Digging in Zippori

Yesterday, today and tomorrow’s activity involved investigating a first century water system. We are concluding a dig on a cistern in order to determine the flow of water.

Cistern Archaeology Project at Beginning

The town of Tsippori originated in the fourth century BC (or maybe before) on a high hilltop which offered both protection and a great view. The name Tsippori means “Bird,” perhaps, as the Talmud suggests, because it was "perched on the top of a mountain, like a bird.” (Megillah, 6, 81)

Looking across Galilee, as a Bird

The city was very strong, and for this reason it became a regional capital. According to Josephus, Tsippori was called the "glory of the entire Galilee."

Mosaic walkways in the market in Zippori

When Herod's son, Herod Antipas was made tetrarch, he made Sippori the capital of all of Galilee, and began a huge building project.

Mosaic floors from homes in Sepphoris

It might have been at this time the cistern where we are working was created as a resigour along the aqueduct from water sources around the Nazareth Mountains.

Information sign for the Cistern

The population was mixed, but mostly gentiles.

Mosaics from homes in Tsippori

The city is laid out in a typical Roman pattern with wide north-south and east-west cardios. There is a large shopping complex where the main roads cross.

Walking on the old Roman Cardio

The homes in Sepphoris were quite ornate and featured mosaic floors.

Mosaic Mona Lisa of the Galilee

A small Jewish area is located near the top of the hill,

Jewish Neighborhood in Zippori

It features mikvah pools, which tell of its Jewish character.

Looking at a Mikvah Pool

The Sanhedrin met here for a time after the destruction of the Temple.

Bird's Eye View of Jewish Neighborhood, Mount Carmel in background

Rabbi Yehuda Hanassi transferred the seat of the Sanhedrin from Bet She'arim to Tsippori, and around 220 CE he completed the Mishna in the city.

Synagogue Mosaic

The Synagogue of the city saw several renovations over the years. The mosaic floor of the fifth century Synagogue is enclosed with a multimedia presentation. It contains scenes from Bible stories, priestly offerings and a zodiac diagram.

Cistern Project this evening, compare for progress

Our work on the water cistern has made huge strides in the past few days.

Tour Group from Georgia that helped us dig

We have found pottery, old nails, roof tiles, some Roman glass, and old coins.

One of the coins found at Tsippori

The archaeological dig was productive and enjoyable.