Investigating the archaeological site of ancient Birsama in the northern Negev Desert.

The Birsama Exploration Project is an archaeological research project affiliated with Brandeis University and the University of Haifa that aims to explore the history of cross-cultural interactions, occupation, and trade at the site of ancient Birsama (modern Khirbet al-Far/Be’er Shema).

The Project

Read about current research at Birsama and the history of the site.

Fieldwork Opportunities

Learn more about fieldwork opportunities for students and volunteers & apply for the 2023 Field School

View fullsize The Birsama Exploration Project celebrated the end of its first excavation season with a cookout at Mitzpe Gvulot, the historic precursor settlement to Kibbutz Gvulot, the team’s home base when not on site. #birsama #brandeis #celebration #gv
View fullsize The Roman fort that we are investigating at Birsama was abandoned thousands of years ago. As is the case with the majority of archaeological sites around the world, however, life at Birsama continues today. Our archaeological site sits next to mode
View fullsize Last weekend, the Birsama team made a visit to Caesarea Maritima to learn more about the Levant’s Roman history. Caesarea Maritima (“by the sea”) was founded in the 1st century BCE by Herod the Great on the site of an earlier small
View fullsize Assistant Area Supervisor Tyler Lecours and one of our volunteers, Elizabeth Sprague, excavating a square in Area F. #archaeology #fieldwork #brandeis #birsama #birsamaexplorationproject
View fullsize Area Supervisor Dr. Inbal Samet demonstrates how to articulate a feature in Area F. #archaeology #brandeis #birsama #fieldwork
View fullsize What’s an archaeological excavation without dig cats? One of the many (and I mean many) kibbutz cats snuggling with our sand covered boots. #archaeology #brandeis #birsama #digcats #fieldwork

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