LES JEUDIS DE L’ÉBAF: RELAY AND ENERGISE ARCHEOLOGICAL RESEARCH IN GAZA

Thursdays’ lectures get to see René Elter speaking of “Transmission and new dynamics of the archeological research in Gaza.” René is an archeologist-researcher associated to the ÉBAF and the IFPO. Program director of Intiqal, an  initiative made possible by the General Consulate of France in Jerusalem, the Chateaubriand French Institute of Jerusalem, the Agence Française de Développement, Première Urgence internationale and the British Council. He introduces all the efforts made by his teams since the project has begun.

 

Photo: ÉBAF, Ordo Prædicatorum.
France’s General Consul Nicolas Kassianides with Dr. Christophe Rico.
Photo: ÉBAF, Ordo Prædicatorum.
Attendees greet and sit.
Photo: ÉBAF, Ordo Prædicatorum.
Question time.
Photo: ÉBAF, Ordo Prædicatorum.
France’s General Consul delivers a speech.

 

Click on this link to watch the lecture.

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ARCHAEOLOGICAL NEWS FROM GAZA

Once again, the Gaza Strip is making headlines when it comes to archaeology.

Thanks to the construction of a major housing program, a contemporary Roman necropolis was discovered less than a kilometer from the maritime site of Anthédon Blakhiyeh excavated by the École Biblique between 1995 and 2012.
At least 130 tombs, dated between the end of the 2nd century BC. J-C. and the second century AD. BC, have already been brought to light by the team of archaeologists from Première Urgence Internationale under the direction of René Elter, associate researcher at the École Biblique and scientific coordinator of the Intiqal programme.

This financial operation by the British Council is part of a larger training program, of about thirty young girls and boys graduating from the University of Gaza, in funerary anthropology, in the archeology of salvage, in the photogrammetry. The archaeological site will continue until next November, then will give way to the study of the furniture and the excavation data, which are already proving to be promising.

One of the two lead sarcophagi has taken one day, Sunday June 25, the way of the museum of Gaza which develops in the splendid building of Qasr al-Basha located in the old city of Gaza. The sarcophagus is richly decorated with vines, leaves and raisins. It will be one of the centerpieces of the Museum’s collection.

For more information, see the site here.



INAUGURATION OF THE MUKHEITIM COMPLEX IN GAZA

Jean-Baptiste Humbert op went to Gaza during the week of February 14 to visit the Mukheitim complex and the Hilarion monastery site, two sites in Gaza that have been excavated and restored under the scientific authority of the École Biblique (EBAF).

“I have just spent a short week in Gaza. On the spot, one is always surprised by the dynamic and effervescent life there. Archaeology has not been forgotten, it is making its way. The restoration work on the sites, carried out for ten years by René Elter under the authority of the EBAF and in partnership with Première Urgence Internationale (PUI), has borne good fruit.

The entrance of the complex of Mukheitim.

The complex of Mukheitim in Jabaliya is now sustainably preserved by an elegant shelter and safely accessible for all. One can contemplate, from aerial walkways, the church, the diaconicon, the large baptistery and the 400 m2 of restored mosaics. The inauguration successfully attracted many curious, but the success was also that of all Gazans who worked in all trades. Success again for our project’s objective: giving back the Palestinian heritage to the Palestinians. We see that the objective has been reached.

During the visit to the large construction site of Hilarion Monastery, we have seen the great progress made over the last year, despite the obstacles of the pandemic. The monastery is now seen in its beautiful coherence, with gravel beds that reconstitute the different spaces. The vault that is reconstituted of the great crypt is a feat all to the glory of the young Gazan crafts women and men who have acquired skills in the techniques of antiquity.

But Gaza never stops building and shows by this what remains of its freedom. A huge construction site has been opened to build high-rise apartments. The construction machines discovered under an orange grove, unfortunately razed, a cemetery from the Roman period with beautiful tombs built in stone. The teams, trained by EBAF and PUI, who restore the Hilarion site is naturally fully engaged to carry out the rescue. The meticulous excavation with brush and spoon contrasts singularly in the middle of excavators, bulldozers and a noria of big trucks evacuating the sand. About thirty graves have been uncovered.

The cemetery of the Roman era surrounded by construction sites and bulldozers.

Jean-Baptiste Humbert and the excavation team on the site of the Roman cemetery.

Jerusalem, Fr. Jean-Baptiste Humbert, op, February 28, 2022


The activities are funded by the British Council’s Cultural Protection Fund, in partnership with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and The International alliance for the protection of heritage in conflict areas (ALIPH)

In the Occupied Palestinian territory, Premiere Urgence Internationale and Ecole Biblique seek to continue developing relationship with Palestinian cultural institutions, urging them to engage and act on their heritage and archaeological sites, to enhance their steadfastness, protect their identity and basic human rights.

Through strengthening and reframing youth’s relationships with cultural heritage, future societal outcomes are reimagined, more vibrant than ever, reflecting the resilience youth in the occupied Palestinian territory are well known for.



IN GAZA, ENHANCEMENT OF THE ARCHEOLOGICAL SITE OF SAINT HILARION CONTINUES

As a continuation of the preservation, mediation, and training program initiated in 2018 by Première Urgence Internationale on the archaeological sites of Tell Umm el-‘Amr (the monastery of Saint-Hilarion) and Mukheitim (the Byzantine church) in Jabalyah, a new campaign was carried out between March 2020 and February 2021.

Supported by the British Council (DMCS) and the Aliph Foundation, the work was scientifically monitored by the École biblique et archéologique française de Jérusalem and supervised by the services of the Ministry of Antiquities and Tourism of Palestine. Although initially planned to last 12 months, the intervention was reduced because it was interrupted between August and November 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The program included a variety of activities on the remains of the site. It permitted efforts to tackle the restoration, the anastylosis of ancient masonry, stone cutting, the removal before restoration of a mosaic pavement, the archaeological excavation and processing of the data which resulted from it, etc.  The team is made up of about thirty people (women and men). As in previous years, recent graduate students from Gaza’s universities (architecture and archaeology) were included. In order to reinforce the students’ skills, each activity integrated a training component. For example, within the framework of the archaeological activity, leaders provided training in the reading of stratigraphy, sorting, identification, and the drawing of ceramic objects.

The preservation and restoration work follows the work already done on the crypt between 2019 and 2020. The activity also involved, at different levels of intervention, the chapel, the North Baptistery, the churches, the hotel and the South installations of the monastery.

More sensitive projects were carried out on the mosaic pavements of the site. One of them involved the removal before restoration of the pavement of the choir of the primitive church. This pavement had partly collapsed in the cenotaph of Saint Hilarion between 2009 and 2010.

This complex undertaking required special treatment and specific implementation, such as the installation of a mobile walkway to allow the team to remove the various fragments without having direct contact with the pavement. The fragments collected, after being numbered and listed, were placed in a 25 m2 sand-filled box, installed for the occasion in the site’s reception building. There, the pavement will be restored after the different pieces of this giant “puzzle” have been assembled. In the autumn, once restored, the pavement will return to its original position, in the choir of the first church.

At Jabalyah, the excavation of the remains annexed to those of the ecclesiastical complex completes the “archaeological panorama” of the site. Enhanced and consolidated, they will be presented to the public.

The reception of visitors has been reinforced on both sites by the training of two guides accompanying groups and the installation of two interpretation rooms. Finally, the actions carried out are regularly disseminated on the net via “Intiqal 2030”, created to facilitate exchange on the heritage of Palestine and in the region.

Gaza, René Elter, February, 12, 2021.

Fig. 2: Archaeological investigations with consolidation of the chapel’s pavement. In the recess, the floor on which the first floor of the chapel was laid is visible: a mosaic carpet.

Fig. 9 : L'équipe de tri du mobilier sortie des sondages

Fig. 9: The team sorting the furniture from the boreholes.

Fig. 11 : Réalisation de joints de mortier

Fig. 11: Making mortar joints.

Fig. 12 : Taille de blocs avec pose

Fig. 12: Block cut and laying.

Fig. 15 : Vue depuis le Sud des dégagements de Jabalyah

Fig. 15: View from the south of the Jabalyah clearings.



GAZA: AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVENTORY

In 2018, the British Council entrusted Première Urgence Internationale (Gaza Branch) with the restoration of the monastery of Saint-Hilarion and Mukheitim. The École Biblique has accepted the task of giving scientific oversight and direction to the work. Last January Fr. J.-B. Humbert OP accompanied the Spanish consultants of the International Cooperatión Gestión, who are responsible for drawing up a report on the archaeological work carried out in Gaza. The NGO then drew up an official report.

Première Urgence Internationale also produced a video of the archaeological sites in Gaza. In six minutes, one discovers the history of the sites and the aim of the project, the restoration techniques put in place, but also the face and voice of those working to preserve the remains. René Elter, architect-archaeologist attached to the École Biblique, responsible for the work, and Maxime Santiago have produced a 3D reconstruction of the monastery of Saint-Hilarion as it stood in the 6th century.

The difficulties encountered by the company must be underscored. Access to Gaza is restricted by quotas, the confinement of the entire territory has been in place for thirteen years, and the political and social situation is tense. The assessment of the restoration work carried out by the Spanish is very positive. Donors have therefore not hesitated to renew the contract for the coming year. The training of young people in the historical restoration and preservation will be continued to everyone’s satisfaction. Congratulations to all those involved in this wonderful project.

To listen to the France Culture podcast ” L’École Biblique et archéologique française de Jérusalem, with Jean-Baptiste Humbert”, click here. The restorations are discussed from 14:22.

To read our article and view the portrait of Fadel Al-Utol, Palestinian archaeologist, team leader of the restoration site, click here.



AN ASSESSMENT OF THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL WORK CONDUCTED IN GAZA

Jean-Baptiste Humbert OP went to Gaza on Monday and Tuesday January 20th and 21st to welcome the mission to monitor the restoration of archaeological sites in Gaza, under the scientific authority of the École Biblique.

At the end of the two years (2018-2019) of the restoration project in Gaza of the two Byzantine sites of the ecclesiastical complex of Mukheitim and Umm el-Amer (monastery of Saint-Hilarion), an assessment was necessary. A Spanish delegation visited the site on January 20th and 21st 2020 to examine the work. The project, which is a British Council project with a large budget, was entrusted to the NGO Première Urgence (Gaza) and to the École Biblique, which appointed René Elter, architect-archaeologist, to direct the restoration and enhancement of the sites. A new budget is envisaged which requires expert knowledge of what has already been done.

The Spanish Delegation in charge of the evaluation expressed its satisfaction with the importance and quality of the restorations. Some advice was given on how to improve the visits of large groups of cultural tourism reserved for Gaziotes who are not allowed to leave the Strip. It should be stressed how benevolent the Hamas Government is with this cultural effort, which compensates for the impossibility of carrying out excavations. Gaza being under blockade, the government is without financial resources and has no budget for an antiquities department. Any excavation is impossible at the great expense of heritage in a country with a galloping demographic explosion. The project to enhance the two Byzantine sites is now the only activity in the field of archaeology. It attracts, by contrast, a lively curiosity from the population.

A meeting was also held on the site with specialized workers and archaeology students from the university to assess the quality of the internship they are receiving over the long term. Indeed, the project does not only concern the restoration of the ruins but has required training young men and women in modern building trades with the construction of the visitor centre, wooden footbridges and large openwork shelters to shelter the sensitive remains; teaching them the trades of restoration, consolidation and reconstruction of walls, stone cutting, surveying, mosaic treatment and laying. The masterpiece of which the whole team is very proud is the restitution, with ancient methods and means, of a stone vault, directed by Florent Périer.

Shelter on the site of Mukheitim

Shelter on the site of Mukheitim Mukheitim

Jean-Baptiste Humbert o.p. and two students of Gaza University

The Spanish delegation and Jean-Baptiste Humbert o.p. visit the site of Umm el-Amer (monastery of Saint-Hilarion)

One of the mosaics of Mukheitim

Mosaics of Mukheitim



Timbres amphoriques de Gaza

La dernière semaine de juin 2019, Kevin Trehuedic a passé quelques jours à l’École biblique pour travailler sur les timbres amphoriques de Gaza.

Les « timbres » sont les marques que certains États de l’Antiquité, pour des raisons fiscales selon toute vraisemblance, impriment (avant cuisson) sur des amphores – ces grands vases de céramique destinés à transporter les denrées. La cité de Rhodes, qui a inondé de son vin les marchés du Proche-Orient aux IIIème et IIème siècles avant notre ère, apposa ainsi systématiquement des timbres donnant le nom du fabricant et du magistrat de l’année sur les anses de ses amphores, ce qui permet de les dater très précisément.

à Gaza, les campagnes de fouille à Blakhiyeh menées sous la direction du père Jean-Baptiste Humbert par l’École Biblique et Archéologique Française de Jérusalem en coopération avec les Palestiniens ont mis au jour plus d’une centaine de ces anses rhodiennes, auxquelles s’ajoutent une centaine d’autres rassemblées par un collectionneur gazawi féru d’archéologie. Longtemps demeuré en souffrance à cause de la situation politique, le matériel est désormais accessible et fait l’objet d’une étude qui permet parfois d’affiner la date des strates fouillées et renseigne surtout sur l’évolution chronologique des importations de vin à Gaza à la période hellénistique.

Le travail mené en juin, puis de nouveau en août/septembre, consiste en la vérification des lectures de ces timbres grecs souvent mal imprimés et effacés et du classement typologique des anses ainsi que la préparation, avec l’aide de l’infographiste Kyoshi Inoué, habitué des publications de l’EBAF, de la mise en page du volume à paraître dans la série archaeologica des Cahiers de la Revue Biblique.



Monastère St Hilarion de Gaza : où en est la restauration ?

René Elter a été archéologue à l’Institut National de Recherche pour l’Archéologie Préventive pendant 20 ans, puis fut pendant 6 ans à la tête d’une forteresse médiévale en Lorraine (Monument Historique). Il co-dirige en Jordanie une fouille dans le cadre de l’Institut français du Proche-Orient. Depuis 2002, il est chercheur associé à l’École biblique et archéologique française de Jérusalem pour diriger la restauration et la publication des fouilles du monastère de Saint-Hilarion (Umm el-‘Amr) à Gaza.

Qu’est-ce que Umm el-‘Amr ?

Umm el-‘Amr s’étend sur plusieurs hectares sur la dune côtière à 10 km au sud de Gaza-ville. Un monastère y a été découvert, un des plus grand de Terre Sainte, et le tout premier fondé dans la région en 329 par Hilarion, le Père du monachisme palestinien. Il se compose d’un ensemble ecclésiastique (églises, crypte, chapelle, baptistère, logement des moines) et d’un hospice réservé à l’accueil des voyageurs et pèlerins, avec bains et logement

Histoire de la fouille :

1997-2001 – Fouilles du monastère de Saint-Hilarion par le Service palestinien des Antiquités.

2001- Expertise par l’École biblique des vestiges à la demande du Ministère des Antiquités et du Tourisme de Palestine. L’Ébaf confie l’évaluation et les vérifications archéologiques à R. Elter

2002-2006 – Vérification de la stratigraphie et la chronologie du site. Le projet est soutenu par le Consulat Général de France à Jérusalem.

2010-2015  – Sondages de vérification, mise en place de consolidations d’urgence, formation d‘ouvriers et d’étudiants de l’Université de Gaza. L’ensemble des interventions est soutenu par le Consulat général de France et l’Unesco.

2011 – Umm el-‘Amr apparaît sur la liste du World Monuments Fund des 100 sites les plus menacés dans le monde.

2012 – Inscription sur la liste indicative du patrimoine de la Palestine par l’Unesco

2017-2020 : Programme de conservation et de mise en valeur (British Council/Ébaf) géré par l’ONG « Première Urgence ».

Comment travaille-t-on sur place ?

Travailler à Gaza peut être une folie. Surtout avec la situation géopolitique actuelle et tout ce qu’en disent les médias. Dès le début du projet, l’organisation de nos travaux a nécessité souplesse et adaptation. Sur place, la situation n’a pas émoussé l’envie de nos collègues de Gaza de comprendre et de préserver le monastère. Tout était à faire, à inventer. Pour relever murs et voûte, il a fallu ouvrir une carrière de pierre, fabriquer des outils, monter toute la chaîne opératoire, du débit à la pose. Lorsque l’accès à Gaza nous est interdit, Fadel Al-Otol, le correspondant local de l’Ecole depuis 20 ans, nous permet de suivre les travaux archéologiques et de restauration par la vidéo-conférence. La documentation technique (plans, coupes, débit de pierres) est alors réalisée par Florent Périer (restaurateur, tailleur de pierre) dans les locaux de l’École, et envoyée sur le chantier via Internet. L’entreprise nécessite un lien constant et une maîtrise sans faille de l’équipe d’une trentaine d’ouvriers (dont 7 femmes).

Et après ?

Il faut passer à l’aménagement de passerelles sur le site qui accueille aujourd’hui plusieurs centaines de scolaires par mois. Comprendre pour mieux protéger, tel est le centre de nos préoccupations. Les enfants d’aujourd’hui décideront demain. Ils devront gérer le site sans nous. Une telle responsabilité était l’une des conditions à l’inscription de Umm el-‘Amr sur la liste des candidats au Patrimoine Mondial de l’Unesco.