The site of Khirbet Wadi Hamam, nestled in a scenic valley just a mile west of the Sea of Galilee, has quickly proven to be one of the largest and most important Roman sites of the Galilee region. In only two seasons of excavation, archaeologists have discovered a cosmopolitan village from the Roman period that was home to an important Galilean synagogue and an impressive olive oil industry.

First discovered in 2007, the synagogue has proven to be one of the largest and best preserved Roman-era synagogues ever found in the Galilee region. Its striking limestone and basalt walls still stand to a height of over 8 feet, while inside the building, excavators found a colorful mosaic floor unprecedented in the archaeology of Israel. The mosaic depicts a series of craftsmen busy at work on a huge but still unidentified structure of Biblical lore, perhaps Noah’s Ark or Solomon’s Temple. Just outside the synagogue complex, archaeologists have also identified an industrial-size oil press, complete with crushing basin and the remains of a screw press. More interesting finds will certainly be uncovered in the upcoming 2009 season, as dig director Uzi Leibner of Hebrew University continues the excavation of the synagogue and the village’s industrial area.

Dig volunteers will stay in comfortable, fully-equipped cabins in the nearby area of Arbel. Participants will also have access to the facility’s pool, sauna and TV room.

Dr. Uzi Leibner is a teacher of Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine archaeology at Hebrew University’s Institute of Archaeology in Jerusalem. He is director of the Khirbet Wadi Hamam excavations and is an expert in the archaeology of the Roman Galilee.