Bet She’an

During June–July 2001 a salvage excavation was conducted in central Bet She’an, north of Ha-Arba‘a Avenue (Permit No. A-3454*; map ref. NIG 2470/7114; OIG 1970/2114), prior to the construction of a local medical clinic (Quppat Holim branch). The excavation, on behalf of the Antiquities Authority and financed by Quppat Holim (Health Maintenance Organization), was directed by K. Covello-Paran with the assistance of Y. Ya‘aqobi (administration), V. Essman and V. Pirsky (surveying) and H. Tahan (find drawing). A probe trench (License No. G-55/2001; map ref. NIG 247015–80/711425–50; OIG 197015–80/211425–50) was excavated by M. Arazi, using a pneumatic excavator, with the assistance of B. Arubas (surveying), on behalf of the Hebrew University Expedition to Bet She’an. This trench extended southeast of the IAA excavation and was meant to confirm or refute the existence of a water aqueduct to Bet She’an-Scythopolis. During March 2003 a salvage excavation was conducted on the southern side of the new General Health Center building in Bet She‘an (Permit No. A-3862*; map ref. NIG 247063–8/711441–46; OIG 197063–8/211441–46), prior to development work. The excavation, on behalf of the Antiquities Authority and funded by Quppat Holim, was directed by B. Hana, assisted by B. Arubas (surveying).