Publications
Culture of the Non-jewish Population of Judea in the Hellenistic Period: A Case Study of the ‘Sidonian’ Burial Cave in Maresha
Archaeological analysis of the 'Sidonian' burial cave in Maresha, Israel, reveals insights into the culture and identity of a non-Jewish population during the Hellenistic period. The study highlights the presence of Greek and Phoenician influences, with Greek language widely used in daily life alongside Araboid elements, indicating a complex cultural landscape. The cave's decoration, featuring exotic animals labeled in Greek, suggests an attempt by the family to emphasize their Greek education and status. The research also sheds light on the interactions between local communities, including Iduomeans, Arabs-Nabateans, and Egyptians, as evidenced by burial records and graffiti.
Gaming and divination in the Hellenistic Levant: the case study of the astragalus assemblage from Maresha, Israel
A detailed analysis of over 600 astragali (knuckle bones) from the Hellenistic city of Maresha, Israel, reveals their significant role in gaming and divination practices during the 4th–2nd centuries BCE. The study, which examines morphology, taphonomy, and modification, along with distribution patterns across various caves at the site, suggests that astragali were not only used as playthings but also held ritual significance. By analyzing intra-site distribution and archaeological context, researchers deciphered how these bones functioned within the broader social and cultural life of Maresha, offering new insights into Hellenistic Levantine practices.
Corpus Inscriptionum Iudaeae/Palaestinae, vol. 4: Iudaea/Idumaea
A groundbreaking corpus of inscriptions from Judea and Idumea, spanning the 4th century BC to the 7th century AD, reveals significant insights into Second Temple Judaism, Early Christianity, and Hellenistic culture. The volume, featuring over 1,000 previously unpublished inscriptions, includes unique texts such as a Samaritan inscription with an abbreviated Decalogue, Greek graffiti documenting three generations of a family, and a military diploma from Hebron. Notably, it provides evidence of syncretism in Maresha, where Idumean, Nabatean, Phoenician, Egyptian, Greek, and Judean influences coexist. The corpus also sheds light on early Christian practices, including the use of mosaics for salvation, the role of holy Salome, and hermits' spiritual convictions.
The Excavations of Maresha Subterranean Complex 57: The ‘Heliodorus’ Cave
A significant archaeological discovery, the 'Heliodorus' stele, was unearthed within the Maresha Subterranean Complex 57, located near what is believed to be a temple or shrine. This cave complex, situated in the Judean Lowlands southwest of Jerusalem, yielded a rich array of artifacts, including Aramaic and Greek ostraca, figurines, kernos lamps, coins, stamped handles, astragals, and an extensive collection of faunal remains. Additionally, a 7th century BCE bulla depicting a sphinx was found. The proximity to the temple or shrine suggests a possible connection between the cave's contents and religious practices. This final report details the excavation findings, providing insights into the cultural and historical significance of Maresha during this period.
Missing Piece
The Caves of Maresha and Bet-Guvrin in the Judean Lowlands serve as a microcosm for understanding the broader significance of cave systems in ancient human societies. This study highlights how these caves, through their artifacts—such as pottery, glass bottles, jewelry, and grave items—reveal intricate details about daily life, cultural practices, and historical events spanning millennia. The research employs archaeological excavation, restoration, and documentation techniques to reconstruct the past, emphasizing the emotional connection archaeologists have with their work. Notably, traces of Roman-era makeup in glass bottles and Crusader-era spearheads provide tangible evidence of past civilizations. The study underscores the ongoing human narrative embedded in these sites, offering meaningful insights that bridge history and the present.
Nanoseismic monitoring of extremely weak failure signals in unstable shallow subsurface cavities and validation of numerical stress predictions
Researchers have successfully detected extremely weak seismic signals (ML > -4.0) linked to incipient brittle failure in ancient chalk caverns at Bet Guvrin National Park, Israel. These signals validate numerical stress predictions, demonstrating that nanoseismic monitoring can quantify the spatio-temporal distribution of unstable cave formations. The study highlights a novel approach where numerical modeling guides seismic monitoring, enabling precise identification of failure risks in shallow subsurface cavities. This method offers a new tool for assessing instability in UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Maresha and Bet-Guvrin, which serve as microcosms for studying cave dynamics in the Judean Lowlands.
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