Tel Sheva and Tel Arad

Looking at the lower city of Tel Arad

The south in Israel is a dynamic region that can easily be perceived as holding no life at all. Through history people inhabiting the southern region must have possessed a certain innovation and willingness to live.

The Negev region has one of the east-west trade routes running through it, making the region important despite the climate barriers. Sites located along this path were meant to fortify the area.

Tel Sheva is a large Tel located in the western Negev and it served various administrative purposes for Judah. The site was important not only for fortification purposes, but also for military reasons.

Archeologists at Beer Sheva have uncovered some interesting finds. One is a typical four-room house along the perimeter of the site, and is the same as what I was working in at my site. This architecture is typical for Israel; three rooms go long way and are located next to each other, and the fourth room is at the back and is the length of the three other rooms. This is where animals were stored at night and during the winter, and the families would sleep in a room above on the second floor. This is important because this architecture is found across Israel (I’m excavating inside one at my site even).


The four room house

Interestingly, archeologists also found a dismantled horned altar, something associated with Jewish worship. What makes this altar different from others is the cut stone used to form the altar, something forbidden in the religion. The altar was initially found because archeologists recognized the shape of a corner horn, and then found the other scattered stones in secondary use. This would suggest the altar was dismantled, perhaps during the religious reforms of King Hezekiah or Josiah.


A replica of the altar (the real finds are in the Israel Museum, which I did see!)

Tel Arad is another important site for this trading route. Located east of Beer Sheva in the east Negev region, this Tel is located in the hills, providing the site with a fantastic view in the southern direction. This means those living at this site had a view of Moab and Edom, two regions not always friendly with the Israelites. Its location also made it a crucial stop for those traveling on the trading route.

Interestingly, Tel Arad has two parts to it. There is the Tel on the hill, dating from Israelite occupation and later, and there is also a lower city dating from the Bronze Age. In the harsh south of Israel, water is a crucial commodity, and ways to get the water are important to the livelihood of the population. In this lower Bronze Age city, the population collected water from the rainfall by designing their city with the well at the low point, and having the streets slope downward. This allowed runoff water to collect in the well for later use. This innovation is extremely interesting, and shows the ingenuity of the populations living in this region.


Lower Bronze Age City

Also interesting to Tel Arad is a holy site discovered there. A room dubbed the “Holy of Holies” was found with two stones shaped a bit like gravestones. The curious part of this site is that there are two stones there at all; the Israelites worshiped only one God. It has been suggested the second stone may represent God’s partner, an idea accepted in the fringe areas of Israel, areas with more lax views on religion and with Canaanite and other worldviews intermixed within the religion.


Holy of Holies at Tel Arad


Now compare the two findings at both site out of character for the Jewish religion. Tel Arad and Tel Sheva may represent two places fringe ideas are incorporated in important defensive locations. But this is interpretation, and more importantly only one interpretation of the sites.

Enjoy my pictures and as always happy history!


Tel Sheva from above looking down


The well at Tel Sheva; it is very deep (I remember 60 meters maybe) and when we threw stones down it took over 10 seconds to hear a sound.


The water system at Tel Sheva.


Gate into Tel Arad


Bronze Age well that collected water at Tel Arad


The Altar at Tel Arad. Notice these stones are not cut like at Tel Sheva.

The Tel

I’ve been posting a lot about the travels I did in Israel while visiting Israel this summer. My post about Tel Dan concludes the trips I had with my parents, and begins the travels I had with my archeological group. But, since I was volunteering and traveling, time got away from me, and I now find myself reflecting on the trip from the United States. Just because I am back home does not mean I will stop posting about Israel; I have several other interesting sites to blog about.

But before I continue with my sites, I want to reflect on my archeological experience I had while in Israel.

Tel Zeitah is a small site located in the Shephelah or wadi system in Israel. There are several valleys located in this region; one directly to the north hosts Gath of the Philistines, and one directly south houses Lachish the Judean stronghold. This means according to Biblical literature our valley is home to Libnah, which has yet to be identified. This season we were digging in one square to reach the 8th Century BCE destruction levels corresponding to Senacarib and King Hezekiah.

Zeitah is an interesting Tel; several factors have shaped what it looks like today. Originally, the Tel was larger than it is today and the change is due to erosion escalated by human forces. Archaeological soil is very fertile, so farmers began stealing soil from the site. This man made cut, along with natural erosion, has made for a very steep eastern side to the Tel.

While most in our group worked to dig to the 8th Century, I worked with the boys and excavated in a 10th Century four room house. The square had already been excavated, so our job was to take out the bulk usually left between squares. Since this square was right next to the sharp erosion side of the Tel, our director Dr. Tappy could only hope the continuing floor survived 2,000 plus years and erosion.

Dr. Tappy’s hypothesis proved correct and we found what he hoped to find.

So what was it like to be an archaeologist? It is dirty, hot, tiring and detail oriented work. The area I worked in was especially crucial because of the information it can add to the archeological debate happening in Israel. For this reason we were told to work slowly and carefully as we worked down the bulk.

Several different levels exist in each area, and these levels can differ from inch to inch. Allow me to explain; when a home was destroyed in the 10th Century, the house was first set on fire. This would cause the roof and second floor to catch fire, since this was mainly made of wood and other organic materials. Once these burned, the wood would give way and this area would collapse in. After this, the mud brick walls sitting on the stone foundations would be left, and they would be pushed in to the floor. Now fast-forward to 2011 when my group was excavating; we would first come to the mud brick walls, but then there is a change in the make up and coloring of the dirt. Next comes the thick black soot that once was the roof of the house, and underneath there is the second level floor material, along with the first floor ceiling material. These changes occur within inches because of the way all the levels collapsed onto the floor.

I am not a natural archaeologist, but I did begin to pick up important concepts for working in the field. I was able to notice different levels in the sections, I noticed different make-ups of different surfaces, and I knew pottery like the back of my hand.

Through my experience I learned fieldwork is difficult, and may not be my strong point, but this experience has been like nothing else. I can better appreciate findings from the field, and now understand how they come to be.

Tel Dan

Jeroboam's High Place


Tel Dan has been one historical location I wanted to visit more than anything else in Israel. In my Ancient Israel class Dan was mentioned quite a bit because of its location in the country, historical importance, and the archeological evidence found at the site.

I convinced my parents Tel Dan was a worthwhile stop, and then two weeks later I visited again with my group while we were traveling north, which gave me some perspective on what I had seen before with my parents.

Ancient Dan was inhabited by the Canaanites as early as 2700 BCE. This site has been identified as the Biblical site of Laish, later captured by the tribe of Dan. Finds from the early Canaanite town include a very well preserved mud brick gate. This gate dates from the 1800 BCE include the oldest intact arch. The gate features three arches, which interestingly come much earlier than when the Romans began using arches in architecture.




Tel Dan has also has architecture dating from the divided monarch period. Tel Dan is known from the Bible as one of the places King Jeroboam of the Northern Kingdom placed one of his golden calves. The story says Jeroboam placed one in Bethel, and another in Dan to rival Jerusalem as a center for worship. Archaeological remains suggest there was a high place located at Dan.


The High Place



A four-chamber gate has also been found; it was used to fortify the city and to as a gathering place for engaging in commerce in. There is evidence of where a chair may have once stood, along with a shade canopy, a place a high official would have sat to collect goods of those coming into the town. An alter has also been found outside the gates, which suggests people could offer sacrifices before entering the city.


The Site of the Officia's Chair


The Alter

Another important archaeological find was the Tel Dan inscription. This is a stele written by King Hazael of Damascus, mentioning the House of David. This is the first outside mention of the House of David from an extra-biblical source, making it extremely important in regards to confirming history of this region.

The site of Dan lies along an ancient travel route connecting Egypt to Damascus, making the land highly contested. The site was also important for safety reasons, and also for the trade passing through the regions.

Through all my stops on this trip, I think Tel Dan is my favorite. This is not actually for the history there (that would probably qualify Masada or Jerusalem). This site is more than another pile of stones on top of a hill. The area is surrounded by a nature reserve; trees surround the archeological site, and the air is filled with a sound not often heard in Israel.

In Israel, trees are used as signals for water, so a forest would signify an excess of water. What Tel Dan has is the Dan Spring providing water to the town, and this spring is one of the five forming the Jordan River, and also the fastest flowing spring in the Middle East.


The Tel Dan Spring

Because the site is inside a nature reserve you hike in to the sites, and the various paths take you through some beautiful places. My mom and I took a wrong turn, and we walked along a path that followed the water, occasionally crossing right into it. The site is spectacular partially due to the contrast of the south where water is so scarce. The other beauty is in the physical landscape. It is honestly unlike anywhere else in Israel.

Trading Routes

Through history trading has been an important part of a countries economy. The international trading routes determined the relationships Israel had with the surrounding world powers. Because Israel was the overland trading route, power struggles between empires shaped how the region looked and functioned.

The typography of Israel allows for one easily accessible trading route running north-south paralleling the coast, and two major routes running east-west through the country. The placement of Israel as a connecting strip fro Egypt and Africa in the South, Damascus and Mesopotamia in the northeast and Europe in the northwest has caused these trading routes to be highly contested high friction areas through history.

The north-south trading route runs along the Coastal Plains. There were two possible paths along the Coastal Plains; one path ran along the coast, past Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod and Jappa before heading in east to Aphek to miss the swampy Sharon Plain. The other path ran internally more, and travelers could stop in Ekron and Lod before stopping in Aphek.

The east-west trading routes were similarly important. In the south there is a pass running through the Negev connecting southern areas with the trading powers. Those living in the southern areas, which included the Moabites and Edomites, often used this pass. Since these regions were not friends to Israel, having well fortified centers in the south was important to the security of the country in addition to the trade in the area.

The other east-west trading route located in the north is through the Jezreel and Herod Valleys to the Sea of Galilee before continuing north through the Huleh Basin. This more northern pass was extremely important for those traveling to or from Damascus and Mesopotamia. Because of the military strength of these areas, well-fortified centers were also crucial to this region.

Trade is important historically; countries were interconnected and traded with one another. The ways people got from one location to another has always been important, and the desire to control trading traffic can cause conflict.

This was not a blog I intended to do initially. I started writing one about Tel Dan, but soon realized it, along with several other locations I’ve visited, is located on the ancient travel routes. Tel Dan's location is crucial to its historical story, and I can now go on to explain the interesting specific facts about the location.

Jerusalem Part 2: The Wall

The Western Wall, also known as the Wailing Wall or Kotel, is the most sacred sight for the Jewish Religion. Bloging about the most sacred Christian site last time, I think this will balance my blog out a touch. More importantly, the Wall holds a very special place in my heart because I am Jewish.

The Western Wall is associated with the Jewish Temple. Jerusalem was a city built up by the Canaanites. Jerusalem is located in a naturally protected place; the Negev desert lays to east, and a large ravine is located on the west, so it is a challenging city to militarily occupy. King David finally conquered the city, and made it his capitol for the united country of Israel. It was his son Solomon who was said to have built the First Temple.

When the Babylonians invaded the southern kingdom of Judah, they destroyed the First Temple and captured the population taking them into captivity. The Jews had 70 years of captivity before they returned to the land, rebuilding the temple in the 6th Century B.C.E.

King Herod expanded on the Temple Mound during his rule, making the Temple a grand place. After the revolts in 70 C.E. the Romans destroyed the Second Temple.

What remains today is not a wall of the temple, it is actually the support wall of the Temple Mount King Herod built when he expanded the mound. The Romans left it only because they thought it was insignificant, but really it quickly became sacred to the Jews.

From 1948 to 1967 Jews were not given access to the Wall, although on paper they were given the right. After the Six Day War in 1967 Jews returned to the Wall.

Being in the Kotel is a unique experience. For me, I feel extremely connected and at ease when I am there. But I think there is something even more important about the Kotel; The Basillica of the Holy Sepulchre is extremely ornate, and in contrast the Wall is simple and without any decoration or elegance. I think this striking difference says a lot about the differences between the religions, and the different situations of the two religions.

Don’t judge my pictures too harshly; the wall is simple, and so are my pictures.

Jerusalem Part 1: Via Dolorosa

Last year when I was in Jerusalem, I wondered if we’d be visiting any Christian sites. We barely had time to hit all the Jewish sites, let along tackle another religion. But the thought wasn’t too far off; all three large religions, Christianity, Judaism and Islam have ties to Jerusalem.

The desktop picture of my computer depicts the Western Wall in the Center and Dome of the Rock on the right. Little did I realize the tower on the left is associated with Christianity; this is the “Antonia Tower” and it is a site of the Roman fortress where Jesus was condemned to death.

Because it is close to impossible to drive in Jerusalem if you don’t know where to go, my family opted to instead take a tour of the city. This means the trip was split between Christian and Jewish Holy Sites. So in reality we spent a lot more time on the Christian Holy Site the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre than the Western Wall, but it is what it is.

While I am familiar with the different stations along Via Dolorosa, I really didn’t know specifics. After visiting and taking the tour I learned a lot touring the Basilica and the path.

Via Dolorosa, or “Way of Sorrow” is the path Jesus walked on his way to Calvary Hill to be crucified. The way winds through the old city of Jerusalem, from Ecce Homo Covenant to Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre; along the way different monuments are placed for the different stations.


The stations are as follows.
Station I is where Jesus was condemned to death.

Station II is where Jesus took up the cross. This is located in the same area as Station I; “Antonia Tower.”

Station III is where Jesus fell under the cross for the first time.


Station IV, where Jesus saw his mother Mary. Tradition dictates that Mary stood close to the roadside to see Her Son.


Station V is where Simon the Cyrenian is forced to carry the Cross. Fearing Jesus would die prematurely, Simon, a random man on the street was ordered to carry the cross. The path gets very steep at this point; imagining carrying the cross this distance and up the incline is very difficult to do.


Station VI is where Veronica wiped the sweat from Jesus’ face.


Station VII is where Jesus fell for the second time.

Station VIII is where Jesus consoled the women of Jerusalem.


Station IX is where Jesus fell for the third time; this was in site of the Holy Sepulchre Basilica, the place of his death.

Station X is where Jesus is stripped of His garments.

Station XI Jesus is nailed to the Cross.

Station XII Jesus Dies. The Rock of Cavalry is where the Cross was placed in the ground, and it is said Jesus’ blood spilled below on the rocks.


Station XIII Jesus is taken down from the Cross. This is depicted with the Stone of Unction.


Station XIV Jesus is laid in the tomb, and this is Christendom’s most sacred place. It is the site of Jesus burial and Resurrection, and it is the focal point of the entire Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre, which was erected by the Crusaders on Byzantine foundations dating from the time of Constantine the Great.


The Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre is said to be directly above the tomb of Christ. This means it is probably one of the most important places for Christians. In 312 C.E. Constantine built the first Church at the site. It is said to have been much larger than the one at the site today, but was much simpler. This church was severely destroyed by the Persians in 614 C.E. when they invaded Jerusalem. It was later destroyed fully by Hakim 1009 C.E.

The Crusaders slowly rebuilt the church. The Armenian, Latin and Greek Orthodox communities gained the most responsibility in renovating the church. Over the centuries it suffered damage. The current church was built in 1959, and there is a mish mash of different building styles in the church. Because there are also so many different traditions across the Christian community, each has its own unique way of decorating chapels and shrines, adding to the look of the Church.

I have had the fortune of visiting churches in Europe including Vatican City. This Church is spectacular and it is unlike any place I have visited before. In this Church east meets west; the decorations are very characteristic of both regions. In addition, the church is dripping with decadence. Every part of the church is decorated, making its beauty overwhelming and awe inspiring at the same time.

Thinking back I realize I need to see the site again. There was so much to see there was no I way I was going to see everything. Another thing to note is that Via Dolorosa is now located through the Bazaar; shopping was spectacular. Obviously we did not have the time to shop, so seeing the possibilities enticed me.

I am putting only some of the pictures I took up. Enjoy, and stay patient between posts. I’m at my dig now, so early mornings are in my future and time is a bit scarce. But so far, the dig has been great.



Greek Orthodox side




Catholic Side


Crosses Carved into the Walls

Dead Sea

If you go south in Israel, there is no reason not to stop at the Dead Sea; nowhere else in the world is the same. Sure, there are other salty lakes, but the Dead Sea is so much more.

The English translation from the Hebrew is kinder; Yam ha Maved means Killer Sea.

As the name suggests, nothing lives in the Dead Sea. It is said Cleopatra loved the Dead Sea so much she ordered cosmetics to be made from it. Egyptians used mud from the Dead Sea in the mummification process.

As if this wasn’t enough to set this lake apart, the Dead Sea is the lowest point on Earth, lying at 400 meters, 1,300 feet, below seal level. This is within a few miles of Jerusalem, which lies in the hilly part of the country. Volcanic activity in the region caused many of the minerals to be deposited in the area. These minerals, coupled with the salt, make the waters of the Dead Sea very good for the skin.

The high salt content also makes every person buoyant; floating is extremely easy. That’s actually about all you can do in it really because staying upright is extremely difficult. While you don’t need to be there too long (especially because it is so hot), it is worth making a stop. It is something you can’t experience anywhere else.

I don’t have that many pictures, because it’s really just a lake. But I do have a couple. Enjoy!