En-Gedi
January 18 - February 5, 2026
other
A Desert Oasis
The En-Gedi Oasis Archaeological Project is a newly launched research initiative under the auspices of the Institute of Archaeology of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, aiming to investigate the archaeology of the En-Gedi oasis — the largest and most significant oasis along the western shore of the Dead Sea.
Led by Dr. Uri Davidovich, the research project focuses on illuminating the history and economy of En-Gedi during the first millennium BCE. Historical and archaeological sources suggest that during this period, when En-Gedi was established as a permanent settlement, the oasis functioned as a key administrative and economic center specializing on the cultivation and production of valuable cash crops, mainly dates and aromatic plants. Within the project, this hypothesis is being reexamined through the application of innovative methodologies, including analyses of biomarkers and other microarchaeological remains. Furthermore, the project aims to critically reevaluate the long-term settlement history of the oasis, with particular emphasis on settlement continuity and change amidst political transformations throughout the first millennium BCE.
Details
Geographic Location
Dead Sea, Central Israel
Dates of the Dig
January 18 - February 5, 2026
Minimum Stay
Two Weeks
Application Due
Sunday, November 30, 2025
Academic Credit/Cost per Credit/Institution
One credit per week is available from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
Accommodations
Participants in the expedition will stay at a glamping resort, located within Kibbutz En-Gedi, a short distance from the excavation site. During excavation days, participants will receive on-site meals during working hours and a hot dinner in the evening. All meals are provided by the expedition (cost included). Several accommodation options are available, visit the excavation website for more details.
Cost
Directors
Uri Davidovich: Hebrew University of Jerusalem
