Excavations Interrupted by WW2 Continue at Khirbat al-Minya
Archaeologists working in Israel are excavating an early-Islamic caliphate palace on the shore of the Sea of Galilee known as Khirbat al-Minya. It’s believed the palace was built as part of a Qasr complex and also contained a mosque and a bath during the rule of the Umayyad caliph al-Walid I (705-715 CE), its supposed patron. The site is the only Umayyad ruin with remains above ground in Israeli territory and features one of the first mosques in the region. An inscription found on a stone at the site mentions the name of al-Walid’s son: Umar ibn al-Walid, the governor of Tiberias during his father’s rule.
Researchers from Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU) recently began excavations at the site hoping to determine the landscape of the area prior to the construction and how the buildings were repurposed after a disastrous earthquake in 749CE. Led by PD Dr. Hans-Peter Kuhnen from JGU’s Department of Ancient Studies, the researchers found evidence the building had been used by traders, craftsmen and sugar cane farmers.
Among the artifacts discovered is a tiny glass weight only 12 mm in diameter with the Arabic inscription “Glory to Allah” on it, suggesting Muslim traders must have operated there during the ninth or tenth century. It was also discovered that the facilities used to process sugar cane, which initially triggered an economic boom in the Holy Land in the Middle Ages. The research team was also able to uncover a boiling system that had been used for molasses production during this period.
Underneath the foundations of the palace, team members found evidence suggesting the area underwent dramatic changes at least twice in the post-Roman period. Extreme weather had caused catastrophic boulder slides to cover what later became the palace building site, burying the foundation and walls of an even older, pre-Islamic settlement.
The work of Mainz University is a continuation of a research project undertaken by German archaeologists between 1932 and 1939 in an attempt to clarify the history of both the settlement and the palace structure. However, excavations were halted when World War II began in 1939, leaving the work incomplete. The project is being supported by the Institute of Archaeology of the University of Tel Aviv and the Israel Nature and Parks Authority.
Along with the excavations, the project team is also supervising a conservation project financed by the Cultural Preservation Program of the German Federal Foreign Office, in order to prevent further deterioration of the palace ruins.
“By combining the use of exploratory trenches, the architectural survey, and conservation measures we are setting standards in the research, preservation, and investigation of this important early-Islamic site,” Project manager Dr. Hans-Peter Kuhnen with JGU is quoted as saying in Science Daily, “The new excavations and the accompanying architectural survey will provide us for the first time with detailed insights into what happened on the shores of the Sea of Galilee before the palace was built and after it was destroyed by the earthquake of 749 AD. Our results will then contribute to the future development of the site.”
The post Excavations Interrupted by WW2 Continue at Khirbat al-Minya appeared first on New Historian.
Source: http://www.newhistorian.com/excavations-interrupted-ww2-continue-khirbat-al-minya/7460/
Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.
"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world. Anyone can join. Anyone can contribute. Anyone can become informed about their world. "United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
LION'S MANE PRODUCT
Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules
Mushrooms are having a moment. One fabulous fungus in particular, lion’s mane, may help improve memory, depression and anxiety symptoms. They are also an excellent source of nutrients that show promise as a therapy for dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases. If you’re living with anxiety or depression, you may be curious about all the therapy options out there — including the natural ones.Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend has been formulated to utilize the potency of Lion’s mane but also include the benefits of four other Highly Beneficial Mushrooms. Synergistically, they work together to Build your health through improving cognitive function and immunity regardless of your age. Our Nootropic not only improves your Cognitive Function and Activates your Immune System, but it benefits growth of Essential Gut Flora, further enhancing your Vitality.
Our Formula includes: Lion’s Mane Mushrooms which Increase Brain Power through nerve growth, lessen anxiety, reduce depression, and improve concentration. Its an excellent adaptogen, promotes sleep and improves immunity. Shiitake Mushrooms which Fight cancer cells and infectious disease, boost the immune system, promotes brain function, and serves as a source of B vitamins. Maitake Mushrooms which regulate blood sugar levels of diabetics, reduce hypertension and boosts the immune system. Reishi Mushrooms which Fight inflammation, liver disease, fatigue, tumor growth and cancer. They Improve skin disorders and soothes digestive problems, stomach ulcers and leaky gut syndrome. Chaga Mushrooms which have anti-aging effects, boost immune function, improve stamina and athletic performance, even act as a natural aphrodisiac, fighting diabetes and improving liver function. Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules Today. Be 100% Satisfied or Receive a Full Money Back Guarantee. Order Yours Today by Following This Link.
