Volunteers are being sought to help with an archaeological dig in Israel, to be held in October and November of this year. The Hebrew University of Jerusalem will be conducting an archaeological field school at the biblical site of Tiberias in Israel. The site was first occupied during the Bronze Age (Old Testament), and also has Roman, Byzantine, Islamic, Crusader, and modern day occupations. The March – April, 2006 season focused on the excavation of the basilica complex, and recovered a hoard of 96 silver and bronze coins, found under the floor of a store, right outside the basilica building. The hoard has been dates to the Fatimid period (beginning of the 11th century C.E.) and includes coins minted in Mesopotamia and Asia Minor. An array of geometric and floral mosaic floors belonging to the basilica was also discovered. On the last day of the spring season, the team discovered what might be the monumental entrance to the basilica from its southern side. A large staircase was partially uncovered but the excavation has just begun in this area, and continuing here will be one of the primary goals for the October – November, 2006 season.
- Tiberias Expeditions, the home page of the project
- Middle Eastern Digs for 2006
- Archaeology Field Schools for 2006
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