June 23rd, and the start of the Tel Shimron 2019 field season, is fast approaching and we are excited to get back in the dirt! With less than two months to go, we’ll be blogging more as we look ahead to the summer. In general, the blog is devoted to life on the excavation and is a great way to learn about what’s happening while we’re in the field. Readers who want to learn more about the project’s research design and get updates on publications should consult the research page.

This year we will resume excavation in three areas as well as begin work in new areas. How do we go about opening a new area? Once an excavation area is selected, it starts with hanging shade cloths.

The shade cloths no only help provide a more comfortable work environment but also make it easier to “see the dirt,” meaning it’s easier to see distinctions in color, texture, and other markers that give archaeologists clues about where and how to excavate.

The next step is to establish the baulk lines, the boundaries of each excavation square within the larger grid, and clear the field in preparation for excavation.

Then it’s time to start excavating and in no time at all, the excavation area goes from looking like a rock strewn field…

…to this.

Interested in learning the details of this process and experiencing it yourself? Want to learn more about the history and archaeology of Tel Shimron? Good news! You have until May 15th to submit your volunteer application for the 2019 field season.