Prof. Lidar Sapir-Hen's Lab
Current research projects
Animal-human interaction at the dawn of animal domestication
The study of faunal remains from several PPNB sites provides valuable insights into the economic changes that occurred during the dawn of animal domestication. By examining these remains from various perspectives, we can gain a better understanding of how these changes affected the ecosystem and its sustainability.
Subsistence economy and culinary practices in Jerusalem and its hinterland.
This study focuses on subsistence economy and culinary practices in Jerusalem and its hinterland in the Iron Age and in the Persian and Hellenistic periods, with special attention to the relationship between economy, social status and diet. The time-span under consideration represents a full urbanization cycle of growth (in the Iron Age), decline (in the Persian and early Hellenistic periods) and recovery (in the late Hellenistic period).
Social status, ethnicity and animal economy during the Bronze Age and Iron Ages
Social,economic and ideological aspects of the populations in Megiddo, Azekah, Kiriat Jearim. Faunal remains spanning the Early Bronze occupations to the Late Iron Age, are examined, and in comparison to contemporary settlements.
Survey of Paleo-pathologies in the southern levant
With the aim of tracking the changing interaction between humans and animals following domestication, we record cases of pathological lesions from the Neolithic period to modern agricultural societies. Identification is based on visual examination, with the aid of microscopic, X-ray, and Micro CT scans.
Food, ethniciy and identity of Ancient metal workers
The on-going research of animal remains from Timna is based on the notion that food and the manner of its production and consumption are strongly related to social diversity and identity. The archaeozoological project is carried out in close cooperation with the excavation team (in the field and in the lab). The research is currently focusing on these major themes: (1) Ethnic markers of societies engaged in copper production; (2) The introduction of the domestic camel to the southern Levant as evident in the archaeological record of the smelting sites at Timna and the Aravah; (3) The socioeconomic status of ancient metalworkers and miners.
Early farmers of the Late Neolithic period
Based on the exploration of livestock exploitation patterns and hunting activities from several Pottery Neolithic assemblages, the research aims to track two major changes in human-animal interaction: (1) the emergence and extent of secondary products exploitation; (2) the domestication and exploitation of pigs.
Masada - Exploring Identity and Survivorship Mechanism through Food Refuse
* Funded by the The Porter Foundation - Life Under Extreme Conditions at the Dead Sea
During the Great Revolt against Rome (66–73 C.E.), a group of Jewish rebels sought refuge at the desert fortresses of Masada. Ca. 1000 refugees sheltered and survived in the harsh desert conditions for seven years, a short period that ended with a Roman siege on the site. The project aims to understand the refugee’s lifeways, culture and past environmental settings.