Category Archives: 17吃瓜News

A17吃瓜76 & 77: City and Cemetery

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Annual of 17吃瓜76 & 77: City and Cemetery

City and Cemetery: Excavations at Kourion鈥檚 Amathous Gate Cemetery, Cyprus: The Excavations of Danielle A. Parks.

Volume 1: Context, Analysis, and Conclusions
Volume 2: Human Bone, Ecofacts, and Artifacts

ed. by Michael Given, Chris Mavromatis, and R. Smadar Gabrieli

The Amathous Gate Cemetery played a key role in the spatial and social organization of the well-preserved city of Kourion on the south coast of Cyprus, and in its transformations between the Hellenistic and Byzantine periods, from massively destructive earthquakes and the rise of Christianity to new social and administrative structures. The excavations were directed by the late Danielle A. Parks from 1995 to 2000, and found striking evidence for burial and commemoration, a wide range of material culture, and a large assemblage of well-preserved human remains. The project uses an innovative methodology for analyzing mixed stratigraphy and legacy data, which we offer to those researching sites with similar challenges.

Volume 1 presents the chamber tombs and cist tombs, quarrying evidence, and deposition activity from the cleanup after the 370s CE earthquake. It integrates the stratigraphy with the analysis of the material culture and the recording of rock-cut features, and gives a broad interpretation of the results of the whole project.

Volume 2 presents detailed descriptions and interpretations of the ecofacts and artifacts. These include human and animal bone, pottery, lamps, figurines, stone objects, painted plaster, glass, jewelry, coins, and loom weights. Scientific methods include isotopic analysis of the bones, Neutron Activation Analysis of the pottery, and spectroscopic analysis of the glass.

Annual of ASOR, Volume 76, Series Editor William Caraher, June 2024, 296 pages, 147 illustrations & 28 tables. ISBN 9780897571203, $89.95.

Annual of ASOR, Volume 77, Series Editor William Caraher, June 2024, 432 pages, 143 illustrations & 58 tables. ISBN 9780897571210, $99.95.

Special Offer for 17吃瓜Members

17吃瓜members (with a mailing address in the USA) can purchase a copy of A17吃瓜76 at the discounted price of听$35.00 (65% discount + $5.00 US shipping)听while supplies last. Members can also purchase a copy of A17吃瓜77 at the discounted price of听$40.00 (65% discount + $5.00 US shipping)听while supplies last. Purchases are restricted to one volume per member. We are unable to offer this discount to members without a US mailing address due to international shipping costs, but you can purchase and ship a copy through the ISD link below. Please contact听programs@asor.org听with any questions.听

Available from ISD 鈥� Distributor of Scholarly Books

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2024 Dana Grant Report: Exploring Continuity and Transition in Southern Jordan

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2024 Dana Grant Report: Exploring Continuity and Transition in Southern Jordan

Jennifer Ramsay, SUNY Brockport; Bj枚rn Anderson, University of Iowa; and Craig A. Harvey, University of Alberta

Under the direction of Dr. Jennifer Ramsay (SUNY Brockport), Dr. Bj枚rn Anderson (University of Iowa) and Dr. Craig A. Harvey (University of Alberta) (fig. 1), and with the generous support from the Stevan B. Dana project grant, our project launched its first season as a feasibility survey. The primary goal of this survey was to explore archaeological sites around Petra for signs of continuity or transitions in cultural practices from the Iron Age to the Nabataean period (approx. 539-300 BCE). Previous surveys in the region noted material culture from 听these periods, but few sites have undergone extensive excavation. This project aims to fill the gap in our understanding of this transitional period by focusing on cultural activities such as ritual, funerary, agriculture, and engineering practices. The survey targeted 12 selected sites where Iron Age and Nabataean material culture overlap, including Conway鈥檚 Tower, Mughar an-Nasara, Wadi Farasa, Jebel al-Khutbah, Madhbah, Khirbet al-Megheitah, Bayda, Wadi Musa, Umm el-Biyara, Ghrareh, and Humayma (fig. 2)

Figure 1 The project team in front of al-Khazneh (the Treasury) in Petra (from left to right, Dr. Bj枚rn Anderson, Dr. Jennifer Ramsay, Dr. Craig Harvey, Dr. Amanda Harman, Josh Feland and Abdullah al-Saket).
The project team in front of al-Khazneh (the Treasury) in Petra (from left to right, Dr. Bj枚rn Anderson, Dr. Jennifer Ramsay, Dr. Craig Harvey, Dr. Amanda Harman, Josh Feland and Abdullah al-Saket).
Figure 2 Map of sites explored during the 2024 feasibility survey.
Figure 2 Map of sites explored during the 2024 feasibility survey.

The field survey, conducted from May 15th to 30th, involved documenting archaeological evidence using Real-Time Kinematic positioning (RTK) with an Emlid RS+ device (fig. 3), traditional and photogrammetric photography (fig. 4), and written descriptions. No artifacts were collected; instead, surface pottery and lithics were recorded through notes and photographs. Over the two-week survey, the team visited and documented 12 sites. Significant accomplishments included high precision photogrammetry of Conway鈥檚 Tower (fig. 5), recording of undocumented architectural features across multiple sites (fig.6), including an apparently unknown nefesh at Mughar an-Nasara (fig. 7), and evaluation of likely Zoroastrian influences in funerary practices at Wadi al-Farasa. However, urban encroachment and looting have heavily impacted some sites, including several in the Petra Park; 鈥淪ite 30鈥� in Wadi Musa seems to have been entirely bulldozed and no traces remain.

Figure 3 Dr. Matt Vincent using RTK to survey in Petra.
Figure 3 Dr. Matt Vincent using RTK to survey in Petra.
Figure 4 Josh Feland carrying out photogrammetry of funerary features in Petra.
Figure 4 Josh Feland carrying out photogrammetry of funerary features in Petra.
Figure 5 Photogrammetry capture of Conway鈥檚 Tower.
Figure 5 Photogrammetry capture of Conway鈥檚 Tower.
Figure 6 Possible Iron Age wall under Nabataean features of the 鈥楧ionysian Hall鈥� at Bayda.
Figure 6 Possible Iron Age wall under Nabataean features of the 鈥楧ionysian Hall鈥� at Bayda.
Figure 7 Photogrammetry image of a potentially undocumented nefesh at Mughar an-Nasara, to the left of the staircase in circle.
Figure 7 Photogrammetry image of a potentially undocumented nefesh at Mughar an-Nasara, to the left of the staircase in circle.

The survey helped to identify several sites with promise to elucidate both continuity and transition between the Iron Age and Nabataean periods in the Petra region. Further exploration and detailed analysis are planned and the project aims to continue surveys and eventually undertake targeted excavations to deepen our knowledge of this transitional period. We would like to thank 17吃瓜and the Stevan B. Dana project grant for making our work this summer possible. We also would like to thank the Department of Antiquities of Jordan and their representative Abdullah al-Saket, the Petra Archaeological Park and Qais Tweissi, the American Center of Research (ACOR) in Amman, and various funding sources for their support. We also acknowledge the wonderful contributions of our team members, Dr. Amanda Hardman, Dr. Matt Vincent, graduate student Josh Feland (University of Alberta) and our ceramic virtual consultant Dr. Sarah Wenner.

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Communications Manager Job Opening

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COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER JOB OPENING

December 2024 Update: This position has been filled.听

The American Society of Overseas Research (ASOR) seeks candidates for a full-time Communications Manager to oversee outreach efforts in the areas of social media and communications with 17吃瓜members and the public. This person will also manage the Friends of 17吃瓜(FOA) outreach program. This in-person position is located at The James F. Strange Center鈥攈eadquarters of ASOR, 209 Commerce St., in historic Old Town Alexandria, VA.

Founded in 1900, the 17吃瓜is a 501(c)(3) non-profit whose mission is to initiate, encourage, and support research into, and public understanding of, the history and cultures of the Near East and wider Mediterranean world, from the earliest times.

The Communications Manager is responsible for ASOR鈥檚 marketing and communications strategies. They directly oversee all FOA programming and manage 17吃瓜social media strategies to engage both the public and 17吃瓜members and friends. This position reports to ASOR鈥檚 Assistant Director, Marta Ostovich.

Primary Responsibilities:

Communications

  • Under the direction of the Assistant Director, develop and implement a media relations and outreach program. Provide expertise and oversight for ASOR鈥檚 social media.
  • Under the direction of the Assistant Director, develop and implement ASOR鈥檚 social media strategies using key platforms that connect with our membership and build relationships with those interested in archaeology and history to expand our membership.
  • Monitor and engage with followers on ASOR鈥檚 social media accounts, and analyze social media metrics to improve engagement with the public.
  • Work with 17吃瓜staff members to maintain high-quality customer service for our 2,200 members and 17,000 Friends of 17吃瓜(FOA).
  • Work with 17吃瓜staff members to write and edit copy for internal and external communications including press releases, newsletters, social media posts, and website content for a general audience. Ensure consistent brand messaging across all communications.
  • Help prepare materials for presentations, speeches, and meetings.
  • Assist with ASOR鈥檚 off-site Annual Meeting (in November of each year) by providing general administrative support including but not limited to, processing payments, answering questions, assisting with communications for attendees, and making all attendees feel welcome. Travel to the meeting is required (once per year).

Friends of ASOR

  • Expand the communications component of FOA, building membership and generating interest in the programs.
  • Manage existing FOA programming including:
  • Design new FOA programming and oversee operating budget for growing FOA programming.
  • Develop and implement a 5-year plan to increase revenue from FOA programs.

Qualifications / Skills Needed:

  • Bachelor鈥檚 degree (or equivalent work experience) in a related field such as Communications, Public Relations, or Marketing.
  • 1-2 years of experience (3-5 preferred) in a communications role, with demonstrated experience and expertise in social media.
  • Familiarity with AP Style.
  • Understanding of digital marketing concepts and strategies.
  • Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
  • Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills.
  • Ability to work independently and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
  • Experience with social media management.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office, graphic/image editing (Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, etc.), and popular social media platforms. Website maintenance experience (WordPress) is a plus.

Compensation and Benefits:听Salary $60,000-$75,000, based on experience. Benefits include paid vacation, holidays, and sick time; employer retirement contribution after vesting period (currently 6%); and benefit dollars (currently $650 per month).

How To Apply:听E-mail letter of interest, resume, and contact information for three references to Marta Ostovich at听programs@asor.org. The letter of interest should discuss how 17吃瓜as an organization fits into the applicant鈥檚 training and career goals. Please include your name and 鈥淐ommunications Manager鈥� in the subject line.

We are currently reviewing applications on a rolling basis.

17吃瓜is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or any other class protected by federal or state law (EEO/AA).

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AM24 Student Travel Grants and Session Assistant Support

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2024 ANNUAL MEETING STUDENT TRAVEL GRANTS AND SESSION ASSISTANT SUPPORT

Student Travel Grants

Application Deadline: 5PM ET, August 26, 2024

17吃瓜is once again pleased to announce up to ten travel scholarships of $250 for students enrolled at an institution that is an institutional member of 17吃瓜(see list of听Institutional Members). Funding for these scholarships comes from the institutional membership fees. Applications must be submitted by听email听and are due by听5PM ET听辞苍听August 26, 2024. In order to receive the funds, the institutional dues for the student鈥檚 school must be current for 2024-2025, and the student must stay at the听17吃瓜hotel. Students need not present a paper in order to be eligible. Preference will be given to students from schools that did not receive an award recipient in the previous year. Recipients will be notified on or around September 6, 2024.

Eligibility:听Students must be enrolled at at an institution that is an institutional member of 17吃瓜(see list of听Institutional Members).

Apply:听贰尘补颈濒听Marta Ostovich听with the following information with the subject heading 鈥淪tudent Travel Grants Application鈥�:

  • A brief (200 words) statement explaining why you want to attend the Annual Meeting and how the experience will help your career goals.
  • Information about the degree program in which you are presently enrolled.

听

Previous Recipients

Thomas/Bishop Session and Workshop Assistants

17吃瓜is seeking Session/Workshop Assistants to help support the hybrid aspects of the 2024 Annual Meeting. In exchange for Session Assistant service, 17吃瓜will cover a set number of nights at the Hilton Boston Park Plaza as well as Annual Meeting registration fees. Funding for Session Assistants is made possible through the Thomas/Bishop Annual Meeting Endowment. Session Assistants provide technical support to Session Chairs during sessions in Boston and on Zoom.

Eligibility:听Zoom proficiency and the ability to multi-task are required. Session Assistants will need to be present for all three days (Thursday-Saturday, November 21-23) of the Annual Meeting, and for a training session on Wednesday, November 20.

Apply:听

Email Marta Ostovich at听听with any questions. 17吃瓜will contact those who have been selected as Session Assistants in August to work on scheduling.

Note:听Selected Session Assistants are required to make their own听. A credit will be applied to their reservation based on their service hours.

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Fall Internships at ASOR

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FALL INTERNSHIPS AT ASOR

*All of our fall internships have been filled. Thank you for your interest.*
17吃瓜seeks candidates for part-time internship positions to begin on or around September 9th. These paid internships are for the fall semester (September-December) with the possibility of renewal for the spring semester. Interns are expect to work 10鈥�15 hours per week at ASOR鈥檚 headquarters鈥擳he James F. Strange Center, 209 Commerce St., in historic Old Town Alexandria, VA. Hours and schedule are flexible depending on school or other commitments.

Founded in 1900, the 17吃瓜is a 501(c)(3) non-profit whose mission is to initiate, encourage, and support research into, and public understanding of, the history and cultures of the Near East and wider Mediterranean world, from the earliest times. Please visit听www.asor.org听for more information.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Maintain high-quality customer service for ASOR鈥檚 members and friends
  • Assist with maintenance of ASOR鈥檚 website.
  • Assist with ASOR鈥檚 Annual Meeting in Boston (November 20-23) by providing off-site administrative support including but not limited to, processing registration and exhibitor payments, answering attendee questions via email, and promoting the Annual Meeting on the 17吃瓜website and social media platforms.
  • Provide general office support (e.g., scanning, copying, ordering supplies, and processing mail, orders, and bills)
  • Assist with membership and donation mailings
  • Perform other office duties as assigned

Qualifications / Skills Desired:

  • General office skills
  • Customer service
  • Microsoft Office
  • Database management
  • Familiarity with social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and X/Twitter)
  • Graphic and image design and editing (Adobe Photoshop, Canva, etc.)
  • Website management (WordPress or similar)
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Attention to detail; ability to multitask and to prioritize

Compensation:听$15/hr

How To Apply:听E-mail your resume and a brief statement of interest to Marta Ostovich at听programs@asor.org. Please include your name and 鈥�17吃瓜Internship鈥� in the subject line.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the positions are filled.

17吃瓜is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or any other class protected by federal or state law (EEO/AA).

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Thank You FY24 Donors

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Photo of geological formations in the Wadi Tajnet, Libya.

Thank You FY 2024 Donors

Graph showing donor numbers for 2019 through 2024

We did it (again)!

This fiscal year (July 1, 2023鈥揓une 30, 2024) was a record one for ASOR. Donor numbers have been steadily increasing over the past couple of years and this year听905听of 17吃瓜members chose to make a gift of $5 or more! In addition, another 407 people made a gift of less than $5 (primarily from donations to cover credit card fees). Even better news鈥攖he cash donations in FY 2024 totaled more than $1,600,000!

Thanks to you, our generous donors, for helping 17吃瓜carry out our mission. It is truly gratifying to see our members and friends choosing to invest in ASOR. Please review听听who donated to make ASOR鈥檚 work possible this fiscal year. We are still updating and checking this list, so please contact us with any corrections or comments (info@asor.org).

Benefactor ($20k+) = 6
Patron ($10,000鈥�19,999) = 7
Friend ($5,000鈥�9,999) = 13
Sponsor ($1,000鈥�4,999) = 33
Sustainer ($500鈥�999) = 28
Supporter ($250鈥�499) = 27
Contributor ($100鈥�249) = 180
Donor ($25鈥�99.99) = 136
Ally ($5鈥�24.99) = 475
Gifts under $5 = 407

Why does high donor participation matter?

This large number of donors (almost half of ASOR鈥檚 membership) is something that distinguishes 17吃瓜from all other learned societies. And it matters, as the high level of donor participation from our membership engages the attention of foundations and major donors outside 17吃瓜and helps us attract gifts and support from them.

Your donations also enable 17吃瓜to carry out our mission. Subscriptions and memberships only account for about a quarter of our annual budget, so we rely on grants and donations from our members and friends. Even modest gifts add up to create significant support for ASOR, Truly, every donor is important, and every gift is meaningful.

Fiscal Year 2024 Honor Roll

Lifetime Honor Roll of Donors

17吃瓜Legacy Circle Members

OTHER WAYS TO DONATE

Donate By PhoneDonate By MailMake A Pledge
(Donate Later)
Call ASOR:
(703) 789-9229		ASOR
209 Commerce Street
Alexandria, VA 22314		E-mail听
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Collections Fellowship Report: Jon Paul Heyne

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2024 Collections Fellowship Report: Social Mobility of the Medieval Mediterranean: The Case of the Franciscan Custody

Jon Paul Heyne,听Assistant Professor of History at the University of Dallas

Shortly after the collapse of the Crusader States in the late thirteenth century, small bands of Franciscan friars traveled to Jerusalem to undertake a daunting task: the renewal of a Latin Christian presence in the Holy Land. Courting patronage from the monarchs and pontiffs of Europe and cooperation from the Mamluk sultans of Egypt, the friars succeeded in their project. Forming the Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land c.1333, they gained not only important rights at many of the Holy City鈥檚 Christian shrines but also ownership of plots of property鈥攚ith gardens, cisterns, and residences鈥攆irst on Mt. Sion in Jerusalem but then later in Bethlehem and Ramla.

Beyond significantly marking a new phase in Latin Christian relations with the Levant, this establishment of the Franciscan Custody demonstrates the social fluidity of the Late Medieval Mediterranean. In uprooting themselves from the Latin West to reside in the Islamic world of the Eastern Mediterranean, the Franciscans dramatically altered their social dynamics with numerous parties鈥攔ising in standing in the eyes of some, falling to a minority status in the eyes of others, and taking on social relations with many whom they would never have encountered without making the transit across the sea.

In front of the Franciscan Archivio Storico della Custodia di Terra Santa in Jerusalem. Photo courtesy of author.
In front of the Franciscan Archivio Storico della Custodia di Terra Santa in Jerusalem. Photo courtesy of author.

With generous funding from听ASOR鈥檚 Collections Fellowship听and the assistance of archivist Fr. Narcyz Klimas, I returned to the Franciscan Archivio Storico della Custodia di Terra Santa to hunt down several unedited purchase deeds related to the history of the Custody. Seemingly dull and overly formulaic, these deeds recount the friars鈥� acquisition of properties throughout the Holy Land and thus offer some of the most concrete evidence for the development and expansion of their presence in the region in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. Additionally, these records provide fascinating details on the Franciscans鈥� relationships with others in the area, illustrating how the friars negotiated with local Muslim authorities, Italian laywomen, merchants in Ramla, and Armenian archbishops (to name just a few). As I continue the work of transcribing and translating these documents, I offer my sincerest thanks to 17吃瓜and its donors for this opportunity to advance my research.

Examining one of the records related to the history of the Custody. Photo courtesy of author.
Examining one of the records related to the history of the Custody. Photo courtesy of author.
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Fieldwork Report: Emilie Nordhues

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The Other Side of Fieldwork

Emilie Nordhues, 2023 G. E. Wright Scholarship Recipient

This past summer I had the opportunity to participate in a study season for the Tel Dan excavation, a site at which I excavated in 2022. The aim of most study seasons is to work toward the publication of excavated material; a study season also provides time to re-examine the finds and stratigraphy from excavation and so test the interpretation of the data which was formed during excavation.

One of the main tasks of this study season was laying out all pottery from the same stratum (material of roughly the same time period at the site) and checking if any of the loci (a stratigraphic excavation unit, like a floor or a pit) contained unexpected material. Certain forms of pottery change more quickly, making them good indicators of date. Since we were working with material from the Late Bronze Age-Iron 1 transition we paid close attention to the cooking pots 鈥� in the Late Bronze Age these have an everted rim and in the Iron 1 they have a vertical rim. Thus, cooking pots were a good type of pottery to watch for anything unexpected within a locus or stratum. In an ideal world, all the pottery from the same stratum should reflect the same date.

Some of the pottery which we laid out 鈥� it frequently covered more than one table!
Some of the pottery which we laid out 鈥� it frequently covered more than one table!

There were many instances where the information gained from laying out the pottery matched our initial interpretations. In this case, it was good to have confirmation and it provided a great opportunity for me to grow more familiar with pottery forms. Other times we needed to adjust our interpretation when we reexamined the data. For example, we realized that part of one locus was mixed with later material from a pit which had been missed in excavation. When we returned to the field notes, this also matched observations about an area with a slightly different soil composition. While the pottery was out, several pieces were also selected for illustration.

A picture of me from the 2022 excavation season, featuring some of the pits which we did not miss. Photo credit: Sarah Harrington.
A picture of me from the 2022 excavation season, featuring some of the pits which we did not miss. Photo credit: Sarah Harrington.

Although much of the study season was spent looking over tables filled with pottery, this did not account for the entire study season. One of the more fun and satisfying things we got to do after laying out the pottery was restoration. Sometimes, excavations will recover a large portion of a vessel; if it is broken when it is discovered (which is very often the case), you do not always know how much of it was preserved. Restoration, then, is a three-dimensional puzzle to fit together pieces that belong to the same vessel. Depending on how many pieces the item was in, this can also clarify the original shape of the object.

Finally, work was also done to lay out other artifacts 鈥� excavations may also uncover figurines, tools, beads, and many other items that people used in the past. These can frequently reveal a lot about daily life. During the study season, we made sure that all these artifacts were accounted for and took photographs and measurements of many of them.听Decisions were also made about whether the Tel Dan team would be able to adequately research and publish this material or if an expert (e.g., in metalworking) would need to be called in to work with the material.

Partway through the restoration of a cooking pot rim 鈥� one of the first steps was always to figure out which pieces connected to each other; the color of the rim is due to char from the use of the cooking pot.
The same cooking pot, with restoration completed, representing all of the pieces which were found during excavation.
An example of other objects we looked at this summer 鈥� these are some of the grinding stone pieces from Tel Dan, which would have been used to grind grain.

All this work has helped move some of the Tel Dan material toward publication. After all, without a solid understanding of the stratigraphy and the artifacts from the site, it is very challenging to write a final report. I look forward to the eventual publication of this material! It will be very cool to see the next stage of the process when I know something of its excavation and study season work.

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听
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Emilie Nordhues is a graduate student in the Near Eastern Languages & Cultures Department at UCLA. Her research interests lie in the Achaemenid period and include dealing with identity formation, the impact of empire on daily life and religious practices, and the mobility and impact of various communities of practice (such as craftsmen).

听

Want to help more students and early career archaeologists get into the field? Donate to the cause today by selecting 鈥淓xcavation Scholarships鈥� as your gift purpose!

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Call for President and Secretary Nominations

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CALL FOR PRESIDENT & SECRETARY NOMINATIONS 2024

The Officers Nominations Committee of the American Society of Overseas Research announces a General Call for Candidates for service as Officers of the Corporation. All officers serve on the 17吃瓜Executive Committee. Nominating an officer is an important way for members to participate in the governance of their organization, and we encourage you to nominate or self-nominate!

Two听positions are currently open for nominations:

President of ASOR: this person leads the organization, supervises the Executive Director, and is the public face of ASOR. The term of office for this position is three years beginning January 1, 2026; however, the actual total minimum commitment will be five years with the first year (calendar year 2025) as President Elect, followed by a three-year term of office (calendar year 2026-28), and a final year as Past President (calendar year 2029). The position is renewable for a second three-year term. A general description of the Office of President and its responsibilities is in the听17吃瓜Bylaws听(see Article IV, Section 4.4). The President is expected to attend all appropriate meetings of the corporation and be available for other travel as necessary.

NOTE: After much discussion, the Board of Trustees approved the role of President Elect and reduced the term of Past President in May 2024. Both changes will require revision to the Bylaws, which we expect to be approved at the November meeting before voting on the President Elect. The changes were intended to shorten the total commitment required by an individual to serve as 17吃瓜President and thus potentially attract more nominations for this important office. A strong majority on the Board also felt there should be no expectation or preference for the 17吃瓜President to serve a second three-year term since we want to encourage nominations of individuals who plan to seek one term as well as those who might be interested in two terms.

Secretary of ASOR: this person is responsible for the minutes of all meetings of the corporation and acts as custodian of the official records of ASOR. The term of office for this position is three years beginning January 1, 2025. The position is renewable for a second three-year term. A general description of the Office of Secretary and its responsibilities is in the听17吃瓜Bylaws听(see Article IV, Section 4.9). The Secretary is expected to attend all appropriate meetings of the corporation.

Inquiries should be addressed to Bob Mullins (ramullins@apu.edu), Chair of the Officers Nominations Committee. The other members of the committee are Carol Meyers, Lisa Ackerman, Rick St.-Hilaire, and Sarah Costello, Sharon Herbert (ex-officio, voting), Sheldon Fox (ex-officio, voting), and Andy Vaughn (ex-officio, non-voting).

Nominations should include the candidate鈥檚 name, the position for which the candidate is nominated, a one-paragraph academic biography 鈥� including membership and activities in ASOR, a brief statement as to why the candidate would be appropriate for the position, and the candidate鈥檚 contact information. Self-nominations are encouraged. The Officers Nominations Committee will ask semi-finalists to submit further information, including, but not limited to, a CV and a vision statement.

Nominations should be submitted via e-mail to Bob Mullins (ramullins@apu.edu), Chair of the Officers Nominations Committee. Review of applications and nominations will begin on August 15, 2024, and continue until the position is filled.

The Officers Nominations Committee expects to present nominees for President Elect and Secretary to the 17吃瓜Board of Trustees for a vote at the November 24, 2024 Board meeting in Boston, MA.

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Personal Statement from ASOR’s President

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What We Lose in Wars. A Personal View from the President of ASOR.

I have served nearly 5 years as President of ASOR. Much of the past year, since October 7th, has been taken up in discussions about statements: should 17吃瓜as an organization say something, anything, about current political events, most urgently the war in Gaza? As a group dedicated to the study of the past from multiple viewpoints, we have elected for the most part (See ASOR鈥檚 single statement of Oct. 16th, 2023, behind which I still stand.) to remain silent. We are not as an organization taking sides. This has the dubious advantage of pleasing no one. 听Despite its disadvantages, I share the consensus of ASOR鈥檚 leadership鈥攎y fellow Officers, Executive Committee, and Board of Trustees鈥攖hat this is the best path for an organization that seeks to provide a welcoming forum where all our members feel free to express their opinions.

Today, I write my own thoughts as one archaeologist who has spent a long career documenting the past in Greece, Israel, and Egypt, and who has been entrusted with the leadership of 17吃瓜by you, its members.

Archaeologists love disasters. Perversely, destruction preserves. Fire bakes unfired clay into nearly indestructible ceramic. Paper documents are turned to ash; stones and pots bear silent witness to people forever lost. In our more macabre moments we archaeologists joke that we love nothing more than a good earthquake or volcanic eruption. We are the ambulance chasers of antiquity, examining, some would say desecrating, the dead in the name of science. We train ourselves to be dispassionate spectators, but of course that is impossible. Each of us, based on our own upbringing, background and experience, reacts viscerally to past and present acts of destruction and loss of life.

ASOR鈥檚 core mission is the preservation and study of antiquities in the Near East and wider Mediterranean. We cannot study what war has irrevocably destroyed. Today we face a war in Gaza that scholars estimate has damaged or destroyed at least 57% of all buildings in the territory鈥攖he Great Omari Mosque, Saint Porphyrios Greek Orthodox Church, and Pasha Museum in Gaza City to name only three that touch directly on ASOR鈥檚 fields of study. In recent years we have seen the destruction of countless sites in Syria and Iraq鈥攖he vast Hellenistic city of Dura-Europos reduced to looters鈥� potholes, much of Palmyra, rubble, countless lives lost and many others crippled.

I ask myself, we all ask ourselves, what can 17吃瓜do in the face of such destruction? Never enough. Beyond our core mission to initiate, encourage, and support research into, and public understanding of the history and cultures of the Near East we are striving to do what we can, where we can, when we can to help our colleagues in need. We pick up the pieces after disasters with our Shepherd Urgent Action Grants. We raise funds to help displaced students continue their educations, we work with local citizens to document and publish their pasts and present efforts to preserve them using open access computer programs. These are only a few of the things we are doing today as we strive to document and save the monuments of past peoples. It can never be enough; no number of monuments can compensate for even a single life lost; but with the help of our members we persevere鈥攐ne day, one memory at a time.

I am proud to be a member of 17吃瓜even in these dark times. I hope you are as well. I would welcome thoughts from you, our members, on more ways we can act positively in this troubled region.

Sharon Herbert
17吃瓜President
president@asor.org

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