Hippos (Sussita) of the Decapolis Excavations Project

Location: Hippos, IL

Season: July 7, 2024 to August 1, 2024

Session Dates: Full Season (four weeks): July 7 - August 1 Session I (two weeks): July 7 - July 18 Session II (two weeks): July 21- August 1

Application Deadline: May 6, 2024

Deadline Type: Rolling

Website: https://www.dighippos.com/

Program Type:
Field School, Volunteer

RPA Certified:
No

Affiliation:
The Hippos Excavations Project is affiliated with the Zinman Institute of Archaeology, University of Haifa and partners with CFS, ASOR and GPIA.

Project Director:
Co-Director - Dr. Arleta Kowalewska, The Zinman Institute of Archaeology, University of Haifa Co-Director - Dr. Michael Eisenberg, The Zinman Institute of Archaeology, University of Haifa

Project Description:

Hippos Excavations Project is one of the main long running and exciting Classical Archaeology digs in Israel. As from the year 2000, our international team unearths various building complexes that allow a reconstruction of the ancient cityscape and a better understanding of the public, military, private and funerary architecture. The ancient Graeco-Roman city of Hippos of the Decapolis is located on a hill above the Sea of Galilee, with one of the most breathtaking panoramas in Israel. We study and reconstruct the way of life of its inhabitants in the various periods, from its foundation in the Hellenistic period (mid-2nd century BCE), through its Roman-period time of prosperity (64 BCE – mid-4th century CE), to the Christian transformation in the Byzantine period (mid-4th to mid-7th century CE) and other changes that happened after the Islamic takeover (mid-7th century CE to 749 CE earthquake). Perched on an isolated hill and devastated by an earthquake after which it was never rebuilt, Hippos is an ideal site for archaeologists to study an evolution of a city.

During 2024 season the we shall continue exploring the Roman-period theater at the Saddle Compound, and a Roman-Byzantine cardo with its surrounding insulae and mosaic floors. We offer an opportunity for field school with 8 semester credit units (equivalent to 12 quarter units) through Center for Field Sciences.

Hippos is an international project and the official language is English. All lectures and afternoon activities are conducted in English. All activities, including weekends in the kibbutz and tours, are included in the cost.

Come and help us unearth the mysteries of Hippos hidden beneath the debris of the 749 earthquake!

Period(s) of Occupation: Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine and Umayyad

Notes:
The expedition does not save on costs of food, afternoon lectures, tours and leisure time. We acknowledge the financial affords by the participants and try to do our best in that regard, without any extra costs during the season.

Project Size: 25-49 participants

Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: four weeks for students in field school, two weeks for general participants

Minimum Age: 18 for field school students, 16 for general participants

Experience Required: Non

Room and Board Arrangements:
Well maintained air-conditioned rooms, 2-4 per room, in kibbutz Ein-Gev on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. Full lodging with three meals a day is provided. Price includes weekends lodging as well. Cost: $1650 for one session (two weeks)/$3000 for four weeks/$4600 for four weeks with academic credits (including insurance).

Academic Credit:
8 Semester Credit Units (Equivalent to 12 Quarter Units) https://www.fieldsciences.org/