Publications
Archeoastronomia ricostruttiva nell'era dell'antico Egitto
A groundbreaking archeoastronomical study redefines the chronology of ancient Egypt, from the Middle to New Kingdoms, by correcting a systematic error in traditional calculations of the Egyptian calendar. This error, previously deemed negligible, accumulates over 1500 years, causing a half-century discrepancy between historical records and astronomical observations. Using advanced software based on NASA's DE431 astronomical data, researchers verified the exact timing of celestial events such as the heliacal risings of Sirius at Heliopolis and recorded novilunies from 2000 to 1500 BCE. The findings align with radiocarbon dating and archeological evidence, providing precise dates for key historical events, including the reigns of Senusret III (1953 BCE), Amenhotep I (1613 BCE), and Thutmose III (1546 BCE). This reconstruction also offers new insights into the timing of the Hyksos expulsion by Ahmose I around 1620 BCE, potentially linking it to the biblical Exodus narrative. Additionally, the study suggests that the fall of ancient Jericho occurred around 1580 BCE, consistent with archeological data from Tell es-Sultan. The research integrates archeoastronomy, historical chronology, and source analysis, providing a multidisciplinary framework to refine the uncertain timeline of ancient Egypt.
Cranial Trephination Surgery in Ancient Times and Archaeological Remains in Israel
Cranial trephination, one of the earliest documented surgical procedures, reveals sophisticated medical practices and ritual beliefs in ancient Israel. This study demonstrates the persistence of both circular and rectangular techniques from the Neolithic to early medieval periods, supported by archaeological evidence from sites like Jericho and Lachish. Textual sources, including the Talmudic Corpus and works by Hippocrates and Galen, highlight motivations ranging from relieving intracranial pressure to expelling spirits, showcasing iterative refinement in surgical instruments and understanding of head injuries. The research situates trephination at the intersection of empirical medicine, ritual, and intercultural transmission, advancing our knowledge of ancient neurosurgery in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Reexposition of the Museum and Park Complex in Jericho. A New Look at Ancient History
A groundbreaking reexposition of the Museum and Park Complex (MPC) in Jericho, the first such facility recreated outside Russia, offers a modernized perspective on ancient history. The project, part of a two-year research program led by RGGU, introduced expanded planning solutions that meet contemporary requirements while preserving historical significance. Key outcomes include an approved design, corporate identity development, and a 3D model for the MPC, enhancing educational engagement. Additionally, thesis work from UTSAD FII RGGU contributed innovative spatial designs, ensuring the complex's relevance in both academic and public contexts.
The Earliest Inhabitants
Ancient Jericho, one of the oldest continuously inhabited sites on Earth, reveals a complex layers of human occupation spanning millennia. Excavations at Tell es-Sultan have uncovered eleven successive cities built atop one another, providing unprecedented insights into the evolution of early human settlements in the region. The study highlights the presence of non-Semitic inhabitants during the later Stone Age, characterized by unique burial practices such as cremation and the construction of megalithic monuments like menhirs, cromlechs, and dolmens. These findings challenge traditional narratives about the earliest inhabitants of Palestine, suggesting a more diverse and sophisticated civilization than previously assumed. The research draws on extensive archaeological investigations conducted by prominent figures such as Flinders Petrie and James Macalister, integrating historical, religious, and scientific perspectives to reconstruct the site's rich history.
An Analysis of the Gods and Heroes in Ancient Mesopotamian Art
Ancient Mesopotamian art, spanning from the Neolithic to Early Bronze Age, reveals evolving depictions of gods and heroes (kings) that reflect spiritual beliefs, earthly power, and societal advancements. Key artifacts like the Vultures Stele and Lion Hunt Stele illustrate how these representations shifted over time, symbolizing administrative growth, economic prosperity, and military development. The study highlights that while gods embody the spirit world, heroes—often portrayed as hunters or warriors—represent earthly authority, sometimes even claiming divine status. This visual narrative provides deeper insights than written records alone, underscoring art's pivotal role in understanding Mesopotamia's cultural and historical landscape.
Brick Bc
Archaeological evidence from Ancient Jericho/Tell es-Sultan reveals the use of sun-dried mud bricks dating back at least 10,000 years, marking one of the earliest known instances of brick construction. Excavated specimens display distinct Neolithic hand marks, providing tangible proof of early human engineering techniques in what is believed to be the world's oldest continuously inhabited town. The study highlights the significance of these findings in understanding prehistoric architectural practices and the development of settled communities.
Bricks
A comprehensive exploration of the history and significance of bricks, from ancient sun-dried mud bricks found in Jericho—likely the oldest town in the world—to modern brickmaking techniques. The study traces the evolution of brick manufacturing in Europe and America, with a focus on Britain up to the 1970s, highlighting unique properties such as those of the fletton brick. It examines the equipment, techniques, and labor involved in brick production, as well as their applications in diverse structures like garden walls, sewers, canals, railways, roads, and notable buildings such as Hampton Court and Regent’s Park terraces. The research provides a detailed account of brickmaking's cultural, architectural, engineering, and chemical significance.
Jericho and Beth Yerah
Archaeological excavations at Ancient Jericho/Tell es-Sultan have uncovered evidence that challenges and refines the biblical narrative of its destruction. Fragments of a wall, dated to the 14th or 13th century BCE, show signs of burning, aligning with the period of Israelite conquest described in the Bible. However, modern research suggests doubts about the precise identification and dating of these fragments, complicating the historical verification of biblical accounts. The site's long history as a center for moon worship, inhabited by Canaanite tribes under Egyptian rule from the second millennium BCE until the Israelite invasion, has been confirmed through thorough excavations conducted over decades by English and German teams. This study bridges ancient textual records with archaeological evidence, offering new insights into the site's layered past.
Roman Decorative Stone Collections in the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology
A comprehensive catalogue of Roman decorative stones, one of the largest and most varied outside Europe, reveals new insights into architectural decoration and design from ancient Mediterranean sites. The collection, housed in the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology at the University of Michigan, includes 700 colorful stones dating to the Roman period, many sourced from renowned structures like the Baths of Diocletian in Rome and the Palace of Herod in Jericho. The study traces the formation, archaeology, and history of each stone, offering a detailed resource for Roman archaeology, antiquities, and decorative arts. Rich photographs and essays derived from original collector notes enhance the catalogue's accessibility and scholarly value.
The Archæology of the Land of Israel
Ancient Jericho/Tell es-Sultan stands as a testament to the profound historical depth of the Holy Land, revealing over 8,000 years of civilization through archaeological discoveries. This study highlights the revolutionary advancements in archaeology that have transformed our understanding of the region's past, particularly its connections with other ancient civilizations of the Orient. Unlike a century ago, when much of Palestine was derelict and biblical sites remained largely unidentified, modern archaeological exploration has uncovered extensive records—ruins, relics, inscriptions, and artifacts—that paint a vivid picture of Hebrew history and its interactions with neighboring cultures. The research leverages excavation techniques to unearth and analyze buried remnants, providing unprecedented insights into the land's layered history, from pre-Biblical eras to the first millennium BCE.
Digging Up Jericho: Past, Present and Future
The volume 'Digging Up Jericho: Past, Present and Future' provides a comprehensive overview of the archaeological significance of Tell es-Sultan, the site of ancient Jericho. It highlights groundbreaking discoveries from Kathleen M. Kenyon's 1950s excavations, which revolutionized the understanding of Near Eastern archaeology, including the identification of an impressive Neolithic settlement with its tower and town wall, data on the transition between Early and Middle Bronze Age civilizations, and a vast necropolis. The volume also addresses the challenges and advancements in cultural heritage management post-1967, emphasizing the site's role as a living monument and its potential for sustainable development. It includes contributions from international scholars, covering past fieldwork, current research, and future preservation efforts, with a focus on Tell es-Sultan and the broader Jericho Oasis.
Jericho. From the Neolithic to the Bronze and Iron Ages: The Urban Diversity
Archaeological research at Tell es-Sultan, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities, has uncovered significant insights into the urban diversity and historical evolution of Jericho from the Neolithic to the Iron Age. The study, conducted over 16 seasons (1997–2022) by Sapienza University of Rome in collaboration with Palestinian authorities, revealed new data on social organization, environmental adaptation, and cultural practices. Notably, the discovery of Egyptian artifacts and the possible identification of the Canaanite name for the city, Ruha, provides fresh perspectives on its complex history, including foreign influences during the Bronze Age. This interdisciplinary approach, combining contextual archaeology with landscape modeling, offers a nuanced understanding of Levantine urbanization and cultural invention. The research also highlights a resilient international cooperation model, defying political trends by emphasizing shared heritage.
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.
The Places: The Jericho Area
A hidden 'Mount Gerizim' linked to Jewish tradition, distinct from the Samaritan site, has been identified near ancient Jericho. This discovery challenges long-standing assumptions about the location of biblical sites, with evidence pointing to a Herodian palace-fortress and tower remnants on the mound's shoulder. The study sheds light on the region's complex history, supported by surface observations and archaeological features such as a blocked well and tumbled walls in the Wady Kelt gorge, which connects the hill country north of Jerusalem to the Jordan plain.
The Ruins of Jericho (Joshua 6) and the Memorialization of Violence
Archaeological and literary analysis reveals that the ruins of Jericho's Middle and Late Bronze Age walls served as a dynamic 'lieu de mémoire' (site of memory) in ancient Israel, shaping social discourses on divine and collective violence. The study demonstrates that interpretations of these ruins evolved over time, influenced by shifting sociopolitical contexts, ethical guidelines, and in-group definitions. Literary strata in Joshua 6 reflect this fluidity, underscoring the ruins' role as a didactic tool to emphasize total obedience to God as a moral principle. The research integrates textual analysis with archaeological evidence to explore how past violence was memorialized and recontextualized within Israelite identity.
The Cave 3 Copper Scroll: A Symbolic Journey by Jesper Høgenhaven
A new interpretation of the enigmatic Copper Scroll (3Q15) from Qumran, traditionally viewed as a list of buried treasure, challenges its conventional understanding. Jesper Høgenhaven argues that the scroll is instead an itinerary guiding the reader on a symbolic journey through Judea, including multiple visits to Jerusalem and a mysterious site identified with Tell es-Sultan near Jericho. This journey, rich in literary allusions and historical reminiscences, suggests a shift from Jerusalem to Kohlit (Tell es-Sultan) as a cultic center, reflecting themes of divine wrath and blessing. The study employs phenomenological landscape analysis and genre theory to recontextualize the scroll's purpose, proposing it serves as an 'instruction for retrieving hidden treasures' rather than a mere inventory.
The Queen of Sheba's Gift
The balsam of Matarea, a substance traded for its weight in gold, was a highly valued commodity in pre-modern medicine, religious rituals, and royal ceremonies, with its cultural significance spanning from the 4th century BCE to the 17th century CE. This study reconstructs the fascinating history of the balsam tree using archaeological evidence, textual sources, and modern botanical studies, correlating them to identify the trees cultivated in ancient Egypt's Matarea plantation. It explores the symbolic associations of balsam with figures like the Virgin Mary, Jesus Christ, King Solomon, the Queen of Sheba, and Cleopatra, while also examining its trade routes, applications, and socio-cultural factors that contributed to its rarity and value. The research establishes links between balsam-producing trees in Jericho, En-Gedi, Egypt, the Arabian Peninsula, and the Horn of Africa, shedding light on a panacea revered by physicians across the Middle East and Europe during antiquity and the medieval period.
Jericho in the Media
Public perceptions of the ancient site of Jericho have been significantly shaped by media representations, from early archaeological reports to modern digital storytelling. This study reveals that while media engagement has raised global interest and support for Jericho's excavations, it has also created lasting impressions that often overshadow the nuanced narratives archaeologists aim to convey. The research investigates how themes and visual representations of Jericho have evolved over time, reflecting both advancements in archaeological knowledge and changing public expectations. It highlights the dual role of media—enhancing awareness while simultaneously introducing controversies that complicate the site's portrayal. By analyzing media outputs across newspapers, television, and the internet, this work offers a critical lens to examine the intersection of archaeology as an academic discipline and its public perception as entertainment.
Jericho: Eine Geschichte der Innovationen im Angesicht widriger Umstände
Ancient Jericho, located at Tell es-Sultan and situated 250 meters below sea level, stands as a testament to human innovation amid challenging conditions. This study reveals how the site's inhabitants developed sophisticated adaptations, including unique architectural techniques and agricultural strategies, to thrive in an arid environment. By analyzing archaeological evidence from multiple layers of occupation dating back thousands of years, researchers reconstruct a narrative of resilience and ingenuity. The findings highlight Jericho's role as a center of early technological advancements, such as the construction of defensive walls and complex water management systems, which were critical for survival in one of the world's most extreme landscapes.
Metal Weapons and Social Differentiation at Bronze Age Tell es-Sultan
Copper weapons from Bronze Age Tell es-Sultan reveal significant social and economic transformations during the region's earliest urbanization. The study highlights how these weapons, found in both settlement and necropolis contexts, served as markers of social differentiation, reflecting shifting power dynamics and ideological symbolism. By analyzing technological features and functional aspects, the research provides a diachronic perspective on weapon evolution, suggesting that changes in form corresponded to evolving societal needs—both in warfare and symbolic power displays.
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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