A 1964 discovery of a seal tentatively identified as belonging to Queen Jezebel marked a high point in the long career of Nahman Avigad. An archaeologist who migrated to Mandatory Palestine in 1926, Avigad bridged the gap between early synagogue excavations and the large-scale reconstruction of the Jewish Quarter in the Old City of Jerusalem.
Early Training and Academic Roots
Born in 1905 in Zavaliv, Avigad pursued architectural studies in Brno before relocating to Mandatory Palestine. His academic trajectory led him to the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, where he eventually joined the faculty in 1949. By 1952, he had completed his doctoral dissertation, which focused on the historic tombs within the Kidron Valley of Jerusalem. He continued teaching at the university until his retirement in 1974.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Field Excavations and Methodology
Avigad participated in early excavations at the Beth Alpha and Hamat Gader synagogues. In 1953, he assumed direction of the digs at Beit She'arim. His fieldwork expanded to include the mountaintop complex at Masada and various cave explorations throughout the Judean desert. He was also credited with the publication of one of the Dead Sea Scrolls, solidifying his reputation as a scholar of ancient Hebrew inscriptions.
The Jewish Quarter Project
In 1969, Avigad began a significant excavation project in the Jewish Quarter of the Old City. His team recovered the Burnt House, providing physical evidence for the destruction during the Jewish Revolt. Other notable finds included remnants of the Broad Wall from the reign of King Hezekiah, an 80-foot section of fortification, and the Israelite Tower. He also unearthed fifth-century infrastructure, including a road known as the Cardo and remains of the Byzantine Nea Church.
Legacy and Recognition
Throughout his career, Avigad received numerous distinctions, including the Bialik Prize for Jewish thought in 1954 and the Israel Prize for Land of Israel studies in 1977. He also received the Percia Schimmel Prize in 1979 and was named a Worthy Citizen of Jerusalem in 1984. He documented his research extensively, culminating in his 1983 book, Discovering Jerusalem. Avigad passed away in 1992 and was buried at Har HaMenuchot.
Fast facts
- Born: 1905, Zavaliv
- Died: 1992, Jerusalem
- PhD: 1952, Hebrew University of Jerusalem
- Bialik Prize: 1954
- Israel Prize: 1977
- Percia Schimmel Prize: 1979
- Yakir Yerushalayim: 1984
Questions readers ask
What were Avigad's most significant archaeological findings?
His major contributions include the Burnt House, remains of the Broad Wall from the 8th century BCE, the Israelite Tower, and the Byzantine Cardo in Jerusalem.
Did Avigad receive major academic awards?
Yes, he was awarded the Bialik Prize in 1954, the Israel Prize in 1977, and the Percia Schimmel Prize in 1979.
Achievements
- Educated at Hebrew University of Jerusalem
- Fields of research: archaeology
