Week 3, Day 4 — El Araj (Bethsaida-Julias) Excavation Project
Updated: Aug 8, 2022
El Araj (Bethsaida-Julias) Excavation Project Season 6 (2022) Week 3 Day 4 (Wednesday). Today was the next to last day of this season's excavation. Let's just say we are moving a lot of dirt! In our square we have determined that our small apse belongs to a Byzantine bath house similar to what we saw on Monday at Kursi. Elsewhere the northern and eastern walls of the Byzantine basilica are being further defined. Of course, the most exciting part right now is the work on the medallion inscription. It has a thick coat of lime over the letters and the team is meticulously scraping it off so that we can read the inscription and understand its place in the Byzantine church. This has been a great two weeks of discovery, new friendships, renewed friendships, and memorable experiences. Some are already asking about the excavation in 2023. At present we will likely be digging about the same time next year: July 23-August 3, 2023. Stay tuned for details.