Excavating at Mt Zion
I am extremely pleased to announce that the new Web site with full information about our plans for 2008 excavations at Mt Zion just outside the present walls of the Old City of Jerusalem is now up and live at digmountzion.com. This archaeological site, along the road between Zion Gate and the Dung Gate, dates back to 1977-78 when excavations were undertaken by Magen Broshi. Unfortunately, due to various circumstances, the site was abandoned and overgrown. Dr. Shimon Gibson resumed work at the site in 2000, having taken over responsibility for the scientific publication of the City Wall excavations overall, carried out by Broshi. Some further work was done in 2001 but the 2nd Intifada made it impossible to resume operations with student volunteers. Last year, in 2007, under the sponsorship of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, a new license was obtained and full-scale work resumed, with significant results. The site has been surveyed, cleaned, and prepared for an extended and proper excavation, beginning in 2008 with sessions planned in Spring and Summer. We are accepting volunteers or “Team Members,” and anticipate a diverse and international group. The new Web site has full details.