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Temple Mount Sifting Project and
Jerusalem Field Studies
June 21–July 6, 2008
Project Background
In October 1999, the Islamic Waqf, the Moslem Trust, and the Islamic Movement conducted a construction operation on the southeast corner of the Temple Mount. This operation included a dig which inflicted much irreparable archaeological damage. These actions are also part of a general trend by the Islamic Waqf to prevent any archaeological research on the Mount that may reveal elements of the Jewish past. But the main goal of the this construction was to create "facts on the ground" by turning every vacant point on the mount into a mosque. The Waqf also converted the underground chamber that they dug out and the entrance to it, known as "Solomon's Stables" into a mosque for prayer, the third on the Temple Mount.
The earth from this operation, bursting with archaeological wealth relevant to Jewish, Christian, and Moslem history, was removed by heavy machinery and unceremoniously dumped by trucks into the nearby Kidron Valley. Although the archaeological finds in the earth are already not in situ, this soil still contains great archaeological potential. No archaeological excavation was ever conducted on the Temple Mount, and this soil contains the only archaeological information that has ever been available to anyone.
The first task of the project was moving the earth from the Kidron Valley to the Tzurim Valley National Park. Some of the soil was then sifted by a mechanical portable screener, in order to minimize the amount of sifting done by hand. Then, the rest of soil was manually sifted, a process that included washing the material and scrutinizing it to identify all the archaeological artifacts.
The Archaeological Importance of the Project
The finds found in this project are unique because they are part of the first archaeological project that has ever examined artifacts from the Temple Mount. Therefore, every find is very important and exceptional. Even the smallest piece of pottery that you find can be dated to a certain period of history, which, when processed statistically, will help us understand the amount and types of activities that took place on the Temple Mount throughout history.
This work also is an expression of a deeper spiritual connection to this wonderful and holy place, that was, and remains a vital part of the history and culture of Isreal.
Volunteers: What Do They Do?
Volunteers help in the wet sifting phase of the work. They begin by choosing a bucket with material soaked in water, spill it onto a screen, and spread the mud out evenly. Each screen has a hose for washing off the mud. Once the material is thoroughly washed, it is scanned for any man-made items. Generally, there are six common types of finds: 1. Pottery 2. Glass shards 3. Bones 4. Metals 5. Mosaic stones 6. Worked stones. Rarer finds such as coins, seals or jewelry may also turn up.
The following links will provide you with additional background information and reports on the Sifting Project.
Volunteer Information
First progress report, 3/4/05 (PDF)
Second progress report, 8/11/05 (PDF)
Third progress report, 4/21/07 (PDF)
Return to the Temple Mount Sifting Project Itinerary and Registration Form.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Call: 800-430-0008; 717-859-3443
Fax: 717/859-3393
E-mail: abr@biblearchaeology.org
Write:
Associates for Biblical Research
Temple Mount Project Tour
P.O. Box 144
Akron PA 17501-0144
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