In the 1950s, shortly after the foundation of the Israel Department of Antiquities, Shmuel Yeivin, its first director, decided to establish a journal for publishing excavation reports. It was called ‘Atiqot. Ten years later another series, Hadashot Arkheologiyot (Excavations and Surveys in Israel) was initiated, with the concept of publishing preliminary excavation reports and notices of various archaeological activities. In the 1970s a new series was added – Archaeological Survey of Israel. The foundation of the Israel Antiquities Authority brought forth a new wave of publications of archaeological excavations and surveys, maintained high scientific standards. In the late 1990s, a new monograph series was introduced––IAA Reports.

Today, the Publications Department of the IAA comprises highly professional editors and a highly qualified production staff. Using the most up-to-date technology available, its journals and reports meet the highest standards of publication quality.