Archaeology and Heritage

• Physical (tangible) heritage (9,000 archaeological sites)
• Prehistoric sites (impossible to preserve, difficult to display, the caves are impressive)
• Biblical sites (Canaanite and Israelite) (interpretation difficult, conservation of mudbrick, poor preservation)
• Classical sites (Second Temple, Mishnah and Talmud) (construction in stone, delicate artistic elements such as stucco, fresco, secco, plaster, mosaics, clearly Jewish remains are few).
• Sites from the Middle Ages to the mid-Ottoman period (1700 CE) (well preserved, no Jewish sites, sites are few)
• Sites from the modern era (Migdal Tsedek Castle) national sites (Castel, Sha’ar Hagai), well-preserved, Jewish remains are few, sites are few.
• Cultural landscapes from various periods (open spaces difficult to protect, lack of awareness)
• Spiritual/narrative heritage (intangible)
• Ancient sources and their incorporation at sites (David and Goliath )
• Bible stories and their incorporation in the landscape (Rabbi Yehuda Hanasi)

1. Protecting cultural and human heritage in the Land of Israel by conserving the archeological and historical diversity of the sites in situ in the national parks and nature reserves, for ourselves and for future generations.
2. Transforming heritage sites from scientific archaeological conditions to tourist sites that are comprehensible and accessible to the public.
3. Conservation of archaeological historical sites in keeping with professional ethical rules and international conventions.
4. Management of an archaeological historical database of heritage sites in national parks and nature reserves in cooperation with the excavating archaeologist, the Israel Antiquities Authority, other experts and a variety of information sources.
5. Protection of cultural landscapes surrounding physical sites, to conserve the historic “story arena” and the connection between the site and its surroundings.
6. Fostering the archaeological and historical sites and their surroundings for the benefit of the public, while protecting heritage assets for ourselves and future generations.
7. Strengthening ties between the public and the heritage the sites represent through education, guiding, interpretation, dramatizations and various activities and events connected to the culture of the site. Inviting the cooperation of the community near the site in activities there. This creates regional pride, a sense of belonging and assistance in protecting these sites in the future.
8. Inculcating archaeology and heritage in the INPA’s work
9. Educating the public on archaeology and heritage at INPA sites.
10. Excavating our country’s treasures to learn the history and material culture of the peoples who inhabited it and thus add to existing knowledge.
11. Locating archaeological areas of public interest, developing them by excavation, conservation and reconstruction, and making them accessible to the public.
12. Developing the important sites in national parks and nature reserves for visitors to enjoy, to learn the history and to strengthen the connection between the people and the land.
13. Preparing an inventory of sites based on Israel’s planning agencies, to ensure protection from massive development.

Policy on archaeological excavation in national parks and nature reserves

Every year some 70 archaeological excavations and surveys take place at INPA sites. Each excavation or survey takes place after receiving a permit from the INPA and an excavation license from the Israel Antiquities Authority.
Archaeological excavations take place according to a procedure consisting mainly of the INPA making arrangements for the excavation with the excavator. The existing procedure includes stating the purpose of the excavation and its methods, a map of the excavation, access route, various services,, conservation, insurance, prevention of disruption to visitors, arrangements for disposing of excavated dirt, etc.
The excavators, who belong to academic institutions in Israel and abroad, in many cases receive logistical assistance from the INPA, including free entry to the site, use of its installations and sometimes partial funding.

World Heritage Sites

The Israel Nature and Parks Authority promotes the inscription of national parks and nature reserves as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Six such sites have been inscribed in Israel so far: (1) Masada National Park, inscribed in 2001; (2) The biblical tells, inscribed in 2005 and including Megiddo National Park, Tel Hazor National Park and Beersheva National Park; (3) The Incense Route inscribed in 2005, and including the Moa-Avdat segment, Avdat National Park, Shivta National Park and Mamshit National Park; (4) the Carmel Caves in Nahal HaMe‘arot Nature Reserve, inscribed in 2012; (5) The Caves of Maresha and Bet Guvrin, inscribed in 2013; (6) The Bet She‘arim Caves, inscribed in 2015.

Map of World Heritage sites