Asaf Gayer

Dr Asaf Gayer is a lecturer in the Department of Land of Israel Studies and Archaeology at Ariel University. His research focuses on Ancient Jewish Manuscripts and Epigraphy. Asaf specialises in the study of ancient Jewish manuscripts, particularly those from the Dead Sea region. His expertise lies in papyrology and Hebrew epigraphy, with a strong emphasis on the material aspects of the Dead Sea Scrolls. He utilises algorithmic and AI tools to reconstruct the original layout of the scrolls, offering insight into their scribal practices and material composition. In addition, Asaf is currently leading two prominent investigations in the Judean Desert. The first project, Cave of the Swords, focuses on archaeological and epigraphic discoveries from a cave near Ein Gedi. The second project, the Mukhmas Valley Cave Survey, explores caves along Wadi Mukhmas (Suweinit) and investigates the epigraphic findings and the ancient inhabitants in the region.