Shikhin/Asochis
May 25 – June 19, 2020
israel
Excavate Roman Galilee
Want a first-hand look at life in Jewish Galilee in the Hellenistic and Roman periods? Investigate history for yourself this summer as part of the Shikhin excavation team! The hilltop village of Shikhin is located a short walk from Sepphoris, the largest city of Roman Galilee. Referred to as Asochis by the historian Josephus, Shikhin was an important Roman pottery production center closely tied to its larger neighbor.
Shikhin is remembered by the Sages of the Tosefta and later rabbinic writings for the high quality of its pottery, and excavations have revealed much evidence of pottery and oil lamp manufacturing at the site. Both the Sages and Josephus suggests that the town housed wealthy and powerful Jewish Galilean families. Excavations have also uncovered remains of a Roman period synagogue, and there are indications that the interior was covered with painted plaster. In 2019, the dig crew will continue to excavate in the synagogue and pottery/lamp manufacturing areas.
BIBLICAL ARCHAEOLOGY: FROM THE GROUND DOWN
How does a dig team work? What do archaeologists look for at a dig? In this documentary DVD, learn how excavators work and what we can learn from archaeology. Learn more >>
Details
Geographic Location
Central Lower Galilee, 6 miles north of Nazareth
Periods of Occupation
Hellenistic–Late Roman (2nd c. B.C.E.–4th c. C.E.)
Dates of the Dig
May 25 – June 19, 2020
Minimum Stay
2 weeks
Application Due
Sunday, March 1, 2020
Academic Credit/Cost per Credit/Institution
8 credits; $290/credit hour; awarded by Samford University
Accomodations
Hotel Galilee, Nazareth. 2–3 people per room. In-room a/c, bathroom with tub and shower, television and wi-fi, common washer and dryer for the group. Coffee bar, classroom and workspace, family-style meals. In downtown Nazareth and close to public transportation.
Open For Tours
Yes - by appointment
Cost
$3,605/four weeks for single
Directors
James Riley Strange
James Riley Strange is an Associate Professor of Religion at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama. He has served as Field Supervisor and Co-Director of the University of South Florida Excavations at Sepphoris, Israel, and is the author of The Emergence of the Christian Basilica in the Fourth Century (2000).
Mordechai Aviam
Mordechai Aviam of Kinneret Academic College on the Sea of Galilee is Associate Director.
Tom McCollough
Tom McCollough of Centre College (retired) and Coastal Carolina University is Associate Director.
Contact
Prof. James Riley Strange
Department of Religion
Howard College of Arts and Sciences
Samford University
800 Lakeshore Dr.
Birmingham, AL 35336
Phone: (205)726-4543
Fax: (205)726-2535
[email protected]
www.samford.edu/arts-and-sciences/excavations-at-shikhin
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