The 2022 phase of the Ophel excavation significantly expanded our understanding of the area. This was our first excavation without Dr. Eilat Mazar. While we missed Eilat greatly, we were privileged to work under the direction of one of her friends and colleagues, Hebrew University archaeologist Prof. Uzi Leibner. Professor Leibner is the head of the Institute of Archaeology at Hebrew University and specializes in the Greek, Roman and Byzantine periods.

The dig was divided into two main areas. Archaeologist Amir Cohen-Klonymous was area supervisor over the upper area, containing the Byzantine structure and the Early Roman remains beneath, with the beautiful Herodian steps. The other area supervisor was our very own Christopher Eames, who oversaw the excavation of the subterranean tunnel network made up of finely carved ashlar stones, most of which are situated below the Byzantine and Herodian structures and connected to the Second Temple-period structure above.

Phase 3 of the Ophel excavation was extra special, as this was the first excavation to be funded entirely by Herbert W. Armstrong College. Twelve Armstrong College students and aiba staff were involved in this three-month dig.

In March 2018, in a special announcement for the Jewish holiday of Pesach (Passover), Dr. Mazar announced the discovery of dozens of Jewish Rebellion coins from c.e. 66-70 found during the excavation. Mazar’s discovery is one of the largest caches of Year 4 (c.e. 70) coins ever found. Together with Dr. Mazar’s staff, aiba is currently processing and documenting the remainder of finds from this phase in preparation for the final publication report.

During the summer of 2013, 14 Armstrong volunteers worked with Dr. Mazar on Phase 2b of the Ophel excavation. During this dig, the now-famous Menorah Medallion was uncovered (along with a treasure trove of gold and silver coins) on the floor of a Byzantine structure. During the four-month excavation, all three areas reached the earliest remains of the Ophel site, all of which dated to the First Temple period.

The 2012 excavation ran from August through December, and Armstrong College supplied 17 laborers and support staff. During this phase, Dr. Mazar and her team reached Iron Age layers.

During Phase 2a, Mazar’s team uncovered the earliest Hebrew inscription ever discovered in Jerusalem, along with a royal Israelite (proto-Aeolic) pillar capital, Herodian ritual baths and a large wall dating to the time of King Solomon. In addition to supplying laborers for the excavation, aiba assisted Dr. Mazar with processing the finds and preparing the final report for publication.

In 2009, Dr. Mazar returned to the Ophel, where her grandfather excavated in the 1970s and Mazar herself dug in 1986. Situated adjacent south of the walls of the Temple Mount, this area has furnished many significant artifacts.

During the first season of this dig, two Armstrong College students joined Dr. Mazar. These students participated in the discovery of two sensational bullae; the first belonged to King Hezekiah of Judah, the second to Isaiah. Both bullae are the first of their kind ever found in controlled archaeological excavations.

During this phase, the Gatehouse structure originally discovered in 1986 was conclusively dated to the 10th century b.c.e., the time period of King Solomon. Mazar and her team also excavated more gigantic walls, estimated to be more than 200 feet long and almost 20 feet high, that further proved this area was part of King Solomon’s royal complex.

During the summer of 2007, five volunteers joined Dr. Mazar’s team in Jerusalem. At first, the volunteers assisted Dr. Mazar in the office, before eventually joining her when she returned to the field to conduct Phase 3 of the City of David excavations.

During this season, a collapsing wall (which needed to be repaired) was dated to the time period of Nehemiah. Mazar’s team also discovered the Gedaliah bulla, the seal of one of the Judean princes who persecuted the prophet Jeremiah (Jeremiah 38). The team also excavated a water tunnel more than 150 feet long. Dr. Mazar posited that the tunnel might have been the conduit King David’s forces used to conquer the city in the 10th century b.c.e.

In October 2006, Herbert W. Armstrong College dispatched the first group of student volunteers to Jerusalem. The volunteers joined Dr. Mazar for Phase 2 of her excavation in the City of David. During this phase, Mazar’s team uncovered the gigantic eastern wall of the Large Stone Structure (King David’s palace).