We are in full excavation mode at el Araj. Lots of changes. We have expanded three more squares to the north with more on the way. We continue to dig down in existing squares from the Byzantine to Roman levels. These will assist us to understand better the context for the Roman bath house from last season that seems to be an indication of Herod Philip's urbanization of Bethsaida-Julias according to Josephus, the Jewish historian. Finally, the ruins from an Ottoman period villa (the Bek's house) has been entirely removed. This opens possibilities as we search also for a Byzantine church and its mosaics that was reported to be built over the house of Peter and Andrew. Great start to the season!
- Dr. R. Steven Notley
Comments