Recent Excavations in Samaria

Professor Lyon, who went to Samaria on leave of absence last spring, has recently returned, and reports very gratifying results of the summer campaign. The work of digging began in April, as contemplated, and continued a week, with a moderate number of workmen. It began again on May 22 with a small force and lasted for two weeks. The excavations began a third time, with a large force, on July 11, and continued until August 21. The first two interruptions were due to local difficulties, which fortunately did not occur during the third period of work.

The excavations were carried on at two sites. The first is near the modern village of Sebastiyeh, and is marked by a cluster of standing columns. These are commonly considered as belonging to a temple erected at Samaria by Herod the Great. There also was found great quantities of pottery, mostly Greek and Roman.

Ample provision has been made by Mr. Schiff for taking up the work of excavation anew next April, at the end of the rainy season. It is expected that Professor George A. Reisner, in whose name the permit stands, will be in charge. This is a return to the original plan, made impossible this year by Professor Reisner's engagement in Egypt.