Join our continued explorations of the ancient copper mines of Timna
(southern Israel)
Is Timna the location of the legendary King Solomon's mines? After six
seasons of surveys and excavations by The Central Timna Valley Project
<https://archaeology.tau.ac.il/ben-yosef/CTV/> , the mystery remains
unsolved. What has become clear however, is that during the 13th - 9th
centuries BCE copper production in the valley reached its zenith. Numerous
mining and smelting sites represent intense activities, with rapid
technological developments and related social processes of the people
responsible for the industry (probably the local tribes of the early Edomite
Kingdom).
The focus of the upcoming season is the primary copper production sites of
the early Iron Age (12th - 10th centuries BCE), including a newly discovered
smelting camp located on the edge of 'The Crocodile Ridge'. In addition, we
will continue to explore the valley by a pedestrian survey, with the hope to
gain more data on the long history (+6000 years) of copper exploitation
there.
The 2018 season includes a field school in archaeological field methods.
Special emphasis will be given to recent advancements in archaeological
science, with practical experience in field applications (pXRF, sampling for
luminescence and archaeomagnetic dating, micro-archaeology and more) and
guest lectures by experts. In addition, we will focus on the evolution of
mining and smelting technologies, with field trips to key sites, from the
earliest smelting installations (Chalcolithic and Early Bronze) to the
latest smelting remains in the region (Early Islamic).
The excavations and field school are an intense two weeks experience in one
of the best-preserved archaeometallurgical regions in the world. Although
(or because.) conditions are rather basic (our camp is in tents), the
experience is unforgettable.
For more details and registration please visit:
https://archaeology.tau.ac.il/ben-yosef/CTV/current/index-2018.html.
We hope to see you with us this winter,
Best wishes,
Erez Ben-Yosef, Tel Aviv University
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