Ph.D. Dissertation topic: The Galilee during the Hellenistic Period (4th – 1st c. BCE): Geopolitical Changes in Light of the Fortified Sites and Settlement History
Advisor: Prof. Uzi Leibner
Abstract: Coele-Syria was the arena of many bloody battles during the Hellenistic period. Although a few historical accounts relate to the events occurring in the Galilee during this time frame, many crucial details remain vague. My dissertation focuses on these geopolitical events through the prism of two archaeological phenomena: fortified rural sites and settlement dynamics.
The study involves establishing a foundation date and deciphering the historical and geopolitical context of several fortresses which were built in the Galilee during the Hellenistic period. This pillar of the study is based on a comprehensive and critical analysis of the available archaeological data, in addition to intensive surveys and small-scale excavations in selected fortified sites.
The second pillar of the study includes a reconstruction of the settlement history of the Hellenistic Galilee. This include a spatial analysis of all the available archaeological data from Hellenistic-period sites in the Galilee. The data was organized in a computerized database and categorized on the basis of quantity and quality of the finds. Using different GIS tools, the spatial analysis of the data set enables the examination of diachronic changes, settlement patterns and routes of transportation across Hellenistic-period Galilee.
Projects:
- Hellenistic Galilee Project
Publications:
Sabar, R. (2022) “Ḥorvat Tefen: A Hasmonean Fortress in the Hinterland of ‘Akko-Ptolemais,” Bulletin of the American Schools of Oriental Research 387: 55–85
Leibner, U. and Sabar, R. (2021) “The Historical Background of the Hasmonean Occupation of the Galilee,” In: S.E. Binder, E. Ratzon, and Y. Shivtiel (eds.), Te’uda vol XXII: Work of Wisdom (Exodus 33:35): Studies in Honor of Professor Bezalel Bar-Kochva. Tel Aviv University: 373–388 [Hebrew]
Sabar, R. (2019) “A Rock-Cut Tomb from the Early Roman and Byzantine Periods in Naḥal Aviv,” Israel Exploration Journal 69: 74–97
Sabar, R. (2018) “Josephus ‘Cydasa of the Tyrians’ (Tel Qedesh) in eastern Upper Galilee,” Journal of Roman Archaeology 31: 387–405
Sabar, R., Leibner, U., Davidovitch, U. and Langford, B. (2018) “The Mount Nitai Cave Survey,” In: U. Leibner (ed.), Khirbet Wadi Ḥamam: A Roman Period Village and Synagogue in the Lower Galilee, Jerusalem: 286–303
Wachtel I., Sabar R. and Davidovitch, U. (2018) “Tell Gush Halav during the Bronze and Iron Ages,” In: J. Aviram, A. Ben-Tor, J. Magness, and E. Stern (eds.), Eretz Israel 33: Lawrence E. Stager Volume, Jerusalem: 129-140 [Hebrew]
Wachtel, I., Sabar, R. and Davidovitch, U. (2017) “Tell Gush Halav during the Bronze and Iron Ages,” Strata 35: 115–134