Archaeological Excavations in Israel 2003

Archaeological Excavations in Israel 2003

  •  
     
     
    Archaeological Excavations in Israel 2003
    (Updated March 2003)

    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.


    Israel Antiquities Authority - Programs for organized groups

     


    EXCAVATIONS 2003
    (Listed by starting date)

    Note: Additional digs will be added as the information becomes available.
    While links to excavation website are provided below, not all have
    been updated with information for the 2003 digs.

    Mezad HazevaJanuary 28 - February 2
    KursiApril 21 - May 5;
    August 30 - Sept 14
    BethsaidaMay 12 - June 5; June 9-26;
    June 30 - July 17; July 28 - Aug 7
    OmritMay 28 - June 30
    ZeitahJune 14 - July 19
    Sepphoris June 15 - July 18
    Sha'ar HagolanJune 15 - July 26
    Tel RehovJune 15 - July 24
    HalutzaJune 16 - July 31
    Tel HazorJune 17 - July 29
    Hippos (Sussita)June 30 - July 31
    Ramat HanadivJuly 6 - 31
    Yavneh-YamJuly 6 - August 1
    Tel YarmuthJuly 7 - August 15
    Tel AssawirJuly 27 - August 22
    Kinneret Regional ProjectAugust 24 - Sept 19

    Note: There will be no excavations at Megiddo, Caesarea, Tell es-Safi, or Tel Kedesh in 2003. The next field excavations at these sites are scheduled for 2004.


     
    METZAD HAZEVA Located 60 miles southeast of Beer-Sheva, some excavators think this desert site may be the town of Tamar, which guarded the southern boundary of King Solomon's empire and served as a tax station for caravans traveling from the east to the Mediterranean.
    Excavation during the 2003 season will focus on consolidating and conserving the late Roman bathhouse and fort.
    Directors: Israel Antiquities Authority with DeWayne Coxon
    Dates: January 28 - February 2
    Accommodation:On-site trailers
    Cost:$25/day after a $300 land fee
    Minimum participation: One week
    Contact: DeWayne Coxon, Blossoming Rose, P.O.B. X, Cedar Springs, MI 49319; Tel: 800-317-7673; E-mail: info@blossomingrose.org
    Website: http://www.blossomingrose.org
     
    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 2001 the excavation team discovered a Byzantine bath complex complete with drain pipes, underground heating system and pools, with additional rooms uncovered in 2002. Previous excavations have also revealed a fifth-century chapel paved with three layers of mosaics. Goals this year are to expand excavation of the bath complex and hostel to learn more about physical aspects of early Christian pilgrimage.
    Directors: Vassilios Tzaferis, Charels R. Page II, Jerusalem Center for Biblical Studies
    Dates: April 21 - May 5; August 30 - Sept 14
    Accommodation:Royal Plaza Hotel, Hammat, Tiberias
    Cost:$2,299 (2 weeks), $2,799 (24 days). 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. Ground only reduction: $500
    Registration fee:A full per-person deposit of $250 is required.
    Minimum participation: Two weeks.
    Application deadline: February 17 for session beginning April 21; June 30 for session beginning August 30.
    Work Program:Work on site during the week days with field trips to other archaeological sites on the weekends.
    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
    Andrea Knowles, P.O. Box 6067, Lakeland, FL 33807; Tel: 888-431-7902; E-mail: aknowles@travelwithus.com
    Website: For additional information and application form see: http://www.jcbs.org
     
    BETHSAIDATell 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
    Dates: The excavation is divided into four summer sessions: May 12 - June 5; June 9-26; June 30 - July 17; July 28 - Aug 7
    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: 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).
    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
    Website:For more information see: http://www.unomaha.edu/~betsaida/
     
    OMRIT Located in the northeast Huleh Valley at the base of Mount Hermon, Omrit was discovered when a 1998 fire in the northeastern Galilee revealed an ancient building complex not far from Kiryat Shmona, with ornate Corinthian capitals and other massive architectural elements were strewn on the ground. Excavations have revealed two successive temples on the same spot as well as an imperial public building which may be the temple Herod erected in honor of the Roman emperor Augustus in the area of Banias.
    In 2003 the team will continue excavating the temple complex, especially the well-preserved temple cella (central cult room). Reconstruction and preservation of the Roman temple will continue.
    Directors: Andy Overman and Jack Olive, Macalester College
    Dates: May 28 - June 30
    Accommodation: Kibbutz Kfar Szold, hotel-style rooms with air conditioning and kitchenettes.
    Cost: $885
    Application deadline: March 15
    Work hours:Excavation - 5:00-12:00; pottery washing and reading - 13:30-18:00. Lecture - 20:00.
    Workdays: Monday-Saturday morning.
    Minimum stay: Two weeks.
    Recreation: Swimming pool, basketball courts, and an on site night club. Horse riding.
    Insurance: Volunteers must arrange their own medical and accident insurance in advance, and offer proof of doing so.
    Contact: Andy Overman, Dept. of Classics, Macalester College, 1600 Grand Ave., St. Paul, MN 55105; Fax: 651-696-6498; E-mail: overman@macalester.edu
    Website:For more information and application form see: http://www.macalester.edu/classics/omrit/
     
    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 2003 attention will be focused on two areas of excavation: 1) a large, public building (possibly constructed by the Egyptians) that dates to the Late Bronze Age (ca. 1300 BCE); and 2) a later destruction level dating from the early Iron Age II (Old Testament period) and involving another building, which the Aramaeans from Damascus likely destroyed during a 9th century BCE incursion into southern Palestine.
    Director: Ron E. Tappy, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary
    Dates: June 14 - July 19
    Accommodation: Kibbutz Gal'on - hostel-style rooms, A/C.
    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: April 8 (group flight participants) or May 15 (independent travelers).
    Academic program: Students are encouraged to arrange for credit through their home institution. Credit may also be earned through Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. Course description. 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
    Website:For more information and application form see: http://www.zeitah.net/
     
    ZIPPORI (Sepphoris)Zippori (Sepphoris), the historical capital of the Galilee, is located in the center of the lower Galilee, 5 km west of Nazareth.
    Major goals for the 2002 excavation season are the complete excavation of several public and private buildings in lower Sepphoris as well as a farm house located to the east of the site.
    Director: Zeev Weiss, Institute of Archaeology, Hebrew University of Jerusalem
    Dates:June 15 - July 18
    Accommodation:Tour house, 3-4 per room
    Cost: $2,500 - full room and board (airfare not included).
    Work hours: 05:00-13:00 in the field. Afternoons: Pottery reading and workshops.
    Lectures:. Lectures will be held in the late afternoon or early evening.
    Academic credit:6 credits offered by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Tuition: per class or session.
    Minimum age:18
    Insurance: All participants must come with full health insurance and be physically fit for full participation in the dig.
    Contact: Dr. Zeev Weiss, The Institute of Archaeology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Mt. Scopus 91905, Israel
    Tel: 972-2-588-2422; Fax: 972-2-582-7078
    E-mail: Zweiss@huji.ac.il
    Website:http://www.hum.huji.ac.il/archaeology/zippori/
     
    SHA'AR HAGOLANThe 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.
    Directors:Dr. Yosef Garfinkel, Hebrew University and Michele A. Miller, Boston University
    Dates:June 15 - July 26
    Accommodation:Kibbutz Sha'ar Hagolan Guest House; air-conditioned rooms, four persons to a room.
    Cost:$200 per week.
    Registration fee:$50.
    Work hours: 05:15-13:00 in field; 16:30-18:00: laboratory work.
    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: Two weeks.
    Insurance: Volunteers must arrange their own medical and accident insurance in advance, and offer proof of doing so.
    Contact: Dr. Yosef Garfinkel, Institute of Archaeology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 91905 Jerusalem, Israel
    Tel. 972-2-5854591; Fax: 972-2-5825548.
    E-mail: ygarf@hotmail.com
    Website:For registration details and application form see: http://www.hum.huji.ac.il/Archaeology/golan/index.htm
     
    TEL REHOVThe location of the largest ancient Canaanite and Israelite site in the Beth Shean valley and one of the largest tels in the Holy Land. The first four seasons of excavations, from 1997-2000, revealed successive occupational layers from the Late Bronze Age and Iron Age I (12th - 11th centuries BCE). Large and well-preserved buildings from two occupation layers were dated to the 10th - 9th centuries BCE (the time of the United Monarchy of David and Solomon and the Divided Monarchy under Omri and Ahab). Remains of the Iron Age II city that was violently destroyed by the Assyrians in 732 BCE include an 8 m-wide mudbrick wall around the acropolis. Evidence of Assyrian slaughter was found in destroyed 8th century BCE houses.
    Major goals of this season will be the continued study of the structures and sanctuary in Areas B,C, and E, dating to the 10th-9th centuries BCE, the continued study of the Iron Age I and Late Bronze levels in Area D, and continued study of the Early Bronze Age fortifications discovered in the 2001 season.
    Director:Prof. Amihai Mazar, Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
    Dates: June 15 - July 24
    Accommodation:Kibbutz Nir David, or another kibbutz nearby.
    Cost:$250 per week (full room and board).
    Registration fee:Payment of $300 upon registration, of which $25 is nonrefundable registration fee.
    Application deadline: March 15, 2003
    Work hours:Mon.-Fri. 05:15-12:30; during the afternoons, volunteers will help in pottery washing and analysis.
    Academic credit:Academic credit at the undergraduate and graduate levels will be offered through the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and potentially by other academic institutions by special arrangement. The cost for the program is $125 per credit point provided by the Hebrew University. For more information see http://www.rehov.org/education.html
    Recreation:Swimming facilities are available at the nearby Sachne springs. General lectures series included, as well as two free afternoon field trips to Beth She'an and another local site.
    Insurance:Volunteers must arrange their own medical and accident insurance in advance and offer proof of doing so.
    Contact: Israel: Tel Rehov Expedition, Institute of Archaeology, Hebrew University, Jerusalem 91905, Israel
    Tel. 972-2-5882406; 972-2-5882437; Fax 972-2-5825548
    E-mail: rehov@h2.hum.huji.ac.il
    If you wish to register for the 2003 season, please write to:
    Lauren Wilson, 8665 Lake Murray #3, San Diego, CA 92119; E-mail: rehov2003@hotmail.com
    Website:http://www.rehov.org
     
    HALUTZAThe fourth season of excavations at Halutza located in the Negev desert (southern region of Israel). Ruins of the Roman and Early Byzantine city (second in importance to its famous 'sister' - Petra). Excavations to be resumed in the Cathedral church of the city, Roman and Byzantine Pottery workshops, and theater area.
    Directors:Dr. Goldfus Haim, Mr. Fabian Peter, Mr. Arubas Benny- on behalf of Ben Gurion University of the Negev.
    Dates: June 16 - July 31
    Accommodation:Full room and board for 5 working days in air-conditioned rooms at Kibbutz Mashabei Sade. Volunteers can stay during weekends for an extra cost.
    Cost:$150 (not including weekends) per week.
    Registration fee:Payment of $300 upon registration, of which $25 is nonrefundable registration fee.
    Minimum stay: 10 working days (2 weeks)
    Academic credit:Number of credits pending, offered by: Ben Gurion University of the Negev; two American universities - pending
    Tuition: $120 registration fee per credit hour
    Recreation:Sports facilities, including swimming pool.
    Insurance:Volunteers must arrange their own medical and accident insurance in advance and offer proof of doing so.
    Contact: Dr. Haim Goldfus, Archaeology Division, Ben Gurion University, POBox 653, Beer-Sheva, 84105, Israel.
    Tel: 972-8-6472550
    E-mail: hgoldfus@bgumail.bgu.ac.il
     
    TEL HAZORCanaanite 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 17 - July 29. The season is divided into two 3-week sessions: June 17 - July 8 and July 8 - July 29. Preference will be given to those who apply for the entire 6-week season.
    Accommodation:ETAP Hotel Galilee
    Cost: $780 per session ($260 per week x 3) or $1400 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.
    Lectures:A series of lectures during the week will provide training in field archeaology and the interpretation of finds.
    Recreation:The expedition will organize tours (conducted or otherwise) to sites of your choice, provided enough participants are interested.
    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, Israel
    Tel. 972-2-5882403/4; Fax. 972-2-5825548.
    E-mail: bentor@mscc.huji.ac.il
    Website:For registration details and application form see: http://unixware.mscc.huji.ac.il/~hatsor/index.htm
     
    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.
    In this season we plan to: Complete the excavation of the Roman Monumental Structure, continue the excavations of the areas by the Hellenistic Temanos, finish revealing the northwest church, and continue revealing a possible synagogue, the city's main gate, and the northeast church.
    Director:Prof. Arthur Segal, University of Haifa
    Dates: June 30 - July 31. The season is divided into 5 weekly sessions. Preference will be given to those who apply for the entire season.
    Accommodation:Youth hostel, Kibbutz Ein Gev; 3-5 people per room.
    Cost: The cost of participation is $300 per 5 day session, $90 for each weekend, or $1500 for 5 weeks.
    Registration fee:$100 (nonrefundable).
    Application deadline: May 15, 2003
    Work hours: Excavation (Sunday-Thursday): 05:00-12:30, with additional work assignments in the afternoon and the evenings.
    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 (Sunday-Thursday).
    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/
     
    RAMAT HANADIV Ramat Hanadiv lies on the southern edge of Mt. Carmel, about 10 km. northeast of Caesarea. Past excavations have uncovered a palatial complex from the time of King Herod (end of 1st century BCE), which was in use until the Great Revolt in the second half of the 1st century CE. The site contains a rich assemblage of finds from the Early Roman period, including pottery vessels, glassware, coins and metal objects, reflecting many facets of daily life. The site is very well preserved, with many of the palance walls found standing to a height of over two meters.
    This season will focus on the excavation of the palace's residential area.
    Director: Prof. Yizhar Hirschfeld, Institute of Archaeology, Hebrew University of Jerusalem
    Dates: July 6-31
    Accommodation: Dor Holiday Village
    Cost: Cost includes full room and board (Sunday-Thursday), transportation to and from the site during excavation.
    Weekly rates per person: Single occupancy US$100; double occupancy: US$80; 3 in a room: US$70.
    Weekend rates available.
    Registration fee: US$30 (non-refundable).
    Work hours:Excavation - Monday-Thursday 5:30-1:00
    Minimum stay: 1 week
    Recreation: Holiday village is located on the sea coast.
    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
     
    YAVNEH-YAM The coastal site of Yavneh-Yam (Jamneia-on-the-Sea) is located approximately equidistant between Jaffa and Azotus/Ashdod. Historical sources including Pliny (1st century CE) and Ptolemy (2nd century), the Madaba Map (6th century), Idrissi (12th century) and various maps refer to the site as Iamnea/Jamnia, Mahuz Yibna and, most recently, Minet Rubin. It was occupied from the Late Bronze Period till the Middle Ages. Current excavations deal with the Late Iron Age, Persian, Hellenistic, Byzantine and Early Islamic periods.
    Director: Prof. Moshe Fischer, Department of Classical Studies, Tel Aviv University
    Dates: July 6, 2003 - Aug 1, 2003
    Session dates: Session I: July 6-July 18, 2003; Session II: July 20-Aug 1
    Accommodation: Ayanot Youth Village, 10 minutes drive from the site; air-conditioned rooms, four persons to a room.
    Minimum stay: Two weeks (Session I and/or Session II)
    Cost: $650 per two-week session (full board, including weekends).
    Registration fee: US$50 (non-refundable).
    Application deadline: May 31, 2003
    Work hours: Excavation Monday-Friday 5:00-12:00. Afternoon work 16:30-18:30. Evening lectures 20:00-21:30. Saturday-Sunday free.
    Academic credit: An official certificate is delivered for participation at the training and lecturing program of the project.
    Minimum age: 16
    Recreation: Swimming pool, Mediterranean, one Sunday trip for each period.
    Requirements: Medical clearance
    Insurance: Volunteers must arrange their own medical and accident insurance in advance and offer proof of doing so.
    Contact: Prof. Moshe Fisher, Archaeological Project Yavneh-Yam, (Israel), 69978 Ramat Aviv, Israel.
    Tel. 972-3-6409938; fax: 972-3-6409457.
    E-mail: fischer@post.tau.ac.il
    Website: For more details and application form see http://www.tau.ac.il/~yavneyam
     
    TEL YARMUTH Excavation of one of the largest urban fortified site of 3rd millennium Levant. The season of 2003 will consist in the excavation of the following remains:
    - A Palace of the Early Bronze Age III);
    - Monumental buildings remains (temples ?) extending immediately to the south of the Palace.
    Director: Pierre de Miroschedji (Director of Research, CNRS, France)
    Dates: July 7 - August 15
    Session dates: July 7-July 25; July 27-Aug 15
    Accommodation: Youth hostel of Kibbutz Bet Govrin.
    Minimum stay: One 3-week session.
    Cost: $700 per 3-week session.
    Application deadline: June 15, 2003
    Minimum age: 18
    Insurance: Volunteers must arrange their own medical and accident insurance in advance and offer proof of doing so.
    Contact: Pierre de Miroschedji, MAE, boite 14, 21 allee de l'Universite, Nanterre cedex, 92023, France
    Tel: 33 1 46692490; 33 1 46692486
    E-mail: miroschedji@magic.fr
     
    TEL ASSAWIRBeing a new excavation (the tel has never been excavated before), Assawir is your opportunity to become involved with a dig at the very beginning. Located 8 miles east of Caesarea, Tel Assawir is situated on the entrance to the important Wadi 'Ara pass and was suggested by Albright (1923) to be a contact point between the coast controlled by the 'northern Sea-Peoples' and the Israelites who settled in the hill country.
    A preliminary survey and the first seesoin recovered figurines, seals, pottery and stone objects. These objects are strong indications of Tel Assawir's archaeological promise. Our main goals for the first season are to establish the site's chronology and to find its fortification system.
    Director: Prof. Adam Zertal, Haifa University
    Dates: July 27 - August 22
    Accommodation:Kibbutz Barkai
    Cost:$250 per workweek (Sunday - Thursday) 3-4 per room, full board. It is possible to stay at the kibbutz on weekends for an extra $35 per day.
    Application deadline: March 31, 2003
    Work hours: Monday to Thursday, 6:00 AM to 13:30 PM. On Sundays work is from 12:00 noon to 18:30 PM. On Monday, Wednesday and Thursday will be additional archaeological assignments in the afternoon.
    Recreation:On Tuesdays, there will be a guided bus tour to other archaeology sites in the area, such as Caesarea, Megiddo, and Tel Dor (cost included).
    Guided tours to different parts of Israel will be organized on weekends (subject to minimum number of participants). Price for each weekend tour is $25 (subject to change). Meals and entry fee to sites and museums not included.
    The kibbutz has a swimming pool.
    Minimum age:17
    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: Haim Cohen, Dept. of Archaology, Haifa University, Haifa, Israel.
    Tel. 972-4-8240653; Cel. 972-50-677994; Fax. 972-4-8249876
    E-mail: assawir@research.haifa.ac.il
    Prof. A. Zertal (home) - Tel. 972-4-6374240; Fax. 972-4-8248128
    Website: For additional information and application form see: http://assawir.haifa.ac.il/
     
    KINNERET REGIONAL PROJECT Tell el-'Oreimeh/Tel Kinrot (ancient Kinneret) is situated on the Northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee controlling the ancient route of the Via Maris. While previous work concentrated on the summit of the mound, where the remains of an Iron Age II fortress town were uncovered, the renewed excavations concentrate on the Eastern slope of the natural ridge. In this sector impressive remains of a large town of the Early Iron Age period have been discovered.
    The scheduled 2003 dig will concentrate on the living quarters and a possible public building of the Iron Age I which was discovered on the mid-slope by the means of ground penetrating radar. Additionally, the remains of the Bronze Age towns mentioned in Egyptian sources will be explored. Furthermore, a survey will be conducted in the plain of Ginnosar mentioned in the New Testament and Rabbinic Literature with special reference to the Hellenistic-Byzantine remains.
    Directors: Stefan Muenger (Bern University/Fribourg University), Dr. Juha Pakkala (Helsinki University), Dr. Juergen Zangenberg (University of Wuppertal)
    Dates: August 24 - Sept 19
    Accommodation: Full board and accommodation (5-6 pers./room) in air-conditioned rooms with bathroom at the Karei Deshe Youth Hostel.
    Minimum stay: Whole season.
    Cost: $900 for season.
    Application deadline: April 15, 2003
    Minimum age: 21
    Recreation: Private access to the beach of the Sea of Galilee.
    Insurance: Volunteers must arrange their own medical and accident insurance in advance and offer proof of doing so.
    Contact: Dr. Juergen Zangenberg, Siegesstrasse 94, Wuppertal, D-42285, Germany
    Tel: 49-(0)202-89 85 24
    E-mail: zangenberg@t-online.de
    Website: Website: http://www.kinneret-excavations.org


    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


     
     
     
     
  •