An Aramaic-Inscribed Cultic Object From Tulûl Mas‘Ud, Elyakhin,
2024
Ashkelon Academic College
An Aramaic-Inscribed Cultic Object From Tulûl Mas‘Ud, Elyakhin, Rafael Y. Lewis, Nir Finkelstein, Rona S. Avissar Lewis, Esther Eshel, Yuval Baruch, Yonah Maor, Tsadok Tsach, Oren Tal
'Atiqot
A copper-alloy object bearing an incised Aramaic inscription in lapidary script was found on the surface, about halfway up the hill of Tulûl Mas‘ud, in the Sharon plain. The object was recently studied by a multidisciplinary research group of specialists in archaeology, epigraphy, forensic science and analytical archaeology to better understand the artifact in its original cultural and spatial setting. The results attest that the object was probably connected with a nearby Persian-period sanctuary.
Evidence Of An Edomite Hebrew Scribal Cooperation From Tel MalhׅAta: One Ostracon–Two Scripts–Three Scribes?,
2024
Ludwig-Maximilian University
Evidence Of An Edomite Hebrew Scribal Cooperation From Tel MalhׅAta: One Ostracon–Two Scripts–Three Scribes?, Stefan Jakob Wimmer
'Atiqot
Among the epigraphic finds that Itzhaq Beit-Arieh published from Tel Malḥata, Inscription No. 4, the focus of this paper, is unique among the Iron Age ostraca, as it is written in both the Edomite and Hebrew languages. The context of the inscription is clear: a registration of amounts of one or more unknown commodities, with certain amounts described as ‘diminished.’ This paper offers a reassessment of Beit-Arie’s interpretation of the inscription, suggesting that it testifies to interaction and cooperation among several scribes adhering to different scribal dialects. It further discusses the broader implications of the inscription for the research of …
From Nasas To Semakhyahu: Two New Engraved Inscriptions From Iron Age Moẓa,
2024
Israel Antiquities Authority
From Nasas To Semakhyahu: Two New Engraved Inscriptions From Iron Age Moẓa, Marion Sindel, Haggai Misgav
'Atiqot
Two inscriptions recently found on jar fragments at Tel Moẓa help clarify the reading of two previously uncovered inscriptions at the site. The four ancient Hebrew inscriptions, all inscribed on jars before firing, render a unique formula, where both the sender and recipient are mentioned, representing a new, heretofore unattested category of ownership inscriptions. Drawing both on the stratigraphic and epigraphic evidence, all four inscriptions can be placed in the seventh century BCE, a time when Tel Moẓa appears to have been an important economic and administrative center, as well as a cultic one.
A New Assemblage Of ‘Private’ Stamped Jar Handles From The Mordot Arnona Excavations, Jerusalem,
2024
Israel Antiquities Authority
A New Assemblage Of ‘Private’ Stamped Jar Handles From The Mordot Arnona Excavations, Jerusalem, Neria Sapir, Nathan Ben-Ari, Ido Koch, Oded Lipschits
'Atiqot
The site of Mordot Arnona is located c. 750 m northeast of Ramat Raḥel, on the eastern outskirts of the Arnona neighborhood of Jerusalem. Recent salvage excavations at the site showed that in the late eighth and the first half of the seventh century BCE, Mordot Arnona held great significance in the physical and political landscape of the area south of Jerusalem, serving as an administrative center, as evidenced by its monumental structures and the dozens of stamped jar handles. In this paper we present for the first time a rare corpus of 17 jar handles bearing ‘private’ stamp impressions, …
Front Matter & Editorial,
2024
Israel Antiquities Authority
Front Matter & Editorial, The Editorial Board
'Atiqot
Table of contents and Editorial.
A Hellenistic Scale Weight From ‘Akko,
2024
Israel Antiquities Authority
A Hellenistic Scale Weight From ‘Akko, Gerald Finkielsztejn
'Atiqot
A rare Hellenistic lead scale weight was retrieved from a Hellenistic-period accumulation layer (L121) excavated behind the moat counterscarp wall in the ‘Akko Ottoman fortifications (see Gosker, this volume). The well-preserved ‘Akko Moat weight sheds new light on the iconography and metrology of a series of weights, as it is similar to a lead weight of the same series found underwater offshore from ‘Atlit (Finkielsztejn 2016), and it exhibits some similar features to two other lead weights—one from an excavation at the ‘Akko Post Office, and the other from the Moussaief Collection. The ‘Akko Moat weight is described here, followed …
A Ravelin Outwork Uncovered In The Ottoman Fortifications Of The Old City Of ‘Akko,
2024
Israel Antiquities Authority
A Ravelin Outwork Uncovered In The Ottoman Fortifications Of The Old City Of ‘Akko, Joppe Gosker
'Atiqot
A small salvage excavation in ‘Akko exposed the remains of a previously unknown ravelin outwork in the counterscarp of the Ottoman-period fortifications—a previously unknown military feature—which cut through earlier Crusader and Hellenistic layers. Ravelins are known components of city fortifications in Europe from the late sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, continuing in use in the nineteenth century. In ‘Akko, it seems that the construction of the ravelin was not completed.
The Iron Age Inner City Gate And Gate Shrine At Tel Lakhish (Lachish),
2024
Israel Antiquities Authority
The Iron Age Inner City Gate And Gate Shrine At Tel Lakhish (Lachish), Saar Ganor, Igor Kreimerman
'Atiqot
An excavation carried out on the southern side of the six-chambered inner gatehouse at Lakhish exposed the gate passage, four piers and three chambers. The eastern chamber comprised two rooms, with a cultic niche in one of the room’s back wall and an altar in front of it. The chamber probably served as a gate shrine, and was desecrated during Hezekiah’s cult reform, when a toilet seat was placed next to the altar and the altar horns were trimmed. Evidence of Sennacherib’s destruction in 701 BCE was manifest by the presence of arrowheads, slingstones and collapsed burned mud bricks. The …
The Late Bronze Age Iii (Iron Age Ia) Gal’On Fortress In The Shephelah,
2024
Israel Antiquities Authority
The Late Bronze Age Iii (Iron Age Ia) Gal’On Fortress In The Shephelah, Saar Ganor, Itamar Weissbein
'Atiqot
A previously unknown square building was uncovered at Gal’on in the Judean Shephelah, located between Tel Zayit and Tel Burna. The building was identified as a fortress, similar in plan and dimensions to several other excavated buildings designated “Governors’ Residencies”, and to a few buildings that were defined as “fortresses”—all associated with Egyptian imperial rule in Canaan in Dynasties XIX and XX. The construction of the isolated building at Gal’on may have been related to the reorganization of Canaan under Egyptian rule, possibly in the reign of Ramses III. The building may have been occupied by an Egyptian military force, …
The Elusive Fortifications Of Yafo (Jaffa),
2024
Israel Antiquities Authority
The Elusive Fortifications Of Yafo (Jaffa), Yoav Arbel
'Atiqot
The port city of Yafo was fortified during much of its four millennia of existence. However, today, even its most recent Ottoman walls are dismantled, and only fragmentary parts of its earlier fortifications have been traced despite decades of research and salvage excavations on the mound and its environs. These limited discoveries cannot provide a comprehensive delineation of any pre-Ottoman defensive lines. Nevertheless, new discoveries, the mapping of scattered sites, comparative observations and consultation with historical sources can shed some light on Yafo’s otherwise obscure fortifications through its many phases, as well as on various related issues. Through these we …
Trebuchets Were Not Siege Guns, So Why Use Them?,
2024
University of Western Ontario
Trebuchets Were Not Siege Guns, So Why Use Them?, Michael S. Fulton
'Atiqot
Counterweight trebuchets were the most powerful ballistic weapons of their day, but their association with later siege guns has led to misunderstandings of their destructive capabilities. This article is an attempt to correct some misguided ideas by providing a short overview of the power and value of mechanical artillery and contextualizing its use in the Levant during the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. After addressing the origin of certain theories that these engines were far more destructive than seems to have been the reality, a brief assessment of their actual power is conducted by looking at the ways sources exaggerate the …
A Methodological Framework For The Archaeology Of Conflicts In The Southern Levant, And The Battle Of Hattin (July 3–4, 1187),
2024
Ashkelon Academic College
A Methodological Framework For The Archaeology Of Conflicts In The Southern Levant, And The Battle Of Hattin (July 3–4, 1187), Rafael Y. Lewis
'Atiqot
This article presents a research framework for the Archaeology of Conflicts/Battlefield Archaeology. This work was motivated by the methodological challenge posed by the very attempt to study material evidence of events of short duration in the landscape. Such events occurred outside the boundaries of conventional archaeological sites, in the landscape, which is generally subject to more frequent changes. The theoretical model is presented through an examination of the Battle of Hattin, a decisive event that took place on July 3–4, 1187, within the days of the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem (1099–1291). This theoretical construct can be applied to the study …
The Old Sword And The Sea: A Medieval European Sword Off The Coast Of Newe-Yam,
2024
Israel Antiquities Authority
The Old Sword And The Sea: A Medieval European Sword Off The Coast Of Newe-Yam, Joppe Gosker, Jacob Sharvit, Izhak Hershko, Dan Braitman, Yotam Asscher
'Atiqot
This article examines a sword discovered on the seabed near Newe-Yam, providing an analysis of its physical characteristics. The location of the discovery and the submarine iron corrosion processes are described. The sword, covered in a biogenic crust, was studied using non- and minimally invasive techniques, and compared with contemporary swords. A European origin and an approximate date in the twelfth–thirteenth centuries CE are proposed. The study also discusses the role of swords in Medieval European society, their association with authority and chivalry, and the romantic perceptions concerning Crusader swords.
Power And Control In Crusader Acre (‘Akko): The Fortifications Of The Genoese Quarter,
2024
Israel Antiquities Authority
Power And Control In Crusader Acre (‘Akko): The Fortifications Of The Genoese Quarter, Edna J. Stern, Eliezer Stern, Fabrizio Benente
'Atiqot
An impressive fortification system on the northern border of the Genoese Quarter at Crusader-period Acre was discovered, comprising a defensive wall built of bossed ashlars and incorporating arrow slits, a fortified gate leading to the quarter through a vaulted passageway and a projecting tower with two levels of arrow slits. The gate and parts of the passageway were blocked, apparently during the Crusader period, as a consequence of the Saint Sabas War. This war broke out following a dispute between Venice and Genoa over ownership of a monastery located on the border between their quarters, near the port, which was …
The Principia Of The Sixth Legion At Legio/Caparcotani: Ground Penetrating Radar And Excavations In A Legionary Base,
2024
Israel Antiquities Authority
The Principia Of The Sixth Legion At Legio/Caparcotani: Ground Penetrating Radar And Excavations In A Legionary Base, Yotam Tepper, Matthew J. Adams, Eileen Ernenwein
'Atiqot
The legionary base at Legio (Legion II Trajana and Legion VI Ferrata) is the first full-scale legionary base of the Principate excavated in the Eastern Empire. The 2015–2019 excavation seasons of the Jezreel Valley Regional Project focused on the headquarters compound, the principia. While many components of the compound are typical of those of permanent legionary bases throughout the Empire, several unique features of the principia at Legio offer new research avenues concerning the function of these buildings within the Roman army administrative system and community life. This paper summarizes the results of the 2015–2019 seasons of excavation and remote …
Were There Jewish Gladiators? A Re-Evaluation Of The Available Archaeological And Textual Evidence,
2024
University of Basel
Were There Jewish Gladiators? A Re-Evaluation Of The Available Archaeological And Textual Evidence, Haggai Olshanetsky
'Atiqot
The participation of Jews in the arena, especially as gladiators, has received relatively little attention. The few articles written on this matter suggest that Jews were both spectators and participants. The present paper relates to all previously suggested indications for the existence of Jewish gladiators and also introduces new ones. Although the possibility that Jewish gladiators were active in the first–fourth centuries CE cannot be ruled out entirely, the evidence remains inconclusive, suggesting that their number was very limited at best. It is also suggested that if Jews had participated in the games, they possibly preferred to fight beasts rather …
Evidence Of The Roman Attack On The Third Wall Of Jerusalem At The End Of The Second Temple Period,
2024
Israel Antiquities Authority
Evidence Of The Roman Attack On The Third Wall Of Jerusalem At The End Of The Second Temple Period, Kfir Arbiv
'Atiqot
Remains of a first-century CE wall segment and a tower base uncovered in the Russian Compound, Jerusalem, shed light on the course of the Third Wall in the west of the city and the fierce battle that took place there in the First Jewish Revolt. A concentration of ballista stones and other weapons at the site support the evidence furnished by Josephus in Jewish War, describing the battle at the Third Wall and the siege imposed by Titus on Jerusalem in 70 CE. The archaeological evidence and the historical sources enable a reconstruction of the battle between the Roman army …
The Fortifications Of Tel Burna: A Reappraisal After Twelve Seasons Of Excavations (2010–2022),
2024
Hebrew University of Jerusalem
The Fortifications Of Tel Burna: A Reappraisal After Twelve Seasons Of Excavations (2010–2022), Aharon Tavger, Chris Mckinny, Deborah Cassuto, Jane Gaastra, Steven Ortiz, Itzhaq Shai
'Atiqot
Tel Burna’s prominent summit, encompassed by a 70 × 70 m casemate fortification, has attracted attention since at least the nineteenth century CE. An analysis of the archaeological data collected during ongoing excavations at the tell indicates that these fortifications were built in the late tenth or early ninth century BCE. The fortification of this Judahite stronghold, located on the border with Philistia, remained in use for the next 200 years. Recently, evidence has come to light of a massive undertaking to reinforce and strengthen the western side of the casemate wall in the late eighth century BCE. The authors …
Weapons, Warrior Burials And Agency In The Intermediate Bronze Age Southern Levant: Some Theoretical Observations,
2024
Tel Aviv University
Weapons, Warrior Burials And Agency In The Intermediate Bronze Age Southern Levant: Some Theoretical Observations, Naama Walzer, Yitzhak Paz
'Atiqot
The Intermediate Bronze Age (c. 2500–2000 BCE) is known for its abundance of formal cemeteries and various other types of burial sites. These comprise a substantial number of internments that contain metal artifacts, identified as weaponry and associated with warfare, and typically defined ‘warrior burials.’ In this paper, we discuss some theoretical issues concerning the identification and role of the so-called weapons, the ideology of warriors and warriorhood, and the mutual agency of objects and society during the Intermediate Bronze Age. Reference is made to examples and research in Europe, where similar patterns have been extensively studied. Through this examination, …
Hematite Mace-Heads: A Specialized Craft Unique To The Late Chalcolithic Period,
2024
Israel Antiquities Authority
Hematite Mace-Heads: A Specialized Craft Unique To The Late Chalcolithic Period, Michael Sebbane
'Atiqot
The mace was one of the most important and commonly used weapons for striking and smashing in hand-to-hand combat in the battlefields of the ancient Near East, from the tenth to the second half of the third millennia BCE. Outside the battlefield, the mace served ceremonial and ritual functions, which persisted long after its use as a weapon ceased. Hematite mace-heads are unique in the Late Chalcolithic culture that flourished in the region of Israel and Transjordan from the second half of the fifth to the first half of the fourth millennia BCE. They seem to be one of the …
