| Yoqneʽam |
| Tel Yoqne‘am |
| Adopt a Tell |
| Orderer | Yoqne‘am municipality |
| Duration | October 2007 - 2010 |
| Implemented by: |
Arch. Eran Hamo Project manager
Arch. Yaara Shaltiel
Nirit Lorens-Koren Galilee Archaeological Center
Avner Kobi Galilee Archeology Center
Yigal Hanatayev
Gavriel Solomon
Yehonatan Orlinn
Omri Ben Uziel
Nir Corem
Meir (Mark) Avrahami
Vladimir Bitman
Caesarea conservation staff
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An educational-archaeological garden that is the product of a joint undertaking by the Municipality of Yoqne‘am and the Israel Antiquities Authority was established on Tel Yoqne‘am. The aim of the project is to prepare a dynamic site on the area of the tell for the benefit of the city’s residents. The idea behind adopting the site is meant to reinforce the connection of the residents to the heritage of the settlement and increase the community’s awareness and obligation to conserving antiquities.
The conservation work, development and educational activity at the site were planned as a continuous project that can accommodate a large number of pupils. The educational activity at the tell relates to the current curriculum of the schools in the city.
In 2008 Phase 1 of the preparation work of the archaeological garden was implemented. This year, in 2009, Phase 2 is being conducted and another phase is planned for 2010.
Yoqne‘am’s schoolchildren, ranging from elementary school through secondary school, are participating in making the site ready. The pupils are partners in the study, conservation and development process of the site. The Israel Antiquities Authority Galilee Archaeological Center is organizing the educational activity, which consists of classroom studies and experiential learning in the excavation and the conservation of the remains, as well as decorating the signs. The Conservation Department of the Israel Antiquities Authority is implementing the conservation work and development measures at the site.
The tell extends across approximately 40 dunams and from its vantage point it controled the main crossroads through which the Via Maris passed. There are remains at the site that date to the Early Bronze Age – the beginning of the settlement, c. 5,000 years ago. Over the course of history many of those who conquered the country passed through Yoqne‘am including: Thutmose III in the Late Bronze Age, Joshua Ben-Nun – the leader of the Jewish people during the conquest of Canaan, King David, King Baldwin during the Crusader period and Dahar al-Omar – the ruler of the Galilee in the Ottoman period. Today the modern settlement of Yoqne‘am extends south of the tell.
Two archaeological expeditions conducted a series of excavations at Tel Yoqne‘am:
• During 1977-1988 the Hebrew University of Jerusalem expedition, under the direction of Amnon Ben Tor, worked on the northern slopes of the tell. The remains that were found there date to the Bronze Age and Iron Age including: fortifications, buildings and installations. The Crusader church was also exposed on the edge of the acropolis in this excavation.
• During 1993 the Israel Antiquities Authority expedition, under the direction of Miriam Avissar, excavated the acropolis at the top of the tell. In these excavations the remains of Crusader construction were exposed which were incorporated in later construction that dates to the Mamluk period and Ottoman period. The remains include fortification towers, residential buildings, courtyards and installations.
Twenty five settlement strata beginning in the Early Bronze Age through the Ottoman period were identified in the excavations that were conducted on the tell.
The three main topics that are presented to the public in the archaeological garden are:
• What is a tell?
• Yoqne‘am in the Biblical period.
• The citadel from the Crusader period and Ottoman period at the top of the tell.
During the first year of preparations in the archaeological garden, in 2008, the site was made safe for student activity. A perimeter path was laid out at the top of the tell; conservation measures were implemented; the remains of the Crusader church were stabilized and prepared; and the time line was built on the ascent to the tell: along a flight of 25 steps, which is the number of habitation layers on the tell. Nine of the steps denote the principal historic periods and each one of them was adopted by one of the schools’ classes. The classes learned about a specific period and prepared ceramic tiles and illustrated them according to three subjects: writing, decorations and weapons; this was repeated for each of the periods. The painted tiles adorn the signage that explains the period and the finds that are attributed to it on the tell. At the end of the year’s activity we celebrated the inauguration of the site in a “happening” in which the schools, the city and representatives of the Israel Antiquities Authority all participated.
During the current school year of 2009, four stations are located along the perimeter path. These stations deal with the archaeological excavation and the description of Yoqne‘am in the Biblical period, as it is depicted in the Book of Joshua when Canaan was conquered and the land was divided amongst the Tribes of Israel.
At the first station an excavation square will be presented that shows the stratigraphy on the tell.
At the second station Yoqne‘am will be described in its role as the city of refuge for the Tribe of Levi.
At the third station a large three dimensional model of the Biblical city will be presented that will show the various elements of the city: the fortifications, gate, control structures and the city’s houses. Among the educational activities that are planned it will be possible for the participants to act out the Biblical story.
At the fourth station maps will be used to illustrate the geographic location of the tell and the main transportation arteries of the different periods.
A number of mature oak trees, which will provide shade for the visitors, will be planted at the stations. The oak trees were selected because of their relation to the landscape there where they also grow along the eastern slopes of the tell. The trees will be planted on top of special sheets that will prevent their roots from damaging the ancient remains. The tree planting will serve as a test case in order to study planting possibilities at other archaeological sites.
The initiative, which is shared by the Israel Antiquities Authority and the Municipality of Yoqne‘am, and the resources the municipality is allotting to the project make it possible to create a tie between the children of the settlement and their families, on the one hand, and the tell and its ancient cultural heritage, on the other. Thanks to the educational activity taking place on Tel Yoqne‘am the remains are being conserved and the landscape is also being treated, which is turning it into an area that is accessible to the public.
In addition to this, the municipality is preparing a convenient approach road to the foot of the tell.
To view the figures, click on the figure caption
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