Archaeonest records licensed fieldwork, looks after finds, and lodges collections. One standard of notes, photographs, and care — from the first locus to the named archive. The crew desk is reviewed at this office. We are not the Israel Antiquities Authority.
A site is a sequence of decisions: whether to dig, how much to lift, what to sample, and how the record will be read when none of us are on the trench. We write for the next archaeologist.
Drawings, photographs, and catalog numbers should still make sense two decades on. Finds leave packed, numbered, and with a condition note. Reports follow the excavation license and the archive that will take the boxes.
The same practice whether we attach to your director or start from the map.
Context sheets, photographs, and catalog numbers have to still make sense when none of us are on the trench.
We read the file and the maps first. If a trench would not answer the question, that goes in writing.
Finds leave packed, labelled, and with a condition note for the named archive — not in the boot of a car.
Packets and project notes are reviewed at the City of David office. Status is emailed. This is not a walk-up counter.
Three steps. Nothing is a permit until the authority says so.
Site or district, what is already known, the proposed disturbance, and a deadline. A map or photo helps. Protected-site coordinates stay off a first public message.
We read the license file and historic maps before anyone puts a shovel in. If a trench would not answer the question, we say so in writing.
Methods, days, and deliverables go in a written scope. Fieldwork is recorded so another crew can continue the work — context, photograph, and catalog in one file.
Saying it plainly keeps a first note honest.
Written down so another crew can continue the work. Recording follows the license and the named repository.
If you already have a director, we attach to that team. If you need a season planned, we start from the map. Client names stay off this site unless a project asks otherwise. Recent files: City of David / Givati, the Ophel, Silwan and the Pool of Siloam, the Old City circuit, Emek Tzurim, Mount Zion, Kidron, Jaffa Gate, Abu Tor, Dung Gate, Jewish Quarter, Sultan’s Pool, Hinnom.
Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 09:00-17:00 Israel Time. Friday 09:00-13:00. Closed Saturday. After hours, send a note. We reply by email.
A site or district, what you already know, and a deadline are enough. The Jerusalem desk replies by email.