False 27past horizons trust & The university of chicago have many colours of tesserae and motifs of pheasants, deer, horses, vines, and other geometric designs. In another area, the team revealed a Byzantine church ( ninth– thirteenth centuries A. D.), which they excavated down to the still extant fl oor. This Autumn, the second season, Katie and her team will continue to work in both areas, giving volunteers the ability to excavate mosaics, burials, within the church, and around an Ottoman fountain. Past and present volunteers range in age and archaeological experience. While some have had extensive experience or are in full time education others have never excavated before and Katie will provide instruction. Volunteers are welcome on an individual basis and will be able to work on all aspects of excavation, as well as gain experience for a range of digging techniques. The team stay at the functioning Bektashi Tekke, the Sufi equivalent of a monastery, about a fi ve- minute walk from the site. While somewhat rustic, the accommodation provides a full cultural experience, as well as beautiful scenery. ? Dates: 10 September - 10 October 2008 Cost: Volunteers must pay for their own travel expenses plus $ 25 per day for food and lodging EMAIL: klj@ uchicago. edu ? Excavating at Melan Photographs: Katie Johnson

False past horizons28 Archaeologists Make History Negotiations lead to first agreement on region’s archaeological riches By Meg Sullivan & Edward North- Hager Jerusalem: The Old City and the City of David ( credit: Brian Negin)