A Dig at Zippori

During my two month visit to Israel, I participated in four archaeological digs, at Gezer, Tel Hadid, Zippori and at Tel Dan. My favorite experience was the work at Zippori.

Arches Reservoir at Zippori

Zippori was the capital city of Galilee in the first century AD. It is located a few miles from Nazareth, and many feel that Joseph the father of Jesus worked on government projects at Zippori.

Merchants sidewalk along main street

The cardo of this city is amazing. It is actually two roads that cross each other at the main intersection. Buildings have been recovered along both roads.

Site map of Zippori

The city also contains amazing mosaics. Some are located in what is called the Nile house.

Centar at the Nile House

Other mosaics can be found at the Dionysus House.

Mona Lisa of Galilee

There is also an amazing mosaic in the Synagogue.

Mosaic on the floor of the Synagogue

We worked at the first century water project. This is a cistern that held water that flowed down hill from spring along the Nazareth ridge.

Nazareth Ridge above Zippori

There are actually two cisterns. The first was untouched since the first century.

Arches Reservoir at Zippori

The second was developed into a wine press.

First view of the Arches Reservoir

Wine was stomped at one end of the cistern

First view of the Arches Reservoir

It flowed into a mikvah that was more than seven feet deep.

Shade tarp over the Arches Reservoir

There was also a stone reception area with pavers.

Measuring the Mikvah

We helped excavate the mikvah area.

Debris and stones above the Mikvah

It started by clearing roofing members which fell. The roof was a system of arches and coverings to keep the water in the dark until it was needed.

Digging Team at Zippori

We hauled lots of dirt out of the system, and also rocks. We found coins, pottery and other items as we dug.

Pottery found during our dig at Zippori

We worked with several archeologists who taught us about the site. They showed us the difference between first and second century plaster, as well as showing us areas of the cistern (structure) that was not plastered.

Filling dirt buckets at Zippori

I have included some stories from the hills of Galilee in my new book, Israel:Stories for Your Journey.

New book on Israel

Some of the places I visited during the two weeks of my tour were places I visited before, but since I helped plan the tour, there were some new places also.