2025-2026 Faculty Research Grant

Paul Gregor, Paul Ray, and Robert Bates (Archaeology).

Scientific and Technological Archaeology at Khirbat Safra, Jordan.

Archaeology is the study of the past as identified through material culture. Traditionally, archaeologists working in the Near East focused primarily on high profile cultural remains such as fortifications and administrative and religious structures, relying on inscriptions and historical writing to shed light on how people lived. More recently, archaeologists in this region have adopted scientific methods and modern technologies to inform various aspects of the discipline, including observation, categorization, recording, and interpretation. When planning an excavation, archaeologists first develop a research design that articulates their research goals, methodologies, and means of data collection. The latter was traditionally achieved using a paper recording system.
The latest scientific methods utilize iPads as the primary means of recording excavation, geospatial, ceramic, artifact, floral, and fauna data. iPads also generate statistics and function as cameras to create a visual record of the excavation process. Khirbat Safra employs the FileMaker Go application to manage its digital database. Other technology used by the team includes digital cameras that integrate with the iPads, combining numerous images to create 3D representations through photogrammetry software. For several years, we have incorporated bioarchaeology to gather seed data alongside information on bones to make inferences about how ancient peoples lived. We have also begun experimenting with the 3D printing of selected artifacts. In the latest phase of our research, we aim to apply the most recent high-end iPad iterations, which have LiDAR scanners, to map features which allow for the development of 3D models of excavated structures for presentation and publication purposes.