The land of Israel is rich in history and material culture and has long been the location of extensive archaeological excavation. Just Past? examines the origins of Israeli archaeology in the 1950s and 1960s. Drawing on previously unpublished documentary material, the study offers a history of intriguing finds, failures and dreams. Just Past? covers a range of topics, from the 1948 war to the Israel Department of Antiquities and Museums, issues of foreign aid, and the political circumstances behind the decision to start excavations at Masada. Highlighting the centrality of politics to archaeology in Israel/Palestine, Just Past? presents an assessment of the origins of Israeli archaeology which will be invaluable to students and scholars of history and archaeology.

"It is difficult to claim that anything is actually missing from Kletter's treatment, as it is the first treatment of this sort published for Israeli archaeology. 'Furthermore, it is exceedingly well researched, and the topics addressed are copiously documented. This work is also especially important in light of recent emphasis on the consideration of how archaeology is used and abused to justify the identities and policies of modern states in the Near East. Just Past? sets the stage for further reflection on the role that archaeology plays in the formation of national identity in the Middle East.'"

Source: Journal of Near Eastern Studies

"Kletter provides an essential volume for allowing historiographical studies of the archaeology of the southern Levant to be undertaken - a crucial step towards developing self-reflexive and critical archaeological practice ... Although, as explicitly stated by the author, Just Past? is a book which reflects Kletter's personal views, it nevertheless provides a goldmine of entirely new information .... an essential and invaluable tool.'"

Source: Antiquity