Archaeology in Jerusalem: A Crossroads of History, Politics, and Discovery
Archaeology in Jerusalem remains one of the most archaeologically significant and politically complex regions in the world. For over a century, the city’s deep historical layers have attracted archaeologists, researchers, and explorers from across the globe. As a result, Jerusalem and the broader Levant have become a rich archaeological landscape shaped by diverse cultures and political regimes.
A Century of Excavation and Exploration
Archaeological research in Jerusalem has evolved under various administrative authorities—including the Ottoman Empire, British Mandate, Israeli, Jordanian, and Palestinian governments. Despite shifting power structures, international collaboration has remained central to uncovering the region’s past.
Renowned institutions from France, Italy, Britain, Germany, the United States, Spain, and beyond have contributed substantially to the archaeological record. Landmark achievements such as the excavation of Mount Carmel’s prehistoric caves and the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls are testaments to the region’s global significance.
Challenges Facing Archaeological Institutions
Many foreign-run archaeological missions—particularly British-led organizations—now face financial instability and political disruption. The Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA), responsible for extensive developer-led salvage excavations, is burdened with publishing backlogs and limited storage capacity.
Meanwhile, Palestinian archaeological efforts face even greater challenges. The Palestinian Department of Antiquities struggles with funding and access, leading to delays or cancellations of collaborative projects with French, British, and Swedish teams—particularly in the Gaza Strip. The ancient port of Anthedon (Blakhiyah), a site of high archaeological interest, has seen significant discoveries but limited excavation due to ongoing regional conflict.
The Kenyon Institute: A Hub for Research and Heritage
Originally established as the British School of Archaeology in Jerusalem in 1919, the institute was revitalized in the 1950s by pioneering archaeologist Kathleen Kenyon. In 1999, it merged with the British Institute at Amman to form the Council for British Research in the Levant (CBRL). In recent years, the CBRL’s Jerusalem office was renamed the Kenyon Institute, honoring Kenyon’s transformative work at Jericho and Jerusalem during the 1950s and 60s.
As part of the British Academy’s academic network, the Kenyon Institute has broadened its focus beyond archaeology. It now supports interdisciplinary research in history, language, identity, and cultural heritage. Despite financial and political hurdles, the institute remains a key research base for scholars working in the humanities across the region.
Recent and Ongoing Archaeological Projects
Several high-profile archaeological excavations continue across Israel and Palestine:
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Megiddo and Hazor remain focal points of major Israeli research.
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Restoration and study continue at heritage-rich tourist sites like Acre and Beth Shean.
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Tel Jezreel has seen collaborative efforts with Tel Aviv University on Iron Age, Byzantine, and medieval layers.
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The publication of medieval and Ottoman Islamic architecture surveys in Palestine is advancing with external support, including from the Leverhulme Trust.
The Future of Archaeology in the Levant
Archaeological work in Jerusalem and the Levant continues to face a complex blend of opportunity and adversity. While local and international efforts have uncovered invaluable insights into ancient civilizations, the sustainability of these projects depends on stable funding, international cooperation, and the resolution of political barriers.
Yet, institutions like the Kenyon Institute provide hope—serving as vital platforms for research, education, and cultural preservation in one of the world’s most historically rich yet politically sensitive regions.
