In March and April 2004–2006, study excavations were carried out beside the ‘Chicago’ Community Center in Park Ha-Shalom in the city of Lod (Permit nos. A-4277, A-4377, A-4708; map. Ref. 190700/651330). The excavations, on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority and underwritten by the Lod municipality, were directed by D. Weinberger, Y. Shlomo and G. Shaviv, and assisted by A. Bachar (administration) and O. Shmueli (Israel Antiquities Authority Central District). Fourth graders from the city of Lod, taking a year-long course in archaeology, took part in an excavation day during the school year.