Geophysical Investigations at Coastal Archaeological Sites in Israel

Abstract

Site and terrain conditions are always a major consideration in any geophysical investigation. These factors can limit the types of instruments used or the usefulness of the data being collected. In general, a variety of instruments are utilized at archaeological sites to obtain several datasets and to optimize results. Coastal archaeological sites in Israel including Yavne, Yavne Yam, and Tel Nami on the Mediterranean; and Bethsaida on the Sea of Galilee all have unique histories and varying site conditions. Yavne is a 4 hectare site with at least 4,000 years of continuous occupation, located about 8 km from the sea just to the east of the coastal dunes. A continuation of the electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) program of 2003 has provided additional information regarding major features in the tel (an archaeological mound) and the original bedrock surface underneath the tel. Yavne Yam was a Hellenistic, and later Roman seaport that played important roles in both the second century BCE (before the common era) and first century CE (common era) Jewish revolts against Hellenistic and Roman rule, respectively. ERT was used to investigate a strategically located architectural feature at the site. Tel Nami, buried under the coastal sand dunes, is a recently discovered site that appears to have been an international maritime trading center from 2000 to 1200 BCE. Preliminary magnetic gradiometer and electromagnetic conductivity and inphase surveys were carried out over a small area of Tel Nami. The Roman city of Bethsaida was home to at least three of the apostles and was where Jesus lived during much of his stay in the Galilee. ERT surveys were carried out to investigate beneath a presently excavated four chamber gate. For all sites, low altitude, high resolution photography from kites and balloons was used for documenting the existing site conditions at the time of the surveys, and as a remote sensing tool for identifying surface or very near surface features of archaeological interest.