Summer Archaeology Field School

 [Posted for M. Allen]

DIG PHILISTINE GATH - THE TELL ES-SAFI/GATH ARCHAEOLOGICAL PROJECT

JULY 4  – 30, 2010

THE SITE

Tell es-Safi/Gath (Hebrew Tel Tsafit), Israel, is a commanding mound located on the border between the Judean foothills (the Shephelah) and the coastal plain (Philistia), approximately halfway between Jerusalem and Ashkelon. At about 100 acres in size, it is one of the largest and most important pre-Classical period archaeological sites in Israel. Tell es-Safi is identified as Canaanite and Philistine Gath (known from the Bible as the home of Goliath and Achish) and Crusader Blanche Garde. The site was inhabited continuously from the Chalcolithic period (5th millennium BCE) until 1948 CE.


The Philistine sector of the site has locally produced Mycenaean IIIC pottery just below the surface. Philistine material culture has many features associated with Cyprus and the Aegean including the introduction of hearths, which replace the Canaanite tabun (bread oven), notched animal scapulae associated with Cypriot culture, ring rhyta, animal head cups, Aegean style reel-shaped loom-weights, the earliest hydraulic plaster in the Levant, Aegean style cooking pots, and feasting remains that distinguish the Philistine culture from surrounding groups. Working at the site is a chance to study the emergence of a new cultural group at the interstices of cultural formations.


In the 2008-2009 seasons, my team uncovered a new hearth and associated installations with datable organic and glyptic remains, excavated the earliest hydraulic plaster in the Levant, excavated a stone pavement with well-preserved chisel marks, found the remains of an imported LH IIIB pyxis, and continued investigating several rubbish deposits containing a mixture of symbolic and ritual objects including an iron knife, mould for a plaque of Astarte, small basalt mortar and an assortment of animal bones including pig, sheep, cattle, and fish, pointing to diacritical feasting activity.


The deadline for registering as a volunteer for the 2010 season in July is May 1 and we always welcome inquiries. This is a great opportunity for students to get experience and training in a well-organized field project, which includes field trips to local sites and on-site lectures by various experts working in Israel.

THE PROJECT

Since 1996 a team of archaeologists from the Institute of Archaeology at Bar Ilan University, under the direction of Prof. Aren M. Maeir, has been digging at Tell es-Safi/Gath. The first 14 years of the project (1996-2009) have demonstrated the great importance of the site. Other major finds include: 1) A 9th century BCE destruction layer with extraordinarily rich remains; 2) An unique siege trench, dating to the Iron Age; 3) A rich stratigraphic sequence covering the Early Bronze II through Modern times (ca. 26th BCE - 20th century CE); 4) A rich representation of the material culture of the Philistines, arch-enemies of the biblical-period Israelites; 5) Fascinating inscriptions from various periods, including Canaanite, Egyptian and Philistine (including the so-called "Goliath Inscription" recently published in BASOR).

THE PROGRAM

All able and willing people between 16 and 80 are invited to join us for a unique and exciting experience uncovering the history and culture of the Holy Land. In addition to participating in all facets of the excavation process, participants will be provided with an opportunity to learn cutting-edge techniques of field archaeology, gain experience in archaeological science applications (with a unique program in inter-disciplinary archaeological science in the field), hear lectures about the archaeology and history of the region and related issues, and go on field trips to nearby sites of historical/archaeological and/or contemporary interest. Participants will join a young, vivacious team comprised of staff, students and volunteers from Israel, Australia, and the world-over. Students can earn either 3 or 6 university credits through Bar-Ilan University, the second largest university in Israel.


Accommodations (including kosher food) will be provided at idyllic Kibbutz Revadim, a short drive from the site. Rooms (4-6 per room; single and double rooms available at extra charge) are air-conditioned with wi-fi, and there will is to the Kibbutz pool. And don't forget the weekly, Thursday evening, Bar-B-Q!

WORKDAY (more or less)

6am to 1 pm excavation; Afternoon: various excavation related processes (such as pottery reading) and occasional tours; Evenings: occasional lectures. We work Sunday afternoon to Friday mid-day.

Prices:

Volunteers: US$400 per week, 2 week minimum, or US$1550 for entire 4 weeks (plus US$50 registration fee). Price includes Room and Board for entire week, daily transportation to site and back, and various dig-related activities. Does not include transportation to Israel, and to and from the Base camp, as well as health and accident insurance.

Students (wishing to receive university credits): In addition to the R+B, $500 for half program (3 credits) and $1000 for full program (6 credits).

For application forms and further information, please contact:

Prof. Aren M. Maeir
The Institute of Archaeology
The Martin (Szusz) Department of Land of Israel Studies and Archaeology
Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 52900
ISRAEL
Fax: ++972-3-6354941
Email: maeira@...
Website: www.dig-gath.org
Blog: http://gath.wordpress.com