Description

The Department of Religion and Theology at Concordia University, Saint Paul participates in the Hippos Excavations of the Zinman Institute of Archaeology of the University of Haifa at the Hippos/Sussita National Park above the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee at Ein Gev (see on map).   Also cooperating  in the excavation is a Dr. Jolanta Mlynarczyk, Polish Academy of Science, Warsaw and Dr. Mariusz Burdajewicz, National Museum, Warsaw.  Specific information on the Concordia's work is provided through the links on the left. 

Northeast Church Project

Since 2002 the Concordia Team has been excavating the Northeast Church, a mono-apsidal structure 50 meters east of the temple complex of the city and itself part of a larger configuration of rooms.  Distinctive to the church are its burials in the chancel -- one of which is a revered elderly woman.  Read more about the churches at Hippos.

In 2008, the Concordia Team will work on the east and west areas of the Northeast Church Complex, proven in 2006 to be more extensive than originally anticipated. We will open several probes under the church seeking evidence of a Roman temple complex.  We will also continue work on mosaic restoration and documentation.  The next season of the Northeast Church Project is scheduled for 29 June - 24 July 2008.  Click Join the Dig for more information.

Virtual Dig

You can follow our adventures at http://virtualdig.org.  The Virtual Dig had its origin is a grant from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Foundation.  The grant enabled over 1000 students from across the Midwest to learn about archaeology and follow the daily work of the Concordia Team.  An archive of the first Virtual Dig is at http://virtualdig.org/index-old.htm.

Goals

The archaeological work of Concordia University introduces students to the science of archaeology in the Levant through hands-on experience with the techniques of the discipline.  The field experiences are supplemented with touring and lectures in order to provide a comprehensive introduction to the land and its material remains. Specifically, Concordia enables students to 

• Gain experience in the excavation, recovery, documentation, and preservation of material remains
• State and evaluate the methods and results of archaeology
• Use material remains in the interpretation of biblical and early Christian writings

Coordinator

Dr. Mark Schuler, professor of theology and Greek, coordinates the Concordia Team at Hippos.

Notice

Please read the travel warning from the US State Department.