El Araj (Bethsaida-Julias) Excavation Project Season 6 (2022) Week 2 Day 5 (Thursday) - Today we were back on site, excavating as the temperatures soared well over 100º. By the time of "second breakfast" at 9:00 you are drenched in perspiration from head to toe. And today there was little breeze to provide any relief. Nevertheless, there is considerable enthusiasm as we make good headway and come upon unexpected discoveries. The area northeast of the basilica continues to invite speculation that the mosaics may mark the entrance into the church. More excavation is needed to clarify. Several interesting finds were uncovered, including a small glass vase found in Area D and a nice tessera (mosaic piece) east of the apse. Otherwise, we continue to excavate down through layers of the past in search of answers for the history of Bethsaida-Julias at el Araj.