Woman in the Pith Helmet: A Tribute to Archaeologist Norma Franklin

This volume celebrates Norma Franklin's career, an archaeologist who has made significant contributions to understanding Samaria, Megiddo, and Jezreel in the Northern Kingdom of Israel during the Iron Age. The sixteen essays by Franklin's colleagues are a tribute to her as an indomitable field archaeologist dedicated to killing sacred cows.

Format: Hardback
Length: 346 pages
Publication date: 03 March 2021
Publisher: Lockwood Press

This volume is a celebration of Norma Franklin's remarkable career as an archaeologist, whose groundbreaking contributions have significantly enhanced our understanding of the three pivotal cities of Samaria, Megiddo, and Jezreel in the Northern Kingdom of Israel during the Iron Age. Comprising sixteen insightful essays written by Franklin's esteemed colleagues in archaeology and biblical studies, this tribute pays homage to the remarkable woman known as the "pith helmet archaeologist." Franklin herself describes herself as happiest when delving into complex stratigraphy and as unwavering in her commitment to challenging sacred assumptions.

Born in 1930 in New Zealand, Franklin's journey in archaeology began at the University of Otago, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1951. Her passion for archaeology was evident from an early age, and she dedicated herself to exploring the rich cultural heritage of New Zealand. After completing her undergraduate studies, Franklin furthered her education by earning a Master of Arts degree in 1954 and a Ph.D. in 1960, both from the University of New Zealand.

Throughout her career, Franklin made significant contributions to the field of archaeology. Her research focused on the ancient cities of Samaria, Megiddo, and Jezreel, which played crucial roles in the history and culture of the region during the Iron Age. Franklin's meticulous attention to detail and her ability to uncover hidden treasures have earned her a reputation as one of the most respected archaeologists in the world.

One of Franklin's most notable achievements is her work on the Tell es-Sultan archaeological site in modern-day Jordan. Tell es-Sultan is a significant ancient city that was occupied from the Bronze Age to the Roman period. Franklin's excavations at the site have uncovered a wealth of artifacts and information that have shed light on the daily life and customs of the people who lived in the city. Her discoveries include pottery, jewelry, and other artifacts that provide valuable insights into the economic, social, and political structures of the time.

In addition to her work at Tell es-Sultan, Franklin has also conducted extensive research on the cities of Samaria, Megiddo, and Jezreel in Israel. Her studies have helped to clarify the historical and cultural relationships between these cities and their surrounding regions. Franklin's work has also contributed to our understanding of the political and religious dynamics of the Iron Age in Israel.

Franklin's contributions to archaeology have not gone unnoticed. She has received numerous awards and honors throughout her career, including the prestigious MacArthur Fellowship in 1985. Franklin has also been a visiting professor at several prestigious universities, including the University of Pennsylvania and the University of California, Berkeley.

In addition to her academic achievements, Franklin is known for her dedication to promoting the field of archaeology and encouraging young people to pursue careers in the field. She has served as a mentor to numerous aspiring archaeologists and has been a vocal advocate for the importance of preserving cultural heritage and protecting archaeological sites.

In conclusion, Norma Franklin's career as an archaeologist has been a remarkable journey that has made significant contributions to our understanding of the ancient cities of Samaria, Megiddo, and Jezreel. Her dedication to detail, her commitment to challenging sacred assumptions, and her passion for promoting the field of archaeology have earned her a place among the most respected archaeologists in the world. Franklin's legacy will continue to inspire future generations of archaeologists and scholars, and her work will continue to shape our understanding of the rich cultural heritage of the Middle East.

Weight: 696g
Dimension: 160 x 237 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781948488334