Tell Iztabba (Nysa-Scythopolis) – A Seleucid-Founded Town in the Near East

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Achim Lichtenberger
• Subject Area: Classical, Roman, Christian and Islamic Archaeology
• Term: since 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 495961685

The joint German-Israeli archaeological project focusses on the Hellenistic settlement on Tell Iẓṭabba (close to Beth She’an), which was founded by the Seleucids in the first half of the 2nd century BCE and destroyed at the end of this century by the Judean Dynasty of the Hasmoneans. The hill was only sparsely resettled during later periods.Tell Iẓṭabba offers a unique situation for an archaeological investigation of the Hellenistic period in the southern Levant. The Hellenistic period in general and the Seleucid realm in particular is not well understood in this region of the world. Our knowledge about the urban fabrics and material culture of Seleucid foundations is limited, due to urban growth and building programs during subsequent (Hasmonean, Roman, Byzantine and medieval) periods. However, the Seleucid origin of cities like Beth She’an are crucial for understanding the political, cultural and economic developments of the region. The project aims at a new and comprehensive archaeological investigation of the site of Tell Iẓṭabba. Archaeological excavations combined with archaeometric methods will provide new insights into the nature of the Seleucid settlement and thereby enlighten the historical situation in which Seleucid engagement happened in this region. This will be done by an analysis of the urban fabric and material culture. Furthermore, we want to understand the sustainability and economic background of the Seleucid town. An analysis of the Seleucid occupational remains will clarify the settlement history and why the site was never properly resettled after its Hasmonean destruction in either Hasmonean or Roman times.The project is a continuation of our German-Israeli Foundation (GIF) funded project that included magnetic prospections and two campaigns of excavations in September 2019 and February 2020. During these campaigns we have started to explore the Hellenistic site, uncovering important information about domestic structures, inventories of houses and private consumption habits. Based on our investigation, the new project intends to continue the work in selected areas, in order to focus on public buildings and urban infrastructure and to answer broader research questions regarding the civic organization and socio-economic sustainability of the settlement and its hinterland.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Israel
• International Co-Applicant: Professor Oren Tal, Ph.D.