The Temple Mount archaeological excavations began in February 1968 and were conducted for 10 consecutive years. Directed by Professor Benjamin Mazar under the auspices of the Institute of Archaeology of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. These excavations were at the time the largest archaeological endeavor undertaken in the State of Israel.

Eight years after the end of the initial project, the excavations resumed, focusing on the First Temple period building complex located in the eastern part of the site, under the direction of Benjamin Mazar’s granddaughter, Dr. Eilat Mazar, an archaeologist at the institute of Archaeology of the Hebrew University.

Since 1995, Dr. Mazar has headed the Scientific Publication Project, which has documented the results of the excavations conducted since 1968, to be published in the Institute’s Qedem Monograph Series.

The Israel Antiquities Authority conducted further excavations at the site in preparation for its opening as a national park. Easy access is now possible to the most important remains, which are comprehensively described in The Complete Guide to the Temple Mount Excavations and on the Internet at TempleMountArchaeology.org.

Like the Complete Guide, TempleMountArchaeology.org seeks to make the site’s impressive remains, as well as their historical significance in the context of the historical legacy of Jerusalem, accessible to the largest audience possible.

The Temple Mount excavations have provided a rare opportunity for tangible contact with the magnificent remains of the wonderfully rich past of Jerusalem. Many deserve thanks for this, among them the workers and volunteers from Israel and abroad, and the institutions and individuals that unflinchingly supported the excavations with their encouragement, as well as with their financial contributions.

You can support the Scientific Publication Project and make the rich history of the Temple Mount come alive to people around the world. To contribute to Temple Mount Archaeology, please contact Dr. Eilat Mazar. ♦