1996-2002 The Ramat Rachel Archaeological Garden - Stage I
2004-2010 The renewed excavations
2012-2015 The Archaeological Garden - Stage II
Key Meanings: The mystery of the Iron Age Palace and citadel, The palace garden and water pools, ‘Hypothetical Ruins’, Opposing Archaeological theories, Hellenistic-Jewish, Roman, Byzantine and early Arab period agricultural village, Byzantine Church
Artist Statement: The past is seen, necessarily, from the perspective of the present. The different theories and opposing opinions are not an obstacle in the search of understanding, but vice versa, they may be the best method of pursuing truth. The new excavations at Ramat Rachel have created new insights and disputes. Presentation of the new evolving theories can create renewed interest in the site. Instead of showing the public a simplistic final version of the story of Ramat Rachel, we can confront the visitor with the challenge and mystery related to the exploration of the past. In view of the new findings, the presentation of the site was updated. The combination of archaeological research and Creative Preservation has promising potential in creating deep contemporary meaning.
Above: 1950’s - the archaeological excavations at Ramat Rachel
Below: The Lipschits family excavating – August 2008
The Archeological excavations at Ramat Rachel
Prof. Yohanan Aharoni of the Hebrew University in collaboration with the University of Rome; 1954, 1959-62 Prof O. Lipschits & Prof. Y. Gadot of the Tel Aviv University in collaboration with Prof. M. Oeming of the Heidelberg University; 2005-2010
Prof. Yochanan Aharoni and Prof. Igal Yadin at Hazor - 1958
