After two days of clearing brush and the top layer of dirt, we are ready to excavate! This year was particularly time-consuming given the extra year of growth on the tel but everyone worked really hard to get it done. This summer, we are opening up many new squares both at the top of the tel and halfway down the tel and we’re excited to share our findings with you.

So far we’ve collected some sherds, had our first tortoise sighting, reacquainted ourselves with our favorite denizens of the tel - the goats!, set up our computers, and learned how to use the big tools, all while enjoying views of the beautiful Jezreel Valley.

Here are some photos from the last two days. We’re also sharing photos and videos on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok, and make sure to check out our Chief Stratigrapher, Dr. Adam Aja, on TikTok (no account needed!). We hope you’ll join us and let us know what you want to see and learn about!