Busy day with the excavation, but with some nice discoveries. We have nearly completed our first week at this year’s archaeological dig. Here are a few highlights.
First, the new ancient gate.
Dig participants entering the ancient gate at Lachish. The newly-constructed visitor’s ramp matches the level during the time of the Babylonian conquest, though it is criticized by some archaeologists for diverting attention from the actual ruins. (Photo by Luke Chandler)
My dad is a beast when it comes to heavy tools.
My father broke the sledgehammer while breaking rocks. This may be attributed to the fact that his is a Texan.
I found a beautiful piece of pottery today. It was imported from Cyprus and dates to the Late Bronze Age, around 1300 to 1200 BC.
Imported ware from Cyprus, dating to some 32 or 33 centuries ago. The design caught the eye of several senior staff. (Photo by Luke Chandler)
How about this nice piece? Another import from ancient Cyprus. The Canaanites made and collected some beautiful pottery. The Israelites, by comparison, were fairly boring with their pottery.
Imported Cypriot ware from the Late Bronze Age. The potter’s skill is obvious. (Photo by Luke Chandler)
Speaking of pottery, here is much of the archaeological staff plus some interested volunteers attending the pottery reading. Pottery vessels and fragments such as these tell us the time period(s) in which we are digging.
Daily pottery reading by the archaeologists. Styles and shapes of pottery changed over the course of centuries and are the key tool for archaeologists to date sites. (Photo by Luke Chandler)
Evenings are gentle at an excavation. The archaeologists offer free presentations on biblical archaeology.
Dr. Yossi Garfinkel giving an evening lecture on Biblical Archaeology. The excavation offers three lectures each week to dig participants. (Photo by Luke Chandler)
More to come later!
Bible, Archaeology, and Travel with Luke Chandler 
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