The Biblical Archaeological Institute Wuppertal (BAI) was established in 1999 by the Protestant Church of the Rhineland. It constitutes an institute of the “Protestant University of Wuppertal” as well as an associated institute of the University of Wuppertal and holds the right to award doctorates at both universities. The necessary financial endowment is provided by the “Friends of the BAI” (e.V.). Scientific aims Since 1999 four main objectives of research are being pursued. These comprehend: Excavation projects (especially in the Eastern Mediterranean) The application of modern methods in Archaeology - i.e. Geophysics (geoelectrics and tomography; geomagnetics; georadar) and terrestrial research (Photogrammetry) Archaeometry (chemical and mineralogical pottery analysis; experimental firing of pottery); the main interest is to write a history of pottery production in the investigation area; since 2008 also research work on ancient glass and faience industry Experimental archaeology (Production of pottery replicas in historically correct manufacturing methods) Main archaeological projects Different projects The Biblical Archaeological Institute has conducted excavations and geophysical research in Italy, Greece, Israel and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Villa Hadriana (Italy) 2002–2004 Geophysical prospection in Olympia (Greece) 2001 Esch-Schallaf (Jordan) 1998–1999 Ba'ja I, close to Petra (Jordan) 1999 Sal (Jordan) 1999–2000 The Gadara Region Project and the Tall Zira'a Since 2001 the institute's research focuses on the exploration of the Gadara region. The largest site in the area is the Tall Zira'a which comprises over 5000 years of settlement history. At this place in 2001 a survey was conducted. In 2003 started the first excavation of a long term project which is scheduled until 2020. Since 2004 the German Protestant Institute of Archaeology Amman is a partner of the project. Since 2006 the corresponding institute in Jerusalem participates likewise. The currently running excavation seasons are accomplished by a regional survey covering the greater Wadi al-'Arab area since 2009. On the Tall Zira'a settlements from over more than five millennia are being excavated. Furthermore, the agricultural potential as well as flora and fauna, geology, hydrology, trade relations (roads, infrastructure) and the strategic importance of the Wadi al-Arab are being explored. About 25 km2 of the greater Wadi al-'Arab area (south of the ancient city of Gadara) were under research since 2009. In the area are more than 100 sites which date from prehistory to the Islamic period. With the help of archaeometrical methods the artefacts from the Tall Zira'a are being examined concerning their respective materials.