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The Tel Burna Archaeological Project, led by Dr. Itzhaq Shai, aims to investigate the ancient site of Tel Burna, potentially identified with the biblical city of Libnah. Previous surveys, including work by Aharoni, Amiran, and Dagan, highlight its significance in the Shephelah region, showcasing evidence of Iron Age occupation and fortifications. With a focus on developing surveying methodology, this project emphasizes the importance of historical context, including settlement patterns from the Early Bronze Age through the Iron Ages. Findings will enrich our understanding of ancient cultures in the area.
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The Tel Burna Archaeological Project Dr. ItzhaqShai http://telburna.wordpress.com
Previous Research • Aharoni and Amiran • Dagan’s Survey of the Shephelah – which includes this site • Koh’s Survey • No Excavations Conducted at the Site
Tel Burna = Biblical Libnah? • Then Joshua and all Israel with him moved on from Makkedah to Libnah and attacked it (Josh. 10: 29) • In the western foothills: …Libnah, Ether, Ashan… (Josh. 15: 33-42) • So to the descendants of Aaron the priest they gave Hebron (a city of refuge for one accused of murder), Libnah(Josh. 21: 13)
To this day Edom has been in rebellion against Judah. Libnah revolted at the same time (2 Kgs. 8: 22) • Jehoahaz was twenty-three years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem three months. His mother's name was Hamutal daughter of Jeremiah; she was from Libnah (2 Kgs. 23: 31) • Zedekiah was twenty-one years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eleven years. His mother's name was Hamutal daughter of Jeremiah; she was from Libnah (2 Kgs. 24: 18)
Possible Locations for Libnah • Tel Goded • Tel Zayit • HorvatLavnin • Tel Burna • Location near HorvatEter, Mareshah • On Border with Philistia • Iron Age occupation and fortifications • Evidence for Sennacherib’s Campaign • 7th Century Remains
The Survey Uziel J. and Shai I. 2010. The Tel Burna Surface Survey. Tel Aviv 37: 242-260
Research Goals • Developing survey methodology for tel sites, using comparative survey data collected through various methods • “Ground truthing” survey results through excavation – to confirm/refute results of different methods of surveying • Dating features visible on the surface • Defining the effects of erosion, human activity, site depletion
The 2009 Survey Season • Total collection of artifacts from surface as well as documentation of architectural features • Division of site according to “topographic fields” • Attempt to define periods of settlement, size per period, and potential areas of excavation
EB MB LB Ca. 5 hectares Ca. 6 hectares Ca. 3 hectares Distribution of Artifacts per Period Ir I Ir II Ca. 8 hectares Ca. 2 hectares
Lamashtu Plaque from Nahal Guvrin (near Tel Burna) – Published by M. Cogan in IEJ 1995
Survey Conclusions • Settlement in EB, MB, LB and Iron I-II • Large LB Settlement • Small Iron I settlement – including Philistine pottery • Iron II most significant, possibly fortified The Ups and Downs of the Settlement Over Time
Excavations: Goals after 3 Seasons • Micro: • Settlement History of the Site • Periods, size, character of settlement • Dating Architectural Elements • E.g. fortifications, silos, walls on surface
Excavations: Goals after 3 Seasons • Macro: • Survey methodology • Shovel Pits Surveying • Use of Landscape • Mapping and documenting agricultural installations, caves • Studying Ancient Borders • Comparisons of Material Culture • Archaeology and the Community • Open Excavation • Cleaning Agricultural Installations • Conservation of Chosen Features • Late Bronze Age Cult
Area B Eastern Section Summit Center
21 Squares Thus Far • LB IIB (13th Century BCE) • Iron Age IIA (9th Century BCE) • Iron Age IIB (8th Century BCE) • Iron Age IIC (7th Century BCE) • Persian Period
LB IIB • Area B – No Iron Age Settlement Above! • 13th Century BCE • Cypriot and Mycenaean Imports • Bedrock after 0.5 meter • Some unique finds indicate unique activity!
Cup and Saucer Cylindrical Seal
Iron Age IIA • Surface outside the fortifications • Installation on the inside of the inner wall • Loom weights • Hand Burnished pottery
Iron Age IIA installation
Iron Age IIB • Settlement in all areas of summit • Stamped Handles • Wheel Burnishing
9th-8th Centuries BCE Pottery from Around the Fortifications
9th-8th Centuries BCE Pottery from Around the Fortifications
7th Century BCE • Primarily Silos with small patches of architecture related to them