Khirbet el-MaqatirIsrael • December 19 - 31, 2016 |
I Volunteered for This?!
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![]() The Mystery of Joshua’s Ai Solved?The location of the city of Ai mentioned in Joshua 7:8 has long been a matter of mystery and controversy since the beginnings of archaeological research in Israel. Traditionally, most archaeologists locate Joshua’s Ai at et-Tell, located 1 kilometer east of Khirbet el-Maqatir. However, at the Tell there is no indication of occupation at the time of Joshua, a fact that has led scholars to doubt the historicity of the account of the capture of Ai, and that of the conquest in general.
Biblical Archaeology: From the Ground Down How does a dig team work? What do archaeologists look for at a dig? In this documentary DVD, learn how excavators work and what we can learn from archaeology. More information. We believe we have now collected enough geographic, historical and archaeological evidence to demonstrate that Khirbet el-Maqatir is the Ai of Joshua.
Previous excavations at this site have revealed two second millennium B.C. Egyptian scarabs, a city gate and wall complex, a multitude of Late Bronze Age I pottery, an infant burial, evidence for fire, a first century AD house, coins, and a Byzantine Monastery. As the city from the time of Jesus has begun to emerge from beneath two meters of accumulated debris, the finds have been stunning. There is a significant New Testament city now being uncovered, possibly Ephraim of John 11:54.
The Khirbet el-Maqatir Excavations are sponsored and operated by the Associates for Biblical Research. The excavation was established by Dr. Bryant Wood (Ph.D., University of Toronto), who is now Director Emeritus.
![]() Scott Stripling![]() |
Dig DirectorsGeographic Location9 miles north of Jerusalem Periods of OccupationMiddle Bronze III, Late Bronze I, Iron I, Late Hellenistic, Early Roman, Byzantine Dates of the DigDecember 19 - 31, 2016 Minimum StayAt least one week preferred Application DueNovember 20, 2016 with full payment CostTwo weeks: check in Dec. 18, 2016, check out Jan 2, 2017: $1,750 - airfare not included Academic Credit/Cost per Credit/InstitutionNo AccommodationsRitz Hotel, East Jerusalem. Double/Triple Occupancy. Contact Henry Smith with questions or for a price quote. ContactHenry Smith, Jr. Open for toursYes - appointment necessary |
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