Tel Bet Yerah (Khirbet Kerak)Israel • June 28-August 13, 2009 |
  Dig Scholarship Winner EssaysEvery summer, people of all ages and from all walks of life volunteer to participate on archaeological digs throughout Israel, Jordan and other parts of the Mediterranean world. Read the dig experiences of three such volunteers, all of whom were selected as 2008 BAS Dig Scholarship winners. Read Dig Scholarship Winner Essays Find a Dig Poster
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 One of Canaan’s Earliest and Most Unique CitiesThe great American archaeologist W.F. Albright once called Tel Bet Yerah on the Sea of Galilee “perhaps the most remarkable Bronze Age site in all Palestine.” Numerous excavations at the site over the past 70 years have proven Albright correct, revealing a major regional center of the Early Bronze Age (3500-2300 B.C.) and one of the most unique sites in all of Israel.
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. During the Early Bronze Age, Bet Yerah, also known as Khirbet el-Kerak, grew from a small village into a thriving, fortified city with evidence of advanced urban planning and civic administration. The city’s importance as a regional center was likely the result of both its position at the entrance to the Jordan River and a massive seven-silo granary which held an estimated 500 tons of grain. It was also during this period that a distinctive red and black burnished pottery from the Caucasus region was widely used at the site, offering clear evidence of trade with or even migrants from that region.
This summer, you can help archaeologists Raphael Greenberg and Sarit Paz of Tel Aviv University continue the excavation of this remarkable site. In the upcoming season, they will be working to uncover more private and public structures of the Bronze Age city, including more of the unique granary complex.
Accomodation will be at the kibbutz Sha’ar Hagolan hostel (3-5 persons per room, shared facilities). Each hostel building has a kitchen, TV, and study area. Wireless internet will be provided, as well as free access to the swimming pool.
Raphael Greenberg Dr. Raphael Greenberg is a senior lecturer in archaeology at Tel Aviv University and has authored numerous publications on the Early Bronze Age in Palestine. He is co-director of the Tel Bet Yerah excavations.
Sarit Paz Sarit Paz is a Ph.D. candidate in Tel Aviv University’s Department of Archaeology and Ancient Near Eastern Cultures and serves as co-director of the Tel Bet Yerah excavations.
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Dig DirectorsGeographic Location5 miles south of Tiberias, on the shore of the Sea of Galilee Dates of OccupationEarly Bronze, Hellenistic, Early Islamic Dates of the DigJune 28-August 13, 2009 Minimum StayTwo weeks Application DueMarch 1, 2009 CostThe costs are $375 per week (minimum two week stay). This covers full bed and board (seven days), daily transportation to the site, and field trips. Transportation to and from the kibbutz, as well as weekend touring, are not included. Academic Credit/Cost per Credit/InstitutionYes (four to six credits), Tel Aviv University, $100/credit AccommodationsKibbutz Sha’ar Hagolan hostel ContactSarit Paz Open for toursYes, by appointment |
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