OA

The Weaponization of Archaeology

This research explores how archaeology has been weaponized in the context of the Israel–Palestine conflict, focusing on Tell Sebastia as a primary case study. The site’s rich, multilayered history holds material remains from numerous ancient civilizations, showcasing the extensive human occupation of the area. Tell Sebastia, which includes land owned by several different Palestinian families, has changed dramatically over the past few decades, transforming from a prominent archaeological site within the Palestinian territories into a contested and politically charged site. Israeli authorities and settler groups have increasingly sought to reshape the site’s historical narrative to emphasize Jewish biblical heritage, using strategies such as carrying out new excavations, appropriation, confiscation, establishing a national biblical park, and restricting Palestinian access. These actions spotlight the connection between heritage resources, power, and structural violence, set within the larger framework of settler colonialism and military occupation. To analyze the social and cultural impacts of Israel’s expanding control over the site and the surrounding area, the author conducted in-depth interviews with ten residents of Sebastia village.