Dig Spotlight: Ramat Rahel, A Kingly Residence
Picture yourself digging among ruins in an area that once played host to the ancient Judahite kings Manasseh, Josiah, Jehoiakim and Zedekiah. Picture your eyes surveying a landscape that saw occupation by its 6th Century B.C. Baylonian conquerors, as well as the architectural and artifact remains reflecting the Persian, Hasmonean, Herodian, Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic periods. Traces and elements of the ancient citadel and palace of the Judahite kings have already been found, but there is much more to be done. After a hard day of digging, a four-star hotel and swimming pool await you, and you have the opportunity to visit and learn about other related archaeological and historic sites in the vicinity..........
After a 40-year hiatus, a renewed series of excavations and investigations has begin under the direction of Dr. Oded Lipschits of Tel Aviv University and Professor Manfred Oeming of Heidelberg University, Germany. Dig activities will resume in 2008. They are calling for volunteer participation, and whether you are a student, a retired person, an educator, or simply a person with an abiding interest in archaeological investigation and discovery, this promises to be an exciting and educational experience.
For more information, send an e-mail inquiry to orental@post.tau.ac.il, or visit the website.
