Amir Gorzalczany | Israel Antiquities Authority (original) (raw)

Papers by Amir Gorzalczany

Research paper thumbnail of Artifacts Associated with the Chemical Arts in the Early Islamic Period in Ramla, Israel

Journal of Islamic archaeology, Mar 7, 2024

Research paper thumbnail of AN AROMATIC LEVANTINE PLANT (THYMBRA SPICATA L.) IN TUTANKHAMUN’S TOMB AS A CASE OF FAILED DOMESTICATION

Journal of Ancient Egyptian Interconnections, 2024

Although Thymbra spicata is not a native Egyptian plant, a freshly picked twig was discovered in ... more Although Thymbra spicata is not a native Egyptian plant, a freshly picked twig was discovered in the tomb of Tutankhamun. Such a plant could have been cultivated in Egypt by “the state,” or by a foreigner sojourning in Egypt. The twig is an example of plant acclimatization, such as plants brought by Hatshepsut’s mission to Punt and those collected during Thutmose III’s expedition in Retjenu depicted on the walls of Amun’s temple in Karnak. The maximal span of elapsed time between the Battle of Megiddo and the death of Tutankhamun is less than 150 years (at most four or five generations). A study of a family of royal gardeners suggests that T. spicata was cultivated in Egypt during the Eighteenth Dynasty and the twig found in Tutankhamun’s tomb was a progeny of such an introduction. Eventually its cultivation failed, and the plant vanished from Egypt.

Research paper thumbnail of Reinterpreting the Obscure Biblical Hebrew Lexeme ‫צעה‬ (Ẓo'e) in Arad Ostracon 16

Jerusalem Journal of Archaeology, 2024

This article deals with an obscure Biblical Hebrew (BH) wine-associated lexeme, ẓo'e ‫.)צעה(‬ The... more This article deals with an obscure Biblical Hebrew (BH) wine-associated lexeme, ẓo'e ‫.)צעה(‬ The lexeme appears five times as metaphors in the biblical Books of Isaiah and Jeremiah, reflecting consistency in the contemporary Judahite vernacular. The translations of these occurrences vary greatly, suggesting that the idiom may have fallen out of use after the Babylonian conquest in 586 BCE. The lexeme also appears on Arad Ostracon 16 (AO 16), which derives from the late Iron Age fortress of the same name. It was recently discovered thanks to the application of advanced technologies to the ostracon's verso, revealing the lexeme ‫,הצע‬ hẓ'. In this article, we endorse the newly deciphered reading of AO 16 but reinterpret its content, offering new insight into wine handling in late Iron Age Judah.

Research paper thumbnail of Reinterpreting the Obscure Biblical Hebrew Lexeme ‫צעה‬ (Ẓo'e) in Arad Ostracon 16

Research paper thumbnail of מנשה‬ ‫שבהרי‬ ‫גילן‬ ‫בחורבת‬ ‫אבן‬ ‫מחצבות - (In Hebrew) Stone quarries at Horbat Gilan, in the Menashe Hills

Atiqot, 2007

Some 800 m northeast of Barqai Junction, along the route of the Cross-Israel Highway, an extensiv... more Some 800 m northeast of Barqai Junction, along the route of the Cross-Israel Highway, an extensive quarry was exposed. The quarry, dated to the Roman and Byzantine periods based on the quarrying technique and ceramic finds, was used to quarry hard nari limestone, which was suitable for construction. The quarrying activity created steps or terraces. The detachment method included the separation of the stone’s sides from the bedrock and then its extraction by pulling the stone sideways. A rough calculation of the material extracted from the various quarrying locations is also attempted.

Research paper thumbnail of Survey and salvage excavations on the Menashe Spur, near Horbat Bareqet and Kibbutz Regavim (HEBREW)

Atiqot, 2007

A large area, located in the catchment basin of Nahal ‘Ada, was surveyed and consequently excavat... more A large area, located in the catchment basin of Nahal ‘Ada, was surveyed and consequently excavated, revealing a large number of walls and installations. Among the installations are many stone heaps and square towers. A trapezoidal enclosure was examined and partly excavated; it was most likely used to store agricultural produce. The remains in this area are probably part of an Iron Age satellite settlement, under the aegis of the city of Dor. The enclosures located in the area were dated to the Roman and Byzantine periods, and were possibly connected with the city of Caesarea. During the Islamic period there was less activity in the area. Pottery finds were meager, mostly dating to Iron Age I and the Hellenistic period. The results of this project show that intensive archaeological work, in an area here-to-far considered devoid of finds, can provide much diversified information

Research paper thumbnail of Adding to the Complexity of Documented Burial Customs in the Ghassulian Chalcolithic Cemetery at Palmaḥim (north), Southern Levant

Research paper thumbnail of Lod Mozaikleri: Lüks Roma Konağından Kentsel ve Sosyal Değişimin Katalizörüne

Journal of Mosaic Research

In mid-2021, the Museum and Visitor Centre in the city of Lod, Israel, was inaugurated, housing t... more In mid-2021, the Museum and Visitor Centre in the city of Lod, Israel, was inaugurated, housing the remains of the magnificent mosaics discovered in the city, to be finally exhibited to the public. This event, almost 25 years after the beginning of the sporadic excavations of the site by the IAA (Israel Antiquities Authority), seems an appropriate moment to briefly recapitulate on the findings, the history of the research and its scientific and, why not, communal significance. This spectacular site consists of a large Roman domus which includes a lavish colorful mosaic paving a large triclinium, that was exposed in the most prestigious museums in the world. Also includes a peristyle courtyard, and various rooms, all paved with luxurious mosaics. The project (excavated in 1996, 2009, 2014 and 2018) attracted the public attention and enjoyed from its beginning incessant media covering. The mosaics, which depict accurately figures from the animal kingdom, were built in the best style o...

Research paper thumbnail of The Lod Mosaics: From Luxurious Roman Mansion to Catalyst for Urban and Social Change

Journal of Mosaic Research, 2022

In mid-2021, the Museum and Visitor Centre in the city of Lod, Israel, was inaugurated, housing t... more In mid-2021, the Museum and Visitor Centre in the city of Lod, Israel, was inaugurated, housing the remains of the magnificent mosaics discovered in the city, to be finally exhibited to the public. This event, almost 25 years after the beginning of the sporadic excavations of the site by the IAA (Israel Antiquities Authority), seems an appropriate moment to briefly recapitulate on the findings, the history of the research and its scientific and, why not, communal significance. This spectacular site consists of a large Roman domus which includes a lavish colorful mosaic paving a large triclinium, that was exposed in the most prestigious museums in the world. Also includes a peristyle courtyard, and various rooms, all paved with luxurious mosaics. The project (excavated in 1996, 2009, 2014 and 2018) attracted the public attention and enjoyed from its beginning incessant media covering. The mosaics, which depict accurately figures from the animal kingdom, were built in the best style of the time, and boast influences from different parts of the empire.
The long process has by no means been simple and the difficulties have been numerous, starting with the chronic lack of funds to finance such a project, the initial resistance and distrust of the inhabitants of the neighborhood and the countless logistical, archaeological, and political impediments.
The article summarizes the archaeological findings at the mosaic, and also focuses on the process that went through the modest neighborhood that houses it, from the initial opposition and disbelief of the inhabitants towards the authorities to the recognition of the value of the antiquities. The article also reviews the approach to conservation, the philosophy behind the planning of the museum and the hope for integration into the community framework, to create a sense of belonging and local pride. Beyond its outstanding archaeological, artistic, and scientific value, the Lod mosaic, which began its life in the fourth century CE as part of an elitist and wealthy mansion, can today fulfil an important function as a catalyst for social change and improvement.

Research paper thumbnail of Shuni: A New Middle Bronze IIA Domestic Site on the Northern Bank of Nahal Tanninim

Tel Aviv: Journal of the Institute of Archaeology of Tel Aviv University, 2005

Research paper thumbnail of Antiguo Oriente: Cuadernos del Centro de Estudios de Historia del Antiguo Oriente, 2004, n° 2 (número completo)

Versión original impresa en Sistema de Bibliotecas UCA: Antiguo Oriente, Nº 2, (2004)., 2004

Research paper thumbnail of A Group of Vessels from the Syrian Coast Found in the Coastal Plain of Israel

Levant, 2003

... Eli Yannai, Amir Gorzalczany and Martin Peilstöcker ... The maffic raw material was most like... more ... Eli Yannai, Amir Gorzalczany and Martin Peilstöcker ... The maffic raw material was most likely dragged from basaltic Pliocene outcrops of volcanic material in the sur-roundings of the Nahral-Kabir, on the present Syrian – Lebanese border (Sanlaville 1977, 24; 281, fig. 97). ...

Research paper thumbnail of A New Type of Cemetery from the Late Mamluk and Early Ottoman Periods from Central Israel

Levant, 2009

In a series of cemeteries from the Late Mamluk and Early Ottoman Periods excavated in Israel, a r... more In a series of cemeteries from the Late Mamluk and Early Ottoman Periods excavated in Israel, a rare feature was discovered. Some of the tombs are sealed by whole ceramic vessels, intentionally located on the tomb, placed on their bases, rims or bodies. The ...

Research paper thumbnail of Ramla: City of Muslim Palestine, 715-1917

This book presents a comprehensive overview of the history, archaeology and architecture of the c... more This book presents a comprehensive overview of the history, archaeology and architecture of the city of Ramla from the time of its foundation as capital of Umayyad Palestine around 715 until the end of Ottoman rule in 1917. It begins with a historical outline covering in turn the early Islamic (Robert Hoyland), Crusader (Peter Edbury), Ayyubid-Mamluk (Donald S. Richards) and Ottoman periods (Matthew Elliot). In the archaeological section, Gideon Avni's synthesis of the results of excavations on the early Islamic city is followed by discussions of the Umayyad-period aqueduct (Amir Gorzalczany) and the historical interpretation of First World War aerial photographs (Benjamin Z. Kedar). Architectural studies include a complete corpus of the surviving Muslim buildings (Andrew Petersen), a reassessment of the remains of the White Mosque (Michael H. Burgoyne), an account of the Christian buildings (Denys Pringle), and an analysis of late Ottoman alterations to the Great Mosque (Katia Cytryn-Silverman). The final section on numismatics and epigraphy includes chapters on the coinage of Umayyad Ramla (Nikolaus Schindel), the Arabic inscriptions (Mehmet Tütüncü) and late medieval Christian pilgrims' graffiti (Denys Pringle). The volume concludes with three appendices, including a hitherto unpublished report on the White Mosque (1919-20) by K.A.C. Creswell, a gazetteer of settlements in the Crusader lordships of Ramla, Lydda and Mirabel, and the endowment deed for a house dated 1713 (Maher Abu-Munshar).

Research paper thumbnail of Antiguo Oriente: Cuadernos del Centro de Estudios de Historia del Antiguo Oriente, 2007, n° 5 (número completo)

Versión original impresa en Sistema de Bibliotecas UCA: Antiguo Oriente, Nº 5, (2007)., 2007

Research paper thumbnail of Ostriches and people in archaeological contexts in the southern Levant and beyond

Research paper thumbnail of Archaeological Evidence of a Powerful Earthquake in Ramla, Israel, during the Early Islamic Period

Proceedings of the 10th International Congress on the Archaeology of the Ancient Near East, Volume 1

Ramla was established by the Umayyad governor of the Jund and later caliph Sulāyman b. abd el-Mal... more Ramla was established by the Umayyad governor of the Jund and later caliph Sulāyman b. abd el-Malek in the early eighth century CE as the capital of Jund Filastin. Its construction was a planned enterprise that included the mosque, the palace and markets. The extensive salvage excavations that were conducted lately by the IAA at the site of Ramla (South) brought again into live the significance of that city at the time. Archaeological studies became an invaluable source of information for the early days of Ramla and provide a case study on the early Islamic urbanism. An important discovery is the clear evidence, noted here for the first time in the history of Ramla, of a powerful earthquake that affected the city during the mid-eighth century CE, dated by firm ceramic evidence. Several known seismic events, namely the 749 and 756 CE, referred to in both Christian and slamic literary sources, can be related to the uncovered damaged remains. However, the occurrence of other tremors during the same period in the southern Levant of which no historical evidence is known, cannot be disregarded.

Research paper thumbnail of Royal Purple Industry in Lod during the Late Roman Period as Reflected in the Lod Mosaic

Journal of the Economic and Social History of the Orient

A mosaic discovered in luxurious Roman domus in Lod (Lydda, Diospolis) in Israel, depicted among ... more A mosaic discovered in luxurious Roman domus in Lod (Lydda, Diospolis) in Israel, depicted among other maritime creatures Royal Purple yielding mollusks and wicker traps used to catch them. Historical sources indicating that during Late Antiquity residents of Lod dealt in dyeing and exporting textiles (also Royal Purple) were reexamined. Clearly many city inhabitants were involved with textiles, and some of them had their hands permanently dyed. The mosaic hints that the mollusks contributed to their wealth. The problem of inland dyeing with Royal Purple was discussed, as well as the continuation of this industry in the area into the Islamic period.

Research paper thumbnail of Tethering of Tamed and Domesticated Carnivores in Mosaics from the Roman and Byzantine Periods in the Southern Levant

Journal of Mosaic Research, 2018

Tamed and domesticated carnivores such as dogs, cheetahs and mongooses participated as search and... more Tamed and domesticated carnivores such as dogs, cheetahs and mongooses participated as search and chase aids to human hunting in different societies, during most of history, as attested by anthropological, literary or graphic sources. In order to impose human will on the animals, different tethering devices were developed, such as leashes, collars and harnesses. These devices significantly differ from others related to labour e.g. for hauling, riding or carry palanquins.
During the Roman and Byzantine periods in the southern Levant, these animals and their restraining gear were depicted in hunting scenes on mosaic floors of churches, synagogues and private dwellings. These mosaics are discussed as evidence of everyday life. Therefore, this research analyzes the mechanism involved in translation of reality to images, the choice of hunting animals and their respective equipment as motifs represented on the mosaics, the differences between prestige and utilitarian hunts and the motivation behind the animal owner’s choices and preferences.
Keywords: Dogs, harness, collar, hunting, rural, tethering.cihlerinin arkasinda yatan motivasyonlari analiz edilecektir.

Research paper thumbnail of The Kefar Saba cemetery and differences in orientation of Late Islamic burials from Israel/Palestine

Levant, 2007

... him into the Early Islamic literary sources and kindly offered important comments. RamShoeff ... more ... him into the Early Islamic literary sources and kindly offered important comments. RamShoeff was of great help in the graphic aspect of this paper. Astronomical data was pro-vided by Noah Brosh from the Department of Astronomy ...

Research paper thumbnail of Artifacts Associated with the Chemical Arts in the Early Islamic Period in Ramla, Israel

Journal of Islamic archaeology, Mar 7, 2024

Research paper thumbnail of AN AROMATIC LEVANTINE PLANT (THYMBRA SPICATA L.) IN TUTANKHAMUN’S TOMB AS A CASE OF FAILED DOMESTICATION

Journal of Ancient Egyptian Interconnections, 2024

Although Thymbra spicata is not a native Egyptian plant, a freshly picked twig was discovered in ... more Although Thymbra spicata is not a native Egyptian plant, a freshly picked twig was discovered in the tomb of Tutankhamun. Such a plant could have been cultivated in Egypt by “the state,” or by a foreigner sojourning in Egypt. The twig is an example of plant acclimatization, such as plants brought by Hatshepsut’s mission to Punt and those collected during Thutmose III’s expedition in Retjenu depicted on the walls of Amun’s temple in Karnak. The maximal span of elapsed time between the Battle of Megiddo and the death of Tutankhamun is less than 150 years (at most four or five generations). A study of a family of royal gardeners suggests that T. spicata was cultivated in Egypt during the Eighteenth Dynasty and the twig found in Tutankhamun’s tomb was a progeny of such an introduction. Eventually its cultivation failed, and the plant vanished from Egypt.

Research paper thumbnail of Reinterpreting the Obscure Biblical Hebrew Lexeme ‫צעה‬ (Ẓo'e) in Arad Ostracon 16

Jerusalem Journal of Archaeology, 2024

This article deals with an obscure Biblical Hebrew (BH) wine-associated lexeme, ẓo'e ‫.)צעה(‬ The... more This article deals with an obscure Biblical Hebrew (BH) wine-associated lexeme, ẓo'e ‫.)צעה(‬ The lexeme appears five times as metaphors in the biblical Books of Isaiah and Jeremiah, reflecting consistency in the contemporary Judahite vernacular. The translations of these occurrences vary greatly, suggesting that the idiom may have fallen out of use after the Babylonian conquest in 586 BCE. The lexeme also appears on Arad Ostracon 16 (AO 16), which derives from the late Iron Age fortress of the same name. It was recently discovered thanks to the application of advanced technologies to the ostracon's verso, revealing the lexeme ‫,הצע‬ hẓ'. In this article, we endorse the newly deciphered reading of AO 16 but reinterpret its content, offering new insight into wine handling in late Iron Age Judah.

Research paper thumbnail of Reinterpreting the Obscure Biblical Hebrew Lexeme ‫צעה‬ (Ẓo'e) in Arad Ostracon 16

Research paper thumbnail of מנשה‬ ‫שבהרי‬ ‫גילן‬ ‫בחורבת‬ ‫אבן‬ ‫מחצבות - (In Hebrew) Stone quarries at Horbat Gilan, in the Menashe Hills

Atiqot, 2007

Some 800 m northeast of Barqai Junction, along the route of the Cross-Israel Highway, an extensiv... more Some 800 m northeast of Barqai Junction, along the route of the Cross-Israel Highway, an extensive quarry was exposed. The quarry, dated to the Roman and Byzantine periods based on the quarrying technique and ceramic finds, was used to quarry hard nari limestone, which was suitable for construction. The quarrying activity created steps or terraces. The detachment method included the separation of the stone’s sides from the bedrock and then its extraction by pulling the stone sideways. A rough calculation of the material extracted from the various quarrying locations is also attempted.

Research paper thumbnail of Survey and salvage excavations on the Menashe Spur, near Horbat Bareqet and Kibbutz Regavim (HEBREW)

Atiqot, 2007

A large area, located in the catchment basin of Nahal ‘Ada, was surveyed and consequently excavat... more A large area, located in the catchment basin of Nahal ‘Ada, was surveyed and consequently excavated, revealing a large number of walls and installations. Among the installations are many stone heaps and square towers. A trapezoidal enclosure was examined and partly excavated; it was most likely used to store agricultural produce. The remains in this area are probably part of an Iron Age satellite settlement, under the aegis of the city of Dor. The enclosures located in the area were dated to the Roman and Byzantine periods, and were possibly connected with the city of Caesarea. During the Islamic period there was less activity in the area. Pottery finds were meager, mostly dating to Iron Age I and the Hellenistic period. The results of this project show that intensive archaeological work, in an area here-to-far considered devoid of finds, can provide much diversified information

Research paper thumbnail of Adding to the Complexity of Documented Burial Customs in the Ghassulian Chalcolithic Cemetery at Palmaḥim (north), Southern Levant

Research paper thumbnail of Lod Mozaikleri: Lüks Roma Konağından Kentsel ve Sosyal Değişimin Katalizörüne

Journal of Mosaic Research

In mid-2021, the Museum and Visitor Centre in the city of Lod, Israel, was inaugurated, housing t... more In mid-2021, the Museum and Visitor Centre in the city of Lod, Israel, was inaugurated, housing the remains of the magnificent mosaics discovered in the city, to be finally exhibited to the public. This event, almost 25 years after the beginning of the sporadic excavations of the site by the IAA (Israel Antiquities Authority), seems an appropriate moment to briefly recapitulate on the findings, the history of the research and its scientific and, why not, communal significance. This spectacular site consists of a large Roman domus which includes a lavish colorful mosaic paving a large triclinium, that was exposed in the most prestigious museums in the world. Also includes a peristyle courtyard, and various rooms, all paved with luxurious mosaics. The project (excavated in 1996, 2009, 2014 and 2018) attracted the public attention and enjoyed from its beginning incessant media covering. The mosaics, which depict accurately figures from the animal kingdom, were built in the best style o...

Research paper thumbnail of The Lod Mosaics: From Luxurious Roman Mansion to Catalyst for Urban and Social Change

Journal of Mosaic Research, 2022

In mid-2021, the Museum and Visitor Centre in the city of Lod, Israel, was inaugurated, housing t... more In mid-2021, the Museum and Visitor Centre in the city of Lod, Israel, was inaugurated, housing the remains of the magnificent mosaics discovered in the city, to be finally exhibited to the public. This event, almost 25 years after the beginning of the sporadic excavations of the site by the IAA (Israel Antiquities Authority), seems an appropriate moment to briefly recapitulate on the findings, the history of the research and its scientific and, why not, communal significance. This spectacular site consists of a large Roman domus which includes a lavish colorful mosaic paving a large triclinium, that was exposed in the most prestigious museums in the world. Also includes a peristyle courtyard, and various rooms, all paved with luxurious mosaics. The project (excavated in 1996, 2009, 2014 and 2018) attracted the public attention and enjoyed from its beginning incessant media covering. The mosaics, which depict accurately figures from the animal kingdom, were built in the best style of the time, and boast influences from different parts of the empire.
The long process has by no means been simple and the difficulties have been numerous, starting with the chronic lack of funds to finance such a project, the initial resistance and distrust of the inhabitants of the neighborhood and the countless logistical, archaeological, and political impediments.
The article summarizes the archaeological findings at the mosaic, and also focuses on the process that went through the modest neighborhood that houses it, from the initial opposition and disbelief of the inhabitants towards the authorities to the recognition of the value of the antiquities. The article also reviews the approach to conservation, the philosophy behind the planning of the museum and the hope for integration into the community framework, to create a sense of belonging and local pride. Beyond its outstanding archaeological, artistic, and scientific value, the Lod mosaic, which began its life in the fourth century CE as part of an elitist and wealthy mansion, can today fulfil an important function as a catalyst for social change and improvement.

Research paper thumbnail of Shuni: A New Middle Bronze IIA Domestic Site on the Northern Bank of Nahal Tanninim

Tel Aviv: Journal of the Institute of Archaeology of Tel Aviv University, 2005

Research paper thumbnail of Antiguo Oriente: Cuadernos del Centro de Estudios de Historia del Antiguo Oriente, 2004, n° 2 (número completo)

Versión original impresa en Sistema de Bibliotecas UCA: Antiguo Oriente, Nº 2, (2004)., 2004

Research paper thumbnail of A Group of Vessels from the Syrian Coast Found in the Coastal Plain of Israel

Levant, 2003

... Eli Yannai, Amir Gorzalczany and Martin Peilstöcker ... The maffic raw material was most like... more ... Eli Yannai, Amir Gorzalczany and Martin Peilstöcker ... The maffic raw material was most likely dragged from basaltic Pliocene outcrops of volcanic material in the sur-roundings of the Nahral-Kabir, on the present Syrian – Lebanese border (Sanlaville 1977, 24; 281, fig. 97). ...

Research paper thumbnail of A New Type of Cemetery from the Late Mamluk and Early Ottoman Periods from Central Israel

Levant, 2009

In a series of cemeteries from the Late Mamluk and Early Ottoman Periods excavated in Israel, a r... more In a series of cemeteries from the Late Mamluk and Early Ottoman Periods excavated in Israel, a rare feature was discovered. Some of the tombs are sealed by whole ceramic vessels, intentionally located on the tomb, placed on their bases, rims or bodies. The ...

Research paper thumbnail of Ramla: City of Muslim Palestine, 715-1917

This book presents a comprehensive overview of the history, archaeology and architecture of the c... more This book presents a comprehensive overview of the history, archaeology and architecture of the city of Ramla from the time of its foundation as capital of Umayyad Palestine around 715 until the end of Ottoman rule in 1917. It begins with a historical outline covering in turn the early Islamic (Robert Hoyland), Crusader (Peter Edbury), Ayyubid-Mamluk (Donald S. Richards) and Ottoman periods (Matthew Elliot). In the archaeological section, Gideon Avni's synthesis of the results of excavations on the early Islamic city is followed by discussions of the Umayyad-period aqueduct (Amir Gorzalczany) and the historical interpretation of First World War aerial photographs (Benjamin Z. Kedar). Architectural studies include a complete corpus of the surviving Muslim buildings (Andrew Petersen), a reassessment of the remains of the White Mosque (Michael H. Burgoyne), an account of the Christian buildings (Denys Pringle), and an analysis of late Ottoman alterations to the Great Mosque (Katia Cytryn-Silverman). The final section on numismatics and epigraphy includes chapters on the coinage of Umayyad Ramla (Nikolaus Schindel), the Arabic inscriptions (Mehmet Tütüncü) and late medieval Christian pilgrims' graffiti (Denys Pringle). The volume concludes with three appendices, including a hitherto unpublished report on the White Mosque (1919-20) by K.A.C. Creswell, a gazetteer of settlements in the Crusader lordships of Ramla, Lydda and Mirabel, and the endowment deed for a house dated 1713 (Maher Abu-Munshar).

Research paper thumbnail of Antiguo Oriente: Cuadernos del Centro de Estudios de Historia del Antiguo Oriente, 2007, n° 5 (número completo)

Versión original impresa en Sistema de Bibliotecas UCA: Antiguo Oriente, Nº 5, (2007)., 2007

Research paper thumbnail of Ostriches and people in archaeological contexts in the southern Levant and beyond

Research paper thumbnail of Archaeological Evidence of a Powerful Earthquake in Ramla, Israel, during the Early Islamic Period

Proceedings of the 10th International Congress on the Archaeology of the Ancient Near East, Volume 1

Ramla was established by the Umayyad governor of the Jund and later caliph Sulāyman b. abd el-Mal... more Ramla was established by the Umayyad governor of the Jund and later caliph Sulāyman b. abd el-Malek in the early eighth century CE as the capital of Jund Filastin. Its construction was a planned enterprise that included the mosque, the palace and markets. The extensive salvage excavations that were conducted lately by the IAA at the site of Ramla (South) brought again into live the significance of that city at the time. Archaeological studies became an invaluable source of information for the early days of Ramla and provide a case study on the early Islamic urbanism. An important discovery is the clear evidence, noted here for the first time in the history of Ramla, of a powerful earthquake that affected the city during the mid-eighth century CE, dated by firm ceramic evidence. Several known seismic events, namely the 749 and 756 CE, referred to in both Christian and slamic literary sources, can be related to the uncovered damaged remains. However, the occurrence of other tremors during the same period in the southern Levant of which no historical evidence is known, cannot be disregarded.

Research paper thumbnail of Royal Purple Industry in Lod during the Late Roman Period as Reflected in the Lod Mosaic

Journal of the Economic and Social History of the Orient

A mosaic discovered in luxurious Roman domus in Lod (Lydda, Diospolis) in Israel, depicted among ... more A mosaic discovered in luxurious Roman domus in Lod (Lydda, Diospolis) in Israel, depicted among other maritime creatures Royal Purple yielding mollusks and wicker traps used to catch them. Historical sources indicating that during Late Antiquity residents of Lod dealt in dyeing and exporting textiles (also Royal Purple) were reexamined. Clearly many city inhabitants were involved with textiles, and some of them had their hands permanently dyed. The mosaic hints that the mollusks contributed to their wealth. The problem of inland dyeing with Royal Purple was discussed, as well as the continuation of this industry in the area into the Islamic period.

Research paper thumbnail of Tethering of Tamed and Domesticated Carnivores in Mosaics from the Roman and Byzantine Periods in the Southern Levant

Journal of Mosaic Research, 2018

Tamed and domesticated carnivores such as dogs, cheetahs and mongooses participated as search and... more Tamed and domesticated carnivores such as dogs, cheetahs and mongooses participated as search and chase aids to human hunting in different societies, during most of history, as attested by anthropological, literary or graphic sources. In order to impose human will on the animals, different tethering devices were developed, such as leashes, collars and harnesses. These devices significantly differ from others related to labour e.g. for hauling, riding or carry palanquins.
During the Roman and Byzantine periods in the southern Levant, these animals and their restraining gear were depicted in hunting scenes on mosaic floors of churches, synagogues and private dwellings. These mosaics are discussed as evidence of everyday life. Therefore, this research analyzes the mechanism involved in translation of reality to images, the choice of hunting animals and their respective equipment as motifs represented on the mosaics, the differences between prestige and utilitarian hunts and the motivation behind the animal owner’s choices and preferences.
Keywords: Dogs, harness, collar, hunting, rural, tethering.cihlerinin arkasinda yatan motivasyonlari analiz edilecektir.

Research paper thumbnail of The Kefar Saba cemetery and differences in orientation of Late Islamic burials from Israel/Palestine

Levant, 2007

... him into the Early Islamic literary sources and kindly offered important comments. RamShoeff ... more ... him into the Early Islamic literary sources and kindly offered important comments. RamShoeff was of great help in the graphic aspect of this paper. Astronomical data was pro-vided by Noah Brosh from the Department of Astronomy ...

Research paper thumbnail of Archaeological Evidence of a Powerful Earthquake in Ramla, Israel, during the Early Islamic Period

Ramla was established by the Umayyad governor of the Jund and later caliph Sulāyman b. abd el-Mal... more Ramla was established by the Umayyad governor of the Jund and later caliph Sulāyman b. abd el-Malek in the early eighth century CE as the capital of Jund Filastin. Its construction was a planned enterprise
that included the mosque, the palace and markets. The extensive salvage excavations that were conducted lately by the IAA at the site of Ramla (South) brought again into live the significance of that city
at the time. Archaeological studies became an invaluable source of information for the early days of Ramla and provide a case study on the early Islamic urbanism. An important discovery is the clear evidence, noted here for the first time in the history of Ramla, of a powerful earthquake that affected the city during the mid-eighth century CE, dated by firm ceramic evidence. Several known seismic events, namely the 749 and 756 CE, referred to in both Christian and slamic literary sources, can be related to the uncovered damaged remains. However, the occurrence of other tremors during the same period in the southern Levant of which no historical evidence is known, cannot be disregarded.