Welcome to the Department of Archaeology

The Department of Archaeology encompasses all major chronological frameworks, ranging from Prehistoric Archaeology (the study of early human evolution and societies), the Bronze and Iron Ages (including the Biblical period), and the Classical era—incorporating the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods (alongside the Second Temple, Mishnaic, and Talmudic epochs)—to the Early Islamic period and the Middle Ages. The curriculum places special emphasis on Mediterranean coastal cultures, such as the Phoenicians, as well as environmental archaeology. The department specializes in key subfields of archaeological science, notably archaeozoology and archaeometallurgy (the analytical study of ancient metals), alongside spatial archaeology, experimental reconstruction of ancient technologies, and archaeological theory. Departmental faculty actively direct excavations at prominent sites across Israel, including the Carmel Caves, Tel Kabri, the ancient port of Dor, Beit She’arim, Banias, Shivta in the Negev, and the Montfort Fortress. The department confers Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Master of Arts (M.A.), and Doctoral (Ph.D.) degrees. While instruction is primarily delivered in Hebrew—including a professional certificate program in field archaeology accredited by the Israel Antiquities Authority—the department also offers an international Master’s degree program taught entirely in English.