The Tel Burna Archaeological Project is exposing a Canaanite town in the Shephelah region of Israel believed by some scholars to be Biblical Libnah. In this post, excavation staff member Chris McKinny introduces us to some of the archaeology volunteers from all over the world and explains what is meant by opening a new square.
We would like to also thank the Biblical Archaeology Society for awarding Benjamin Yang and Jennifer Maidrand with excavation scholarships to participate in the Tel Burna Archaeological Project.
Besides our long-term research goals associated with the multifaceted history of Tel Burna, we are also committed to fostering interest in archaeology with the general public. Several times this year (and in previous years as well), we will be joined by a group of elementary and/or junior high students, who will actively participate in the excavation process. This week, we were joined by a group of students from Kefar Saba (north of Tel Aviv) and Nitzan (near Ashdod). They seemed to have a great time. Beyond this valuable exposure to field archaeology, it is our hope that the continued interaction with the public will promote both awareness and interest for the next generation of archaeologists!
At Tel Burna, we excavate in 5 x 5-meter squares with a 1-meter perimeter around and between the squares. This perimeter is called a “balk” (or, if you are British, a “baulk”). This results in a 4 x 4-meter excavation area for each square. Once this perimeter is marked off, we begin the difficult task of removing the topsoil. Topsoil is a layer of crusty soil that has been hardened by exposure to the elements. Typically, this topsoil layer is between 20–40 cm (c. 8–16 in.). That might not sound very deep, but across an entire square, the process of removing topsoil can take one to three field days of many rounds of pickaxing, bucket brigades and wheelbarrow runs.
Opening a new square/removing top soil in Area C. Notice the agricultural installation on the left and Drs. Michal Hejcman and Ladislav Smejda operating the handheld XRF, which is able to provide immediate results regarding the chemical composition of soil, rock, mudbrick, etc. More on this later. Photo: Courtesy Tel Burna Archaeological Project.
All told, removing topsoil/opening a square is a difficult, but necessary, task that allows archaeologists to begin the process of excavating in a stratified context. Thankfully, we have finished this task for the 2015 season and can focus on clarifying the complex stratigraphy from the Early Bronze, Late Bronze, Iron IIA, Iron IIB, Iron IIC and Persian periods that we have already encountered. We will discuss each of these areas and several other subjects related to our project in the next few weeks.
Tel Burna: An Introduction to the Biblical Town
The Iron II Fortifications in Areas A1 and B2
Area A2—A Judahite Administrative Building?
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