top of page

Reports from the Field: Day 19, the Final Day @ El Araj

  • Writer: EAEP
    EAEP
  • Jul 13, 2018
  • 2 min read


El Araj Excavations Day 19 (Week 4/Day 5). Today was the final day on the excavation site. It was a day of summations, clean up, picture taking and departures. We began the day with Motti Aviam leading us through el Araj to detail what our weeks of hard work had accomplished. We have uncovered multiple layers of human settlement and have brought to light a rich community in the Roman period. Their opulence is attested by the frescoes, bathhouses, beautifully ornamented oil lamps, and much much more. This year we demonstrated that the settlement was widespread, and not limited to a small area. This was no mean city. What began around 30 CE as Herod Philip's transformation of a Jewish fishing village into a polis, evolved over the centuries into a wealthy community. The continuity of settlement reaching back into the Roman period continues to strengthen the claim that el Araj is the best candidate for the historical site of Bethsaida-Julias. Yet, during these weeks it was not simply the past that we encountered. We made new friends. There is nothing like working side by side in the heat and dust, moving rocks, brushing ancient vessels, and laboring towards a common purpose that forges new friendships. You learn something about a person when you work alongside them. So, at the conclusion of the morning, not only did we say farewell to our squares and artifacts but also to a community that was forged out of the dust, sweat, and laughter we have experienced these past few weeks. We concluded our day with an impromptu visit to Kinneret College to see the Lioness of El Araj. Dates for the 2019 excavation season have already been set. There will be 2 two-week sessions: June 16-27 and June 30-July 11. Consider joining us! We will update new developments on FB and the excavation website: www.elarajexcavations.com. Next year in Bethsaida!












11件のコメント


Farmwald40365
6月21日

iwin (iWinclub) khiến người chơi mê mẩn với iwinclub games sang trọng như sòng bạc thượng lưu. iWin vươn tầm chỉ sau thời gian ngắn hoạt động.


いいね!

John Smith
John Smith
6月21日

link vào bong88 là cánh cửa mở ra sân chơi cá cược thể thao, casino, tài xỉu… với hệ thống ổn định, giao diện thân thiện và tỷ lệ cược hấp dẫn cho người chơi mới và lâu năm.

いいね!

Chehebar24328
6月21日

Được mệnh danh là “sòng bạc online”, game bài iwin mang đến trải nghiệm kịch tính như tại casino thật. iwin now hỗ trợ chơi nhanh, nạp rút dễ và hoạt động mượt trên mọi thiết bị thông minh.


いいね!

guvymywiqo
6月18日

Baby adoption programs offer a compassionate solution for families seeking to grow and for birth parents facing difficult choices. These programs ensure children Adoption Agencies in California are placed in safe, loving environments, where their emotional, physical, and developmental needs are fully supported through ongoing care and attention.

いいね!

sonnismoggy
5月26日

Considering the impressive evidence uncovered – frescoes, bathhouses, and widespread settlement – what future research strategies might be employed to further solidify the link between el Araj and Bethsaida-Julias? It sounds like an incredibly rewarding experience, especially with the camaraderie built during the dig. Hope everyone had an amazing time with the Eggy Car!


いいね!

CENTER FOR THE STUDY OF ANCIENT JUDAISM AND CHRISTIAN ORIGINS
© 2025

bottom of page