“It was different then,” the archaeologist said. “Today there are institutes and technicians, engineers, directors and subdirectors!” “Back then, we had nothing,” he said. “But it was a wonderful period. A time of life. A time of courage; no, more than courage. There was a greatness to it all. Beth She’arim was an example of pure idealism.” Professor Benjamin Mazar has seen much since his initial probings around the ruins of Beth She’arim in 1936. The first archaeological excavation permit issued by the reborn State of Israel was in his name, allowing him to begin research at Tell Qasile […]