In spite of Prof. Hirschfeld's illness, which no doubt affected the work in the field during October - November, 2006, he was able to enjoy seeing both small finds and architecture discovered during this season. The excavation focused on uncovering more of the basilica complex in order to better understand its various building stages.

At the end of the previous season, March – April 2006, we discovered what might be a monumental entrance to the basilica from its southern side; as well as a large staircase leading up to the building's south-eastern corner. During this upcoming, final season one of the goals is to discover the basilica's main entrance, most likely located on the western side.

During the March 2008 season we plan to address additional specific issues that will enhance current information to be included in the publication of the Final Report of Prof. Hirschfeld's excavations in Tiberias. In addition to locating the basilica's main entrance, we will search for its western boundary, as well as for the eastern boundary of the colonnaded structure, previously excavated by B. Ravani in 1954-1956 and again by Prof. Hirschfeld in 2004. Connecting the colonnaded building with the basilica building by a series of excavation squares will hopefully determine the relationship between the buildings and acquire information as to the function of each structure. There is also an early wall found beneath the colonnaded building. Here, it may be possible to obtain more accurate dating and to form a better idea of the urban layout of ancient Tiberias throughout its history.
 

Upon completion of the March-April, 2008 season, much work will yet be left unaccomplished at this fascinating site. But the better we understand the city center, the more information and finds which we obtain that help explain the architecture and material culture of ancient Tiberias, the more comprehensive the Final Report will be. Publication of the Final Report will be an important source for both scholars and laymen interested in the history, culture and lifestyle of one of Israel's most interesting cities. Bringing to light the results of the Tiberias

Excavations is a fitting memorial honoring Prof. Hirschfeld's many years of work and research of this city.

The March 2008 season of excavations will be conducted over a period of four weeks, beginning March 8th and concluding April 3rd. Each work week is five days, beginning with checking in to the hotel on Saturday night, excavating Sunday through Thursday and checking out Thursday after lunch. Minimum participation is one work week.

The time schedule for a typical work-day in the field is:
5:45am – Coffee and cake at the hotel
6:00am – Leave for the site (10 minute walk along the promenade by the Sea of Galilee)
6:15am – Begin excavating
9:30am – Breakfast
10:00am – Resume excavating
12:00 noon – Fruit/coffee break
12:15pm - Resume excavating
2:00pm – 3:00pm End excavating and lunch in the field.
3:00pm – 4:00pm Pottery washing.
7:00pm – Dinner at the hotel
8:00pm – Lecture

* Schedule subject to changes, exact schedules will be sent to volunteers before the beginning of the season.

All volunteers will be expected to excavate, wash pottery and take turns with meal set up and clean up.

For those volunteers who find actual excavating physically challenging, there are less strenuous, equally important jobs, such as pottery washing and cleaning of small finds which are carried out daily.

The weekly fee for full room and board is $370 per person, per room in a double room and $470 per person, per room in a single room. (Check in on Saturday night and check out on Thursday after lunch). Discounts are available for students and for volunteers who sign up for two weeks or longer. The prices above include all lectures and field trips during the period of your stay.

Each week includes a field trip to a nearby archaeological site. (Since these excursions are usually scheduled for Tuesday afternoons; pottery washing and lectures are not held on field trip days.) There will be two lectures during the week, given by the staff or other specialists, who will speak about Archaeology and the History of Israel.