Tell el-Burak: The Underwater Survey

Located in a lush agricultural section of the Lebanese littoral, Tell el-Burak has been under investigation by the American University at Beirut and the University of Tübingen since 1998. The underwater archaeological survey was conducted during August and September 2004.[i]  The terrestrial excavations have revealed three occupations on the tell, the latest in the Ottoman Period, the next in the Iron Age, and the earliest in the Middle Bronze Age.[ii]  During this earliest stage the mound was built as part of a defensive structure serving as the base for a fortress on its top.[iii]  In the Iron Age, Tell el-Burak was home to a settlement that was prosperous and peaceful, as seen in its defenseless and fine architecture. There is no apparent occupation in the intervening Late Bronze Age as the site was seemingly abandoned in favor of Sarepta, 4 km. to the south.[iv] 

The objectives of the underwater survey were to ascertain the existence of a harborage or anchorage associated with the tell’s settlement periods; to determine possible reasons for the construction of a mound at that point on the shore as they relate to the maritime environment; and to examine the evidence of associated seafaring activities in the vicinity of Tell el-Burak to further our understanding of the ancient maritime exploitation strategies of the Levantine peoples.

For more information see:

The Maritime Archaeological Survey at Tell el Burak and Nearby Environs

Emerging Maritime Paradigms for the Bronze Age in Lebanon

[i] The survey team consisted of Ralph Pedersen, Ibrahim Noureddine, and Daisy Kamel. The survey was conducted and funded as part of the investigations at Tell el-Burak by the American University at Beirut and the University of Tübingen.

[ii] Kamlah and Sader 2003.

[iii] Kamlah and Sader 2003, 165-166.

[iv] Kamlah and Sader 2003, 145.