Digging is hard, and it is easy to find yourself wandering at 5 am after several weeks of intensive hard work: "Why?'" But then you go back to work. Before the work becomes overwhelming, it's time for a second breakfast. The two staples are bread and watermelon, and we don't get sick of them. Sometimes, … Continue reading Highlights of the 2022 season at the site
archaeologicalsite
A day in Amman
After a long week of excavation, there's always enough energy for a trip. This time, it's a visit to the capital of Jordan. Amman’s long history unfolds across seven hills, and on one of them, remains from every period of the region’s habitation have been discovered. Right here on the citadel sits an archaeological park … Continue reading A day in Amman
Aqaba
"We came from all corners of the desert, guided by the wisdom of T.E. Lawrence. Aqaba was our destination, and destiny beckoned us forward." (unknown Bedouin warrior) The drive from Madaba to Aqaba provides impressive scenery. The geological surroundings change, and the mountains get that red "sunburnt" glaze the more south one goes. Aqaba is … Continue reading Aqaba
Pottery reading
During the excavation archaeologists collect pottery for several reasons as these artefacts offer valuable insights in the past societies that produced them. Collecting pottery allows archaeologists to conserve and preserve these artefacts for future generations. Properly documented, stored, and displayed pottery can provide the public and other researchers with valuable educational resources. Digging the dirt … Continue reading Pottery reading
Mighty Mukawer
In 2022 I visited Mukawer for the third time in my life, and it was an utterly different experience. The sky was a dark and strange yellow-grey colour. The winds were blowing insanely from every direction, and our group was the only one there at the time. Josephus wrote: "Now when Alexander [Janneus], the king … Continue reading Mighty Mukawer
Flowers will bloom in the wastelands
The wilderness and the wasteland shall be glad for them,And the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose;It shall blossom abundantly and rejoice,Even with joy and singing.The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it,The excellence of Carmel and Sharon.They shall see the glory of the LORD,The excellency of our God. (Isaiah 35:1-2)
Digging the dirt at the Field C
Every season is different. I was so getting used to digging Field B and my crew, but in 2022 I was given an opportunity to meet another group. I was assigned to Field C and the amazing Trisha Broy as my Field supervisor. It was an excellent opportunity to learn what they have been digging … Continue reading Digging the dirt at the Field C
Everything is new – or is it?
Every time I return to Madaba, I am surprised at how much it has changed. There are so many new buildings, and it feels like no more empty lots exist. The new phone store with my name on it 🙂 Some things are always the same: the sand and the dust everywhere, the yellow school … Continue reading Everything is new – or is it?
So long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, goodbye
So long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, goodbye,I leave and heave a sigh and say goodbye.I'm glad to go, I cannot tell a lie. Every ending is a bittersweet moment. When you are doing the job that you love and surrounded with friends it can get sad knowing that the dig season is coming to its end. … Continue reading So long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, goodbye
Flotation
Archaeological flotation is a technique used to recover tiny artefacts and plant remains from soil samples. This season we finally decided it was about time to collect the soil samples and float them. It was the first time for Safra team members to experience the fun of collecting heaps of fine soil (5 litres) in … Continue reading Flotation
Archaeology, mostly 