Ancient Magdala: Archaeological Excavations (2010-2017)

This volume presents the Magdala Archaeological Project’s findings, including the history of Magdala, the 2009 synagogue discovery, and analyses of archaeological materials. It covers aspects of life in Magdala, such as fragrances, medicines, fishing tools, and unique objects, offering insights from the late Hellenistic to Late Roman periods.

This is the first volume in the publication of the results of the Magdala Archaeological Project, supported by the Anahuac University Mexico and the Instituto de Investiagciones Antroplogicas de la Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico. It addresses the history of archaeological interest in Magdala, the academic debate about its location, and insights into the synagogue discovered by the Israel Antiquities Authority in 2009. Subsequent chapters provide detailed analyses of archaeological materials, revealing various aspects of life in Magdala. Topics include fragrances, medicines, and colours; limestone vessels as indicators of Jewish presence; animal economy; tools related to fishing, a predominant activity in settlements along the Sea of Galilee; and various metal objects. Reports on unique objects, i.e. the gladius hispaniensis sword, an intaglio with inscription, a Rhodian stamp, and, finally, a report on the conservation and restoration work we have carried out, are also included. More than being a purely technical report, this work is the first account of the historical-archaeological context of Magdala/Taricheae, providing initial interpretations that, together with the reports to be published in the second volume, will offer an objective view of the settlement from the late Hellenistic period to the beginning of the Late Roman period.

"The Magdala Archaeological Project 2010-2017

Introduction: Magdala Archaeological Project. A Brief Reflection - Marcela Zapata-Meza

Historiography: History of Expeditions and Historical Context - Rosaura Sanz-Rincon

A Study of Magdala's First Synagogue: Identification Layout, and Context of the Synagogue Discovered in 2009 - Jordan J. Ryan with Marcela Zapata-Meza

Fragrances, Medicines, and Colours in Ancient Magdala - Ma. Luisa Vazquez de Agredos Pascual, Cristina Exposito de Vicente

Chalk Vessels Found at Magdala: The Finds and Their Ritual Context - Yonatan Adler

The Animal Economy of Migdal - Miriam Pines

Magdala Metal Finds and Their Metallurgy - J.A. Shapiro and S. Shalev

Introduction to the Typological Study of Metal Artifacts Recovered from the Archaeological Site at Magdala - Marco Antonio Cervera Obregon

Preliminary Study of a Roman Sword from the Archaeological Site of Magdala, Israel - Marco Antonio Cervera Obregon

Intaglio with an Inscription from Magdala (Israel) - Pablo Ozcariz-Gil

Rhodian Stamp ?????????S I - Manel Garcia Sanchez

Preserving Magdala's Heritage: Insights from the Conservation of Ancient Plasters - Gonzalo Sieiro Ortega

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The Magdala Archaeological Project 2010-2017 

Introduction: Magdala Archaeological Project. A Brief Reflection – Marcela Zapata-Meza

Historiography: History of Expeditions and Historical Context – Rosaura Sanz-Rincón

A Study of Magdala’s First Synagogue: Identification Layout, and Context of the Synagogue Discovered in 2009 – Jordan J. Ryan with Marcela Zapata-Meza

Fragrances, Medicines, and Colours in Ancient Magdala – Ma. Luisa Vázquez de Ágredos Pascual, Cristina Expósito de Vicente

Chalk Vessels Found at Magdala: The Finds and Their Ritual Context – Yonatan Adler

The Animal Economy of Migdal – Miriam Pines

Magdala Metal Finds and Their Metallurgy – J.A. Shapiro and S. Shalev

Introduction to the Typological Study of Metal Artifacts Recovered from the Archaeological Site at Magdala – Marco Antonio Cervera Obregón

Preliminary Study of a Roman Sword from the Archaeological Site of Magdala, Israel – Marco Antonio Cervera Obregón

Intaglio with an Inscription from Magdala (Israel) – Pablo Ozcáriz-Gil

Rhodian Stamp ΔΑΜΟΚΡΑΤΗΣ I – Manel García Sánchez

Preserving Magdala’s Heritage: Insights from the Conservation of Ancient Plasters – Gonzalo Sieiro Ortega

• Edited by Marcela Zapata-Meza