On our first Jewish history tiyul of the semester, we explored the ancient site of Tel Gezer, once inhabited by the ancient Canaanites and Israelites. After arriving at the site, we indulged in a cup of coffee while Evan prefaced the adventure for the day with a Tanak sesh. Evan explained to us that a “Tel” is a type of hill that is made up of solely past civilizations (for visual reference, a wafer cookie). I noticed many interesting artifacts on the tour, such as the ancient calendar. This fascinating calendar was a key part of keeping track of the harvest schedule. I was later slightly disappointed to find out that it was just a gigantic replica of the original calendar found, which turns out to merely measure up to an iPhone. Still epic. What was the oldest structure/artifact that caught your eye?
The thing I found most interesting from the tel was the casemate Wall. I had never previously heard of a wall that someone lived in. I think it’s interesting that the wall served multiple purposes since people lived in it at times but it was also filled in during times of war.
ReplyDeleteThe tunnel to the underground waterway was really fascinating. It's interesting to think that a man made structure has become a home for nature again.
ReplyDeleteI liked the casemate wall. It was really cool to read about someone who lived "in the wall" and then walk a few feet and see what that meant. It's great that we get to do that here.
ReplyDeleteThe underground tunnel with ancient steps and fluttering bats really caught my attention. The fact that it was the source of a surviving civilization thousands of years before allowed me to appreciate what mankind can really do. The bats just showed me how livable it still was, no chance of collapse with thousands of years on it.
ReplyDelete-Lindsey
DeleteI think that the tunnel down to the water was the most fascinating thing I saw. Imagining digging that without dynamite is amazing. I also wondered what they were drinking while they were digging.
ReplyDeleteAlso this is Molly Howard
Deletei thought it was really interesting to see a huge tunnel structure that held water. i also think its insane that they were able to drill that large of a well without dynamite or electric tools.
ReplyDeleteOn this tiyul, I really enjoyed seeing the thick casemate wall where people lived during times of peace and was filled in during times of war. I also loved the view from the top of one of the hills where we could see from Ramallah to Ashdod; it really put into perspective how small Israel actually is.
ReplyDeleteThe casemate wall was my favorite part of the whole tiyul. I thought it was very interesting that people would live in the wall. It was also cool that it acted as the defense for the city.
ReplyDeleteThis is Talia R
DeleteI enjoyed the views overall, being able to almost overlook all of the country and see the coast of Israel showed really how high up we were. Being able to take pictures and see the bats flying around the water caves along with the old remnants of the market.
ReplyDeleteThe oldest structure that caught my eye were the numerous shards scattered along the ground. It’s interesting to think about how in 3000 years our shards will be scattered along the earth for the future to find.
ReplyDeleteThe most interesting thing to me was the abundance of pottery shards on the ground. I know that at ancient archaeological sites such as Tel Gezer, finding a shard on the ground is like finding any random rock, but it is still crazy to me that those small pieces of clay are thousands of years old.
ReplyDeleteThis is Maya Schloss
DeleteI enjoyed walking and crawling around the caves. It was really cool walking the same steps as ancient Jews. And getting a glimpse into their lives through the structures they erected. -Ezra
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