Hippos (Sussita) of the Decapolis Excavations Project

Location: Hippos, IL

Season: July 13, 2025 to July 31, 2025

Session Dates: Full Season (three weeks): July 13 - July 31

Application Deadline: June 1, 2025

Deadline Type: Rolling

Website: https://www.dighippos.com/

Program Type:
Field School, Volunteer

RPA Certified:
No

Affiliation:
The Hippos Excavations Project is affiliated with the Zinman Institute of Archaeology, University of Haifa and partners with ASOR and GPIA.

Project Director:
Co-Director - Dr. Michael Eisenberg, The Zinman Institute of Archaeology, University of Haifa Co-Director - Dr. Arleta Kowalewska, The Zinman Institute of Archaeology, University of Haifa

Project Description:

Hippos Excavations Project is one of the main long running and exciting Classical Archaeology digs in Israel. As from the year 2000, our international team unearths various building complexes that allow a reconstruction of the ancient cityscape and a better understanding of the public, military, private and funerary architecture. The ancient Graeco-Roman city of Hippos of the Decapolis is located on a hill above the Sea of Galilee, with one of the most breathtaking panoramas in Israel. We study and reconstruct the way of life of its inhabitants in the various periods, from its foundation in the Hellenistic period (mid-2nd century BCE), through its Roman-period time of prosperity (64 BCE – mid-4th century CE), to the Christian transformation in the Byzantine period (mid-4th to mid-7th century CE) and other changes that happened after the Islamic takeover (mid-7th century CE to 749 CE earthquake). Perched on an isolated hill and devastated by an earthquake after which it was never rebuilt, Hippos is an ideal site for archaeologists to study an evolution of a city.

During 2025 season the we shall continue exploring the a Roman-Byzantine cardo with its surrounding insulae and mosaic floors; the city’s cathedral and a Roman-period theater at the Saddle Compound. Hippos is an international project and the official language is English. All lectures and afternoon activities are conducted in English. All activities, including weekends in the kibbutz and tours, are included in the cost.

Come and help us unearth the mysteries of Hippos hidden beneath the debris of the 749 earthquake!

Period(s) of Occupation: Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine and Umayyad

Notes:
The expedition does not save on costs of food, afternoon lectures, tours and leisure time. We acknowledge the financial affords by the participants and try to do our best in that regard, without any extra costs during the season.

Project Size: 25-49 participants

Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: One week

Minimum Age: 16 for general participants

Experience Required: Non

Room and Board Arrangements:
Well maintained air-conditioned rooms, 2-4 per room, in kibbutz Ein-Gev on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. Full lodging with three meals a day is provided. Price includes weekends lodging as well. Cost: $2250 for full session (three weeks)/$825 for one week