Introduction
The history of humanity has always been a great mystery for researchers. The events that occurred in the past and how society evolved are essential questions that might help to acquire a better understanding of the nature of humankind. For this reason, archeology is an important science that discovers artifacts from previous epochs and contributes to building a complete image of the previously established countries and cultures.
The discovery of new essential excavation sites is always a great event highlighted by the media. The information it contains might promote radical shifts in the vision of how cultures evolved. Tel Burna is one of the locations belonging to this cohort, as its research helped to discover artifacts from the Bronze and Iron Ages that updated the knowledge of how people lived in the region and how their societies functioned.
Background
Tel Burna’s significance is linked to its location, origin, and fragments of the past discovered there. It is an essential Israeli archeological site found in Shephelah, near the banks of Nahal Guvrin (See Figure 1) (Sharp et al. 7).
During ancient times, the region had a particular strategic importance, which explains the emergence and development of a settlement here. Additionally, the Shephelah had agricultural production in ancient and modern periods, which answers why people selected the area for a living (Sharp et al. 7). The investigation of the site contributed to the enhanced understanding of Tel Burna’s role. The site was located at the crossroads and main trade routes between the coastal line and settlements there and the hill country (Sharp et al. 6).
As a result, the settlement evolved and acquired some luxurious elements, evidencing its significance and role in the region. Today, there is an idea that Tel Burna is often considered a biblical city Libnah (McKinny et al. 5). Under these conditions, the archaeological project focused on exploring the area became a source of valuable knowledge.
The site investigation attracted much attention and gave rise to a specific incentive. Thus, in 2009, a surface survey was made. In 2010, a long-term archaeological excavation project was started by McKinny et al. 6). Scientists and numerous volunteers joined the Tel Bruna Excavation to contribute to discoveries and promote a better understanding of history. During the different seasons of investigation, various artifacts were made.
Thus, the site had a well-fortified casemate, which evidences its importance and the need for protection from possible attacks (McKinny et al. 4). It was partially exposed along the perimeter of one of the upper parts of the place (McKinny et al. 4). The excavations showed that it was one of the fortified towns of the western border (McKinny et al. 4). It means that along with the economic and agricultural significance, the area had some military power to protect its citizens.
Bronze Age
The excavation area of Tel Bruna was divided into specific areas to differentiate between the periods and simplify investigation. These places are marked regarding the main discoveries made there and the nature of artifacts (see Figure 2):
Thus, the work made by archeologists helped to find the signs of early settlements. During the Early and Middle Bronze Age, Tel Bruna was already inhabited by people who focused on agricultural activities (McKinny et al. 13). It is evidenced by the agricultural installations found there and remnants of tools used by individuals. It means that the rise of civilization was associated with the fertility of local soils and people’s ability to find food and feel protected.
Iron Age
The Iron Age settlement discovered at Tel Bruna also offers numerous facts about the history of the place. As stated previously, it is mainly characterized by the fortification system that was found in the squares of Area B2 and Area A1 (see Figure 2) (Sharp et al. 7). The archeologists found that the casemate was well-constructed and had serious fortifications necessary to resist any attacks from the outside and protect the city (McKinny et al. 10). The solid wall shows that the society that lived here was powerful enough to allow the construction of these fortifications. At the same time, it proves that the risks were significant and that the wall was necessary.
Houses and Pottery
Therefore, the remains discovered on the site included other elements. For instance, the team of archeologists found architectural elements showing the developed society and the level of crafts necessary for constructing specific buildings. The Four-Room house, flagstone pavement, and beaten earth floor were discovered on the opposite sides of a wall (McKinny et al. 4). These findings are essential for restoring the picture of how people lived there and the nature of buildings peculiar to the area.
Furthermore, numerous remnants of pottery from the Late Bronze Age, jars, and Judean folded-rim bowls were excavated (McKinny et al. 13). Another vital artifact is the stamp with the two-winged emblem with the signs of past writings that have not survived (McKinny et al. 12). Analyzing these remains might give insight into how Tel Bruna’s people lived and developed their communities.
Press Structures
Another important discovery shows the presence of specific press structures on the site. The circular bedrock installations found in Area C are considered mechanisms for processing liquid products (Sharp et al. 16). It is supposed that they could be used for olive oil production during the Bronze Age (Sharp et al. 17). Later, with the development of more complex forms of production, the same structures could be used for making vegetal dyes and other products (Sharp et al. 18). These findings are essential as they contain much information about the occupations of people living at that period and their daily activities. Additionally, creating products requiring special tools justifies the development of specific industries and trade, which is a potent stimulus for the region’s development.
Cultural Exchange
Finally, archeologists discovered elements proving these lands’ cultural and economic exchange. This fact is evidenced by luxury items that were traveling from Cyprus to Canaan (Sharp et al. 6). There is also a mixture of specific Egyptian and Canaanite motifs found on these objects (Sharp et al. 6). This discovery is essential for understanding how the trade routes worked and how the region was part of the bigger global context (Sharp et al. 6). The other fragments from the site show the already known information about the Byzantine and Persian occupation (Sharp et al. 6). It means that the excavation area is an essential source of knowledge that should be investigated during the new seasons of the incentive.
Conclusion
Altogether, Tal Burna’s excavation site is an essential source of knowledge. The project focused on its investigation, which has attracted much attention and continues to do so. Much information about the Bronze and Iron Age settlements was acquired in the previous seasons. The remnants of the fortification system, houses, oil press, jars, and other pottery show that the local settlement played a critical role in the region. There was also a cultural exchange with other regions, such as Egypt or Canaan. The further investigations that are planned now will help acquire additional information and discover the area’s past.
Annotated Bibliography
McKinny, Chris, et al. “Tel Burna after a Decade of Work.” Near Eastern Archaeology, vol. 83, no. 1, 2020, pp. 4–15. Web.
The article describes the peculiarities of the Tel Bruna project and the various phases of work on it. The authors outline the most important findings made during the research and their importance for archeology. The study offers information about the most critical phases of the research, which is essential for understanding how Tel Burna’s project started and evolved. Additionally, the investigators support the discussion with the map and images of the area, which is essential for understanding the topic. The remnants of the past periods and their contribution to creating the complete image of the site are also discussed. The authors also discuss the possible associations with the Biblical city Libnah and the significance of the project in terms of history and investigation of the area. In general, the paper cultivates a better understanding of Tel Burna’s project, its current state, and discoveries made during the excavation.
Sharp, Casey, et al. “Bedrock Installations Used and Reused Outside Tel Burna.” Judea and Samaria Research Studies, vol. 29, no. 1, 2020, pp. 5-24. Web.
The authors analyze the bedrock installations found on the Tel Burna excavation site to cultivate an enhanced understanding of how people in past epochs lived in the area. The article focuses on various types of activities, such as cultural, religious, and agricultural. Discussing the pieces found there, the investigators explain how the findings help to restore the way of living peculiar to people who lived there in the past. Furthermore, the study outlines the broader archeological context peculiar to the project, which is necessary for understanding its peculiarities and importance. The article also proves the existence of fortifications, agricultural areas, and developed trade relations with other parts of the ancient world. In such a way, it is a valuable source for the enhanced understanding of Tel Burna’s project, its most important findings, and its role in investigating the region’s history and creating its complete image.