Germans and Israelis dig together

October 26, 2008

The Ramat Rachel archaeological site is located on the main road between Jerusalem and Bethlehem and offers spectacular views of both cities. In an interview with Ynetnews.com, dig director Dr. Oded Lipschits of Tel Aviv University described Ramat Rachel as “the most glorious city center in Judah, more so than any site discovered in Jerusalem or the Judean Shephelah [hilly region between the southern coastal plain and Judean mountains].” The many finds at the site extend from the 8^th century BC until around the 11^th century AD, from the First Temple Period up until the Early Muslim Period.

Some very interesting finds were discovered this year, including a hoard of some 350 Byzantine coins. Several, almost complete, pottery vessels were unearthed from various areas, as well as two Iron Age clay figurines. Walls, including a casemate wall (double wall with rooms inside of it), have greatly increased the understanding of the architecture of the site.

However, despite the many finds at Ramat Rachel, Lipschits insists, “What’s important to me, no less so than the archaeological finds, is the partnership between Israeli students, German students, and students from other nations.”

Photo Credit: Photos by Will King

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