Ramstein members can take part in archaeological expedition in Jordan

Trinity Southwest University and the Jordanian Department of Antiquities is offering an opportunity to join an archeological expedition in Jordan from Jan. 8 to 17, 2011 (only five duty days).

The excavation has been designed as a packaged adventure and includes all expenses (four star hotel, resort and spa located on the Dead Sea, meals, all transportation, guided tours of Petra and Madaba and the excavation program).

The cost will be approximately $2,500 per person. For more information, Ken Schath and Maj. Gerald Smith are offering an archaeology presentation on the project from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. July 26 in the Ramstein North Chapel conference room. The presentation will include a slide show of previous excavation seasons, show some artifacts found during previous seasons and explain costs and itinerary. The expedition is limited to 20 individuals.

“Any active duty or civilian may sign-up for this opportunity,” Major Smith said.
Mr. Schath has been traveling to Jordan annually for four consecutive years excavating at Tall el-Hammam while working on his Ph.D. in biblical archeology. The site is situated 7 miles north of the Dead Sea and 9 miles east of the Jordan River. This site covers the historical occupation from 4,000 B.C. to 70 C.E.

The project is a partnership with the Department of Antiquities for the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and Trinity Southwest University. Excavation is being conducted on one of the largest middle bronze fortification walls in the world.

“The 2011 excavation will also include work on a temple the continued excavation of a Roman building and the excavation and survey of tombs,” Mr. Schath said.
Mr. Schath is the field supervisor for all burial areas. This includes cave tombs, shaft tombs, Dolmans and stone formations.

For the 2011 excavation, the Tall el-Hammam excavation project needs volunteers. Mr. Schath and Major Smith have developed a 10-day expedition to help with this excavation. The expedition will include excavation of areas that haven’t been touched in 5,000 years.

“This is an opportunity of a lifetime to visit a biblical site in the true context of Moses,” Major Smith said.

(Courtesy of Maj. Gerald Smith)