Water Systems and Such

Today was an exhausting day, not so much because we worked hard (we didn't) but because we spent a lot of time in the vans. I mentioned Israeli drivers last year, and they are still out there. The interesting part is that our archaeologist drivers drive the same way! Today, Shabbat (Sabbath) was a touring day, and we looked at ancient water systems and incredible cities.

First, the water systems:  We went to Bet Sha'em (possibly spelled wrong) first. These are four hillsides full of 40 or so caves, tombs, and a water system. I am constantly amazed at the complexity and efficiency of water systems built long before there were backhoes, big Kenworth trucks, or sonar. This one was an ingenious system of tunnels and steps to bring water down from the mountains to the lowlands. Tsvika, our contact and co-worker from the Israeli Antiquities Agency (like our national parks), was one of the people who discovered this labyrinth of caves. He LOVES to work on water systems, and he gets really excited when showing us what they have discovered and are unearthing. It was thought that being buried in this area would ensure an enjoyable afterlife, so bodies and bones were brought in from Jewish communities all around the world.

We also explored the water system at Zippori, which was more than likely the place Joseph, Jesus' adoptive father, did much of his work. He was a carpenter, which in those days entailed stone cutting. There is much more rock than wood! It is a very important city in Jewish history, serving as the capital of Galilee from 55 BCE to 47 BCE. It has a long and checkered history, constantly being captured by enemies of whoever was in power. Its location made it very desirable, and it was a very wealthy city. The mosaics, including the "Mona Lisa of Galilee", are incredible and in amazingly good condition.

The water system and reservoir are over a mile from the city, necessitating a series of individual "pipes" leading to individual homes for water. The distance was necessary because it was the only high area made of chalk rock, which was easy to dig out and a good conductor of water. We heard much about it because Tsvika was the archaeologist who did an extensive survey of the water system and unearthed the reservoir in 1975. Again, much excitement in his voice as he guided us through the system.

Second, Megiddo, which also has a good water system but is better known for its location on the Via Maris, the trade route between Egypt and Mesopotamia. It was a key city on the route, so it was constantly being captured and rebuilt - 25 times to be exact. It also overlooks the Valley of Armageddon, the commonly accepted place for the Last Battle discussed in Revelation. What a view from up there! Oh, the antiquities that have been unearthed - most beautiful and varied because of the very different cultures that controlled the city over time.

We came back exhausted; I think our jet lag is on its last legs, but it is not going out easily. Some of our people ended up with 48 hour trips because of missed flights and communication issues with airport personnel in Zurich. Tomorrow, we start setting up the site, and they are hoping to stay awake long enough to make it happen. It has been good to meet the "rookies" and to embrace our friends from last year.  We miss home but wouldn't miss this for anything.

M.