En-Gedi Oasis Archaeological Project

Location: Ein Gedi, Israel

Season: January 18, 2026 to February 5, 2026

Application Deadline: November 30, 2025

Deadline Type: Contact for Details

Website: http://en-gedi-huji.com/

Program Type:
Field School, Volunteer

RPA Certified:
No

Affiliation:
Hebrew University of Jerusalem

Project Director:
Dr. Uri Davidovich

Project Description:

The En-Gedi Oasis Archaeological Project is a newly launched research initiative under the auspices of the Institute of Archaeology of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, aiming to investigate the archaeology of the En-Gedi oasis — the largest and most significant oasis along the western shore of the Dead Sea.

​​Led by Dr. Uri Davidovich, the research project focuses on illuminating the history and economy of En-Gedi during the first millennium BCE. Historical and archaeological sources suggest that during this period, when En-Gedi was established as a permanent settlement, the oasis functioned as a key administrative and economic center specializing on the cultivation and production of valuable cash crops, mainly dates and aromatic plants.  Within the project, this hypothesis is being reexamined through the application of innovative methodologies, including analyses of biomarkers and other microarchaeological remains. Furthermore, the project aims to critically reevaluate the long-term settlement history of the oasis, with particular emphasis on settlement continuity and change amidst political transformations throughout the first millennium BCE.

Period(s) of Occupation: Iron Age, Persian period, Hellenistic period, Roman period, Byzantine period

Notes:
HUJI credit available for students: https://overseas.huji.ac.il/academics/summer-and-short-term-programs/excavations/en-gedi-oasis/

Project Size: 25-49 participants

Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: two weeks

Minimum Age: 16

Room and Board Arrangements:
Participants in the expedition will stay at a glamping resort, located within Kibbutz En-Gedi, a short distance from the excavation site. During excavation days, participants will receive on-site meals during working hours and a hot dinner in the evening. All meals are provided by the expedition (cost included). Several accommodation options are available, visit our wbsite for more details. Independent accomodation by participiants is also possible.

Academic Credit:
A certificate of participation is available for students upon request. HUJI credit possible via Rothberg International School (https://overseas.huji.ac.il/academics/summer-and-short-term-programs/excavations/en-gedi-oasis/)