Israeli Prize Winner, Author, and Archaeologist Ruth Amiran (1914-2005) was one of the first students in Archaeology at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Throughout her studies, Ruth participated in various archaeological projects in Israel, one of which was led by Archaeologist, Judith Marquet-Krause*. Ruth graduated and worked for the Department of Archaeology at the Hebrew University, where she participated in the excavation of Tel Hazor (1955-1958). A landmark in Israeli heritage, Ruth then helped establish the Israel Museum in 1965 and worked as a curator, avidly participating in excavations, one of which was the Bronze Age City of Tel Arad.
Ruth undertook a series of digs (1962-1966, 1971-1978, and 1980-1984) at the city of Tel Arad, one of the only urban centers in Southern Israel and one which supported interregional trade of goods such as copper manufactured in Sinai. Ruth explored and analyzed how and why the city was eventually destroyed in 2650 BCE, a huge task to undertake especially when there could have been a multitude of reasons. Her theory and analysis were conducted with both professionalism and balance, leading her to make interesting links between the conquest of Canaan by Northern peoples and the internal issues Arad was suffering from at the time; aridity and a lack of resources, leaving it unable to survive.
Imagine courtesy of Hayah Katz, Kinneret College on the Sea of Galilee.
Ancient pottery of the land of Israel was a key area that Ruth focused on throughout her career as an archaeologist. She details her analysis and the importance of different pottery of various periods, all of which she outlines in her book; Ancient Pottery of the Holy Land, 1970.
Ruth had many connections with other archaeologists and her devotion to demystifying the secrets of ancient ceramics and communities left many inspired. She was rightfully awarded the Israel Museums Percia Schimmel Prize in Archaeology in 1981 and the Israel Prize in 1982.
*Judith Maqeuet-Krause, who is yet to be featured on this blog was a pioneer who had led the largest team while excavating in the city of Ai, 1933-1935.
Many thanks to Hayah Katz for kindly giving permission to reproduce the images on this post.
Guest post by Hannah A as part of the 2021 UCL TrowelBlazers Digital Fieldwork season.
