15 (independent travelers). |
Academic program: |
We encourage you to seek undergraduate or graduate credit through your home institution. Alternately, you may elect to receive graduate credit through Pittsburgh Theological Seminary (PTS). Tuition through PTS costs $500 for three quarter units or $1,000 for six quarter units. |
Work hours: | Excavation - 5:00-13:00; pottery washing and scheduled lectures in the afternoon and evening. Workdays: Monday-Friday. |
Minimum stay: | 3 weeks. |
Recreation: |
Overnight field trips (optional for those not taking field school credit through Pittsburgh Theological Seminary) will take place on two mid-season weekends ($125 apiece). |
Insurance: | Volunteers must arrange their own medical and accident insurance in advance, and offer proof of doing so. |
Contact: |
Dr. Ron E. Tappy,
The Zeitah Excavations,
Pittsburgh Theological Seminary,
616 N. Highland Avenue,
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15206-2596
Tel: 412-441-3304 x2126; Fax: 412-486-0776
E-mail: tappy@fyi.net
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Website: | For more information and application form see:
http://www.zeitah.net/ |
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TELL ES-SAFI/GATH |
Tell es-Safi, which is identified by most scholars as the biblical city of
"Gath of the Philistines" (the home of Goliath) and the Crusader city Blanche Garde, is one of the largest tells (ancient ruin mounds) in Israel and was settled almost continuously from the 5th millennium BCE (Chalcolithic period) until modern times. It is located in central Israel, about half-way between Jerusalem and Ashkelon.
The excavation this year will continue to excavate levels dating to various phases of the Iron Age.
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Director: |
Dr. Aren Maeir |
Dates: |
June 23 - July 19 |
Accommodation: |
Kibbutz Kfar Menahem. AC or fans in rooms. Kosher,
cafeteria style food. |
Cost for volunteers: |
US $300 per week (or $1150 for entire period). Includes room and board, including weekends (air-conditioned rooms & kosher food), transportation to and from the site during excavation, tours to sites in region. Does not include medical and accident insurance; travel to and from Israel; travel to and from airport to base camp (Kibbutz Kfar Menahem) and travel to and from base camp on weekends; laundry. |
Registration fee: |
US $ 25 (non-refundable). |
Application deadline:
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May 1 |
Academic program: |
An academic field school will be conducted during the excavation, which will provide university credits from Bar Ilan University. This program requires additional payment. |
Work hours: | Excavation - 6:00-1:00; post-excavation activities such as pottery washing which will be conducted in the afternoon and evening. Workdays: Sun. afternoon
till Friday afternoon. |
Minimum age: |
18 |
Minimum stay: | For volunteers - 2 weeks; for students in program - entire 4 weeks. |
Recreation: |
Trips to adjacent sites; kibbutz pool; TV. |
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Lecture/class: |
Twice a week, in evenings. |
Insurance: |
Applicants must have medical authorization and health
insurance (which is valid in Israel!) |
Contact: |
Dr. Aren M. Maeir,
The Martin (Szusz) Department of Land of Israel Studies,
Bar Ilan University,
Ramat Gan 52900 Israel
TEL: (972) 3 531-8299/8350;
FAX: (972) 3 535-1233
E-mail: maeir@h2.hum.huji.ac.il |
Website: | For more information and application form see:
http://faculty.biu.ac.il/~maeira
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SHA'AR HAGOLAN | The Neolithic village of Sha'ar Hagolan (ca. 8000-7500 years ago) is the largest and most important prehistoric art center in Israel. Over 150 art objects were collected from its surface over the course of many years. In the past it was not possible to conduct large scale excavations at the site, since it was covered by fish-ponds and olive trees.
Lately, on economic grounds, the fish ponds and the olives grove fell into disuse. As a result, it has become possible to conduct excavations at the largest prehistoric art center in Israel.
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Directors: | Dr. Yosef Garfinkel, Hebrew University and Michele A. Miller, Boston University |
Dates: | June 23 - Aug 2
First term (three weeks): June 23 - July 12;
Second term (three weeks): July 14 - Aug 2
Full season (six weeks) |
Accommodation: | Kibbutz Sha'ar Hagolan Guest House; air-conditioned rooms, four persons to a room. |
Cost: | Cost of full season: $1100; half season: $600 (full room and board, including free stay at Kibbutz Sha'ar Hagolan during weekends).
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Registration fee: | $50. |
Work hours: | 05:15-13:00 in field; 16:30-18:00: laboratory work. |
Academic credit: | Provided by the Rothberg International School of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem: 3 undergraduate credits for three weeks and 6 undergraduate credits for six weeks ($75 per credit). |
Lectures: | Lectures on archaeology by a staff member (three times a week, evenings).
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Recreation: | The kibbutz has an Olympic size swimming pool, free of charge during opening hours when a lifeguard is present. |
Minimum age: | 18 |
Minimum participation: | Three weeks. A two-week arrangement may be available if there is room at the guesthouse. |
Insurance: | Volunteers must arrange their own medical and accident insurance in advance, and offer proof of doing so. |
Contact: | Israel: Dr. Yosef Garfinkel, Institute of Archaeology,
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 91905 Jerusalem, Tel. 972-2-5854591; Fax: 972-2-5825548.
E-mail: msgarf@pluto.mscc.huji.ac.il
USA: Dr. Michele Miller, 444 East 84th St, Apt. 8F,
New York, NY 10029
E-mail: MICMIL@AOL.COM
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Website: | For registration details and application form see: http://www.hum.huji.ac.il/Archaeology/golan/index.htm |
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TEL HAZOR | Canaanite and
Israelite buildings north of the Sea of Galilee. |
Director: | Prof. Amnon Ben-Tor, Hebrew University, Complutense University, Israel Exploration Society, Ambassador University. |
Dates: | June 25 - August 6. The season is divided into two 3-week sessions: June 25-July 16; and July 16-Aug 6. Preference will be given to those who apply for the entire 6-week season. |
Accommodation: | Gesher House on Mount Cana'an, Safed (3-5 people per room) |
Cost: | The cost of participation is $750 per session ($250 per week x 3) or $1350 for those who register for the entire period (full board). |
Registration fee: | $25. |
Credit courses: | Participants who wish to receive academic credit must make the appropriate arrangements with their own educational institutions. At the end of the season each participant will receive a certificate attesting to his/her participation in the excavations, lectures and field trips. |
Work hours: | Excavation: 05:00-13:00; additional work assignments in the afternoon and the evenings.
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Lectures: | Related subjects. |
Recreation: | In nearby town of Safed. |
Minimum age: | 18 |
Minimum participation: | 3 weeks. |
Insurance: | Volunteers must arrange their own medical and
accident insurance in advance and offer proof of doing so. |
Contact: | Prof. Amnon Ben-Tor, Institute of Archaeology, Hebrew University, Mount Scopus, Jerusalem 91905; Tel. 972-2-5882403/4; Fax. 972-2-5825548. E-mail: bentor@h2.hum.huji.ac.il |
Website: | For registration details and application form see: http://unixware.mscc.huji.ac.il/~hatsor/index.htm |
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HIPPOS (SUSSITA) | Hippos (Sussita) is located on the eastern shore of Tiberias Lake, a short distance from Kibbutz Ein-Gev.
The site, one of two cities of the Decapolis located in Israel, which is situated on the top of a flat diamond shaped mountain, 350 m. above the Sea of Galilee, was entirely surrounded by a wall.
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Director: | Prof. Arthur Segal, University of Haifa |
Dates: | July 1 - July 25. The season is divided into 4 weekly sessions. Preference will be given to those who apply for the entire season.
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Accommodation: | Youth hostel, Kibbutz Ein Gev; 3-5 people per room. |
Cost: | The cost of participation is $300 per 5 day session, $90 for weekend or $1350 for the entire month period. |
Registration fee: | $100. |
Application deadline:
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May 15, 2002 |
Work hours: | Excavation (Sunday-Thursday): 05:00-12:30; 16:00-18:00: Processing the finds, mainly pottery.
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Recreation: | On weekends participants may relax or travel on their own or enjoy on the shore of the Tiberias Lake. |
Minimum age: | 16 |
Minimum participation: | 5 working days. |
Insurance: | Volunteers must arrange their own medical and
accident insurance in advance and offer proof of doing so. |
Contact: | Mr. Michael Eisenberg,
Assistante to Project Director,
Hippos (Sussita) Project,
Zinman Institute of Archaeology,
University of Haifa,
Mt. Carmel, Haifa 31905,
Israel
Tel. 972-4-8249392;
Fax: 972-4-8249876 E-mail: hippos@research.haifa.ac.il |
Website: | For registration details and application form see: http://hippos.haifa.ac.il/ |
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RAMAT HANADIV |
Ramat Hanadiv lies on the southern edge of Mt. Carmel, about 10 km. northeast of Caesarea. In the excavations conducted at
the site in the past, a palatial complex from the time of King Herod (end of the first century B.C.E) was exposed. During the revolt (66-70 C.E.) the palace was abandoned, and it has remained uninhabited until
recently. The site contains a
very rich assemblage of finds, including pottery vessels imported from Italy, glass vessels, silver and bronze coins, luxury ware,
cosmetic implements, bronze keys, etc. - all reflecting many facets of daily life at Ramat Hanadiv.
This summer we will continue to excavate the palace garden, which we began to uncover in 2000. This garden may have been part of an entertainment complex that included a reception hall, peristyle courtyard, and triclinium where official dinners were held.
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Director: |
Prof. Yizhar Hirschfeld, Institute of Archaeology, Hebrew University of Jerusalem |
Dates: |
July 7 - August 1 |
Accommodation: |
Kibbutz Ma'ayan Zvi. Kosher-style food, vegetarian meals available upon request. |
Cost: |
Cost includes full room and board for 5 days (Sunday afterday-Friday morning), transportation to and from the site during excavation.
Weekly rates: Room for 4: US$250; Room for 3: US$300; Room for 3: US$400.
Weekend rates available.
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Registration fee: |
US$30 (non-refundable). |
Application deadline:
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June 30 |
Work hours: | Excavation - Monday-Thursday 5:30-1:00 |
Minimum stay: | 1 week |
Recreation: |
Kibbutz pool |
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Lectures: |
Lectures about the excavation will be offered in the evenings. |
Insurance: |
All volunteers must carry proof of a valid health/accident insurance policy. |
Contact: |
Hani Davis, Institute of Archaeology, Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Fax: 972-2-5812452
E-mail: hani@actcom.co.il |
Website: | For more information and application form see:
http://www.hum.huji.ac.il/archaeology/RamatHanadiv/ index.htm
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THE "NORTHERN SEA PEOPLES" (el-Ahwat and Tel Assawir) | This project is run and directed by Haifa University. The Tel Assawir dig together with the el-Ahwat and site 146 is part of the "Northern Sea Peoples Project".
Tel Assawir (located 8 miles east of Caesarea) is situated on what was once the important Wadi 'Ara road, the path through the Carmel mountains that Pharaoh Thutmose III took to attack Meggido (c. 1482 B.C.).
In 1923 Albright suggested that Assawir was a contact point between the coast controlled by the 'northern Sea-Peoples' and the Israelite hill country. The tell has not been excavated before.
During the first season of excavation, which took place in 2001, a Middle Bronze Age city gate and its associated fortifications were unearthed. A previous archaeological survey of the site had unearthed figurines, pottery and stone objects from the Bronze and Iron Ages, tantalizing indications of the site's additional archaeological promise. Prof. Zertal hopes to establish the chronology of the site and to explore further the gate and the fortifications.
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Director: | Prof. Adam Zertal, Haifa University |
Dates: | July 14 - August 16 |
Accommodation: | Kibbutz Barkai |
Cost: | $250 per workweek (Sunday - Thursday). Full payment by check in advance - no refunds for cancellation after June 22. It is possible to stay at the kibbutz on weekends for an extra $35 per day ($70 per full weekend).
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Work hours: | Sunday, 12:00 - 18:35 PM. Monday to Thursday, 6:00 AM - 13:30 PM. On Monday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons there will be additional archaeological assignments. |
Credit courses: | Academic credits given by Haifa University cost $150 per credit. |
Lectures: | Lectures will be given on some evenings. |
Recreation: | On Tuesdays, there will be a guided bus tour to other archaeology site in the area, such as Caesarea, Megiddo, and Tel Dor (cost included).
Guided tours to different parts of Israel will be organized on weekends
(limited minimum number of participants). Price for each weekend tour
is 25$ (subject to changes). Meals and entry fee to sites and museums not
included.
The kibbutz has a swimming pool. |
Minimum age: | 16 |
Minimum participation: | One week. |
Insurance: | Volunteers must arrange their own medical and accident insurance in advance and offer proof of doing so. In certain cases a medical certificate may be
required. |
Contact: |
Amit Romano (volunteer manager) - E-mail: amitrom@matavtv.net; Tel.
972-9-8910275; Fax. 972-4-8249342
Haifa University, Archaeology Department, Mount
Carmel, Haifa 31999; Tel: 972-4-8240234;
Fax: 972-4-8248128 (for Dr. Zertal)
Dr. Adam Zertal, Home tel.: 972-6-6374240
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Website: |
For additional information and application form see: http://ahwat.haifa.ac.il/ |
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KURSI |
Christian tradition identifies Kursi with the country of the Gerasenes (or Gadarenes), where Jesus healed one or two demoniacs by casting the "unclean spirit" into a herd of swine (Matthew 8:28-34; Mark 5; Luke 8:26-39). Located just east of the Sea of Galilee, the site has yielded the remains of the largest known Byzantine monastery in the Holy Land. Kursi was apparently an important pilgrimage site for early Christians.
In September 2001 the excavation team discovered a Byzantine bath complex complete with drain pipes, underground heating system and pools, plus coins, jewelry, marble, floor tiles and other objects that date to the Byzantine and early Islamic periods. Previous excavations have also revealed a fifth-century chapel paved with three layers of mosaics. This year, volunteers will further uncover the bath complex and expand excavation to the north and east, in search of remains of additional rooms of the bath complex or perhaps what may have been an adjoining inn for pilgrims.
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Directors: | Vassilios Tzaferis, (Israel Antiquities Authority); Charles R. Page II, Jerusalem Center for Biblical Studies
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Dates: | Aug 31 - Sept 22; shorter periods available |
Accommodation: | Royal Plaza Hotel, Hammat |
Cost: | $2,799 for full season. Includes: international round trip airfare, motorcoach transportation, accommodations with two or three meals a day as per program design (excluding beverages), instruction, textbooks for Israel program, entrance fees to sites visited, shore excursions as per itinerary.
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Registration fee: | A full per-person deposit of $250 is required. |
Minimum participation: | 12 days. |
Contact: |
Charles R. Page II, 85 Country Oak Dr., Humboldt, TN 38343; Tel: 731-824-2577; Fax: 731-824-2611; E-mail: cpagejcbs@aol.com
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Website: |
For additional information and application form see: http://www.jerusalem-center.org/main.html |
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CAPERNAUM |
Mentioned frequently in all four gospels, Capernaum was pivotal in the ministry of Jesus and became a principal locale in the development of Jewish Christianity, starting from the first century. Situated on the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee, Capernaum has been excavated most recently (1978-82) by a team directed by Vassilios Tzaferis, under the auspices of the Greek Orthodox Church. That effort uncovered foundations of large villas and a significant ceramic and coin record, dated to the late Roman and Byzantine periods, in what appears to be the residential area of the aristocracy of the village.
Next fall excavations will focus on the earlier Roman period strata in the upper part of the village. The long-term goal is to reach the foundations of the remains from the Roman/Herodian period, in hopes of learning more about the possible relationship between Jesus and the aristocracy of Capernaum.
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Directors: | Vassilios Tzaferis, (Israel Antiquities Authority); Charles R. Page II, Jerusalem Center for Biblical Studies
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Dates: | Sept 29 - Oct 22; shorter periods available |
Accommodation: | Royal Plaza Hotel, Hammat |
Cost: | $2,799 for full season. Includes: international round trip airfare, motorcoach transportation, accommodations with two or three meals a day as per program design (excluding beverages), instruction, textbooks for Israel program, entrance fees to sites visited, shore excursions as per itinerary.
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Registration fee: | A full per-person deposit of $250 is required. |
Minimum participation: | 12 days. |
Contact: |
Charles R. Page II, 85 Country Oak Dr., Humboldt, TN 38343; Tel: 731-824-2577; Fax: 731-824-2611; E-mail: cpagejcbs@aol.com
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Website: |
For additional information and application form see: http://www.jerusalem-center.org/main.html |
Israel Antiquities Authority - Programs for Organized Groups
The Israel Antiquities Authority's Department of Education and Information is responsible for educational programs in archaeology and heritage preservation. The department runs three centers for archaeology, offering tours, workshops, activities, enrichment courses and opportunities to participate in excavations - for organized groups only.
For further information, please contact:
The Center for Archaeology in the Galilee
Israel Antiquities Authority
PO Box 35
Nahalal 10600
Tel./Fax.: 972-6-6415607,8
The Center For Archaeology in Jerusalem
POB 586
91004 Jerusalem
Tel.: 972-2-5602621, 972-050-512113
Fax: 972-2-5602628, 972-2-6285054
The Center for Archaeology in the Negev
Israel Antiquities Authority
HaTzav St. 1
PO Box 271
Omer 84965
Tel./Fax: 972-7-6469940
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