UNEARTHING THE PAST SINCE 1900
  • BECOME A MEMBER
  • RENEW
  • GIVE NOW
  • SEARCH
  • ONLINE PORTAL
  • American Society of Overseas Research (ASOR)American Society of Overseas Research (ASOR)
  • About
    • WELCOME FROM ASOR OFFICERS
    • FACTS & FIGURES—ASOR
    • MISSION, BYLAWS, & STRATEGIC PLAN
    • HISTORY OF ASOR
    • COMMITTEES
    • POLICIES
    • FINANCIAL DOCUMENTS
    • ASOR’s Honors and Awards
    • AFFILIATED RESEARCH CENTERS
    • CONTACT US—ASOR
  • INITIATIVES
    & PROJECTS
    • ASOR CULTURAL HERITAGE INITIATIVES
    • ASOR-AFFILIATED ARCHAEOLOGICAL PROJECTS
    • ASOR ARCHIVES
    • ONLINE RESOURCES
    • ASOR PUBLICATIONS
    • LEVANTINE CERAMICS PROJECT
    • WOMEN OF ASOR MAP
  • ANNUAL
    MEETING
    • REGISTRATION
    • HOTEL RESERVATIONS
    • Annual Meeting Schedules
    • SPONSOR & EXHIBIT
    • ASOR Online Library
    • HONORS & AWARDS
    • ANNUAL MEETING SCHOLARSHIPS
    • PAST & FUTURE ANNUAL MEETINGS
  • MEMBERSHIP
    • INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIPS
    • INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
    • ONLINE RESOURCES
    • MEMBER DIRECTORY
    • FY24 HONOR ROLL OF DONORS
    • ASOR LEGACY CIRCLE
    • FRIENDS OF ASOR
    • Friends of ASOR Webinars
  • FELLOWSHIPS
    & GRANTS
    • SCHOLARSHIPS FOR FIELDWORK PARTICIPATION
    • GRANTS FOR ARCHAEOLOGICAL PROJECTS
    • RESEARCH FELLOWSHIPS FOR MEMBERS
    • MEMBERSHIP & ANNUAL MEETING SCHOLARSHIPS
    • ASOR-AFFILIATED RESEARCH CENTERS FELLOWSHIPS
    • OTHER FELLOWSHIP PROGRAMS
  • PUBLICATIONS
    & RESOURCES
    • BULLETIN OF ASOR
    • JOURNAL OF CUNEIFORM STUDIES
    • NEAR EASTERN ARCHAEOLOGY
    • MAARAV
    • NEWS@ASOR
    • THE ANCIENT NEAR EAST TODAY
    • ASOR Online Library
    • LEVANTINE CERAMICS PROJECT
    • BOOK SERIES & MONOGRAPHS
    • EARLY CAREER MEMBER RESOURCES
  • NEWS &
    EVENTS
    • PAST ASOR NEWS, MONTH BY MONTH
    • NEWS@ASOR
    • THE ANCIENT NEAR EAST TODAY
    • LIFETIME HONOR ROLL OF DONORS
    • FY24 HONOR ROLL OF DONORS
  • WAYS TO
    DONATE
Near the end of the season, excavating slowly

 SHARE

 
 
 
 
 

NEWS@ASOR E-NEWSLETTER

ANCIENT NEAR EAST TODAY E-NEWSLETTER

PAST ASOR NEWS, MONTH BY MONTH

ASOR LEGACY CIRCLE MEMBERS

LIFETIME HONOR ROLL OF DONORS

FY24 HONOR ROLL OF DONORS

ASOR ANNUAL MEETING

Finally, a Dream Fulfilled

Paul Richards, 2022 ASOR BIPOC Scholarship for Fieldwork Participation

Near East Archeology was a subject that, by title, I had not heard of until I started looking for a graduate degree covering ancient Israelite history. I knew archeologists went into the Middle East to do work, but I had not delved into more for the career field. After graduating from college with a BA in History I taught History in Cairo for 3 years at an American language high school. Then I taught ESL for 2 ½ years. While in Cairo I visited active dig sites. Visiting the sites sparked my interest in archeology.

When I started my Near East Archeology program at La Sierra University, I was excited for the upcoming dig. Because of the pandemic the normally scheduled dig season was canceled. I was determined to go the next season. By the time the next dig season came around the next year my finances were depleted. I applied for scholarships, and it is only due to being awarded the 2022 ASOR BIPOC Scholarship for Fieldwork Participation, that I was able to join the BRAP excavation trip.

The experience was great. I had been to Jordan on a 30-hour layover before where I took the opportunity and toured around the immediate Amman area. For the excavation I signed up for the full BRAP dig season for six weeks. Being in the archeology classroom learning about archeology and working in the lab was much different than being in the field. While in the field I remembered terminology I had learned in class. It was a continual task matching the term I had learned in class with the meaning or action in the field. The work was hard but every day we dug up something significant to me as a first timer. Finding pottery was exciting. I quickly found out the dig veterans were very used to seeing pottery finds. The schedule was taxing but the finds everyday made it worth it.

In the middle of the season, we went to Petra. I had heard of Petra for a few years and the reports from those who had visited made it sound like the ultimate travel destination for all Near East enthusiasts. Usually people exaggerate, this time the reports were accurate. It was better than going to Disneyland.

Early in the dig, making the rocks shine for a photo

Archeology Becomes Personal

I grew up in and still am active in a distinct faith tradition. Previously my interest in ancient Israelite history had tilted my dig interest towards only going to Israel. I knew there was a lot to learn about ancient Israelite history from its ancient neighbors. Growing up myself in a culture and community where the stories of ancient Israel are accepted on a faith basis, it seemed almost automatic to gravitate towards Jerusalem. In a faith-based environment, especially for laypersons, activities of other ancient people groups are pushed aside and overlooked. It is a task of historians to help laypersons understand the study of Israel’s neighbors, and with proper archeology, enhance our academic understanding of faith-based stories.

The name Moab made a frequent appearance throughout the Old Testament of the Bible. A brief search rendered at least 18 times. The name originated, according to faith traditions, from one of the sons of Lot; Lot was Abraham’s nephew. The birth of Moab occurs in Genesis 19 along with his brother Ammon. The story includes some humiliating and salacious content. This son became the progenitor of the Moabites. The Moabites would become one of Israel’s major antagonists. King David in 2 Samuel 8:2 subjects the Moabites to servitude. Here again, a horrific scene takes place in the scripture tradition. In 2 Kings 3 Mesha King of Moab is mentioned as paying a heavy tribute to the Northern Kingdom. Mesha rebelled after the death of Ahab. The Mesha Stella, a significant find in Near East Archeology, describes a revolt against Israel.

Many inscriptions describing victory may have the veracity of the victory legitimately questioned. This is due to the well-known desire of kings and nations to embellish the greatness of themselves and their people. In the case of Mesha it does appear the inscription holds weight. The Mesha Stella was found at Tell-Dibon, a site our team was able to visit.

Near the end of the season, excavating slowly

Cultural Memory And The Story of Moab

Cultural memory is a topic I have delved into since the beginning of my graduate program. The reality of stories becoming exaggerated results in the need for teachers and writers to execute proper exegesis when dealing with historical topics. Exegesis is a term primarily heard of in theology. But the principal for the term is crucial for every research field.

Preconceived ideas need to be erased before proceeding in the research. During the research process the evidence must speak for itself. In a textual context, a word can be assumed to have one meaning, then with further investigation the researcher realizes the original speaker or writer had a different meaning in mind. This also applies to archeology. As taxing as the physical aspect of archeology is, it is crucial to dispel private ideas and interpretations that can result from classroom and reading work only.

The public figures inside well-known faith traditions have become known for mobilizing their base with shallow motivation. This motivation is often very loosely based on ancient text references. Many public figures use the texts blatantly out of context for private purposes. There is a dual danger in the faith community. One is those who carelessly use history to further an agenda. The other are those who are born into these agendas unawares. Both continue to propagate a false narrative. The latter falls victim to its own cultural memory.

In certain faith-based texts Ruth is the progenitor of King David, Ruth 4:22. Ruth was the daughter in-law of Naomi who became a widow and decided to follow Naomi back to her homeland. There is a parallel story line outside the traditional faith-based text, which teaches Naomi’s other daughter in-law Orpah, a Moabite went back to her people and gave birth to Goliath a Philistine. Goliath has become the stuff of legend. His bio has been stretched to create a superhuman villain that would match today’s comic books.

Excavating with the small pick early in the cold morning.

And Finally

My time in the field has increased my interest in ancient languages. It has increased my interest in the facts of faith-based stories. While in the square my square mates and I had lively discussions over the topics presented above. By the end we were far from exhausting the matter. There will be more to debate and learn on the next excavation.

Paul Richards holds a BA in History and a Minor in Communication Art from Oakwood University in Huntsville, AL. He lives in Southern California and is finishing his thesis at La Sierra University in Riverside, CA. Balu’a Regional Archaeological Project (BRAP) – Centers & Museum – La Sierra University.  BRAP Jordan (@brapjordan) • Instagram photos and videos. Balu’a Regional Archaeology Project | Facebook.

Want to help more students and early career archaeologists get into the field? Donate to the cause today by selecting “Excavation Scholarships” as your gift purpose!

BROWSE THE NEWS ARCHIVE

  • 2025 Call for Vice President
  • Fieldwork Report: Christos Theodorou
  • Message from ASOR’s Board Chair
  • Fieldwork Report: Ofelia Tychon

Latest Posts from @ASORResearch

asor_research

Initiating and supporting research of the history and cultures of the Near East and wider Mediterranean world.


Starting next Friday, May 30th, ASOR staff will be
Starting next Friday, May 30th, ASOR staff will be holding summer hours until Labor Day, September 1st. If you need to contact the office, please do so during normal business hours Monday–Thursday or before 12:30pm EDT on Fridays. We wish you all a productive and relaxing summer!


ASOR announces a general call for nominations and
ASOR announces a general call for nominations and applications for individuals to be considered for the position of Vice President. This is a three-year term of office beginning on January 1, 2026 and ending on December 31, 2028. Nominating an officer is an important way for members to participate in the governance of their organization, and we encourage you to self-nominate or nominate others. Review of applications and nominations will begin on August 15, 2025. Click the link in our bio for more details on the duties of the position and how to submit nominations.


ASOR's Early Career Scholars hosted Dr. Rennan Lem
ASOR's Early Career Scholars hosted Dr. Rennan Lemos (University of Cambridge) for their Spring 2025 Brown Bag lecture, "Archaeology Under Fire: The History of Sudan Between War and Water." Drawing on archival materials and recent fieldwork, this talk explores how Sudan’s archaeological heritage has been endangered—first by the flooding of Lower Nubia and now by war—and how a history of major threats has shaped the region’s heritage. Click the link in our bio to view the recording on YouTube!


Ofelia Tychon, a 2024 Katherine Barton Platt Field
Ofelia Tychon, a 2024 Katherine Barton Platt Fieldwork Scholarship Recipient, excavated with the Rural Landscapes of Iron Age Imperial Mesopotamia Project near Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan. Read about Ofelia’s exciting experience excavating in the Assyrian heartland by clicking the link in our bio.


Join the Classical Association of Scotland online
Join the Classical Association of Scotland online this summer to explore the world of ancient languages including Sumerian, Hurrian, Ugaritic, Hebrew, and more! Courses range in experience from beginner to advanced in both Latin and Greek. Registration closes May 28th! For more information, click the link in our bio.


Registration is now half full for the first Friend
Registration is now half full for the first Friends of ASOR tour in Chicago! Join us on September 18 and 19 for an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience. We will be kicking off our two-day jaunt with the grand opening of a special exhibit on Megiddo at the iconic Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures, followed by walking tours, and day two will be full of visits to the Greek, Roman, and Egyptian galleries at the impressive Art Institute of Chicago and the renowned Field Museum of Natural History, home to the largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton. Registration and details can be found at the link in our bio!


When the Assyrian king Sennacherib was assassinate
When the Assyrian king Sennacherib was assassinated in 680 BC, it launched a civil war amongst his sons. How did Esarhaddon come out on top? And what were the consequences for the Assyrian kingdom? Read Christopher Jones's article in today's issue of Ancient Near East Today by clicking the link in our bio.


Don't forget to join us TODAY at 7:00pm ET for our
Don't forget to join us TODAY at 7:00pm ET for our last FOA Webinar, "The Queens of Nimrud’s Northwest Palace: Beauty, Power, and Presence in the Neo-Assyrian World, c. 865–705 BCE," presented by Dr. Amy Gansell. You can still register by clicking the link in our bio.
#FOAWebinars


Congratulations to the 2025 Project Grant and Rese
Congratulations to the 2025 Project Grant and Research Fellowship Awardees! This year’s awardees will conduct research and fieldwork in Iraq, Cyprus, Israel, Turkey, Jordan, Syria, and Libya. Click the link in bio to see a full list of the awardees. @dig_prehistory @reland.unipa @drsilviaamicone @kurdqaburstanproject @tellatchana


Our newest Annual of ASOR, Ethics in Archaeologica
Our newest Annual of ASOR, Ethics in Archaeological Practice from editors Sarah Costello and Sarah Lepinski, is now available for purchase at a discounted price for ASOR members. The volume raises contemporary ethical questions around race, gender, disability, climate change, and cultural heritage that are pressing and relevant to archaeology students and professionals worldwide. Learn more by clicking the link in our bio.


ASOR is pleased to announce 12 new field and publi
ASOR is pleased to announce 12 new field and publication projects have received ASOR affiliation since last summer. These projects cover sites in Italy, Iraq, Jordan, Turkey, Greece, Israel, and Cyprus. Learn more about these new ASOR-affiliated projects by clicking the link in our bio.


ASOR invites Roundtable Proposals for the 2025 Ann
ASOR invites Roundtable Proposals for the 2025 Annual Meeting. Roundtables are an ideal format for informal discussion on topics of general interest in the field, collaboration on publication projects or future member-organized sessions relevant to meeting attendees. Proposals of 250 words or less may be submitted by members and exhibitors attending the 2025 Annual Meeting in-person. Learn more and submit your roundtable proposal by clicking the link in our bio.


Join us for our LAST FOA Webinar of the season: "T
Join us for our LAST FOA Webinar of the season: "The Queens of Nimrud’s Northwest Palace: Beauty, Power, and Presence in the Neo-Assyrian World, c. 865–705 BCE," presented by Dr. Amy Gansell on Wednesday, May 14th at 7:00pm ET. Nearly three thousand years ago, at the ancient site of Nimrud, a succession of ten Neo-Assyrian kings reigned in collaboration with their queens from the magnificence of the Northwest Palace, the seat of the empire. Too often overshadowed by the well documented legacy of Neo-Assyrian kings, this presentation illuminates the queens who reigned with them. Register for the free lecture by clicking the link in our bio.
#FOAWebinars


Disability has always been a part of human history
Disability has always been a part of human history, including in ancient Egypt. However, until recently the subject has rarely been studied in Egyptology or in a broader ancient world studies context. Read more about disability in Ancient Egypt in the newest ANE Today by Alexandra Morris by clicking the link in our bio.
#ANEToday


Make sure to join us TOMORROW at 2:00pm ET for our
Make sure to join us TOMORROW at 2:00pm ET for our FOA Webinar, "A Window on the Silk Road: Archaeology in Medieval Armenia," presented by Dr. Kate Franklin. You can still register by clicking the link in our bio. #FOAWebinars


Rubar Yavuz received a 2024 Eric and Carol Meyers
Rubar Yavuz received a 2024 Eric and Carol Meyers Fieldwork Scholarship to excavate with the Tayinat Archaeological Project in the Amuq Valley, Turkey. Read about Rubar's experience excavating an Iron Age pavement at the site by clicking the link in our bio.


Join us in Boston for ASOR’s 2025 Annual Meeting
Join us in Boston for ASOR’s 2025 Annual Meeting, November 19-22, at the Hilton Boston Park Plaza. ASOR has negotiated a discounted rate of $189 (plus tax), and the destination fee is waived for ASOR attendees. Don’t miss your chance to stay at this Boston landmark hotel at ASOR’s great rate – make your reservation online by clicking the link in our bio.


ASOR is celebrating its 125th anniversary, but the
ASOR is celebrating its 125th anniversary, but the celebration isn't complete without you, our members! Please fill out our short Call for Memories and send us your favorite ASOR-related anecdotes, memories, and photos to help us honor 125 years of being a flagship for archaeology, history, and cultural heritage in the Middle East and wider Mediterranean. We’ll be putting together a slideshow presentation of your favorite ASOR moments for our anniversary celebration during this year’s Annual Meeting in Boston. Click the link in our bio.


Read the latest fieldwork report from Brady Hill.
Read the latest fieldwork report from Brady Hill. Brady received a 2024 G. Ernest Wright Fieldwork Scholarship to excavate at the site of Kani Shaie in Iraqi Kurdistan. Read about his experience recording pottery in the "Lower Town" by clicking the link in our bio.


Make sure to register for our next FOA Webinar: "A
Make sure to register for our next FOA Webinar: "A Window on the Silk Road: Archaeology in Medieval Armenia," presented by Dr. Kate Franklin on Wednesday, April 30th at 2:00pm ET. To imagine the medieval Silk Road is to conjure up images of exotic commerce: camel caravans crossing wind-swept dunes, bustling city bazaars, silks and spices spilling from saddlebags. Drawing on textual, architectural and archaeological evidence, this talk explores the social lives of people living not in the city centers of medieval commerce, but in the places in-between, along the road. Sign up for the free lecture by clicking the link in our bio.
#FOAWebinars



Instagram

Stay updated with the latest insights, photos, and news by following us on Instagram!

Follow Us on Instagram

American Society of Overseas Research
The James F. Strange Center
209 Commerce Street
Alexandria, VA 22314

E-mail: info@asor.org

© 2023 ASOR
All rights reserved.
Images licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License

Contact Us
Membership
Give
Friends of ASOR
ASOR Cultural Heritage Initiatives
Terms of Use

COVID-19 Update: Please consider making payments or gifts on our secure Online Portal. Please e-mail info@asor.org if you have questions or need help.

Follow us on:
Facebook
Twitter
YouTube
LinkedIn