Classical Archaeology and Art History Commons^™

An Etruscan Life And Death: 2025 Findings From The Valle Gianni Archaeological Site, Skye Mccord

Exceptional Scholarship & Artistry

The site of Valle Gianni, part of The Northwest Bolsena Archaeological Project, is located on the northwest lakefront of Lake Bolsena, and harbors many Roman and Etruscan archaeological findings dating back to the late Iron Age. The purpose of this thesis is to explore the cultural traditions of the Etruscans, their place in the wider Mediterranean during the late Iron Age into Classical antiquity, and the changes to both physical landscapes and cultural landscapes after their conquest by the Romans. The site of Valle Gianni acts as a case study in the dynamics of colonization and the repurposing of sacred …

The Necropolis Of Lattara: An Examination Into Gender, Socioeconomic, And Ethnic Identities In A Funerary Context Following The Roman Conquest Of Mediterranean Gaul, Heather Fusco

Student Publications

This paper investigated how material goods both represented and actively created ethnic identity, gender, and socioeconomic status in a funerary context during a colonial period. Relying on evidence collected from a Roman-period necropolis from Lattara in Mediterranean France, these results were then examined alongside funerary evidence from the necropolis of the nearby Iron Age settlement of Ambrussum to compare pre-Roman and Roman funerary practices. Specifically, within the two necropolises, the grave goods, inscriptions, and biologically sexed remains were the main points of comparison. This paper also utilized the ideas and concepts from the subdivision of funerary archaeology, as well as …

Molding Diana: A Critical Analysis And Catalog Of A Selection Of Lamps From The Turnure Collection, Peyton Kendall

Honors Theses

In 2019, James Turnure, Samuel H. Kress Professor of Art History Emeritus, donated a collection of antiquities to Bucknell University’s Samek Art Museum. Among the artifacts were seventeen Roman oil lamps, seven of which were chosen to serve as the basis for this thesis. The selected lamps are included in the attached catalog, representing their first formal study and publication. This thesis thus serves to introduce the lamps into the known archaeological corpus, providing greater accessibility to future researchers. Accompanying the catalog are three chapters dealing in the modern reception of small finds, the ancient Roman oil lamp industry, and …

Romanization Through Mosaics: Transition At Fishbourne And Colchester, Elizabeth Kurtulik Mercuri

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Romanization has been discussed extensively by scholars as a way to describe the acculturation of providences under the Roman Empire. This thesis will look at mosaics from two early sites in southeast Britain and examine their connection to the Roman Empire. Fishbourne, Roman Palace presents us with a detailed view of a private villa from the first century. The city of Colchester provides a non-elite, urban perspective from the second century. Both sites contain surviving mosaics that provide a lasting imprint of the visual and material culture that was valued in Britain during its early years under Roman occupation.

In …

The Exceptional Case Of Plancia Magna: (Re)Analyzing The Role Of A Roman Benefactress, Barbara F. Caceres-Cerda

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

This thesis analyzes the extravagant renovation of the Hellenistic gate complex funded by Plancia Magna, an elite woman from Perge, a city in the Roman province of Pamphylia. By using Plancia Magna as a case study, I hope to use her patronage of an outstanding architectural program to examine the dynamic roles elite women held under the Roman Empire in the late 1st century to 2nd century CE. Euergetism played a key role in developing cultural standards and civic obligations. Predominantly a male dominated practice, Plancia Magna stands out as one of its active and independent participants by commissioning the …

Piecing Together Roman Life And Art: The Impact Of Societal Changes On Developments In Roman Mosaics, Emily A. Lewis

Honors Bachelor of Arts

Although changes in mosaics in ancient Rome can be attributed to various factors such as available resources, skills of the mosaicists, and room aesthetics with wall paintings, the changes in the relationship amongst social classes is a factor that is rarely examined, but strongly impacted these development in mosaic styles. First, an analysis of various mosaics from the 2^nd century BC-2^nd century AD will be given so that there is an understanding of the changes that occurred. From there, reasons for the adaptations of polychrome into black and white will be assessed; focusing the argument on analysis of …

Zeugma As The Provenance Of 12 Mosaic Fragments At Bowling Green State University, Stephanie Langin-Hooper, S. Rebecca Martin, Mehmet Önal

Art History Research

Bowling Green State University (BGSU) in Ohio is the current owner of 12 sections of floor mosaic dating to the 2nd-3rd c. A.D. Purchased by the university in 1965, these mosaic fragments were believed to be from the site of Antioch. In 2010-11, the mosaics were conserved and installed in BGSU’s Wolfe Center. In the following year the first-named author, organizing a symposium to celebrate the new display of the mosaics, invited R. Molholt to be the keynote speaker. During the course of preparing their respective papers for the symposium, she and Molholt uncovered evidence that an Antioch provenance for …

Ha-Tayassim Road, Tel Aviv, A-3764/2002, A-4683/2003, Yoav Arbel

Favissa: Past Archaeological Excavation Reports

In 2002 and 2003, excavations were conducted at a 5.5 dunams plot between Ha-Tayassim Road and Tslilei Hanina Street (Permit Nos. A-3764, A-4683; map ref. 182517-58/661650-81), under the direction of Giora Parnos. The site is located on a natural hill approximately 30 meters above sea level, on the third kurkar ridge of the central coastal plain. It is surrounded by fertile soil and lies near the main road connecting Jaffa and Jerusalem.

Tel Hai A-853/1979, Gershon Edelstein

Favissa: Past Archaeological Excavation Reports

In September 1979, a salvage excavation was conducted in the courtyard of the youth hostel at Tel Ḥai under the direction of G. Edelstein. Burial caves were exposed after being damaged during the quarrying of a pit for the construction of a shelter. According to the excavation diary, three burial caves were documented; in one of them, two loculi were identified, along with five additional loculi. The finds from the caves and the loculi included pottery and glass vessels dating to the Roman period.

Jerusalem, Har Ha-Zetim (Mount Of Olives) A-780/1978, Amos Kloner

Favissa: Past Archaeological Excavation Reports

In 1978, an excavation was conducted on Har Ha-Zetim in Jerusalem (map ref. 22309/63175). The excavation, on behalf of the Department of Antiquities and Museums, was directed by A. Kloner. A tomb that was dated to the Roman period was exposed.

Jerusalem, Nahal Raqafot (Bayit Ve-Gan Neighborhood) A-593/1975, Amos Kloner, Yosef Gat

Favissa: Past Archaeological Excavation Reports

In December 1975 and early 1976, an excavation was conducted in Jerusalem at Naḥal Raqafot (Bayit ve-Gan neighborhood; map ref. 21829/62980), under the direction of A. Kloner and Y. Gat. The excavation was undertaken following the discovery of a cave during preparations for the construction of a college. The cave, which was damaged during the development works, comprised a single chamber.

Jerusalem, Giv’At Shapira A-551/1975, Renee Sivan

Favissa: Past Archaeological Excavation Reports

In 1975, an excavation was conducted in the neighborhood of Giv’at Shapira in Jerusalem (map ref. 2229/6347). Three burial caves were exposed.

Ma’Alul A-399/1973, Gershon Edelstein

Favissa: Past Archaeological Excavation Reports

In February 1973, a trial excavation was conducted in the area of the village of Ma’alul near Nahalal (map ref. 222/733), under the direction of G. Edelstein. A one-day inspection was carried out, following the discovery of a mosaic.

Samaria A-142/1967, Azriel Zigelman

Favissa: Past Archaeological Excavation Reports

In 1967, an archaeological excavation was conducted in Samaria under the direction of A. Zigelman. According to information preserved in the archival file, tombs were uncovered during the construction of the access road to ancient Samaria. Twelve circular shafts were revealed, which undoubtedly served as burial installations. Some date to the Israelite period (Iron Age II), while others belong to the Roman period.

Ha’Goshrim A-64/1965, Gideon Foerster

Favissa: Past Archaeological Excavation Reports

In May 1965, a salvage excavation was conducted at Kibbutz Ha’Goshrim (map ref. unknown), following the discovery of four burial caves. The excavation, on behalf of the Department of Antiquities and Museums, was directed by G. Foerster, with the assistance of Sh. Moskowitz (surveying).

Shefar‘Am A-42/1965, Yehuda Ben Yosef

Favissa: Past Archaeological Excavation Reports

In March 1965, a salvage excavation was conducted in Shefar’am, between Horbat Ofra and Bir al-Maktzur (map ref. 21945/74292), following the discovery of a burial cave during the widening of the Shfaram-Nazareth road by the National Roads Company of Israel. The excavation, on behalf of the Department of Antiquities and Museums, was directed by Y. Ben Yosef, with the assistance of A. Zigelman (surveying and drafting).

Qiryat Tiv‘On A-23/1964, Refael Givon

Favissa: Past Archaeological Excavation Reports

In 1964, an excavation was conducted in Qiryat Tiv‘on (map ref. 2105/7353), following the discovery of a building during the laying of foundations for the Institute of Music at Oranim College. The excavation, on behalf of the Department of Antiquities and Museums, was directed by R. Givon. The building was identified as a granary. The building had a pear-like shape. No diagnostic finds were recovered.

Kefar Shemaryahu 31/1962, Fritz Berger

Favissa: Past Archaeological Excavation Reports

In 1962, an excavation was conducted in Kefar Shemaryahu (map ref. 1833/6773). The excavation, on behalf of the Department of Antiquities and Museums, was directed by F. Berger. A complex of burial caves that was dated to the Roman and Byzantine periods was exposed.

‘Akko, The Crypt 9/1960, Ze’Ev Yeivin

Favissa: Past Archaeological Excavation Reports

In September 1960, an excavation was conducted in the eastern wing of the crypt in ‘Akkko (map ref. unknown), under the direction of Ze’ev Yeivin. The remains of buildings were exposed, which were dated to the Hellenistic or Roman period.

Giv’At Nesher 11/1957, Emanuel Anati

Favissa: Past Archaeological Excavation Reports

In September 1957, a trial excavation was conducted a Giv’at Nesher (map ref. unknown), following the discovery of a burial cave during the construction of a road and a sewage channel. The excavation, on behalf of the Department of Antiquities and Museums, was directed by A. Anati with the assistance of workers provided by the Kishon employment bureau.

Narbata, Ma’Anit 24/1956, Fritz Berger

Favissa: Past Archaeological Excavation Reports

In 1956, an excavation was conducted in Narbata, near Kibbutz Ma’anit (map ref. 2030/7060). The excavation, on behalf of the Department of Antiquities and Museums, was directed by F. Berger and S. Ben Aryeh. A burial cave was exposed. Two decorated sarcophagi were found inside the burial chamber. The cave was dated to the Roman period.

Jerusalem, Katamon 29/1955, Yohanan Aharoni

Favissa: Past Archaeological Excavation Reports

In August 1955, an excavation was conducted in the Katamon neighborhood of Jerusalem (Map ref. unknown), following the discovery of a burial cave during the digging of a sewage channel in the Amidar housing complex. The excavation, on behalf of the Department of Antiquities and Museums, was directed by Y. Aharoni.

Jerusalem, Mount Herzl 1/1954, Emanuel Anati

Favissa: Past Archaeological Excavation Reports

In 1954, an excavation was conducted on Mount Herzl in Jerusalem (map ref. 21707/63147). The excavation, on behalf of the Department of Antiquities and Museums, was directed by E. Anati. A burial cave that was dated to the Fist Temple period was discovered. The cave had also been in use during the Second Temple period. The excavation file contains drawings of pottery vessels that were found in accumulations inside the cave. No finds were registered in the National Treasures.

Jerusalem, Qiryat Ha-Yovel 19/1954, Levi Yitzhak Rahmani

Favissa: Past Archaeological Excavation Reports

In 1954, a trial excavation was conducted at the Qiryat Ha-Yovel neighborhood in Jerusalem (map ref. 2168/6301), following the discovery of pottery and a lamp during the digging of pits in a private yard. The excavation, on behalf of the Department of Antiquities and Museums, was directed by L.Y. Rahmani. Two perpendicular walls were exposed, that were built of hard lime stones and nari (calcrete). Pottery was found at the foot of one of the walls, most of which was dated to the Byzantine period and a few to the Roman period.

Kibbutz Ha-Ma‘Apil 28/1954, Jacob Ory

Favissa: Past Archaeological Excavation Reports

In August 1954, a salvage excavation was conducted at Kibbutz Ha-Ma‘apil (map ref. 1986/6983), following the construction of the Kibbutz dining room . The excavation, on behalf of the Department of Antiquities and Museums, was directed by J. Ory. Four rectangular cist tombs were exposed, some of which were damaged by the construction work on the site. The tombs, which were oriented in a north–south direction, were built of soft limestone that was dressed on the inner side. The covering stone (0.6 × 0.7 cm, thickness 0.25 cm) of one of the tombs was found. Few finds were discovered inside …

Bet SheʽAn, Tel Iztabba 1/1953, Nehemya Zori

Favissa: Past Archaeological Excavation Reports

In 1953, an excavation was conducted near Tel Iztabba in Bet She'an (map ref. unknown), under the direction of N. Zori. Based on the plans and photographs in the excavation file, a mosaic floor decorated with geometric patterns was found c. 250 m west of the Kiri Maria monastery, adjacent to the route of the Roman–Byzantine wall of Bet She'an. Near the floor was a mausoleum and a coffin inside which were bones and skulls.

Hadera Cemetery 9/1953, Fritz Berger

Favissa: Past Archaeological Excavation Reports

In April 1953, an excavation was conducted at the Hadera cemetery (map ref. 1934/7041), following the discovery of a Roman mausoleum during the digging of a grave. The excavation, on behalf of the Department of Antiquities and Museums, was directed by F. Berger with the assistance of A. Hiram (surveying and drawing) and J. Ori (photography). The report was written by R. Bar-Natan.

Motza 17/1951, Yoseph Leibovich

Favissa: Past Archaeological Excavation Reports

In March 1951, an excavation was conducted in Motza, near the main road leading from Jerusalem northwest (map ref. unknown). A rampart bordering the road was removed in the excavation. Along the road, mosaics were discerned.

Tiberias, Shikun Olim 25/1951, Bezalel Ravni

Favissa: Past Archaeological Excavation Reports

In November 1951, a trial excavation was conducted in the ‘Shikun Olim’ housing complex in Tiberias (map ref. unknown), following the discovery of a mosaic floor during the digging of a sewage channel east of the complex. The excavation, on behalf of the Department of Antiquities and Museums, was directed by B. Ravni. The excavators noticed that the floor was incomplete and excavated further to the west to check for additional remains. The mosaic floor extended over two adjacent rooms, possibly further in rooms that were not excavated.

Khirbat Umm Juna 27/1951, Bezalel Ravni

Favissa: Past Archaeological Excavation Reports

In July 1951, a trial excavation was conducted at Khirbat Umm Juna, south of Kibbutz Deganya A (map ref. 2537/7336). The excavation was conducted following the discovery of a sarcophagus by members of the Kibbutz, during the digging of pits for planting trees. The excavation, on behalf of the Department of Antiquities and Museums, was directed by B. Ravni.