School of Archaeology and Maritime Cultures
excavated on land and underwater.
The School of Archaeology and Maritime Cultures (SAMC) aims to create a new trajectory for archaeological research in Israel and abroad. The School will be the first in Israel to integrate a full range of archaeological activities – on land and at sea – under one roof. Building on the University’s excellent reputation in archaeology and maritime civilizations research, SAMC will introduce new fields of archaeological sciences and material cultural heritage – both unique in Israel.
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The Project
The four-track School of Archaeology and Maritime Cultures (SAMC) offers a unique and vibrant research program that addresses the most current challenges in archaeology.
Headed by world-renowned Israeli archaeologist Prof. Israel Finkelstein, SAMC will house one of the largest archaeological research communities in Israel and state-of-the-art research laboratories. With a full range of degree programs, the School will enable University of Haifa to compete for the best doctoral students and outstanding post-doctoral fellows, and prepare them for leading roles in archaeology today. The School offers programs in English for international students in all four departments:
The Department of Archaeology is committed to advancing and transforming our understanding of the past landscape, material culture and history of Israel through innovative research and teaching (BA, MA and PhD degrees). Faculty members lead excavations at key sites all over Israel, including the prehistoric caves on Mount Carmel, the port town of Tel Dor, Roman Banias, and the town of Shivta in the Negev desert.
The Department of Maritime Civilizations is the only one in Israel and is considered a world leader in underwater archaeology. Through its research and teaching (MA and PhD degrees), the Department investigates the interrelationships between humans and the Mediterranean Sea through the interlocking disciplines of underwater and coastal archaeology, geology and geo-archaeology, history and ecology.
The Department of Archaeological Sciences (opening in 2023) will conduct exact-science driven archaeological research and education. The focus will be on expanding key research areas such as botanical archaeology, archaeological bio/geochemistry, and archaeological organic residues and materials.
The Department of Conservation of Material Culture (opening in 2022) will apply conservation science and methods for the protection of cultural heritage from the past that we live with today and pass on to future generations. The only such department in Israel, it will address issues like climate change and development pressure, preservation of cultural heritage on land and underwater, and novel ways to engage policymakers and stakeholders on a local and global level.
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