Archaeologists Find Love Amid Ancient Ruins in Shiloh Excavations

During the annual archaeological excavation season in ancient Shiloh, a couple of archaeologists shared the story of how their professional collaboration blossomed into a romantic relationship. The site of Shiloh, historically known from the Bible and famous for its Tisha B'Av celebrations where young women dressed in white danced in vineyards to find their match, continues to inspire love stories thousands of years later.

Clayton Van Hess, an archaeology student from the United States and excavation team leader, met his wife, Dr. Avigail Van Hess, co-director of the Shiloh excavations, while working together on the site. Clayton recalls his first season trying to impress Avigail by attempting to assemble what he thought was an ancient jug, which turned out to be pieces of ancient toilet paper. Avigail admired his persistence and dedication.

Two years ago, Clayton proposed to Avigail, who immediately chose to marry at Shiloh, the place associated with Hannah's prayer in the Bible. They wed last year at the excavation site with their team present, while their families in the U.S. watched via live stream. Despite the ongoing conflict and missile interceptions over the site, they remained committed to their work and life in Israel. They even had to leave Israel through Egypt due to the closure of Ben Gurion Airport, humorously calling it a "reverse Exodus."

Having just completed another excavation season, the couple agrees that their greatest discovery is each other. They are now considering settling in Israel, with Clayton planning to continue his studies at Ariel University. Israel Gantz, head of the Binyamin Regional Council and chairman of the Yesha Council, praised the couple's story as a touching full circle, highlighting Shiloh's ongoing role in connecting people worldwide to the roots of the Jewish people and nurturing new love alongside historical discoveries.