Boaz Zissu
Biographic Data
| ID | 223696 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Boaz Zissu |
| GIVEN NAMES | Boaz |
| FAMILY NAME | Zissu |
| SIGNATURE | ZISSU B |
| AFFILIATIONS | Bar-Ilan University |
| ORCID | 0000-0002-3405-2891 |
| VERIFIED | Yes |
| TOTAL WORKS | 24 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 17 |
| AUTHOR COUNT | 24 |
| EDITOR COUNT | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 1996 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2026 |
| H-INDEX | 3 |
Roads to the Holy City: An Integrated Archaeological and Spatial Analysis of Access Routes Leading to Jerusalemin the Second Century BCE–Seventh Century CE
This study presents a comprehensive analysis of Jerusalem’s transportation network by integrating archaeological evidence from rescue excavations with Geographic Information Systems (GIS)-based spatial analysis and literary sources. Three distinct development phases were observed. In the Hasmonean and Early Roman periods (63 BCE–70 CE), roads primarily served Jewish pilgrimage and were accompanied by religious infrastructure such as miqwa’ot (rit…
The Cave of “Yudan Sha’ul” at Ḥorbat Kishor, Southern Judean Shephelah
" ,1865/5970 " )"
A Burial Cave with a Greek Inscription and Graffiti at Khirbat el-‘Ein, Judean Shephelah
The cave, arranged along an east–west axis, comprises a courtyard, a vestibule, a burial chamber and an additional room. This plan is characteristic of burial caves dating to the first century CE in Jerusalem and the Judean Shephelah. The entranceway to the burial chamber was blocked by a roll-stone. The doorjambs of the inner section of the entranceway were smoothed and incised with a long Greek inscription that could not be deciphered, but migh…
A Second Temple Period Burial Cave from the Mount of Olives, Jerusalem
The Roman Mausoleum at Mazor: New Perspectives on an Outstanding Monument
This study reexamines the Roman mausoleum at Mazor (El’ad, Israel), focusing on its unique integrated columbarium installation and its significance within the broader context of the ancient eastern Mediterranean. Through archaeological analysis, architectural documentation, and AMS radiocarbon dating of mortar samples, the study establishes that the mausoleum was constructed during the 3rd–4th centuries CE, with the columbarium representing an or…
Between Text and Trowel: Archaeological Investigations at Hurbat Husham in the Judean Foothills and the Identification of Thamnata
This study presents results from archaeological surveys and excavations at Hurbat Husham, a strategic hill site in the Judean Foothills. Investigations reveal a Jewish settlement that existed from the Hellenistic period through the Bar Kokhba revolt (3rd century BCE - 136 CE). Key findings include a fortress-like structure at the summit, three ritual baths (miqva’ot), an underground hiding complex, rock-cut tombs, and a large elongated cistern. M…
Archaeological Explorations Above and Below Ground at Horvat Midras, Judean Foothills, Israel
Horvat Midras is situated in the central Judean Foothills, approximately 6 km northeast of the Roman city of Beth Guvrin–Eleutheropolis, alongside the primary Roman route to Jerusalem. At its zenith during the Roman period in the 1st century CE, the settlement spanned over 12 hectares, making it one of the largest ancient rural sites in the area. This Jewish settlement was destroyed during the Bar Kokhba Revolt (132–136 CE).Our excavation team un…
Wine Production in the Byzantine Winepresses of Southern Israel: Insights from a Statistical Analysis
This paper focuses on various technological aspects of Byzantine winepresses. The Byzantine period presents a unique point in time when the increased demand for wine from the Southern Levant is attested by the introduction of new elements in the architecture and design of the winepress. Whereas past studies have stressed the importance of the introduction of the screw-press, it is shown here that this is but one of numerous features that helped i…
Pilgrimage Pathways: Burial Monuments and Road Networks in Early Roman Jerusalem
Several clusters of monumental tombs from the Early Roman period have been found in the vicinity of Jerusalem. Monumental tombs are characterized by their size, grandeur, and exceptional decorations, which surpass functional requirements. They may be constructed or carved out of rock, sometimes with an impressive monument built above or beside them that stands out in the surrounding area. Dozens of burial complexes with monumental characteristics…
Is Azekah Really the Hometown of Micah the Morasthite: Some Critical Remarks
In a recent article, Oded Lipschits and Jakob Wöhrle argue for Tel Azekah as the hometown of the biblical prophet Micah of Moresheth Gath. However, the main arguments are not convincing and can easily be refuted. Above all, the overall rejection of the patristic sources is methodologically questionable and cannot stand up to scrutiny since the alleged contradictoriness does not exist within the Christian topographical tradition. Moreover, it can …
Oil Lamps, Spearheads and Skulls: Possible Evidence of Necromancy during Late Antiquity in the Te’omim Cave, Judean Hills
The Te’omim Cave is a large karst cave located in the Jerusalem Hills. Since 2009, the cave has been explored by our team as a joint project of the Martin (Szusz) Department of Land of Israel Studies and Archaeology at Bar-Ilan University and the Cave Research Center at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Over 120 intact oil lamps were collected in the 2010–2016 survey seasons from all sections of the cave; most of them were dated to the second t…
Archaeological explorations at ‘En Qobi in the Jerusalem Highlands and the identification of Qube/Qubi
The article presents the results of archaeological excavations and surveys undertaken at and near the spring of ‘En Qobi. ‘En Qobi is a spring in the upper reaches of Nahal Qobi, a tributary of Nahal Refai’m, West of Jerusalem. There is evidence of human activity near the spring from the Bronze Age to the present – a span of approximately 3,000 years. The article presents and discusses (a) the spring and its water system; (b) partial excavations …
An Underground Rock-Cut Shrine near Amatsya, Judean Foothills, Israel
This article presents our documentation of a previously unidentified subterranean complex located near Amatsya, Israel. The study revolves primarily around an examination of the architecture, decorations, and letters carved on the walls of an underground rock-cut hall. The layout of the hall bears a striking resemblance to sacred architecture prevalent in the region since the Middle Bronze Age, while its decorative elements are linked to earlier …
A Set of Roman Belt Fittings. A Beneficiarius Legati Legionis III Cyrenaicae
In this paper we present bronze objects from the third century CE, including military belt fittings and a plate that adorned a box or coffin. The provenance of the objects is unknown. The importance of publishing them stems from the rare mention of the name of a Roman legion, the juxtaposition of facts relevant to their dating with the geographical context, and the paucity of similar known exemplars. Having analyzed the data, we can cautiously su…
The Boule of Baitolethepha (Beit-Nattif): Evidence for Village and Toparchy Administration in Judea
A clay seal from the collection of the late professor Dan Barag bears an inscription The Boule of Baitolethepha . The village of Baitolethepha (Beit-Nattif/Pella) was the administrative center of a Toparchy in Judea. This seal seems to prove that central toparchy villages, at least in Roman period Judea, had local councils called boulai and that this type of institution was not exclusive to poleis
Sharp force trauma to a 1,000-year-old skull from the Jerusalem mountains
Well-preserved human skull, two upper vertebral bodies, and bones of the right hand were found in a remote cave in the Jerusalem mountains. The individual was identified as an adult male, 30-40 years old, who was C-14 dated to the 11th century. It was attributed to the local, Bedouin population. The skull manifested four sharp force trauma lesions, resulted from interpersonal violence in different occasions: Two represent past events, one is peri…
Intentional, dual purpose of ancient wine presses as cisterns for runoff water harvesting in drylands
Rock-quarried wine presses were prevalent across the Mediterranean Basin throughout ancient times and particularly during the Late Roman and Byzantine ages. Archeological surveys have uncovered many presses across Israel. Overall, a ratio of ~5 m −1 has been recorded between treading floor area (in m 2 ) and volume of collecting vat (in m 3 ). A recent survey of two presses located at the transition zone between the semi-arid northern Negev, Jude…
Hasmonaean Modiʽin and Byzantine Moditha: A Topographical–historical and Archaeological Assessment
The location of ancient Modi‘in, the hometown of the Hasmonaeans – as mentioned in 1 Maccabees and the writings of Josephus – has been in dispute ever since geographical–historical research on the site began. In this paper we explore the various possible locations for Modi‘in and propose a different geographical solution to the problem
In-situ dating of ancient quarries and the source of flowstone (‘calcite-alabaster’) artifacts in the southern Levant
New Discoveries at Horvat Burgin in the Judean Shephelah: Tombs, Hiding Complexes, and Graffiti
Horvat Burgin (Khirbet Umm Burj) occupies the summit of a hill in the Judean Shephelah. This article presents the results of archaeological fieldwork undertaken by the authors from 1995 to 2008, focusing on rock-cut underground cavities that had served as burial caves, hiding complexes, and agricultural installations. Most of the features discussed had been plundered; only one burial complex was found sealed. The article reviews the main issues p…
Archaeological remains of the Bar Kokhba Revolt in the Te'omim Cave ( Mŭghâret Umm et Tûeimîn ), Western Jerusalem Hills
The Te'omim Cave is a large natural cave, located in the Jerusalem hills. The article presents the results of an archaeological survey in the hard-to-reach section of the cave. Archaeological finds, as hoards of coins, weapons, fragmentary human bones, pottery and oil lamps from the time of the Bar Kokhba Revolt were discovered in situ . The finds attest that the cave served as the last place of refuge for rebels who met there their death. The hi…
Horvat ̔Ethri-A Jewish Village from the Second Temple Period and the Bar Kokhba Revolt in the Judean Foothills
The ancient site is located in the Judaean Shephelah, on an elongated ridge. It was founded at the end of the Persian period. The village was at its largest in the first century CE, covering an area of c. 12 dunams. Based on finds of at least four ritual baths ( miqwa̓ot ), stone vessels, pottery types, oil lamps and the coins assemblage, its inhabitants were most likely Jewish. The village was abandoned following the Jewish War against the Roman…
The Identification of the Copper Scroll's Kahelet at ‘Ein Samiya in the Samarian Desert
A Graffito Depicting a Horseman from the Jddaean Foothills
Description d'un graffite representant un cavalier et son cheval grave sur la paroi d'une grotte situee a Khirbet Zichri, datant soit de la periode (hellenistique) de creusement de la grotte, soit de la periode romaine
In-situ dating of ancient quarries and the source of flowstone (‘calcite-alabaster’) artifacts in the southern Levant
Horvat ̔Ethri-A Jewish Village from the Second Temple Period and the Bar Kokhba Revolt in the Judean Foothills
The ancient site is located in the Judaean Shephelah, on an elongated ridge. It was founded at the end of the Persian period. The village was at its largest in the first century CE, covering an area of c. 12 dunams. Based on finds of at least four ritual baths ( miqwa̓ot ), stone vessels, pottery types, oil lamps and the coins assemblage, its inhabitants were most likely Jewish. The village was abandoned following the Jewish War against the Roman…
Archaeological remains of the Bar Kokhba Revolt in the Te'omim Cave ( Mŭghâret Umm et Tûeimîn ), Western Jerusalem Hills
The Te'omim Cave is a large natural cave, located in the Jerusalem hills. The article presents the results of an archaeological survey in the hard-to-reach section of the cave. Archaeological finds, as hoards of coins, weapons, fragmentary human bones, pottery and oil lamps from the time of the Bar Kokhba Revolt were discovered in situ . The finds attest that the cave served as the last place of refuge for rebels who met there their death. The hi…
Sharp force trauma to a 1,000-year-old skull from the Jerusalem mountains
Well-preserved human skull, two upper vertebral bodies, and bones of the right hand were found in a remote cave in the Jerusalem mountains. The individual was identified as an adult male, 30-40 years old, who was C-14 dated to the 11th century. It was attributed to the local, Bedouin population. The skull manifested four sharp force trauma lesions, resulted from interpersonal violence in different occasions: Two represent past events, one is peri…
Intentional, dual purpose of ancient wine presses as cisterns for runoff water harvesting in drylands
Rock-quarried wine presses were prevalent across the Mediterranean Basin throughout ancient times and particularly during the Late Roman and Byzantine ages. Archeological surveys have uncovered many presses across Israel. Overall, a ratio of ~5 m −1 has been recorded between treading floor area (in m 2 ) and volume of collecting vat (in m 3 ). A recent survey of two presses located at the transition zone between the semi-arid northern Negev, Jude…
New Discoveries at Horvat Burgin in the Judean Shephelah: Tombs, Hiding Complexes, and Graffiti
Horvat Burgin (Khirbet Umm Burj) occupies the summit of a hill in the Judean Shephelah. This article presents the results of archaeological fieldwork undertaken by the authors from 1995 to 2008, focusing on rock-cut underground cavities that had served as burial caves, hiding complexes, and agricultural installations. Most of the features discussed had been plundered; only one burial complex was found sealed. The article reviews the main issues p…
A Graffito Depicting a Horseman from the Jddaean Foothills
Description d'un graffite representant un cavalier et son cheval grave sur la paroi d'une grotte situee a Khirbet Zichri, datant soit de la periode (hellenistique) de creusement de la grotte, soit de la periode romaine
The Identification of the Copper Scroll's Kahelet at ‘Ein Samiya in the Samarian Desert
Horvat ̔Ethri-A Jewish Village from the Second Temple Period and the Bar Kokhba Revolt in the Judean Foothills
The ancient site is located in the Judaean Shephelah, on an elongated ridge. It was founded at the end of the Persian period. The village was at its largest in the first century CE, covering an area of c. 12 dunams. Based on finds of at least four ritual baths ( miqwa̓ot ), stone vessels, pottery types, oil lamps and the coins assemblage, its inhabitants were most likely Jewish. The village was abandoned following the Jewish War against the Roman…
Archaeological remains of the Bar Kokhba Revolt in the Te'omim Cave ( Mŭghâret Umm et Tûeimîn ), Western Jerusalem Hills
The Te'omim Cave is a large natural cave, located in the Jerusalem hills. The article presents the results of an archaeological survey in the hard-to-reach section of the cave. Archaeological finds, as hoards of coins, weapons, fragmentary human bones, pottery and oil lamps from the time of the Bar Kokhba Revolt were discovered in situ . The finds attest that the cave served as the last place of refuge for rebels who met there their death. The hi…
In-situ dating of ancient quarries and the source of flowstone (‘calcite-alabaster’) artifacts in the southern Levant
New Discoveries at Horvat Burgin in the Judean Shephelah: Tombs, Hiding Complexes, and Graffiti
Horvat Burgin (Khirbet Umm Burj) occupies the summit of a hill in the Judean Shephelah. This article presents the results of archaeological fieldwork undertaken by the authors from 1995 to 2008, focusing on rock-cut underground cavities that had served as burial caves, hiding complexes, and agricultural installations. Most of the features discussed had been plundered; only one burial complex was found sealed. The article reviews the main issues p…
Hasmonaean Modiʽin and Byzantine Moditha: A Topographical–historical and Archaeological Assessment
The location of ancient Modi‘in, the hometown of the Hasmonaeans – as mentioned in 1 Maccabees and the writings of Josephus – has been in dispute ever since geographical–historical research on the site began. In this paper we explore the various possible locations for Modi‘in and propose a different geographical solution to the problem
Intentional, dual purpose of ancient wine presses as cisterns for runoff water harvesting in drylands
Rock-quarried wine presses were prevalent across the Mediterranean Basin throughout ancient times and particularly during the Late Roman and Byzantine ages. Archeological surveys have uncovered many presses across Israel. Overall, a ratio of ~5 m −1 has been recorded between treading floor area (in m 2 ) and volume of collecting vat (in m 3 ). A recent survey of two presses located at the transition zone between the semi-arid northern Negev, Jude…
Sharp force trauma to a 1,000-year-old skull from the Jerusalem mountains
Well-preserved human skull, two upper vertebral bodies, and bones of the right hand were found in a remote cave in the Jerusalem mountains. The individual was identified as an adult male, 30-40 years old, who was C-14 dated to the 11th century. It was attributed to the local, Bedouin population. The skull manifested four sharp force trauma lesions, resulted from interpersonal violence in different occasions: Two represent past events, one is peri…
The Boule of Baitolethepha (Beit-Nattif): Evidence for Village and Toparchy Administration in Judea
A clay seal from the collection of the late professor Dan Barag bears an inscription The Boule of Baitolethepha . The village of Baitolethepha (Beit-Nattif/Pella) was the administrative center of a Toparchy in Judea. This seal seems to prove that central toparchy villages, at least in Roman period Judea, had local councils called boulai and that this type of institution was not exclusive to poleis
A Set of Roman Belt Fittings. A Beneficiarius Legati Legionis III Cyrenaicae
In this paper we present bronze objects from the third century CE, including military belt fittings and a plate that adorned a box or coffin. The provenance of the objects is unknown. The importance of publishing them stems from the rare mention of the name of a Roman legion, the juxtaposition of facts relevant to their dating with the geographical context, and the paucity of similar known exemplars. Having analyzed the data, we can cautiously su…
Is Azekah Really the Hometown of Micah the Morasthite: Some Critical Remarks
In a recent article, Oded Lipschits and Jakob Wöhrle argue for Tel Azekah as the hometown of the biblical prophet Micah of Moresheth Gath. However, the main arguments are not convincing and can easily be refuted. Above all, the overall rejection of the patristic sources is methodologically questionable and cannot stand up to scrutiny since the alleged contradictoriness does not exist within the Christian topographical tradition. Moreover, it can …
Oil Lamps, Spearheads and Skulls: Possible Evidence of Necromancy during Late Antiquity in the Te’omim Cave, Judean Hills
The Te’omim Cave is a large karst cave located in the Jerusalem Hills. Since 2009, the cave has been explored by our team as a joint project of the Martin (Szusz) Department of Land of Israel Studies and Archaeology at Bar-Ilan University and the Cave Research Center at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Over 120 intact oil lamps were collected in the 2010–2016 survey seasons from all sections of the cave; most of them were dated to the second t…
Archaeological explorations at ‘En Qobi in the Jerusalem Highlands and the identification of Qube/Qubi
The article presents the results of archaeological excavations and surveys undertaken at and near the spring of ‘En Qobi. ‘En Qobi is a spring in the upper reaches of Nahal Qobi, a tributary of Nahal Refai’m, West of Jerusalem. There is evidence of human activity near the spring from the Bronze Age to the present – a span of approximately 3,000 years. The article presents and discusses (a) the spring and its water system; (b) partial excavations …
An Underground Rock-Cut Shrine near Amatsya, Judean Foothills, Israel
This article presents our documentation of a previously unidentified subterranean complex located near Amatsya, Israel. The study revolves primarily around an examination of the architecture, decorations, and letters carved on the walls of an underground rock-cut hall. The layout of the hall bears a striking resemblance to sacred architecture prevalent in the region since the Middle Bronze Age, while its decorative elements are linked to earlier …
Wine Production in the Byzantine Winepresses of Southern Israel: Insights from a Statistical Analysis
This paper focuses on various technological aspects of Byzantine winepresses. The Byzantine period presents a unique point in time when the increased demand for wine from the Southern Levant is attested by the introduction of new elements in the architecture and design of the winepress. Whereas past studies have stressed the importance of the introduction of the screw-press, it is shown here that this is but one of numerous features that helped i…
Pilgrimage Pathways: Burial Monuments and Road Networks in Early Roman Jerusalem
Several clusters of monumental tombs from the Early Roman period have been found in the vicinity of Jerusalem. Monumental tombs are characterized by their size, grandeur, and exceptional decorations, which surpass functional requirements. They may be constructed or carved out of rock, sometimes with an impressive monument built above or beside them that stands out in the surrounding area. Dozens of burial complexes with monumental characteristics…
The Cave of “Yudan Sha’ul” at Ḥorbat Kishor, Southern Judean Shephelah
" ,1865/5970 " )"
A Burial Cave with a Greek Inscription and Graffiti at Khirbat el-‘Ein, Judean Shephelah
The cave, arranged along an east–west axis, comprises a courtyard, a vestibule, a burial chamber and an additional room. This plan is characteristic of burial caves dating to the first century CE in Jerusalem and the Judean Shephelah. The entranceway to the burial chamber was blocked by a roll-stone. The doorjambs of the inner section of the entranceway were smoothed and incised with a long Greek inscription that could not be deciphered, but migh…
A Second Temple Period Burial Cave from the Mount of Olives, Jerusalem
The Roman Mausoleum at Mazor: New Perspectives on an Outstanding Monument
This study reexamines the Roman mausoleum at Mazor (El’ad, Israel), focusing on its unique integrated columbarium installation and its significance within the broader context of the ancient eastern Mediterranean. Through archaeological analysis, architectural documentation, and AMS radiocarbon dating of mortar samples, the study establishes that the mausoleum was constructed during the 3rd–4th centuries CE, with the columbarium representing an or…
Between Text and Trowel: Archaeological Investigations at Hurbat Husham in the Judean Foothills and the Identification of Thamnata
This study presents results from archaeological surveys and excavations at Hurbat Husham, a strategic hill site in the Judean Foothills. Investigations reveal a Jewish settlement that existed from the Hellenistic period through the Bar Kokhba revolt (3rd century BCE - 136 CE). Key findings include a fortress-like structure at the summit, three ritual baths (miqva’ot), an underground hiding complex, rock-cut tombs, and a large elongated cistern. M…
Archaeological Explorations Above and Below Ground at Horvat Midras, Judean Foothills, Israel
Horvat Midras is situated in the central Judean Foothills, approximately 6 km northeast of the Roman city of Beth Guvrin–Eleutheropolis, alongside the primary Roman route to Jerusalem. At its zenith during the Roman period in the 1st century CE, the settlement spanned over 12 hectares, making it one of the largest ancient rural sites in the area. This Jewish settlement was destroyed during the Bar Kokhba Revolt (132–136 CE).Our excavation team un…
Roads to the Holy City: An Integrated Archaeological and Spatial Analysis of Access Routes Leading to Jerusalemin the Second Century BCE–Seventh Century CE
This study presents a comprehensive analysis of Jerusalem’s transportation network by integrating archaeological evidence from rescue excavations with Geographic Information Systems (GIS)-based spatial analysis and literary sources. Three distinct development phases were observed. In the Hasmonean and Early Roman periods (63 BCE–70 CE), roads primarily served Jewish pilgrimage and were accompanied by religious infrastructure such as miqwa’ot (rit…
Archaeology and Historical Studies (22 works) · Archaeology (21 works) · History (17 works) · Geography (16 works) · Ancient history (15 works) · Art (14 works) · Ancient Mediterranean Archaeology and History (13 works) · Biblical Studies and Interpretation (8 works) · Cave (8 works) · History (7 works)