Liat Oz
NEW ZEALAND
Liat Oz is a professional archaeologist with over 15 years of experience at the Israel Antiquities Authority. She directed numerous excavations in the Jerusalem area and led educational programs and tours for diverse audiences. She holds an M.A. in Archaeology from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Her thesis examined the rural Roman-period settlement along the Refa’im Valley at the southwestern outskirts of Jerusalem, focusing on the Roman villa at Ein Yael (near today’s Biblical Zoo) and the Roman Nymphaeum at Ein Haniya (St. Philip’s Spring). Now based in New Zealand, Liat looks forward to sharing her expertise and insights with people in New Zealand. She is especially excited to deepen her knowledge of Aotearoa New Zealand’s archaeology and to contribute to its research, protection and promotion as well.
SESSION INFO
SUNDAY 1.30-2.30pm
The Significance of the “Star of David” in the Roman Villa of Ein Yael, Jerusalem
Today, the Star of David, known geometrically as the hexagram, is recognized worldwide as a Jewish symbol, yet its origins are far older and more complex. This lecture explores an astonishing Roman-period mosaic from the archaeological site of Ein Yael near Jerusalem, where a Star of David appears in an unexpected context. Liat will present this mosaic, examine its features and suggest possible meanings that apparently connect to the later adoption of the Star of David as a dominant Jewish symbol.