The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

MA in Archaeology & the Ancient Near East - Prehistory Section

Uncovering Human Prehistory

What allowed the earliest humans to leave Africa and colonize every corner of the world? Did Homo sapiens and Neanderthals meet and interact? Why is the Near East the cradle of agriculture and domestication?  

The Hebrew University’s MA in Archaeology & the Ancient Near East – Prehistory Section tackles these questions and more, exploring the evolutionary, genetic, and cultural forces that shaped early human history. From the earliest stone tools of the Paleolithic to the agricultural revolutions of the Neolithic, the program provides a deep dive into the prehistoric era—before the advent of writing—when humans first developed the technologies, behaviors, and adaptations that set the stage for civilization. Situated at a historical crossroads, Israel offers an unparalleled setting for investigating these milestones through cutting-edge research and hands-on archaeological experience.

World-class Faculty & Research Facilities

Taught by leading researchers in the field, the program combines cutting-edge theoretical studies with hands-on archaeological experience at key excavation sites. Students gain access to the Institute of Archaeology’s state-of-the-art facilities, including the Laboratory for the Study of Human Cultural Evolution (featuring microscopic facilities), the Human-Environment Dynamics Laboratory (featuring facilities for geoarchaeological research), Computerized Archaeological Laboratory (featuring 3D scanning), the Laboratory for Archaeological Materials and Ancient Technologies, and the renowned Collection Room hosting major stone-tool collections from the Levant.