Caesarea Maritima

The Ancient Site of Caesarea Maritima 

The University of New Hampshire (UNH) Department of Anthropology and Dr. Amy Michael curate a small collection of human remains from the archaeological site of Caesarea Maritima in present-day Israel. These remains are on long-term loan from Michigan State University. The Joint Expedition to Caesarea Maritima conducted archaeological work at this Herodian period city along the Mediterranean coast of Israel from 1971-1996. The project consisted of a consortium of scholars from universities and divinity schools interested in various historical aspects of this site. 

The remains curated at UNH likely represent burials from the 11th to 12th c. AD. Many archaeologists have focused on the material culture of the site (e.g. architecture, aqueducts, art, coins, etc.), as well as iconography and spirituality of the inhabitants, but little attention has been paid to the individuals themselves. Bioarchaeological study, or the investigation of the past via the study of human skeletal remains, adds significant context to the archaeological knowledge of the site. 

Due to the relative completeness of this individual, it was possible to generate a facial approximation. 

Approximation-to-skull overlay

Facial approximation of skeletal remains from a Crusader-era burial site in Israel (Caesarea Maritima. Muslim burial, adult female who was buried with earrings (staining from the metal remained on the sides of the skull).