Masada
The celebrated site of Masada, the first Israeli site to qualify for the UNESCO World Heritage List (2001), is situated in one of the most dramatic settings, just off the western shores of the Dead Sea. Masada has functioned as an arena for a range of histories, such as the activity of Herod the Great (who built the extravagant palatial fortress), and as the location of the very last stronghold of the Jewish rebels during the First Jewish War against the Romans.
The excavation will offer a unique education opportunity to Tel Aviv University students (BA, and International Masters program), which will include fieldwork exercises, guest lectures, and assessment. The expedition will also host a range of excavation volunteers from around the globe. Volunteers will excavate during the day, and enjoy guest lectures and special guided tours in the afternoon and evening. A great deal of excitement surrounds the upcoming season, as it will be the first time excavations have resumed on the mountain since 2006.
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A month excavating the remnants of Romans, Rebels, Monks and a Monarch. Atop the
forbidding, isolated rock plateau of Masada, students of the program, took to the dry desert dust with trowels in hand. Each student worked the tools of the modern archaeological excavation, from trowels and turreahs, to total stations... |
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One of the most impressive tours we’ve had this year was, without doubt, our field trip to Masada, the famous desert stronghold, next to the Dead Sea. We were guided by esteemed Professor Guy Stiebel, who is also the director of excavations there. He gave us a fascinating and in-depth tour of the site, sharing both historical and excavation related stories...
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