Before Solomon and before the First Temple, there was The City of David. What have the centuries left behind to tell us of this king and his kingdom? Archaeologists have worked tirelessly to reveal the secrets of life held in the layered rocks of Jerusalem and in the city that bears his name today.

Christine Maasdam is pleased to share her most recent experience at the dig site in Israel. This lecture will outline the topography of early Jerusalem and provide an overview of the wars and cultures that have left physical objects embedded in the landscape to bear witness to their historical presence. What mysteries are revealed in the latest finds? Join us as we delve into the traces left by ancient scribes, the hidden stashes of wealth, the remnants of long ago meals, mosaic floors walked upon or the mikvah ritual baths all demonstrating the richness and complexity of The City of David.

Christine Maasdam holds a Master in Humanities and a B.A. in Cultural Geography. Her art studies include The Courtauld Institute of Art in London, The Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center in D.C. and Post Graduate studies in Antiquities Trafficking and Art Crime at the University of Glasgow. She is a graduate of the Art Crime Investigation Seminar led by Robert Wittman, founder of the FBI's National Art Crime Team. Christine is a member of the International Foundation for Cultural Property Protection and holds a certificate from Trident Manor on Protection of Cultural Venues. Christine received Sotheby’s certification on Determining Value: An Appraiser’s Perspective. She has spent over a decade as a LACMA docent and is an active volunteer at the City of David archaeological dig in Israel.

Fifty and Better was designed to offer university-level courses and lectures (no tests, no homework) taught by experts in the field, and to host social engagement activities for individuals age 50 and older.