CV
Aren Maeir (b. 1958) studied archaeology and Jewish History at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and completed his PhD in archaeology in 1997 (summa cum laude). Since 1991 he has taught archaeology at Bar-Ilan University (in Ramat-Gan, Israel), at the Martin (Szusz) Department of Land of Israel Studies and Archaeology. He serves as the Head of the Institute of Archaeology at Bar-Ilan University, directs the Tell es-Safi/Gath Archaeological Project (gath.wordpress.com), co-directs the Minerva Center for the Relations between Israel and Aram in Biblical Times (aramisrael.org), directs the Ingeborg Rennert Center for Jerusalem Studies (Bar-Ilan University), co-edits the Israel Exploration Journal, and is a corresponding member of the German Archaeological Institute.
His primary research and central field work is the archaeological project at Tell es-Safi/Gath, the study of a major site in Israel (ongoing for the last three decades), is one of the largest and well-known excavations of Bronze and Iron Age cultures conducted in recent decades in Israel. Utilizing broad and groundbreaking multidisciplinary research and collaborations with scholars from Israel and abroad, he trail-blazed transformative research on many topics. His research serves as a model for collaborative, interdisciplinary studies, enabling new insights and paradigm changing results. In particular, this research has brought about changes in the interpretative narrative on the Philistines and their culture, stand out.
In addition, he has conducted research on a broad range of other topics, including intercultural connectivity, Melanesian ethnoarchaeology, ancient technology archaeological manifestations of identity and other topics. He is currently developing new, archaeological research projects in Bahrain, Central Asia and Ethiopia.
His research touches upon broad issues, bridging between disciplines and topics, cultures and periods, and has formed research collaborations with scholars in many disciplines from throughout the world. He has published some 20 volumes and 360 papers and has received more than 9M$ in research funding from Israeli and foreign competitive granting agencies.
Courses
041053-35 Jerusalem: From its beginnings to the Muslim Conquest
Jerusalem is a city with a deep significance to many peoples all over the world, and is considered one of the most important cities for Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Throughout the ages, and until today, Jerusalem has been the focus of major historical events, a location for religious pilgrimage, and a focus on much religious, political, national and ideological focus. Already in biblical times, and continuing until this very day, what happened and happens in Jerusalem is a focus of interest worldwide. In this course, we will learn about the history and archaeology of ancient Jerusalem, from its earliest beginnings in the late Prehistoric Periods (ca. 5th millennium BCE) and until the Muslim conquest of the city in the 7th century CE.
We will cover the main finds and periods during this long time span, including the periods relating to the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament, the Christian Bible/New Testament, and periods including the Bronze Ages, the Iron Age (1st Temple Period), the Persian, Hellenistic and Early Roman Periods (2nd Temple Period), and the Late Roman and Byzantine Periods. We will discuss the geography, history and archaeology of the city, and its place in the broader geopolitical and religious contexts, visit major archaeological sites situated in the city and its surroundings, and meet and talk with leading researchers in the field of history and archaeology. We will study the history and archaeology of ancient Jerusalem not only will enlighten us about the city itself, but serve as an excellent basis to learn about the methods of history and archaeology, and the history and archaeology of the Land of Israel/Southern Levant in the periods that we will survey. As Jerusalem is such a magnet of interest for so many people throughout the world, of various cultures, religions, backgrounds and beliefs, we believe that the course will be of deep interest, and relevance, for many. The course is conducted online, and the student can determine the pace of study, within the given time that the course will be open. The course is equivalent to a one semester course, with 8 lessons with about 2 hours of work per lesson.
04178-35 Biblical Archaeology: The Archaeology of Israel and Judah in the Iron Age
The course is a general introduction to the fascinating field of archaeology in general, and to the archaeology, and history, of biblical Israel and Judah, during the Iron Age (ca. 1200 -586 BCE). We will focus on the history and material culture of the Land of Israel/Palestine/Southern Levant during this period, and the various cultures that were “players” during this period (e.g. Israel, Judah, Philistia, Phoenicia, Aram, Moab, Edom, etc.).
During the course, we will deal with the following topics:
- What is archaeology in general and how archaeologists conduct research.
- The archaeology and history of ancient Israel and Judah during the Iron Age, including exciting recent finds.
- The meaning of Biblical Archaeology and its relationship with the Hebrew Bible.
- How to determine if archaeology - and biblical archaeology - is a potential career for you.
Last Updated Date : 09/09/2025
