Inside BAR

Israeli archaeologist Amnon Ben-Tor presently directs a wide-ranging project in the Western Jezreel Valley, a region in central Israel famous for its Biblical history, fertility and beauty. In his most recent report on the progress of this regional study, “A New Approach to Archaeological Investigation,” Ben-Tor describes how excavating and comparing several sites within one geographical-historical area can provide new insights into ancient societies.

Born in Jerusalem, Ben-Tor studied archaeology and Jewish history at Hebrew University. After completing his doctoral studies, he joined the archaeology faculty of his alma mater and has taught there ever since, serving as department chairman from 1974–1977. His tenure at Hebrew University has been interrupted twice by sabbaticals at American universities: Harvard in 1974 and the University of Pennsylvania this year.

Daphna Ben-Tor, Amnon’s wife, works in the Egyptology section of the Israel Museum in Jerusalem. This year she is pursuing her interest in that field at Johns Hopkins University. The Ben-Tor’s two young daughters, Anat and Tami, frequently join their father in his favorite form of relaxation—any outdoor activity.