Category Archives: Uncategorized

DC Day of Archaeology 2025

Posted on by

DC Day of Archaeology 2025

This past Saturday, June 28, ASOR was pleased to participate in the annual DC Day of Archaeology Festival organized by Archaeology in the Community (AITC). With 15 organizations and over 300 participants, the event gathered archaeological organizations around the DMV at the historic Tudor Place in Washington, D.C. for a day of community outreach and sharing of archaeological knowledge. Participants were able to visit the tables of local organizations to learn about a wide variety of archaeological topics and resources.

ASOR staff at the ASOR table
ASOR staff at the ASOR table
Entrance to the event
Entrance to the event
The south facade of Tudor Place
The south facade of Tudor Place

The ASOR table included several activities for a variety of ages and knowledge levels, as well as informative posters about our organization and Cultural Heritage Initiatives. For children, we provided a sandbox for digging up ancient Egyptian “artifacts,” and two puzzles of images from the Amphitheatre of El Jem in Tunisia and the statue heads at the hierothesion in Nemrut Dag, Turkiye. We also had copies ofNear Eastern Archaeology to give out, as well as ASOR swag.

Puzzles of El Jem and Nemrut Dag
Puzzles of El Jem and Nemrut Dag
Young archaeologists excavating for artifacts
Young archaeologists excavating for artifacts
Attendees browsing the ASOR table
Attendees browsing the ASOR table
ASOR staff speaking with a volunteer
ASOR staff speaking with a volunteer

ASOR is proud to once again support a successful DC Day of Archaeology! As part of our mission to make archaeology accessible and engaging for all, we were excited to connect with members of the public, share the latest discoveries, and highlight the importance of preserving cultural heritage. Events like these are vital for sparking curiosity, encouraging dialogue, and inspiring future generations of archaeologists.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by—we loved hearing your questions and sharing in your enthusiasm.
See you next year!

Browse the News Archive

KOBOTOOLBOX | ASOR CHI TUTORIALS (ENGLISH)

[vc_row fullwidth=”true” css=”.vc_custom_1490224714943{padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”70618″ img_size=”1920×600″ alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row fullwidth=”true” css=”.vc_custom_1490225468623{padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/12″ css=”.vc_custom_1490225195470{margin-right: 10px !important;}” offset=”vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs”][vc_column_text]

  SHARE

[/vc_column_text][mk_image src=”http://www.asortest.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/social-fb-icon4.jpg” image_width=”42″ image_height=”42″ hover=”false” custom_url=”https://www.facebook.com/ASOResearch/” margin_bottom=”0″][mk_image src=”http://www.asortest.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/social-tw-icon4.jpg” image_width=”42″ image_height=”42″ hover=”false” custom_url=”https://twitter.com/ASOResearch?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor” margin_bottom=”0″][mk_image src=”http://www.asortest.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/social-in-icon4.jpg” image_width=”42″ image_height=”42″ hover=”false” custom_url=”https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-schools-of-oriental-research” margin_bottom=”0″][mk_image src=”http://www.asortest.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/social-ml-icon_7.jpg” image_width=”42″ image_height=”42″ hover=”false” custom_url=”mailto:info@asor.org” margin_bottom=”0″][mk_image src=”http://www.asortest.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/blog-icon3.jpg” image_width=”42″ image_height=”42″ hover=”false” custom_url=”http://asor.org/blog” margin_bottom=”0″][/vc_column][vc_column border_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.01)” width=”1/6″ css=”.vc_custom_1490365673198{margin-right: 20px !important;border-left-width: 2px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;border-left-color: #99422f !important;}” el_class=”sticky-sidenav”][mk_divider divider_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.01)” thickness=”1″ margin_top=”3″ margin_bottom=”3″][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id=”ca-sidebar-50561″][/vc_column][vc_column border_color=”rgba(170,170,170,0.01)” width=”8/12″ css=”.vc_custom_1490225606852{margin-right: 10px !important;margin-bottom: 30px !important;border-right-width: 2px !important;border-bottom-width: 2px !important;padding-top: 30px !important;padding-right: 30px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;border-right-color: rgba(227,228,228,0.75) !important;border-bottom-color: rgba(227,228,228,0.75) !important;}”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner css=”.vc_custom_1589904992427{margin-right: 10px !important;}”][vc_single_image image=”81636″ img_size=”250×134″ alignment=”center”][mk_padding_divider size=”20″][vc_wp_text]

ASOR TUTORIALS

FOR CULTURAL HERITAGE SURVEY

[/vc_wp_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider thickness=”1″ margin_top=”10″][vc_wp_text]

KoboToolbox | QGIS | LibreCAD | Photogrammetry

[/vc_wp_text][mk_padding_divider size=”20″][vc_wp_text]ASOR and its partners have developed a series of tutorials and training modules aimed to help cultural heritage specialists perform surveys and condition assessments through open source tools and software, including QGIS, KoboToolbox, LibreCAD, and RealityCapture.

These modules provide step-by-step tutorials on how to download, install, and effectively use applications and software during data collection, analysis, and output.[/vc_wp_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_wp_text]

Voir cette page en français

[/vc_wp_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_wp_text]

مشاهدة الصفحة باللغة العربية

[/vc_wp_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider thickness=”1″ margin_top=”10″][mk_padding_divider size=”20″][vc_wp_text]

SITE DOCUMENTATION

[/vc_wp_text][mk_divider divider_width=”one_third” thickness=”1″ margin_top=”10″][vc_single_image image=”81632″ img_size=”150×150″ alignment=”center”][mk_padding_divider size=”20″][vc_wp_text]

KoboToolbox & KoboCollect

KoBoToolbox is a free and open source software package for location and descriptive data collection. Information can be collected at heritage sites through tablets and phones using the KoBoCollect app or through the web browser interface, even when those devices are offline. Location and descriptive data recorded in the field can then be synched up with GIS software once an internet connection has been reestablished. KoboToolbox website: https://www.kobotoolbox.org/[/vc_wp_text][mk_padding_divider size=”20″][mk_divider thickness=”1″ margin_top=”10″][mk_padding_divider size=”20″][vc_wp_text]

ASOR’S ONLINE PORTAL

* IMPORTANT * Users accessing a tutorial will need to create a user account in ASOR’s Online Portal. This is a free account. You are not required to purchase a membership to access the lessons.

Watch this video to learn how to set up your account for free in the portal.

Additional information about the ASOR Portal can be found here.[/vc_wp_text][mk_padding_divider size=”20″][mk_divider divider_width=”one_third” thickness=”1″ margin_top=”10″][mk_padding_divider size=”20″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][mk_padding_divider size=”20″][vc_wp_text]

01.01

[/vc_wp_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][vc_wp_text]

Creating a User Account

Learn how to create a new user account in KoboToolbox.

[/vc_wp_text][mk_button style=”outline” corner_style=”rounded” outline_skin=”#99422f” outline_hover_skin=”#ffffff” url=”https://chi-kobo.events.asor.org/portals/0101CreatingAUserAccount” target=”_blank”]Lesson Here[/mk_button][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider divider_width=”one_half” thickness=”1″ margin_top=”10″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][mk_padding_divider size=”20″][vc_wp_text]

01.02

[/vc_wp_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][vc_wp_text]

Creating a New Survey Form

Create your first survey form (project) in KoboToolbox. This lesson also provides an introduction to the Kobo website and some of the global settings when getting started.[/vc_wp_text][mk_button style=”outline” corner_style=”rounded” outline_skin=”#99422f” outline_hover_skin=”#ffffff” url=”https://chi-kobo.events.asor.org/portals/0102CreatingANewSurveyProject” target=”_blank”]Lesson Here[/mk_button][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider divider_width=”one_half” thickness=”1″ margin_top=”10″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][mk_padding_divider size=”20″][vc_wp_text]

01.03

[/vc_wp_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][vc_wp_text]

Survey Form | Question Types (Database Fields)

Understand how question types work when using the form-builder in Kobo.[/vc_wp_text][mk_button style=”outline” corner_style=”rounded” outline_skin=”#99422f” outline_hover_skin=”#ffffff” url=”https://chi-kobo.events.asor.org/portals/0103SurveyFormQuestionTypesDatabaseFields” target=”_blank”]Lesson Here[/mk_button][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider divider_width=”one_half” thickness=”1″ margin_top=”10″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][mk_padding_divider size=”20″][vc_wp_text]

01.04

[/vc_wp_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][vc_wp_text]

Survey Form | Advanced Features

This lesson is built for advanced Kobo users. Learn how to create hierarchies among your form questions (database fields) and how to share projects with other Kobo users.[/vc_wp_text][mk_button style=”outline” corner_style=”rounded” outline_skin=”#99422f” outline_hover_skin=”#ffffff” url=”https://chi-kobo.events.asor.org/portals/0104SurveyFormAdvancedFeatures” target=”_blank”]Lesson Here[/mk_button][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider divider_width=”one_half” thickness=”1″ margin_top=”10″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][mk_padding_divider size=”20″][vc_wp_text]

01.05

[/vc_wp_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][vc_wp_text]

Deploying a Survey Form (Project)

Why is deploying your project important? Learn how to deploy your project and why you should deploy anytime you make edits to your project form.[/vc_wp_text][mk_button style=”outline” corner_style=”rounded” outline_skin=”#99422f” outline_hover_skin=”#ffffff” url=”https://chi-kobo.events.asor.org/portals/0105DeployingASurveyFormProject” target=”_blank”]Lesson Here[/mk_button][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider divider_width=”one_half” thickness=”1″ margin_top=”10″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][mk_padding_divider size=”20″][vc_wp_text]

01.06

[/vc_wp_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][vc_wp_text]

Collecting Data with an Internet Connection

This lesson outlines how to collect data through the Kobo website once you have finalized your project form. The steps in this tutorial work when you have an internet connection. This methodology works for all devices.[/vc_wp_text][mk_button style=”outline” corner_style=”rounded” outline_skin=”#99422f” outline_hover_skin=”#ffffff” url=”https://chi-kobo.events.asor.org/portals/0106CollectingDataWithAnInternetConnection” target=”_blank”]Lesson Here[/mk_button][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider divider_width=”one_half” thickness=”1″ margin_top=”10″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][mk_padding_divider size=”20″][vc_wp_text]

01.07

[/vc_wp_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][vc_wp_text]

Editing Data Collected in Kobo

Users may edit data after they have collected it in Kobo. This lesson provides guidance on making changes to collected data.[/vc_wp_text][mk_button style=”outline” corner_style=”rounded” outline_skin=”#99422f” outline_hover_skin=”#ffffff” url=”https://chi-kobo.events.asor.org/portals/0107EditingDataCollectedInKobo” target=”_blank”]Lesson Here[/mk_button][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider divider_width=”one_half” thickness=”1″ margin_top=”10″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][mk_padding_divider size=”20″][vc_wp_text]

01.08

[/vc_wp_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][vc_wp_text]

Downloading the KoboCollect App (Android Devices Only)

Kobo users are able to collect data even without an internet connection through the KoboCollect app. Users may download this app on any Android device. Unfortunately, this methodology will not work for iPhone or iPad users.[/vc_wp_text][mk_button style=”outline” corner_style=”rounded” outline_skin=”#99422f” outline_hover_skin=”#ffffff” url=”https://chi-kobo.events.asor.org/portals/0108DownloadingTheKobocollectAppAndroidDevicesOnly” target=”_blank”]Lesson Here[/mk_button][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider thickness=”1″ margin_top=”10″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][mk_padding_divider size=”20″][vc_wp_text]

01.09

[/vc_wp_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][vc_wp_text]

Collecting Data in KoboCollect (without an internet connection)

Learn how to collect data using the KoboCollect app without an internet connection. This lesson also provides steps for sending data that is stored locally on KoboCollect to your main project on the Kobo website.[/vc_wp_text][mk_button style=”outline” corner_style=”rounded” outline_skin=”#99422f” outline_hover_skin=”#ffffff” url=”https://chi-kobo.events.asor.org/portals/0109CollectingDataInKobocollectWithoutAnInternetConnection” target=”_blank”]Lesson Here[/mk_button][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider divider_width=”one_half” thickness=”1″ margin_top=”10″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][mk_padding_divider size=”20″][vc_wp_text]

01.10

[/vc_wp_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][vc_wp_text]

Exporting Data from a Kobo Project

Finished collecting data? This tutorial will show you how to export descriptive data and media files to your local computer, database, and even into a GIS for mapmaking.[/vc_wp_text][mk_button style=”outline” corner_style=”rounded” outline_skin=”#99422f” outline_hover_skin=”#ffffff” url=”https://chi-kobo.events.asor.org/portals/0110ExportingDataFromAKoboProject” target=”_blank”]Lesson Here[/mk_button][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_padding_divider size=”20″][vc_wp_text]

Back to the Top

[/vc_wp_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

FY25 HONORIFIC & MEMORIAL GIFTS

HONORIFIC & MEMORIAL GIFTS

MADE DURING FISCAL YEAR 2025 (7/1/24–6/30/25)
In honor of Canan Abayhan
  • Atara Aharonovitz
In honor of Prof. Susan Ackerman
  • Jonathan Rosenbaum
In honor of Regan Baker
  • Benita Blessing
In memory of Kay Clements
  • Donald C. Polaski
In honor of Eric H. Cline
  • Seth Fleishman
In honor of Norma Franklin
  • Ann K. Stehney
In memory of Rev. Dr. George M. Landes
  • Carol M. Landes
In memory of Herbert Warren Mason
  • Jeanine Young Mason
In honor of Dr. Laura B. Mazow
  • Maxine and Don Goldberg
In honor of Prof. Carol Meyers
  • Jonathan Rosenbaum
In honor of Prof. Eric Meyers
  • Jonathan Rosenbaum
In honor of Jessica Nitschke
  • Philip Nager
In honor of Arlene Press
  • Jonathan Rosenbaum
In memory of Mark H. Pruitt
  • Lynn Swartz Dodd
  • J. Crayton Pruitt Foundation
In memory of Gary J. Richmond
  • Vernon Appleby
In memory of Rev. Dr. Kathryn Lee (Bloemers) Roberts
  • Gregory L. Glover
In honor of Prof. Joe D. Seger. Please also see below for gifts to the Joe D. Seger Endowment.
  • Jonathan Rosenbaum
In memory of Harva L. Sheeler
  • H. Katherine Sheeler
In memory of Carolyn Midkiff Strange. Please also see below for gifts to the Strange–Midkiff Endowment.
  • Susan Ackerman
  • Randy L. Akers
  • Richard L. Coffman
  • Lynn Swartz Dodd
  • Sheldon Fox
  • Mary M. Frassinelli
  • Ann-Marie Knoblauch
  • Ann V. Sahlman
  • James R. Strange
In honor of Andrew G. Vaughn
  • Stephen Cook
  • Jonathan Rosenbaum
  • Jack M. Sasson
In memory of Catherine and Silas Vaughn. Please also see below for gifts to the Silas & Catherine Vaughn Endowment.
  • Andy Vaughn
In honor of Frederick A. Winter
  • Megan Cantwell (on behalf of MQC Consulting, LLC)

Gifts to Named Endowment Funds*

Lawrence T. Geraty Endowment
  • Lawrence T. Geraty
  • Oystein and Asta LaBianca
  • Stanley Maxwell
  • Joseph Rivers
  • Elmar and Darilee Sakala
Herbert Warren Mason Endowment
  • Jeanine Young Mason
Eric and Carol Meyers Fellowship Endowment
  • Eric and Carol Meyers
Shirlee Meyers/G.E. Wright Fellowship Endowment
  • Eric and Carol Meyers
Joe D. Seger Endowment
  • Joe D. Seger
Shepard Urgent Action Grants Endowment
  • Wayne R. Shepard
Mary Elizabeth Strange Endowment
  • Richard L. Coffman
  • Sheldon Fox
  • Mary M. Frassinelli
  • Ann V. Sahlman
Strange/Midkiff Families Endowment
  • Susan Ackerman
  • Stetson Pevear
Silas & Catherine Vaughn Endowment
  • Timothy P. Harrison
  • Andy Vaughn
  • Orly Vaughn

 

* Please note that this list only contains gifts to these named funds made during Fiscal Year 2025.

Browse the News Archive

Table of Contents for Near Eastern Archaeology 88.2 (2025)

Posted on by

Table of Contents for Near Eastern Archaeology 88.2 (June 2025)

nea-88.2-cover
You can receive NEA(and other ASOR publications) through an ASOR Membership.
Please e-mail the Membership office if you have any questions.
Pp. 88–95: “Megiddo, the Mother of All Tells: An Introduction” by Israel Finkelstein and Matthew J. Adams

In this introduction the authors describe the goals of the Tel Aviv University Expedition team on the outset of the project thirty years ago and ask whether they have been fulfilled. Special emphasis is given to the unique Megiddo Strato-Ceramic-Radiocarbon chain of actions. The stratigraphy of Megiddo is also summarized.

ASOR Members with online access: log into ASOR’s Online Portal here. Once logged in, click the JOURNALS tab in the top navigation bar. Tutorials for how to log in to the Online Portal as well as how to navigate to the Portal Journals page can be found here.

Pp. 96-101: “A Brief History of Excavations at Megiddo” by Eric H. Cline

This article provides a brief history of the four archaeological expeditions to Megiddo, including the excavation areas and methodology of each, as well as some of their major finds. The survey begins with Gottlieb Schumacher (1903–1905), continues with the University of Chicago (1925–1939), followed by Yigael Yadin/Hebrew University of Jerusalem (1960 and early 1970s), and ends with a brief overview of the Tel Aviv University Consortium (1994–present).

ASOR Members with online access: log into ASOR’s Online Portal here. Once logged in, click the JOURNALS tab in the top navigation bar. Tutorials for how to log in to the Online Portal as well as how to navigate to the Portal Journals page can be found here.

Pp. 102-111: “Vegetation and Climate of Megiddo and Its Surroundings during the Bronze and Iron Ages” by Dafna Langgut

This survey article seeks to reconstruct the environmental and climatic conditions at Tel Megiddo during the Bronze and Iron Ages. It aims to illuminate both the natural and man-made landscape of the site, with a focus on how plants were utilized by its inhabitants. In the absence of continuous, high-resolution paleoclimate records from Megiddo or its immediate surroundings, climate records from other nearby locations within the Mediterranean vegetation zone are used to provide a detailed reconstruction of the climate and environment. Archaeobotanical remains collected over the years from excavations at Tel Megiddo are analyzed to understand the use of plants for construction, wooden crafts, and fuel. Additionally, horticultural practices, dietary habits, and the use of plants for medicinal and ritual purposes are revealed.

ASOR Members with online access: log into ASOR’s Online Portal here. Once logged in, click the JOURNALS tab in the top navigation bar. Tutorials for how to log in to the Online Portal as well as how to navigate to the Portal Journals page can be found here.

Pp. 112-119: “Animal Economy at Megiddo: From the Middle Bronze III to the Iron I” by Lidar Sapir-Hen

This paper explores trends in animal economy in two neighborhoods in Megiddo, between the MB III, when the palace was established in the northwest of the tell, and the Late Iron Age I, when the city was destroyed. Results show that throughout this time span, Area K inhabitants were engaged with production activities, like herding and ploughing, while Area H inhabitants, located near the palace, were provided with animals and their products. At the same time, the two neighborhoods shared the source of livestock animals, implying an internal food production system. The use of animals and their products to establish social disparity demonstrates the urban nature of the site in the discussed periods and emphasizes the central role that livestock animals play in the life of the population.

PLEASE NOTE: This article contains images of human skeletal remains.

ASOR Members with online access: log into ASOR’s Online Portal here. Once logged in, click the JOURNALS tab in the top navigation bar. Tutorials for how to log in to the Online Portal as well as how to navigate to the Portal Journals page can be found here.

Pp. 120-125: “Megiddo Microgeoarchaeology in the Field and in the Lab” by Ruth Shahack-Gross

Micro-geoarchaeological research at Tel Megiddo targets questions about construction materials, occupation deposits in domestic and public sectors of the city, destruction, abandonment, and postdepositional processes. Since 2006, employing primarily the methods of micromorphology, infrared spectroscopy, phytolith, dung spherulite, and wood ash analysis, significant insights have been gained. This article presents three case studies that show the strength of micro-geoarchaeology for obtaining a general understanding of the history and archaeology of Megiddo’s inhabitants: (1) characterization of domestic trash deposits, (2) characterization of construction materials and the implications for understanding the natural resources that were used by the site’s inhabitants, and (3) understanding the mechanism and processes that took place during Megiddo’s most famous destruction by fire.

ASOR Members with online access: log into ASOR’s Online Portal here. Once logged in, click the JOURNALS tab in the top navigation bar. Tutorials for how to log in to the Online Portal as well as how to navigate to the Portal Journals page can be found here.

Pp. 126-137: “Megiddo in the Third Millennium BCE: Rise and Fall of Urban Life” by Matthew J. Adams

Megiddo has provided some of the most iconic architecture for the Early Bronze Age Levant, including the well-known Stratum XIX broad-room temple complex and the large round altar of Stratum XVII–XVI, both excavated by the Oriental Institute team in the 1930s. The Tel Aviv University Megiddo Expedition was able to add the Great Temple of the EB I, the largest and most monumental structure of its period in all of the Levant, even rivaling contemporary structures in Egypt and Mesopotamia. This article traces the developments at Megiddo from the end of the fourth millennium to the end of the third, from a temple-centered to a palace-centered society and back again.

ASOR Members with online access: log into ASOR’s Online Portal here. Once logged in, click the JOURNALS tab in the top navigation bar. Tutorials for how to log in to the Online Portal as well as how to navigate to the Portal Journals page can be found here.

Pp. 138-152: “Megiddo in the Middle Bronze Age: Chronology, Urbanization, and Population” by Matthew J. Adams, Mario A. S. Martin, Zachary Dunseth, Assaf Yasur-Landau, and Israel Finkelstein

This article deals with Middle Bronze Megiddo, emphasizing its importance for understanding this period at the site, and in the entire southern Levant in general. We focus on new evidence for exceptional accumulation of layers for the earliest Middle Bronze layer, radiocarbon dated to the early twentieth century BCE, and for the first fortification system also dated to the twentieth century BCE. We also deal with the complex history of the fortifications, including gates, and the phenomenon of intramural burials, some of them of monumental nature.

PLEASE NOTE: This article contains images of human skeletal remains.

ASOR Members with online access: log into ASOR’s Online Portal here. Once logged in, click the JOURNALS tab in the top navigation bar. Tutorials for how to log in to the Online Portal as well as how to navigate to the Portal Journals page can be found here.

Pp. 154-165: “The Rule of an Empire: Megiddo in the Late Bronze Age” by Mario A. S. Martin and Israel Finkelstein

During the Egyptian empire in the Late Bronze Age Megiddo was the hub of a city-state linked to all areas of the eastern Mediterranean, and its fate was determined by the macro-political events of the time. Early in the period, especially in the aftermath of the Battle of Megiddo in 1457 BCE, the city was in decline. A long spell of revival and prosperity ensued in the fourteenth (Amarna Age) and thirteenth centuries. The twelfth century brought a period of crisis, which caused the downfall of the Late Bronze city in several steps; various quarters were hit at different times and intensity. The final blow is marked by the fiery destruction of the palace district in the early eleventh century, more than a generation after the demise of the Egyptian empire.

ASOR Members with online access: log into ASOR’s Online Portal here. Once logged in, click the JOURNALS tab in the top navigation bar. Tutorials for how to log in to the Online Portal as well as how to navigate to the Portal Journals page can be found here.

Browse the News Archive

McKinley Tech Turns Cemeteries into a Living Classroom

Posted on by

McKinley Tech High School Turns Cemeteries into a Living Classroom

Description provided by the Black Georgetown Foundation
View the Instagram post here

On May 23, over 100 11th graders from McKinley Tech High School (Washington, D.C.) transformed the Mt. Zion – Female Union Band Society Cemeteries into a living classroom—thanks to a teacher-led effort four months in the making. This program, initiated by Alysha Butler and Gabriel Morden-Snipper, featured ten interactive learning stations.

The day began with a moving libation ceremony and a powerful reminder of the land’s history, anchored by Dumbarton House’s 1841 painting featuring Julia Duckett’s wedding—once enslaved, now remembered and buried in the cemeteries. Vernon Ricks, a 1957 McKinley alum and Black Georgetown Foundation board member, shared personal memories of segregation and resilience. He was a member of the first integrated graduating class.

Students rotated through 10 powerful stations

  • Soil testing
  • Invasive species identification and removal (including 7-ft Japanese knotweed!)
  • Photogrammetry
  • Gravestone math & data analysis
  • Narrative writing and commemorative rock painting
  • History tours and descendant storytelling
  • Reflections recorded by the students themselves

At lunch, Vernon Ricks—McKinley Tech Class of 1957, its first integrated class—shared his powerful memories of growing up in segregated Washington.

Special thanks to Meg and Paul from Tour de Force, who not only funded the experience but spent the entire day with us in the field. And to the dedicated volunteers and partners who helped bring the learning to life:

  • Alysha Butler & Gabriel Morden-Snipper – McKinley Tech Faculty Leaders
  • Amy Durbin – Tudor Place
  • Matt Millage – Georgetown BID
  • Jared Koller – ASOR / Archaeologist & Educator
  • Erika Berg – Black Georgetown Volunteer
  • Dumbarton House & Dumbarton Oaks

This wasn’t just a day of service—it was a model for place-based education, community preservation, and student-powered historical inquiry. DC students led with purpose, and history answered back.

More than a field trip, it’s a model of what’s possible when teachers lead the way.

Browse the News Archive

Don’t Miss It! —ASOR’s 125th Anniversary Celebration

Posted on by

Don’t Miss It! —ASOR’s 125th Anniversary Celebration

Boston | November 22, 2025, at 6:45 p.m.

ASOR has turned 125—yes, that’s 125 years old!

And you’re invited to join the celebration by participating in a special dinner event on Saturday night at this year’s Annual Meeting in Boston!

We’ll be kicking off the festive occasion at 6:45 p.m. on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at the Hilton Boston Park Plaza. Join us for an evening of exceptional dining, entertainment, and ASOR-themed activities, featuring speakers who have been integral to ASOR’s mission, as well as an after-dinner dance party, with music provided by DJ Ace E (our very own Asa Eger)! Your presence will help make this milestone truly meaningful.

The evening will also feature live music from the Boston Arabic Music Ensemble. In the early 1980s, a few amateur musicians and friends from the Boston community gathered to play some popular folkloric and other classical songs from the Arabic musical heritage. More recently, the group has evolved into its current members from the Boston community and performs classical and folkloric Arabic musical repertoire. The Boston Arabic Music Ensemble was under the artistic direction of the late maestro Bassam Saba (from 2010 to 2018). Since 2018, it has been led by the award-winning violinists, composers, and educators Bengisu Gökçe, Layth Sidiq, and Akram Haddad.

ASOR’s cost of the dinner is $100. To ensure that everyone can attend, we are offering discount codes for reduced ticket prices of $25 and $50.  Sponsorship tickets are also available, and any ticket purchase above $100 may be tax-deductible. Your contribution will make the evening accessible for everyone. We ask all members to choose the ticket price that they can afford, recognizing that the cost charged by the hotel (without drinks) is $100.

Register Now

Use code SAVE50 for a reduced ticket price of $50, or use code SAVE75 for a reduced ticket price of $25. When purchasing your ticket, please specify your dinner entree choice: beef, chicken, fish, or vegetarian. Tickets must be purchased byNovember 12, and seats are going fast!

Dress code: Cocktail attire/festive, black-tie optional.

Browse the News Archive

WAYS TO DONATE TO ASOR

WAYS TO DONATE TO ASOR

Because membership and subscription revenue account for only 20% of our budget, please consider supporting ASOR through one of the following types of donations…
Donate via PayPal

Click on the link or scan the QR code with your phone, and you can make a gift in the PayPal app. Please include a short note with your gift designation.

Donate through the Member Portal

Make a gift online now, and you can designate how you would like us to apply your contribution.

Donate by check

Please mail a check to ASOR, 209 Commerce Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. Please include a short note with your gift designation and/or write a brief note in the “memo” line of your check.

Donate by giving stock

Contact ASOR Executive Director Andy Vaughn (703-789-9229) with any questions and to let him know that you have made a transfer. Click here for stock donation form.

Donate by giving property or other assets

In some cases (but not all), ASOR may be able to accept real property, tangible personal property, or restricted stock. Please contact ASOR Executive Director Andy Vaughn for more information. All non-routine gifts must be approved in advance by the Finance Committee.

Donate by making legacy gift

As you consider your long term financial and estate plans, we hope that you will consider ASOR. Please let ASOR know if you have made a planned gift, and we will add your name to ASOR’s Legacy Circle. Contact ASOR Executive Director Andy Vaughn for more information.

Donate by participating in an airline program

You may contribute by listing ASOR’s account number in Delta’s SkyBonus program for employees and Board members. This is in addition to any miles that you receive an individual, and it will not reduce your miles or credits. Please do not use this SkyBonus number if you are not an ASOR employee or Board Member.

Click here for the Fiscal Year 2026 Honor Roll of Donors
Click here for the Lifetime Honor Roll of Donors
Click here for the members of ASOR’s Legacy Circle

OTHER WAYS TO DONATE

Donate By Phone

Call ASOR:
(703) 789-9229

Donate By Mail

ASOR
209 Commerce Street Alexandria, VA 22314

Make A Pledge (Donate Later)

E-mail ASOR

Browse the News Archive

ASOR CHI – Who We Are

 WHO WE ARE

ASOR’s Cultural Heritage Initiatives is an international, collaborative effort to respond to the destruction of cultural heritage in North Africa and the Middle East. To date, our work has focused on Libya, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, the Maghreb, and the Sahel. Most recently, ASOR has focused on education and stewardship programs that foster understanding between people across ethnic, religious, and geographic boundaries. The following list includes our co-directors, project managers and consultants, and volunteer advisors. ASOR CHI has been successful because we have so many volunteers from many different countries, and we are grateful for their service. We are actively seeking more volunteers. Please contact us if you are willing to help.

Principal Investigators

Andrew G. Vaughn

ASOR Executive Director and ASOR CHI Co-Director
ASOR

executive-director@asor.org, 703-789-9229

ASOR Executive Director and Co-Director of ASOR CHI, Dr. Vaughn has served as ASOR’s Executive Director since 2007. Prior to 2007, he was Associate Professor and department chair at Gustavus Adolphus College. He received the Ph.D. degree (magna cum laude) from Princeton Theological Seminary in 1996 in the area of Hebrew Bible.

Will Raynolds

Co-Director of ASOR Cultural Heritage Initiatives
ASOR

willraynolds@asor.org

In addition to his work with ASOR, Raynolds is Co-director of the Garden Collection at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo (Egypt), and consultant for the World Monuments Fund (Haiti), the J. M. Kaplan Fund, and the American Archaeological Mission in Libya. Following his time at Yarmouk University (Jordan), where he was a Fulbright Fellow affiliated with the Department of Archaeology, Mr. Raynolds completed his MSc. in Historic Preservation from Columbia University, New York (2009).

Managers and Coordinators

Darren P. Ashby

Cultural Heritage Programs Manager
ASOR

dashby@asor.org

Dr. Darren P. Ashby has served as ASOR’s Cultural Heritage Programs Manager since March 2024. He previously worked at ASOR from 2017 to 2019 where he reported on threats and damage to cultural heritage and led a project to document the current condition of Jewish cultural heritage in Iraq and Syria. Darren received his Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania’s Department of Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations in 2017 with a specialization in the archaeology, art, and history of Ancient Mesopotamia. Prior to his current position, he was Program Manager of the University of Pennsylvania’s Iraq Heritage Stabilization Program (IHSP) where he worked from 2019 to 2024.

Hanan Charaf

Director for North African Cultural Heritage Projects
ASOR

hanan.charaf@asor.org

In addition to her work with ASOR CHI, Dr. Hanan Charaf is associate professor of art and archaeology at the Lebanese University. She has been a member of ASOR since 2000 and previously served as the series editor of the ASOR Archaeological Reports Series. She received her Ph.D. degree from University of Paris I Panthéon-Sorbonne, her M.A. from the University of Lumière Lyon II, and her B.A. from the Lebanese University. She has been involved in numerous excavations in Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, France, Turkey, and Tunisia, and directed three projects in Lebanon. She has overseen cultural heritage preservation, awareness, and outreach projects in Lebanon, Tunisia, Morocco, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.

 

Ahmad Emrage

Professor, University of Benghazi, and ASOR Libya Programs Manager
ASOR

ahmademrage@asor.org

As ASOR’s representative for heritage activities in Libya, Dr. Emrage manages ASOR’s cultural heritage grants and activities in the eastern area of Libya. He also serves as a senior advisor for ASOR’s work throughout Libya and North Africa. Emrage holds the B.A. and M.A. degrees in Archaeology from University of Benghazi, and the Ph.D. degree from the School of Archaeology and Ancient History, University of Leicester. During the 2019–20 academic year, Emrage held a Fulbright Fellowship to teach courses on Libyan cultural heritage at Oberlin College (Ohio, USA).

Jared Koller

Manager for Data Management and Web Development
ASOR

jaredkoller@asor.org

As Website and Database Developer for ASOR Cultural Heritage Initiatives, Mr. Koller has conducted research in Bir Madkhur, Jordan, and throughout SE Asia, where he utilizes new media tools to conduct experimental investigations in landscape and environmental change over time. Mr. Koller holds an MA in History and New Media from George Mason University (2010) and a BA in Anthropology-Archaeology from the University of New Mexico (2005).

Research Associates

Katie Paul

Director, Achilles Research Group
Co-Director and Co-Founder, The ATHAR Project

kpaul@atharproject.org

Regional Contractors and Volunteers

  • Aboutou Konate, Heritage Contractor for Mali
Browse the News Archive

CULTURAL HERITAGE INITIATIVES

CULTURAL HERITAGE INITIATIVES

About CHI | Updates | Projects | CHI Tutorials | Who We Are

Initiated in 2014, ASOR’s Cultural Heritage Initiatives (ASOR CHI) is an international collaboration of scholars and institutions who work under the auspices of ASOR. Through two cooperative agreements with the U.S. Department of State and with the generous support of non-federal organizations and donors (especially the Getty Conservation Institute, The Whiting Foundation, and the Kaplan Fund), ASOR CHI undertakes projects to document, protect, and preserve the cultural heritage of war-torn Syria, northern Iraq, and Libya. Hundreds of significant heritage sites have been damaged since fighting began in 2011. Although the destruction of cultural property represents only part of the humanitarian crisis, these harmful actions threaten our common world heritage and cultural diversity. We have an ethical obligation to respond, and our project is part of an international effort to work with Syrians, Iraqis, and Libyans (and other peoples) to protect their heritage and cultural identity.

Browse the News Archive

About American Society of Overseas Research (ASOR)

ABOUT ASOR

The American Society of Overseas Research (ASOR) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to initiate, encourage, and support research into, and public understanding of, the history and cultures of the Near East and wider Mediterranean world, from the earliest times. ASOR is apolitical and has no religious affiliation.

We were founded in 1900 by twenty-one institutions—including Harvard, Princeton, Yale, and Columbia. Over a century later, ASOR has approximately 53 consortium institutions, including universities, seminaries, museums, foundations, and libraries. In addition, we have more than 2,200 individual members and more than 40,000 Friends.

We remain true to our original mission – initiating, encouraging, and supporting research into the cultures of the Near East from the earliest times, and helping the public to understand the findings of that research, as outlined in our strategic plan. ASOR fosters original research, archaeological excavations, and explorations; encourages scholarship in the Near East’s basic languages, cultural histories, and traditions; builds support for Near Eastern studies; and advocates high academic standards. ASOR also offers educational opportunities in Near Eastern history and archaeology to students from all over the world, and through outreach activities to the public.

ASOR communicates news of the latest research findings in our publications, through lectures at the Annual Meeting, and our independent overseas institutes in Cyprus and Jerusalem facilitate research in the field by students and scholars. ASOR’s book series and journals, such as Near Eastern Archaeology and the Bulletin of ASOR, are intended for both a lay audience and specialist archaeologists, historians, and biblical scholars. ASOR’s Annual Meeting brings together scholars from around the world to present their latest findings and discuss their research. Fellowship programs are available from our overseas institutes to provide funds for work at these institutes as well as for Mesopotamian studies and student travel to the Annual Meeting.

FACTS & FIGURES

Name: American Society of Overseas Research (ASOR); formerly named “American Schools of Oriental Research”

Mission: ASOR’s mission is to initiate, encourage, and support research into, and public understanding of, the cultures and history of the Near East and the wider Mediterranean, from the earliest times.

Founded: 1900; incorporated in the District of Columbia in 1921

Members: approximately 2,200 individual members, 53 institutional members, 40,000 Friends, and 2 affiliated overseas research institutes

Publications: Four journals (Bulletin of ASOR, Journal of Cuneiform Studies, Near Eastern Archaeology, and Maarav), two e-newsletters (News@ASOR and The Ancient Near East Today), and four book series (ASOR Annual, Archaeological Report Series, Journal of Cuneiform Studies Supplement Series, and LCP Handbooks Series).

Annual Meeting: The conference has in-person and virtual components with approximately 1,200 attendees. The hybrid, in-person and virtual conference begins eight days (on a Wednesday) before American Thanksgiving. The in-person location varies annually.

Professional Personnel: ASOR has 8 full-time team and 3 part-time team members and 8 continuing contractors.

Donors: ASOR is supported by over 1,100 individuals who make annual charitable contributions to ASOR. Click here for our Fiscal Year 2026 Honor Roll of Donors. Click here for our Lifetime Honor Roll of Donors.

Volunteers: ASOR’s work is supported by more than 280 volunteers, some serving in multiple roles.

Scholarships, Fellowships, and Grants: ASOR plans to award $250,000 in scholarships, fellowships, and grants in 2026.

President: Jane DeRose Evans, Temple University

Chief Administrative Officer: Andrew G. Vaughn (Executive Director)

Browse the News Archive