Overview

This is the first volume in the publication of the results of the Magdala Archaeological Project, supported by the Anahuac University Mexico and the Instituto de Investiagciones Antroplógicas de la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. It addresses the history of archaeological interest in Magdala, the academic debate about its location, and insights into the synagogue discovered by the Israel Antiquities Authority in 2009. Subsequent chapters provide detailed analyses of archaeological materials, revealing various aspects of life in Magdala. Topics include fragrances, medicines, and colours; limestone vessels as indicators of Jewish presence; animal economy; tools related to fishing, a predominant activity in settlements along the Sea of Galilee; and various metal objects. Reports on unique objects, i.e. the gladius hispaniensis sword, an intaglio with inscription, a Rhodian stamp, and, finally, a report on the conservation and restoration work we have carried out, are also included. More than being a purely technical report, this work is the first account of the historical-archaeological context of Magdala/Taricheae, providing initial interpretations that, together with the reports to be published in the second volume, will offer an objective view of the settlement from the late Hellenistic period to the beginning of the Late Roman period.

Full Product Details

Author:   Marcela Zapata-Meza (Professor of History of the Middle East, Universidad Anáhuac México)
Publisher:   Archaeopress
Imprint:   Archaeopress Archaeology
Weight:   0.973kg
ISBN:  

9781803279831

ISBN 10:   1803279834
Pages:   196
Publication Date:   13 November 2025
Audience:   Professional and scholarly ,  Professional & Vocational
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   Manufactured on demand  
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Table of Contents

The Magdala Archaeological Project 2010-2017  Introduction: Magdala Archaeological Project. A Brief Reflection – Marcela Zapata-Meza Historiography: History of Expeditions and Historical Context – Rosaura Sanz-Rincón A Study of Magdala’s First Synagogue: Identification Layout, and Context of the Synagogue Discovered in 2009 – Jordan J. Ryan with Marcela Zapata-Meza Fragrances, Medicines, and Colours in Ancient Magdala – Ma. Luisa Vázquez de Ágredos Pascual, Cristina Expósito de Vicente Chalk Vessels Found at Magdala: The Finds and Their Ritual Context – Yonatan Adler The Animal Economy of Migdal – Miriam Pines Magdala Metal Finds and Their Metallurgy – J.A. Shapiro and S. Shalev Introduction to the Typological Study of Metal Artifacts Recovered from the Archaeological Site at Magdala – Marco Antonio Cervera Obregón Preliminary Study of a Roman Sword from the Archaeological Site of Magdala, Israel – Marco Antonio Cervera Obregón Intaglio with an Inscription from Magdala (Israel) – Pablo Ozcáriz-Gil Rhodian Stamp ΔΑΜΟΚΡΑΤΗΣ I – Manel García Sánchez Preserving Magdala’s Heritage: Insights from the Conservation of Ancient Plasters – Gonzalo Sieiro Ortega

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Author Information

Marcela Zapata-Meza is a prominent Mexican archaeologist specialising in biblical archaeology and the historical study of ancient Israel. She is director of the Magdala Archaeological Project and professor at the Universidad Anáhuac México. Zapata-Meza’s interdisciplinary approach integrates archaeology, history and biblical texts, offering significant insights into the life and culture of ancient Jewish communities. Her contributions extend beyond academia, engaging the public through lectures, publications and media appearances, at the same time helping to raise the international profile of Mexican archaeology.

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