Kathleen Kenyon. Image from: Reynolds, A. 2011. From the Archives. Archaeology International 13:112-118
Project summary
Taking place between 1952 and 1958 and directed by Kathleen Kenyon, excavations at Jericho led to the refinement of the chronology of the Pre-Pottery Neolithic period and to a better understanding of the whole period from the Neolithic to the Late Bronze Age in the region.
British School of Archaeology in Jerusalem (BSAJ),
British Academy,
Palestine Exploration Fund (PEF),
Sydney University,
Birmingham City Museum,
Pontifical Biblical Institute,
Ashmolean Museum,
Cambridge Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology,
University of Manchester,
Queens College Oxford.
1953
American School of Oriental Research (ASOR),
British School of Archaeology in Jerusalem (BSAJ),
British Academy,
Palestine Archaeological Museum,
Palestine Exploration Fund (PEF),
Sydney University,
Ashmolean Museum,
Birmingham City Museum,
Australian Institute of Archaeology (Melbourne),
Oxford Committee for Advanced Studies,
Russell Trust,
University of Liverpool,
Cambridge Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology,
Trinity College Dublin,
University of Glasgow,
University of Leeds,
University of Edinburgh.
1954
American School of Oriental Research (ASOR),
Ashmolean Museum,
British School of Archaeology in Jerusalem (BSAJ),
British Academy,
Palestine Exploration Fund (PEF),
Russell Trust,
Sydney University,
British Museum,
Australian Institute of Archaeology (Melbourne),
Oxford Committee for Advanced Studies,
University of Liverpool,
Birmingham City Museum,
Cambridge Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology,
University of London,
Trinity College Dublin,
University of Glasgow,
Royal Anthropological Institute,
University of Manchester,
University of Leeds,
Peabody Museum,
Reading University,
University of Edinburgh.
1955
American School of Oriental Research (ASOR),
Ashmolean Museum,
British School of Archaeology in Jerusalem (BSAJ),
British Academy,
Royal Ontario Museum (ROM),
Russell Trust,
Australian Institute of Archaeology (Melbourne),
Oxford Committee for Advanced Studies,
Emory University,
University of Liverpool,
Birmingham City Museum,
Cambridge Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology,
University of London,
Trinity College Dublin,
Leiden University,
Royal Anthropological Institute,
University of Leeds,
Royal Anthropological Institute,
Leeds City Museum,
Reading University,
Trinity College Cambridge.
1956
Royal Ontario Museum,
Toronto Globe and Mail,
Sydney University,
British Academy,
Russell Trust,
Birmingham City Museum,
Ashmolean Museum,
American School of Oriental Research (ASOR),
Australian Institute of Archaeology,
Oxford Committee for Advanced Studies,
Emory University,
University of Liverpool,
Cambridge Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology,
University of London,
Nottingham University,
Trinity College Dublin,
Durham University,
Leiden University,
University of Manchester,
University of Leeds,
Reading University,
Trinity College Cambridge,
Leeds City Museum.
1957
British Academy,
Russell Trust,
University of Lund,
Stockholm Museum,
Oxford Committee for Advanced Studies,
Ashmolean Museum,
University of London,
University of Liverpool,
Trinity College Dublin,
University of Glasgow,
University of Manchester,
University of Edinburgh,
Reading University.
1957-1958
British Academy,
Russell Trust,
D.S.I.R.,
British Museum,
Birmingham City Museum,
Ashmolean Museum,
Oxford University Chest,
Leiden Museum,
Berlin Museum,
Oxford Committee for Advanced Studies,
Wellcome Trust,
Emery University,
Leiden University,
British School of Archaeology in Jerusalem (BSAJ),
Cambridge Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology,
University of London,
American Museum of Natural History,
Palestine Exploration Fund (PEF),
Trinity College Dublin,
Durham University,
Leeds City Museum,
University of Leeds,
Sheffield University.
Project description
Summary: Seasons 1952
A joint expedition of the BSAJ and PEF in conjunction with the American School of Oriental Research in Jerusalem and with contribution by the Pontifical Biblical Institute, the excavations ran between January – April 1952 with three main aims:
obtain additional evidence on date of end of Late Bronze Age city,
further clearance of Neolithic remains discovered by Garstang,
excavate tombs near the city.
Two areas of the city’s defences were excavated (north-west corner and centre of western side of mound), as well as areas within the walls. The walls found dated from Early Bronze Age to Iron Age.
Garstang’s excavations were extended in the north-east sector of the mound and led to the discovery of skull and baby skeletons. Further Neolithic remains were discovered east of Trench I (in centre-west of the mound).
In the cemetery located to the north of the Tell, tombs cut into soft limestone with vertical shafts and round chambers were found. They date from the beginning of Early Bronze Age through to the Middle Bronze Age, some are multiple burials, some single burials. Remarkable was the preservation of organic material, including wooden objects and basketry.
Summary: Seasons 1953
A joint expedition of the BSAJ, PEF and ASOR, excavations ran between the end December 1952 – early April 1953.
During this season, work continued in all the main areas begun in 1952, including Early and Middle Bronze Age defences, Early Iron Age building at foot of the mound, further clearance of Neolithic levels, and work to link up Garstang’s deep sounding with other Early bronze Age levels.
The Middle Bronze Age storerooms discovered by Garstang were cleared, the German trench located against the Early Bronze Age city wall was re-opened, and work continued in the cemetery to the north of the Tell.
Seven human skulls with features in moulded plaster are the most significant finds from the Neolithic layers. In the cemetery, 65 tombs were located, 52 found intact and 13 robbed. The burials dated from the Late Chalcolithic period, through Early Bronze to Middle Bronze, 3 from the Early Iron Age and 2 from the Roman period.
Summary: Seasons 1954
A joint expedition of the BSAJ and PEF taking place from January to April 1954.
Work continued in all main areas previously excavated: the focus of the excavation was on the extent and character of the earliest Pre-Pottery Neolithic settlement, the succession of Early Bronze Age defences, the layout of Early Bronze Age town, the remains of Middle Bronze Age town, and the occupation of the site during the Late Bronze Age (no remains found to date). Human burials were discovered beneath houses of the Neolithic period.
To continue work on Early Bronze Age occupation and Early-Middle Bronze transition two new trenches were dug. Traces of Middle Bronze Age buildings were found on the east side of the mound, but no new evidence regarding Late Bronze Age occupation.
Exploration of area to the north of Tell continued, 94 more tombs of the Early to Middle Bronze Age were located, and more well preserved wooden objects recovered. The ‘Warrior’ Tomb (MBA) was discovered, which also contained equid skeletal remains.
Summary: Seasons 1955
The season ran from January to April 1955 and was a joint expedition of BSAJ, PEF and ASOR.
Investigation of the Pre-Pottery Neolithic phase continued in three main areas, with traces found elsewhere on site. Evidence suggests that the pre-pottery Neolithic settlement was as extensive as the Bronze Age city. Remains similar across the site, uncovered further human burials below plastered floors. Traces of five rush mats found in houses, survived as a thin white film which preserved the structure of the rush and design of the mat. Large, circular stone tower from the same period partially excavated. Neolithic and Chalcolithic remains were found mostly in the form of pottery recovered from pits and fill of Middle Bronze defences at the north and south of mound. Material was also recovered from four tombs containing multiple burials.
Early Bronze Age remains examined in the area of the houses in the north-east of section of the mound and of the defences in three trenches on the north, west and south sides. Burnt fallen timbers were uncovered in one structure. Features such as brick built silos and large jars sunk into floors are common elements from the period.
Middle Bronze Age remains continued to relate to the defensive structures built during this period, some non-defensive remains were uncovered on the east side of the mound.
Excavation in the cemetery area uncovered more tombs, dating from Late Chalcolithic to Middle Bronze Age. Continued to find well preserved wooden, basket and textile objects.
Summary: Seasons 1956
The season ran between January and April 156, funded by BSAJ, PEF and ROM.
Work continued clearing areas to uncover Pre-Pottery Neolithic levels, including around the circular tower with interior staircase and defensive walls. A passageway found at base of staircase was cleared to length of 4 metres. The exterior entrance to tower was yet unexcavated. Eleven human skeletons found in the fill of the passageway, so the space was used as burial chamber. Two distinctive phases of pre-pottery Neolithic were identified. Two more plastered human skulls were found, along with human skulls detached from their bodies. One group was arranged in a circle facing towards the centre, the second group in rows of three all facing in the same direction.
Excavation of the Early Bronze Age defensive remains and housing continued, remains relating to the transition between the Early and Middle Bronze were only recovered from the cemetery and not from the mound. One large tomb contained graffiti depicting horned animals, possibly goats, some of which appeared to be eating leaves from trees.
Excavation of the Middle Bronze Age defensive bank and houses on east side of mound were completed, therefore it was possible to consider the layout of the Middle Bronze town. Middle Bronze tombs were excavated in cemetery, along with tombs dating to the Roman period, containing well preserved wooden coffins and a leather pillow.
Summary: Seasons 1957
Short season of four weeks in March/April 1957.
Work concentrated on areas where greatest progress had already been made in the Pre-Pottery Neolithic levels. A new area was opened up to the east of the tower with the intention of reaching the exterior of the internal passageway. A large dump of fifteen feet high required removal before this could be achieved. Most of the dump was removed and Pre-Pottery Neolithic levels were reached.
Work continued in areas around the tower, uncovering and clarifying the Pre-Pottery Neolithic levels.
Summary: Seasons 1957-1958
Final season of excavations from October 1957 to February 1958.
Main aims of the excavations were to obtain evidence relating to the Biblical period and uncover as much detail as possible concerning the early Neolithic levels. The main outstanding problem was to establish the nature of the earliest occupation on the site and to what extent the Pre-Pottery Neolithic was an indigenous development. This was achieved.
The excavations were able to provide information concerning the Pottery Neolithic, Early Bronze Age and the early stages of the Middle Bronze Age. Fragments of a nearly life size human figure of painted plaster was recovered from the trench opened to the east of the Neolithic tower. The tower was cleared to bedrock on north, east and south sides, and the entrance to the tower was uncovered. Large water tanks alongside tower were also investigated, one of which partially blocked the tower entrance.
Three main structural phases of the Pre-Pottery Neolithic settlement, in both the defensive and residential remains, were identified.
Excavations lead to a refinement of the Pre-Pottery Neolithic period into two main phases, Pre-Pottery Neolithic A (PPNA) and Pre-Pottery Neolithic B (PPNB).
Early Bronze Age levels were uncovered in all areas excavated cross the site. An understanding of the complexity of these levels, which included defensive and residential structures, will be greatly enhanced by completion of the pottery study.
Little evidence of the Early to Middle Bronze transition was found on the mound, but additional evidence came from the tombs, 44 of which were dated to this period. One burial contained a skull which bore evidence of trepanation.
Middle Bronze Age remains were only found on the east side of the mound, most evidence from this time came from the tombs. The Middle Bronze Age tombs contained objects manufactured from organic materials in remarkable states of preservation, providing invaluable information of the material culture of this period.
Little remains dating to the Late Bronze Age were uncovered.
Project bibliography
1951. Excavations at Jericho. Palestine Exploration Quarterly 83(1), pp. 88-89.
Brown, P.D.C. 1971. Roman Pottery Kilns at Jericho. Levant 3, pp. 95-96.
Clutton-Brock, J. 1971. The Primary Food Animals of the Jericho Tell from the Proto-Neolithic to the Byzantine Period. Levant 3, pp. 41-55.
Cornwall, I. W. 1956. The Pre-Pottery Neolithic Burials, Jericho. Palestine Exploration Quarterly 88(2), pp. 110-124.
Hammond, P.C. 1957. A note on two seal impressions from Tell Es-Sultan. Palestine Exploration Quarterly 89(1), pp. 68-69.
Kenyon, K. M. 1951. Some notes on the history of Jericho in the Second Millennium B.C. Palestine Exploration Quarterly 83(2), pp. 101-138.
Kenyon, K. M. 1952. British School of Archaeology in Jerusalem Excavations at Jericho 1952. Palestine Exploration Quarterly 84(1), pp. 4-6.
Kenyon, K. M. 1952. Early Jericho. Antiquity 26, pp. 116-122.
Kenyon, K. M. 1952. Excavations at Jericho, 1952. Palestine Exploration Quarterly 84(1), pp. 62-82.
Kenyon, K. M. 1952. Progress at Jericho. The Listener, 17 April, p. 621.
Kenyon, K. M. 1953. Excavations at Jericho, 1953. Palestine Exploration Quarterly 85(1), pp. 81-96.
Kenyon, K. M. 1953. Jericho Before Joshua. The Listener, 4 June, p. 929.
Kenyon, K. M. 1953. Mankind’s Earliest Walled Town. Illustrated London News, 17 October, pp. 603-604.
Kenyon, K. M. 1953. The Bronze Age Tombs of Jericho. Illustrated London News, 3 October, pp. 520-523.
Kenyon, K. M. and A.D. Tushingham. 1953. Jericho Gives Up Its Secrets. National Geographic, December, pp. 853-870.
Kenyon, K. M. 1954. Excavations at Jericho, 1954. Palestine Exploration Quarterly 86(1), pp. 45-63.
Kenyon, K. M. 1955. Excavations at Jericho, 1955. Palestine Exploration Quarterly 87(2), pp. 108-117.
Kenyon, K. M. 1955. The Oldest Town in the World. The Sunday Times, May 1.
Kenyon, K. M. 1956. Excavations at Jericho, 1956. Palestine Exploration Quarterly 88(1), pp. 67-83.
Kenyon, K. M. 1956. Jericho and Its Setting in Near Eastern History. Antiquity 30, pp. 184-195.
Kenyon, K. M. 1956. Jericho – The World’s Oldest Town. Illustrated London News, 13 October, pp. 611-613.
Kenyon, K. M. 1956. The Jericho of Abraham’s Time. Illustrated London News, 19 May, pp. 352-355.
Kenyon, K. M. 1956. The World’s Oldest Known Township. Illustrated London News, 12 May.
Kenyon, K. M. 1957. Excavations at Jericho, 1957. Palestine Exploration Quarterly 89(2), pp. 101-107.
Kenyon, K. M. 1957. Digging Up Jericho. New York: Frederick A. Praeger, Inc.
Kenyon, K. M. 1959. Earliest Jericho. Antiquity 33, pp. 5-9.
Kenyon, K. M. 1960. Excavations at Jericho, 1957-58. Palestine Exploration Quarterly 92(2), pp. 88-113.
Kenyon, K. M. 1960. Excavations at Jericho Volume One. The Tombs excavated in 1952-4. Jerusalem: British School of Archaeology in Jerusalem.
Kenyon, K. M. 1960. Jericho and the Origins of Agriculture. The Advancement of Science, July, pp. 118-120.
Kenyon, K. M. 1965. Excavations at Jericho Volume Two. The Tombs excavated in 1955-8. Jerusalem: British School of Archaeology in Jerusalem.
Kenyon, K. M. 1967. Jericho. Archaeology 20, pp. 268-275.
Kenyon, K. M. 1967. Jericho. Archaeology and Old Testament Study, edited by D. Winton Thomas Oxford: Clarendon Press.
Kenyon, K. M. and T. A. Holland. 1981. Excavations at Jericho Volume Three. The Architecture and Stratigraphy of the Tell. London: British School of Archaeology in Jerusalem.
Kenyon, K. M. and T. A. Holland. 1982. Excavations at Jericho Volume Four. The Pottery Type Series and Other Finds. London: British School of Archaeology in Jerusalem.
Kenyon, K. M. and T. A. Holland. 1983. Excavations at Jericho Volume Five. The Pottery Phases of the Tell and Other Finds. London: British School of Archaeology in Jerusalem.
Kenyon, K. M. 1993. Jericho. The New Encyclopedia of Archaeological Excavations in the Holy Land, Volume 2, edited by Ephraim Stern. Jerusalem: Israel Exploration Society, pp. 674-681.
Kirkbride, D. 1960. A brief report on the Pre-Pottery flint cultures of Jericho. Palestine Exploration Quarterly 92(2), pp. 114-119.
Zeuner, F. E. 1954. The Neolithic-Bronze Age gap on the tell of Jericho. Palestine Exploration Quarterly 86(1), pp. 64-68.
Zeuner, F.E. 1955a. The goats of early Jericho. Palestine Exploration Quarterly 87(1), pp. 70-86.
Zeuner, F.E. 1955b. Notes on the Bronze Age Tombs of Jericho. I. Palestine Exploration Quarterly 87(2), pp. 118-128.
Zeuner, F. E. 1958. Dog and Cat in the Neolithic of Jericho. Palestine Exploration Quarterly 90(1), pp. 52-55.
Western, A.C.1971. The Ecological Interpretation of Ancient Charcoals from Jericho. Levant 3, pp. 31-40.
Project media gallery
Kathleen Kenyon. Image from: Reynolds, A. 2011. From the Archives. Archaeology International 13:112-118Watch the films by the NPAPH project about the excavations at Jericho from the local and foreigner perspective.Watch the BBC short movie The Walls of Jericho in which Kathleen Kenyon and Lady Wheeler discuss excavations at Jericho.
