Maritime Civilizations Labs
Lab Leader: Prof. Ruth Shahack-Gross
The group’s main research interest is in the field of “site formation processes” – studying the processes that shape archaeological sites and greatly affect archaeological interpretation. These processes are studied on two broad levels, human-induced processes and nature-induced processes. Combined, the variety of processes and their relationship with environmental factors are responsible for the diversity of archaeological sites. Thus the mere presence/absence of certain materials in archaeological sites is not enough to understand how they formed, and all cultural and natural processes must be considered to reach more accurate interpretations of the archaeological record.
Lab Leader: Prof. Dror Angel
The laboratory is conducting interdisciplinary research on the natural and human dimensions of marine ecosystems, in particular those related to marine ecology and environmental economics.
Laboratory of Mediterranean Archaeozoology
Lab Leader: Dr. Nimrod Marom
The team is involved in two major projects, DEADSEA_ECO and Zooarchaeology of Southern Phoenicia, which are about trophic cascades and Phoenician engagement with animal movement, respectively.
Laboratory for Nautical Archaeology and History
Lab Leader: Dr. Emmanuel Nantet
Lab Leader: Prof. Assaf Yasur-Landau
The Laboratory for Coastal Archaeology and Underwater Survey, studies the interregional interaction and human adaptation to environmental as well as political changes in the Mediterranean through a unified exploration of sea, coast/port, and inland tel settlement levels. The lab conducts archaeological surveys and excavations both on land and underwater. The human resources in the lab include currently a lab director (part time administrative position), two post-doctoral researchers, five Ph.D. students and six MA students, most with experience in conducting research on both land and underwater. There are currently four active fieldwork projects (Tel Kabri, Tel Dor sites cluster, Tel Achziv sites, Newe Yam), and six publication projects (including Tel Achziv, Shavei Zion and the Acco port pottery) spearheaded by the lab.
Laboratory of Ancient Ship Construction
Lab Leader: Prof. Deborah Cvikel
The laboratory focuses on ship construction, seamanship and ship handling, and maritime history, based on underwater excavations and research of shipwrecks. The team is also engaged in conservation of waterlogged wood and organic material from the sea, and archaeometallurgical study of metal finds retrieved from shipwrecks and wreck-sites. Dr. Cvikel is the active director of the replica project ‒building and sailing a replica of the 5th century BC Ma‘agan Mikhael ship.
Laboratory for Environmental Micro-History
Lab Leader: Dr. David E. Friesem
The Laboratory for Environmental Micro-History aims to study human-environment relations at a multi-scalar level. Using archaeology, geoarchaeology, history and social anthropology, our research investigates the interactions between humans and their physical, social and perceptual environment. The lab’s cross-disciplinary team integrate field excavations (inland and underwater) with microscopic analysis of the archaeological record and the paleo-environment as well as carrying out ethnographic work and historical analysis. Current research at the lab includes the study of early Homo Sapiens and Neanderthals, the transition to farming and the Neolithic revolution, landscape change during the Bronze and Iron Age and cultural encounters across the Mediterranean in the Hellenistic-Roman period.
Laboratory for Archaeo-Materials
Lab Leader: Prof. Sariel Shalev
The laboratory focuses on ship construction, seamanship and ship handling, and maritime history, based on underwater excavations and research of shipwrecks. The team is also engaged in conservation of waterlogged wood and organic material from the sea, and archaeometallurgical study of metal finds retrieved from shipwrecks and wreck-sites. Dr. Cvikel is the active director of the replica project ‒building and sailing a replica of the 5th century BC Ma‘agan Mikhael ship.