Publications
The Bronze Age Destruction of Jericho, Archaeology, and the Book of Joshua
Archaeological evidence from Tell es-Sultan, identified as ancient Jericho, reveals the city's fiery destruction during the Bronze Age, characterized by collapsed mudbrick walls and burned grain stores. While the exact date of this destruction remains debated, analyses of pottery, Egyptian artifacts, cuneiform tablets, stratigraphy, and radiocarbon dating provide a more precise chronology. Despite disagreements among scholars, the manner of Jericho's fall—marked by widespread fire and abandonment—is widely accepted. This study synthesizes decades of excavations, including those led by John Garstang (1930–1936), Kathleen Kenyon (1952–1958), and recent Italian-Palestinian teams (1997–2017), to clarify the historical context and potential biblical connections.
Conceptualizing Urban Experiences
Archaeological research at Tell es-Sultan, ancient Jericho, reveals significant population growth and urban development during the Early Bronze Age I-III. By analyzing domestic contexts in Area F of the Italian-Palestinian excavations, the study provides a demographic snapshot of Jericho's transition from a village to a fortified city. This approach offers new insights into the settlement's population dynamics and urbanization processes, contributing to our understanding of early urban experiences in the region.
3D Scanning, Modelling and Printing of Ultra-Thin Nacreous Shells from Jericho: A Case Study of Small Finds Documentation in Archaeology
A groundbreaking approach to documenting ultra-thin, fragile archaeological finds has been successfully demonstrated through 3D scanning and additive manufacturing. Researchers from FabLab Saperi&Co and Sapienza University of Rome achieved sub-millimetric precision in replicating five nacreous shells from ancient Jericho (Tell es-Sultan), showcasing the potential of photogrammetry and 3D printing for preserving and studying delicate artifacts. This method not only facilitates the creation of faithful replicas but also offers new avenues for research and museum activities, particularly for small finds that are often overlooked due to their fragility.
A hoard of Nilotic nacreous shells from Egypt to Jericho (Early Bronze II, 3000–2800 BCE): Their finding, content and historical archaeological implications
A significant archaeological discovery at Tell es-Sultan, ancient Jericho, reveals a hoard of five Chambardia rubens shells, native to the Nile, dating back to the Early Bronze Age II (3000–2800 BCE). These shells, found in a dwelling unit, provide tangible evidence of trade and cultural connections between the Southern Levant and Egypt. Chemical analysis and Scanning Electron Microscopy confirmed the presence of Manganese Dioxide, an inorganic compound used as makeup in ancient Egypt and sourced from Sinai ores. This finding supports the role of international luxury goods trade in the urban rise during this period and suggests the emergence of a ruling elite influenced by Egyptian culture at Jericho.
Da Gerico a Betlemme.La Missione Della Sapienza a Gericoe L’Archeologia Italiana in Palestina (1997-2017)Con Il Contributo Del Ministero Degli Affari Esteri E Della Cooperazione Internazionale
A groundbreaking Italian-Palestinian archaeological collaboration at Tell es-Sultan, ancient Jericho, has transformed the site from an unintelligible ruin into a prominent research and tourist destination. This 20-year partnership, initiated in 1997 by Sapienza University of Rome with the Palestinian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, pioneered a shared responsibility model for excavation, protection, and rehabilitation, diverging from traditional colonial practices. The project has uncovered pivotal moments in human history, including the advent of agriculture (10,500-6,000 BC) and the rise of the earliest city with modular architecture during the 3rd millennium BC. Beyond Jericho, this model expanded to safeguard threatened heritage, such as Bethlehem’s necropolises and Tell Abu Zarad, a significant Bronze and Iron Age city. The collaboration has produced over 100 scientific publications, ensuring unbiased historical interpretation while rehabilitating 13 sites in the Jericho Oasis Archaeological Park.
Jericho-off-the-Record
A significant cache of non-professional archaeological documentation from the second British campaign at Tell es-Sultan (ancient Jericho) has been digitized and made accessible, offering new insights into one of the most renowned excavations led by Kathleen Kenyon between 1952 and 1958. The 'Jericho-off-the-Record' project, an extension of the Non-Professional Archaeological Photographs (NPAPH) initiative, has gathered visual, written, and oral records that were previously overlooked or not stored in official archives. This includes photographs, slides, films, and personal accounts from both non-professional participants and archaeological staff, providing a richer context for understanding the excavation's methods, findings, and historical significance. The initial data deposit is now available through EASY, the online archiving system of DANS, marking a valuable addition to archaeological research on ancient Jericho.
Preliminary Report on the Third and Fourth Seasons of Excavations of the Italian-Palestinian Expedition at Tell es-Sultan/Jericho, 1999-2000
A joint Italian-Palestinian expedition at Tell es-Sultan, ancient Jericho, has made significant strides in understanding the site's urban development during key periods of Early Bronze III and Middle Bronze I–III. The research focuses on seriation of material culture and urban topography, providing insights into the evolution of this historic site. Additionally, efforts to restore the area aim to establish a National Archaeological Park, preserving its cultural heritage for future generations.
Archaeoseismic Evidence of Two Neolithic (7,500-6,000 B.C.) Earthquakes at Tell es-Sultan, Ancient Jericho, Dead Sea Fault
Research at Tell es-Sultan, the site of ancient Jericho, reveals archaeoseismic evidence of two significant earthquakes during the Neolithic period (7,500–6,000 B.C.). These findings provide a rare glimpse into seismic activity along the Dead Sea Fault, offering insights into the region's geological history. The study analyzed seismites—deformation features in sediments—and faults to reconstruct past earthquake events. Additionally, damaged speleothems from nearby caves were examined to further support the palaeoseismic record. This work contributes to understanding the frequency and impact of earthquakes in the Dead Sea basin during a critical period of human settlement.
Egyptian and Egyptianizing Objects from EB I-III Tell Es-Sultan/Ancient Jericho
Archaeological evidence from Tell es-Sultan (Ancient Jericho) reveals significant Egyptian and Egyptianizing artifacts dating from the Early Bronze Age I-III, shedding light on the complex trade and cultural exchanges between Egypt and the Levant during the 4th to 3rd millennia BCE. The study highlights Jericho's strategic position as a key hub in these interactions, contributing to the rise of early urban centers in the region. Through detailed analysis of these objects, researchers have uncovered the dynamics of commercial and cultural relationships that flourished between Egypt and Palestine during this pivotal period.
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