The University of Evansville is proud to announce its co-sponsorship of the Jezreel Expedition, a new archaeological project in northern Israel, along with the Zinman Institute of Archaeology at the University of Haifa.
From June 1-22, eight UE archaeology students will participate in the project’s first survey session, which will determine the areas to be excavated in Summer 2013 and beyond. Project directors are Jennie Ebeling, chair of UE’s Department of Archaeology and Art History, and Norma Franklin of the Zinman Institute of Archaeology.
The ancient city of Jezreel overlooks the biblical “Way of the Sea,†the major east-west international trade route that linked the empires of the Euphrates and Tigris river basins with Egypt. Previous excavations have discovered remains of a heavily fortified royal enclosure, possibly constructed by Ahab and Jezebel (as described in the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament). The site appears to have been occupied from the fifth millennium BCE through the 20th century, so it allows scholars and researchers to study prehistoric, biblical, and modern archaeology.
In Summer 2012, the Jezreel Expedition team will utilize a new three-dimensional model of the terrain, created earlier this year with an airborne laser scanning technology (LiDAR). Team members will record points, features, and structures on the ground which, when integrated with the 3D model, will generate valuable insight into the areas that most warrant exploration.
“The Jezreel Expedition will provide an excellent opportunity for UE students to be trained in the latest archaeological field methods and interact with an international team of archaeologists and students,†said Ebeling. “We’re thrilled to be a part of this important project, and in coming years, we look forward to sending UE students and faculty members to work on excavations and other projects.â€
The University of Evansville’s Department of Archaeology and Art History is one of the largest undergraduate programs in Mediterranean archaeology in the Midwest, and its 65 majors participate in summer excavations and internships around the world.
UE students participating in this summer’s Jezreel Expedition surveying project are Megan Anderson, Nate Biondi, Sarah Carlton, Emma Dunleavy, Kelly Goodner, Mike Koletsos, Emily Mella, and Hilda Torres.
