The Fortress at Qeren-Naftali and the Site at Beer Tzonam
Sponsored by the University of Rochester Center for Judaic Studies and the Israel Antiquities Authority
Galilean Studies: Excavations in Israel for Summer, 2000
July 11-August 13, 2000
The Excavation
The past eight seasons of the Rochester-Israel Antiquities authority joint archeological excavation of Yodefat culminated with the magnificent and extraordinary artifacts found during past summers, including the frescoed living quarters, which have since then revolutionized many scholars' theories on the way of life in first century Galilee. The dig was the subject of an award-winning PBS documentary; see the web site at http://www.pbs.org/echoes/.
This summer, the University of Rochester and the Israel Antiquities Authority will conduct two joint excavations in the Galilee. The excavations will cover an unusual range of ancient history and will appeal to people with interests in either or both Jewish history or pre-history. This is the first time the partner institutions have excavated two sites simultaneously, and participants will have a unique opportunity to learn excavating and interpretive techniques from sites of different historical periods.
The Fortress at Qeren-Naftali
The Fortress at Qeren-Naftali is one of the most important historical military sites in the Galilee. The fortress played an important role in the conquest of the Galilee by both the Hasmonean Dynasty (the Maccabees) and by King Herod. It overlooks the Hula Valley and offers one of the best and most beautiful observation points of both Mount Hermon and the Golan Heights. The excavation will take participants into a critical period in the history of the Galilee.
The Site of Beer Tzonam
The site at Beer Tzonam was discovered in the autumn of 1999 during a survey conducted on behalf of the University of Rochester and the Israel Antiquities Authority. It dates from the Chalcolithic period (6000 BP), and contains a large number of flint tools and sherds. Beer Tzonam is a pioneering excavation, the first Chalcolithic settlement to be excavated in the Galilee.
The excavation will begin with a three-day stay in Jerusalem. The group will tour the Old City, and Masada and other religious sites throughout Israel.
Educational Programs
Participants have the option of enrolling in three four-credit courses, and participate in weekly workshops.
Courses
JST 292 Field Methods in Archeology, teaches the student the skills used in field archeology. These include an introduction to surveying, the techniques of digging, square construction and maintenance, distinguishing the archeological locus, documentation and categorization of individual artifacts, and an introduction to architecture and architectural reconstruction.
JST 304 Advanced Studies in Archaeology, advanced training in selected abstracts of archaeology.
JST 299 The Development of Religious Public Buildings, explores pagan temples from Christian churches to synagogues.
Workshops
A distinctive and novel feature of the excavation's educational program is the weekly small group workshop in one of five areas of archeology: pottery, architecture, numismatics, photography, and survey map analysis. Participants acquire hands-on experience in all five areas during the excavation. The workshops provide both a close view of archeological interpretation and the opportunity for extensive questions and conversation. They are one of the most popular features of the dig.
Accommodations
The group resides at the ORT Braude Technological College in Karmiel. Karmiel is a modem Israeli town, located about 30 minutes from Akko and one hour from Haifa, inhabited by both native-born and new immigrant Israelis. ORT Braude is a new college campus, with a modem air conditioned dining room and, indoor and outdoor tennis and basketball courts, and an air-conditioned library and classrooms. Accommodations are two in each suite, with individual desks, separate bathroom and toilet, refrigerator and a kitchenette.
Faculty
The excavations are directed by Mordechai Aviam, District Archeologist of Western Galilee for the Israel Antiquities Authority and Adjunct Professor of Judaic Studies. William Scott Green, Philip S. Bernstein Professor of Judaic Studies and Dean of the College at the University of Rochester, directs the educational program. Principal sponsors are the Center for Judaic Studies, University of Rochester, and the Israel Antiquities Authority. Visiting faculty in archeology and Judaic Studies regularly teach in the educational program.
Participation Costs
The total cost of the Summer 2000 course is APPROXIMATELY $2900. This covers room and board, local field trips associated with coursework, airfare, and all ground transportation while in Israel. The cost does not include the optional twelve academic credits. A deposit of $500 is required by March 10, 2000. Limited amounts of financial aid are available on a first come, first served basis.
For more information, please contact Julie Nowak Piccirillo at jano@mail.rochester.edu or call (716) 273-5001. The mailing address is Center for Judaic Studies, Lattimore 317, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14627.
The information which appears above is current as of February, 2000. The University of Rochester Center for Judaic Studies and the Israel Antiquities Authority reserve the right to make necessary changes to the program.
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