Archaeological Digs: November 2005

Monday, November 28, 2005

The Early Christian Church at Megiddo

Here is an event that well exemplifies the careful balancing that often must take place between the demands of modern day progress and the imperative to preserve the vestiges of our past:

A latter-day Gog and Magog?

By Aryeh Dayan

A strange meeting was held two weeks ago in the office of Israel Prison Service (IPS) Commissioner Yaakov Ganot. His two guests − the director of the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA), Shuka Dorfman, and the authority's archaeologist in the northern district, Dror Barshad − had already paid him several visits during the past year. But the latest meeting was different than the earlier ones, particularly because the pleasant, calm atmosphere that characterized them was replaced this time by a feeling of tension.......... Read the Rest of the Story

Monday, November 21, 2005

Dig at Ancient Tiberias Yields New Finds

Work at the dig site of ancient Tiberias near the shore of the Sea of Galilee in Israel has resumed in November, with progress made in uncovering portions of a major limestone wall along the western boundary of a Roman/Byzantine period Basilica complex. Additionally, a water drainage channel was uncovered near the northeast edge of the Basilica. See the website for a more detailed account, including photographs of the finds and activities of the Fall season. Learn at this website how you can join the next dig in the Spring.

Sunday, November 20, 2005

Research Indicates Human Face Shrinking

Archaeological and paleoanthropological excavations and studies have shown that the human face has been gradually shrinking over at least the last 10,000 years. This presents a clear case of evolutionary change. Read More

Friday, November 18, 2005

The Massacre at Cancuen

Archaeologists have discovered a group of graves at the ancient Mayan site of Cancuen, Guatemala. What makes the find significant is that the remains were the bones of a royal elite, consisting of 31 nobles, more than a dozen upper class individuals, and the bodies of a king and queen. The excavated remains show clear evidence that they were systematically executed, and associated structural remains of unfinished defensive walls and houses suggests further that the scene describes an attack by an outside force around 800 A.D. Investigations are continuing. See the website for more information.

Sunday, November 13, 2005

The Tel Kabri Expedition

Under the direction of Assaf Yasur-Landau of Tel Aviv University and Eric Cline of George Washington University, archaeologists in Israel this summer hope to uncover more of the remains of a Middle Bronze Age palace that has produced strong evidence of the work of ancient Minoan artisans as well as occupation by later Iron Age Greek mercenaries. Previous discoveries at the site include Minoan-style fresco paintings and what remains of an Iron Age fortress. Most significantly, discoveries at this site may shed new light on the role of the ancient Minoans and Greeks in the Levant. Beneath the Middle Bronze Age palace is evidence of an earlier palace or public structure, promising work that will continue for years to come. If you are interested in participating as a volunteer at this site, go here. If you are interested in reading more about the recent discoveries from the 2005 exploratory season, go to the website.

Sunday, November 06, 2005

Excavations at Akhenaten's Sun-Temple

For those who are seriously interested in exploring and uncovering the magnificence of ancient Egypt, continuing excavations outside the eastern gate of the great Temple of Karnak of ancient Thebes offers an opportunity difficult to overlook. The monetary investment for volunteers and students is steep, but the payoff clearly speaks for itself. From May 14 to June 29, 2006, a Pennsylvania State University team under the direction of Donald Redford will be conducting investigations of the complex associated with the Sun Temple, built by the famous heretic Pharaoh Akhenaten. Excavations will also include an exploration of nearby domestic residences. If you are interested, read more.

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