10745 Archeological Field Work: Tel Eton

Credits: 3 intermediate credits in Ancient History of the Jewish People or in Land of Israel Studies or in Judaic Studies or in Archeology

Prerequisites: One of the following: The Archeology of Ancient Israel in the Biblical Period, History of Israel: From the Patriarchs to the Judges, or History of Israel during the First Temple Period. Students must also have B level English proficiency. Enrollment is subject to the written approval of the course coordinator.

The course is based on a reader edited by Haya Katz and Yuval Gadot

Tel Eton is located in the southeastern coastal plane, mid-way between Lachish and Hebron (2 km from Shekef). The site covers 60 dunams and is identified with the biblical city of Eglon (Joshua, ch. 10, verse 34). An earlier excavation in 1977 revealed two strata dating to Iron Age II. An expedition from Bar Ilan University began excavating the site in 2006 with the aim of exposing the various periods of settlement, with an emphasis on social-economic aspects of the ancient city.

The course creates a unique framework that combines practical fieldwork with theoretical studies, enabling students to participate in an archeological dig under close scientific supervision while learning the theoretical material. As part of the course, students are exposed to various excavation methods and take part in uncovering the findings – from the stage of excavating the artifacts, through their classification several days later.

Structure: A mandatory meeting prior to the excavation; Active participation in the week of the excavation; Lectures and a fieldtrip during the dig; An exam based on the course reader.