I was intending merely to add a new link to my previous post Take Photo Now, Find Story Later, but the article in Haaretz is so good that I decided to mention it separately. If you’re interested in the Jewish presence in the Muslim Quarter of the Old City, and its connection with archaeology, this is worth reading. Unlike too many articles, this one is full of good information, and it seems to be an even-handed presentation. A few comments, on peripheral points of the article:
1. The excavation is on “Hagai Street.” That is Hebrew for “The Valley Street.” (Or in Arabic, el-Wad Street). It is so-called because it follows the Central (Tyropoean) Valley.
2. One of the things the excavations have uncovered is a portion of the Valley Cardo Street from the Byzantine period. Portions of this have been found further south, but none this far north, that I know of. This road is depicted on the Medeba Map, lined with columns.
3. The director of the dig is Haim Barba. I studied with him in Ulpan (Hebrew language class) about 9 years ago. Which makes me question why they label him a “new immigrant.” I remember him giving me a book he wrote (in French) about excavations he had done in his homeland. I’m glad to hear that he’s broken into the archaeological world here. I wonder if he would remember me?
4. From the perspective of one interested in archaeology of the biblical period, the most important detail is skimmed over: the discovery of a “monumental building” from Herod’s time. I would love to know more about that!