Yesterday, I visited the tell, along with Prof. Steve Weiner (WIS) and Dr. Rafi Netzer (an ecologist and archaeologist). We went to the tell as part of plans to start several projects combining archaeology, ecology, and cultural and environmental heritage management and conservation.
Even though I have been walking around the site for more than a decade, each time I’m out there I learn something new. This was especially the case since I had the opportunity to hear some very interesting perspectives relating to the ecology of the site (in particular, relating to plant ecology). This related both to aspects of contemporary plants ecology, as well as aspects which hinted to the ecology of the area during antiquity.
This clearly showed the deep potential that these research directions have for understanding the site and its environs.
We were very fortunate since although it was a rainy day, it did not rain for the 3 hours that we walked around the site. The site was extremely beautiful - all green and glistening from the recent rains.
Just by chance, as we were walking around Area A and E, a short toed eagle flew over - perhaps it was even the one that was mentioned on the blog a couple of days ago - after medical care?
Aren
