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
family
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
The Royal Automobile Museum in Amman
I've wanted to visit this museum since my first visit to Jordan in 2005, but something always came up. I know I will remember 2022 for many pleasant reasons, but one is definitely a big wish coming true - I have made it to the Royal Automobile Museum! Benz Patent Motor Car Model 1- 1886 … Continue reading The Royal Automobile Museum in Amman
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
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?
Season 4 here we come
It is that time of the year!! This season started early and it seems unreal to be already on my way back to the site. The weather in Zagreb is finally nice. Yesterday was the first warm day and today it actually feels like a summer day. But I am packing my bags and leaving … Continue reading Season 4 here we come
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
The team
During an archaeological excavation you can learn much about the methods of excavation as well as the history of the place and the region of the site in general. But what you learn the most is about yourself. You learn how to approach new and difficult situations in a new and unknown environment with new … Continue reading The team
Archaeology, mostly 