 Although first noted by explorers in the mid-19th century CE, and subsequently briefly excavated in 1899 by the American archaeologist F.J. Bliss and the Irish archaeologist R.A.S.Macalister, extensive exploration of the site was not conducted until 1996, when a long-term project was commenced at the site, directed by Aren Maeir of Bar-Ilan University, Israel.Since 1996, excavations, surveys and other studies have been conducted at the site, focusing on various cultures, periods and aspects relating to the site, its culture and history, and its surroundings.