Ido Wachtel E-mail: idowachtel@gmail.com M.A. thesis topic: Gal Yithro - An Early Bronze site in the mountainous Galilee: Function and meaning. Advisors: Prof. Amihai Mazar, Dr. Sharon Zuckerman.

Abstract:
The study focuses on a unique Early Bronze Age mysterious site, located in the middle upper Galilee above Beit Ha'kerem Valley. The main feature of the site is a monumental half circle shape pile of stones which was preserved to a height of more that five m. to a length of about 150 m. with maximum width of 20 m.
Previous studies have identified the site as an example, although slightly different, of the Early Bronze age 'Enclosures' better known from the Golan and Samaria. Very little is known about the archaeology of the mountainous Galilee in the biblical periods, in particular during the Early Bronze Age. To date the phenomenon of the EB 'enclosures', is still not well understand
This study attempts to date the site and understand its function and meaning. The research will be conducted on two levels. The first focuses on the site itself specifically its excavation and geographic analysis. The second level examines contemporary sites in the immediate vicinity. By properly locating the site's context in space and time I will be able to contribute not only to the site's identification but to that of Early Bronze age settlement dynamics as well.

Current Projects:

• Gal Yithro Excavation Project.
• Tel Hazor Lower city excavations, under the direction of Dr. Sharon Zuckerman (Institute of Archaeology, Hebrew University).
• En Gev excavations, under the direction of prof. David T. Sugimoto,(Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Keio University, Tokyo).

Curriculum Vitae
List of Publications