Map of Amazya (109) Volume 1, the Northern Sector

MAP OF AMAZYA (109) VOLUME 1, THE NORTHERN SECTOR

1* 2* ISRAEL ANTIQUITIES AUTHORITY

ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF ISRAEL

MAP OF AMAZYA (109) VOLUME 1, THE NORTHERN SECTOR

YEHUDA DAGAN

3* Archaeological Survey of Israel Publications of the Israel Antiquities Authority

Editor-in-Chief: Zvi Gal

Series editor: Lori Lender

Volume editor: DaphnaTuval-Marx English editor: Lori Lender

English translation: Don Glick

Cover: ‘Baqa‘ esh Shamaliya’, where the Judean Shephelah meets the hillcountry (photograph: Yehuda Dagan)

Typesetting, layout and production: Margalit Hayosh Preparation of illustrations: Natalia Zak, Elizabeth Belashov Printing: Keterpress Enterprises, Jerusalem

ISBN 965–406–195–3 www.antiquities.org.il

4* Contents

Editors’ Foreword 7* Preface 8* Introduction 9* Index of Site Names 51* Index of Sites Listed by Period 59* List of Illustrations 65* The Sites—the Northern Sector 71* References 265* Maps of Periods and Installations 285* Hebrew Text 1–288

5* 6* Editors’ Foreword

The Map of Amazya (Sheet 10–14, Old Israel Grid; sheet 20–19, New Israel Grid), scale 1:20,000, is recorded as Paragraph 109 in Reshumot—Yalqut Ha-Pirsumim No. 1091 (1964). In 1972–1973 a systematic archaeological survey of the map area was conducted by a team headed by Yehuda Dagan, on behalf of the Archaeological Survey of Israel and the Israel Antiquities Authority (formerly the Department of Antiquities and Museums).

Compilation of Material A file for each site in the Survey archives includes a detailed report by the survey team members, plans, photographs and a register of the finds kept in the Authority’s stores. This volume presents a summary of the file records: site descriptions—including the character of the site and its location; a description of the remains; indicative finds; and illustrations. These are accompanied by an introduction, indices (an index of sites arranged alphabetically; an index of sites listed chronologically), a bibliography, chronological maps, a general map, and an English version keyed to the illustrated Hebrew text. The first line of each numbered entry includes the site’s serial number, in geographical order from north to south and from west to east, arranged in squares of one square kilometer; followed by the site’s file number (from left to right), consisting of the third digits of the longitudinal and latitudinal coordinates of the site’s map reference, separated by a dash; a slash is followed by the site’s serial number in the designated square. Map references provided on the same line are those of the Old Israel Grid (designated OIG), followed by the New Israel Grid (NIG). The height above sea level of each site (in meters) is provided on the site’s opening line. At the heading of each entry is the site’s declared name (or names), or names related to other declared names (site names, place names or names of geographical features). The primary sources for site names are the Registry of Monuments and Historic Sites, published in Reshumot—Yalqut Ha-Pirsumim (No. 1091, May 18, 1964, with emendations and supplements updated to 2004), and names appearing in the maps ‘Amazya’, scale 1:20,000, published by the Survey Department (1960), and ‘Bet Guvrin’, scale 1:50,000, published by the Survey of Israel (1995). Other sources for site names are the British Survey of Western Palestine (Conder and Kitchener 1881– 1883)—marked S; and the map ‘Ed Dawāyima’, scale 1:20,000 (1945), issued during the British Mandate period—marked M. Arabic site names are transliterated according to current rules of transliteration.

7* Preface

The area of the Map of Amazya (Map 109) was surveyed during the years 1982–1986 after the completion of the survey of the Map of Lakhish (Dagan 1992). In the years that followed the survey team revisited many of the sites recorded earlier, as development and construction activity in and around the villages within the map area had altered many of the sites, exposing or destroying ancient remains. In the course of several of these later tours the team was assisted by residents of the village of Beit ‘Awwa, and by villagers from Idna, particularly during the survey of the tell located there, and while recording and exposing ancient remains in the village during construction activity. The survey team was directed by Yehuda Dagan and included Tzvi Katzenelsohn, Shaul Yemini, Roni Lev, David Milteyer and Moshe Franck. Guides from the Urban Study Center of the Society for the Protection of Nature in Rehovot participated in some of the fieldwork. The team was assisted by Isma‘el Suweiti of Beit ‘Awwa, whose intimate knowledge of the region and its ancient sites contributed much to the compilation of the data. The survey, whose results are presented herein, is part of the comprehensive archaeological survey of the Judean Shephelah (an area of c. 790 sq m), which was initiated by Prof. David Ussishkin, director of the archaeological expedition to Tel Lakhish, under the auspices of the Institute of Archaeology of the Tel Aviv University, the Yo’av Regional Council and the Israel Exploration Society. Later support was provided by the Archaeological Survey of Israel and the Israel Antiquities Authority. The author would like to thank the following scholars whose experience contributed much to the fieldwork: Prof. Ram Gophna, Prof. Moshe Kokhavi, Prof. Israel Roll, the late Orna Zimhoni and Prof. Jodi Magness. Many thanks are due Prof. Amos Kloner who at the time of the survey served as IAA District Archaeologist of the Judean Shephelah, for his valuable assistance. Dr. Ofer Marder and Dr. Hamoudi Khalaily studied and identified the flint implements and Dr. Rachel Barqai identified the coins. I would also like to express my appreciation to Dr. Ilan Sharon and Gila Zionit for their help in processing the finds and for methodically consolidating the data into a uniform base for the Judean Shephelah survey project. Yael Guri read the manuscript prior to its presentation. Leticia Barda prepared and produced the general map, scale 1:20,000, for publication. The plans were drawn by Ashraf Abu-Diab and prepared for publication by Natalia Zak and Elizabeth Belashov, who also prepared the period maps. The pottery was drawn by Julia Rodmann. Linda Qareen provided much assistance during the processing of the data. The photographs, including the cover phtographs, were taken by the author. The author extends special thanks to the editors, Lori Lender, Daphna Tuval-Marx and Yossi Kuris, for their diligent and devoted work.

Yehuda Dagan

8* Introduction

Geographical Overview

The Map of Amazya extends across the southeastern part of the Judean Shephelah. The western slopes of the Hevron Hills are situated in the eastern portion of the map area. The Judean Shephelah is a transitional geographical region situated between the southern coastal plain in the west and the Judean Hills in the east (Amiran 1956:23), a discrete geographic unit featuring many similar characteristics—ecology, botany, geologic cover, soil and its components, sources of water, etc. (Dan 1988; Danin 1988; Zangvil 1988; Klein 1988; Stern 1988; Rubin 1992). The geographic boundaries of the Judean Shephelah are as follows: (1) In the north— Nahal Nahshon (which drains into the Ayyalon Valley) and Nahal Shaham (flowing into Nahal Soreq), both of which delimit the northern border of the Zor‘a–Eshta’ol ridge; (2) In the east—a strip of broad fertile valleys (‘Emeq Ha-Telem—valley of the furrows) that developed at the contact line between the friable chalk layers that make up the Shephelah and the Cenomanian-Turonian rock layers of the Judean Hills. This strip stretches from Sha‘ar Ha-Gay in the north to Nahal Zanoah, continues to the upper part of Nahal Ha-Ela, southward via Idna and Tell Beit Mirsim until Biq‘at Yuval; (3) In the south—the upper portion of Nahal Shiqma, which runs from east to west through a series of narrow valleys; (4) In the west—a chain of low hills that was formed from the fifth kurkar ridge east of the seashore. The nehalim (streams) of the Shephelah flow westward through this ridge and ancient cities (Tel Zafit, identified with biblical Gat, Tel ‘Erani, Khirbet Umm el Baqar and Tel Malha) were established in those places where the streams traverse the ridge. The Judean Shephelah is divided longitudinally into two large landscape units separated by a prominent ridge (an ancient Miocene-epoch sea floor) extending from Nahal Soreq in the north to Giv‘at Gad (in the vicinity of Moshav Amazya) in the south. The ridge is traversed by Nahal Soreq, Nahal Ha-Ela, Nahal Guvrin and Nahal Lakhish and cities, among them H. Hoshem in the north (identified with biblical Enam), Tel ‘Azeqa (on the south bank of Nahal Ha-Ela), Tel Goded (on the north bank of Nahal Guvrin) and Tel Lakhish (Lachish; on the south bank of Nahal Lakhish) were founded in the places where these streams cross the ridge. In general, the streams cross the Shephelah from east to west, dividing it into ten secondary geographic units: (1) Rekhes Zor‘a–‘Emeq Soreq; (2) Nahal Soreq–Nahal Yarmut; (3) Nahal Soreq–Nahal Ha-Ela; (4) Nahal Ha-Ela–eastern Nahal Guvrin; (5) Nahal Ha-Ela–western Nahal Guvrin; (6) Nahal Guvrin–eastern Nahal Lakhish; (7) Nahal Guvrin–western Nahal Lakhish; (8) Nahal Lakhish–eastern Nahal Adorayim; (9) Nahal Lakhish–western Nahal Adorayim; (10) Nahal Kelekh–Nahal Shiqma.

9* The establishment of some of the large cities in the region was inﬂuenced in part by the internal geographic division of the Shephelah and each of the cities spread out across a deﬁned geographic area (Dagan 1996).

The Geology of the Judean Shephelah

The Judean Shephelah is characterized by low, round, practically flat-topped hills that rise to a height of 150–500 m above sea level. The moderate slopes of the hills can be utilized for a variety of agricultural activities once agricultural terraces are prepared. Valleys, some of them quite broad, separate the hills.1 The primary factor influencing the topography of the Shephelah and the shaping of the landscape are the Eocene chalk layers, atop of which a hard nari crust 1–2 m thick developed. The Shephelah is a syncline formed of chalk bedrock of various degrees of friableness, 350–850 m deep. The hard nari crust prevents the formation of terraced slopes (a phenomenon characteristic of the Judean Hills) and therefore the landscape cover is one of uniformly inclined terraces (Buchbinder 1969; Nir 1970:185–189); this contributed greatly to the contouring of the rounded landscape of the Shephelah. These chalk layers are geomorphologically inferior, both from the standpoint of strength and density, belonging to the Shephelah group and the Teqiya Formation— a rock formation containing layers of marl. These are geologically young rocks containing a great many fissures. In the northern and central Shephelah is bedrock belonging to the Shephelah group. On the Zor‘a–Eshta’ol ridge, around the city of Bet Shemesh, on both sides of Nahal Yarmut and in the western industrial zone of Bet Shemesh, rock belonging to the Teqiya Formation is visible. The influence of the marly Taqiya Formation on the landscape and indirectly on the development of ancient cultures was decisive because the marly layers are impervious to the percolation of water. As a result, networks of springs and wells the likes of which barely exist in the southern Shephelah (see below), are found along the streambeds in the northern Shephelah (Nahal Yarmut, Nahal Yimla, Nahal Yish‘i and Nahal Shemesh). Chalk layers of Zor‘a Formation are exposed in the upper layers of rock. This formation comprises two families. The upper one, of Maresha member, is characterized by almost clean chalky limestone strata, few of which are cracked. The large bell-shaped caves in the vicinity of Bet Guvrin, Maresha, Luzit, Idna and elsewhere were hewn into these limestone strata (Ben-Arieh 1959, 1960, 1962). The lower one consists of layers of limestone of ‘Adullam member, and features chalk mixed with flint lenses. This type of chalk is cracked and therefore unsuitable for quarrying caves; for this reason almost no bell-shaped caves or burial caves were hewn in it. Other rock types indigenous to the Shephelah include Bet Nir conglomerate in the western Shephelah (the ‘Low Shephelah’) and ‘patches’ of Ahuzam conglomerate in the vicinity of Moshav Ahuzam, which are younger than the Shephelah’s chalk bedrock. The geomorphological qualities of the nari crust are superior to those of the rock it

10* overlies. The hardness of the nari facilitated the hewing of large bell-shaped caves because the nari bedrock provided a strong roof above them. The Judean Shephelah is characterized by a variety of topographic shapes that make up the larger geographic unit. The uniformity of the composition of the rock in the Shephelah created what is, from a morphological standpoint, a uniform landscape. However, in different portions of the Shephelah sub-landscapes formed as a result of local changes. A Neogene-period marine abrasion ridge, which traverses the Shephelah, is clearly visible in the landscape and divides the Shephelah into two distinct units: the western ‘Low Shephelah’, a flat region in which there are very few exposed hills; and the eastern ‘High Shephelah’, a higher, cleft region, where there is little soil suitable for agricultural cultivation. The streams of the Shephelah flow the length of the geological fault lines. Valleys where fertile alluvium was deposited formed alongside the streambeds. The western Shephelah boasts large flat stretches of farmland that extend between the valleys.

Hydrography and Water Sources in the Shephelah

There are three main aquifers between the Mediterranean Sea and the Judean Hills: the coastal aquifer, the Judean aquifer and the mountain aquifer. Two of them, those in the coastal region and the hill country, continue to be utilized at the present time. The intervening Judean aquifer is not abundant in water due to the rock composition in the Shephelah. This aquifer, unique to the chalk layers of the Shephelah, is fed by the precipitation that falls on it directly and by the water that flows in the streams. Water does not accumulate in the chalk layers and therefore no springs issue from these formations (Michaelson 1977:13) and the aquifer does not replenish its reserves after water is removed (Graizer 1976). It is for this reason there are dry wells in the Shephelah, whose underground water reserves became exhausted. (Numerous wells, currently ruinous, are marked on the topographical maps from the time of the British Mandate; the wells apparently fell into ruin when the water of the coastal aquifer became depleted.) In the wadi valleys of the Shephelah pebbles, which were carried along by water flow in periods prior to the formation of the current landscape, have accumulated on the layers of chalk or marl. Precipitation that collects in the pebble strata in the streambeds flows on the surface when the pebble layers become saturated. This flow continues in the streambeds for several months following the end of the rainy season. Local residents refer to the phenomenon as nab‘a—water that issues forth—and it can be seen almost every winter in the region’s streams: in Nahal Yarmut at the foot of Tel Yarmut and Khirbet el ‘Alya; in Nahal Ha-Ela at the foot of Tel ‘Adullam, in the vicinity of Tel Sokho (a well, Be’er Kalida, was excavated near the springs), at the northern foot of Tel ‘Azeqa (Be’er ‘Azeqa) and north of Tel Zafit (a saqiya well was installed); in Nahal Hakhlil north of H. Livnin; in Nahal Guvrin at the foot of Tel Goded, south of

11* Tel Burna and north of Tel Zayit; in Nahal Lakhish west of the abandoned Arab village of Ed Dawāyima, at the northern foot of Tel Lakhish (Lachish) and also north of Tel ‘Erani; in Nahal Adorayim north of Tel ‘Eton, at the northern foot of Tel Agra, south of Tel Haraqim, south of Kh. Umm el Baqar and south of Tel Keshet. It is still possible to draw water for a period of several months from the wells dug in these pebble layers after the water ﬂow ceases, especially after an exceptionally rainy winter. Water sources in the eastern Shephelah are different in character and diversity than those in the western part due to the nature of the bedrock. As mentioned above, since water does not accumulate in the chalk layers it is unlikely that springs will form (Graizer 1976, 1986, 1991; Michealson 1977:13). In the eastern Shephelah sources of water are situated near the western slopes of the Hevron Hills, fed by the abundant rainfall the hill country receives during the winter season. The inhabitants of this region learned to take advantage of the seasonal springs by making them deeper and wider, thereby creating springs that are likely to provide water year-round. These springs, which discharge 3–5 cubic meters of water per hour, are also used by the residents today.

The Soil of the Shephelah

The fertile soil of the Judean Shephelah is located mostly on the plains in the west and in the valleys in the east. Rendzina mixed with brown soil is characteristic of the western Shephelah. The average annual precipitation in this region is 300–650 mm. The combination of soil types and the amount of rainfall made it possible to grow cereal crops under optimal conditions (Dan 1988; Ravikovitch 1992:19–20, 25–29). Characteristic soil of the eastern Shephelah is terra rosa, which originates in the erosion of the hard Turonian, Cenomanian and Eocene limestone layers. This soil is fertile and well-drained and its composition and extremely clayey texture endow it with a capacity to retain large amounts of water. Both irrigated and non-irrigated orchards are grown in this soil. In antiquity the planted regions were enlarged by the preparation of agricultural terraces on the slopes (Ravikovitch 1992:58–74).

The Vegetation and its Characteristics

The ﬂora of the Judean Shephelah is part of the Mediterranean group, dominated by the locust (carob)–mastic tree, mostly in nature reserves, where the trees grow a considerable distance from one another. The olive, Palestine pistachio and Palestine buckthorn, which is unique to the Judean Shephelah, are also characteristic of the region. It seems that in the past the Judean Shephelah, like the entire Land of Israel, was covered with dense woodlands that were deforested by man (Baruch 1994). Several elements of this forest still exist, such as oaks and Atlantic pistachios (Waisel, Pollak and Cohen 1978:24–25, 99–108; Dagan and Michaeli 1982; Danin 1988). The inﬂuence of man on the vegetation in the Judean Shephelah is manifested in the felling of forests

12* for the purpose of building settlements and the preparation of agricultural terraces. On the other hand, the abandonment of the terraces, the introduction of the spiny burnet, the renewal of the natural forest and land erosion have caused the destruction of the landscape and damage to the natural vegetation (Nave and Dan 1973). With the spread of modern settlements and the transition to mechanized agriculture, the agricultural terraces were ﬁnally abandoned following the establishment of the State of Israel (Ben-Arieh 1964). As the agricultural areas reduced in size the natural growth began to dominate once again in small, isolated areas. In recent decades all of the vegetation in the Judean Shephelah, especially in its northern part, has changed because the natural ﬂora in these regions has been protected from the activities of man and over time have been rehabilitated and returned to their natural development. The locust tree and the Palestine pistachio are growing once again on the north-facing slopes and a landscape of virgin forest, which characterized the Shephelah in the past (Sapir 1977), has been recreated.

History of Research until 1948

The Onomastikon, the famous work by the church father Eusebius (he lived in Caesarea in the first half of the fourth century CE; see Di Segni 1999), is the first almost scientific study of the Land of Israel in general, and the Shephelah in particular.2 In this work Eusebius compiled the names of the towns mentioned in the Bible and sought to locate them, to interprete their names, to note their distances from the district capitals and their affiliation to the large cities at the time of his writing (Melamed 1932, 1950, 1966; Taylor 2003).3 The network of roads as it was during Eusebius’ time is indirectly reflected in the description of the settlements. Modern research on the northern Judean Shephelah has its beginning in the travels of E. Robinson in the Land of Israel in 1838 and 1852, together with his friend, the linguist and orientalist, E. Smith. The two toured the Judean Shephelah several times on their journey from Jerusalem to Gaza (Robinson and Smith 1856, II:1–24). One scholar who toured the country in the second half of the nineteenth century and documented its ancient sites, including the sites of the Shephelah, was V. Guérin, who visited on several occasions between 1851 and 1875. During his tour of Judah Guérin describes numerous places in detail, and even though he was not an archaeologist his descriptions are of importance with respect to the condition of the remains as he saw them. His tract on the Land of Judah is an excellent example of a methodical survey of ancient sites (Guérin 1868–1869, 1–3). In 1865 the Palestine Exploration Fund (PEF), dedicated to the study and publication of the history of the Land of Israel, was established. One of its main endeavors was to precisely survey and map the area. To this end the Survey of Western Palestine (SWP) set to work in 1870–1877 with the aim of documenting the region’s archaeology and topography. Within this framework the British began to systematically survey and

13* document the Judean Shephelah (Sheets XVII, XVIII, XX and XXI). The surveyors visited the large ruins and described the extensive settlements. Their descriptions are short and reflect the condition of the ruins as they appeared to them at the time. The names of the ruins and the network of roads as they were then appear on the map that was drawn following the surveys. This first attempt to describe the landscape includes, for example, evidence of olive groves, orchards and isolated trees; roads that were in everyday use or those that (in their opinion) were paved in antiquity are marked as well. The archaeologist W.M.F. Petrie, one of the fathers of Palestinian archaeology (Silberman 1993:545–548), surveyed several of the ruins in the Shephelah and sought to determine their dates based on the pottery finds (Petrie 1891:51–62).4 During the period of the British Mandate the antiquities inspectors Y. Ori and D. Baramki conducted trial excavations in the large ruins.5 Their documentation is far more detailed in comparison with that of their predecessors, and for the first time photographs of the ruins and ancient building elements found at the sites were appended to the reports. Toward the end of 1945 a new edition was printed of the topographical maps, scaled 1:20,000. It was updated by the Survey Department of the British Mandate and numerous details were added (Stenr 1951:192–195; Amiran 1953; Gavish 1991). Many of the particulars marked on the map of Ed Dawāyima (Amazya) can no longer be seen on the ground today. Also in 1945, the Royal Air Force took a series of aerial photographs of the region (Series P.S). From these photographs, today on file in the Survey of Israel, we can learn about settlement distribution, the agricultural lands and the system of roads from that time, as well as water sources, based on the paths that lead to them.

History of Research since 1948

The ancient remains within the Map of Amazya were surveyed in a fragmentary manner by Y. Ben-Arieh in 1957–1958, as part of his comprehensive work on the Lakhish region. Ben-Arieh mapped and compiled a list of all the bell-shaped caves in the ruins around Bet Guvrin and in the vicinity of Moshav Amazya. The contribution of this survey lies in the precise inventory of the caves, their number and location (Ben-Arieh 1959, 1960, 1962). In 1968 an archaeological survey was conducted in Judea, Samaria and the Golan on behalf of the Association for the Archaeological Survey of Israel. The team that surveyed the area of Judea was headed by M. Kochavi. The survey team inspected dozens of survey sites on the western slopes of the Hevron Hills and in the strip of valleys that lay at their feet (Kochavi 1972). Some of these sites were reexamined during our survey.

14* Archaeological Excavations

Excavations were conducted at six of the survey sites located within the area of the map of Amazya: at Kh. el Kaum (Site 398.1), Jebel el Qa‘aqir (Site 484), Kh. el Mûrak (Site 483), H. Bet Loya (Site 103), Rasm en Nuqūr (Site 646.3) and at Tel ‘Eton and the burial caves nearby (Sites 743, 744.1).

The Survey of the Judean Shephelah6

The archaeological survey of the Judean Shephelah serves as the basis for the maps and the settlement analysis of this area. There are two phases to this survey. The ﬁrst began in 1977 (Survey, Shephelah, Hadashot Arkheologiyot 72 (1979):30–32; Dagan 1983, 1986, 1992a. 1992b), when we focused on the area around Tel Lakhish (Dagan 1992c, 2004). In the second phase, which included the map areas of Amazya (Map 109), Kefar Menahem (Map 90), Bet Guvrin (Map 107; Dagan 1992b) and Bet Shemesh (Map 103; Dagan 1992a, 1993), a more detailed survey method was formulated, particularly in light of the experience acquired in the survey and excavations project of Ramat Bet Shemesh (Dagan 1998b). These areas were surveyed according to the methodology of the Survey of Israel: each survey unit comprises a map drawn to a scale of 1:20,000 (covering a total of 100 sq km). The area of the Judean Shephelah encompasses eight complete survey maps and parts of several others. To date three survey maps have been completed (Lakhish, Amazya and Bet Shemesh) and the remaining maps have been partially surveyed. Methodology. The archaeological survey of the Judean Shephelah adopted a maximal approach. In essence this entailed the complete documentation of all the remains of man’s activity in the region surveyed. The area was combed by foot and all of the data was collected from each place that was examined. The surveyors stayed at each survey site for as long as was necessary to completely survey and record the remains in the most comprehensive manner. We visited each survey site more than once, and when possible, in different seasons of the year. We were also aided by the documentation of those who preceded us, for example, maps of the British Mandate, descriptions of the area by other surveyors and by aerial photographs taken during the British Mandate period. In the survey of the Judean Shephelah we concentrated on the following aspects: (1) Locating the remains and their documentation; (2) Estimating the size and extent of each survey site, including its elements; (3) Investigating the nature of the survey sites (for example settlements, installations, agricultural areas); (4) Examining the designation and status of the survey sites with respect to their location and the geographic unit in which they are located. The survey data of the Map of Amazya was processed together with all of the data of the survey of the Judean Shephelah. This combined information was examined in light

15* of the results of the excavations conducted in the Judean Shephelah and its surroundings (Tel Bet Shemesh, Tel Yarmut, Tel Lakhish, Tel ‘Eton, Tell Beit Mirsim, etc.). This examination facilitated a comparative evaluation of the settlement sites documented during the survey and the large tells, where extensive excavations were carried out. The Fieldwork. The survey team members walked in groups of between four and six; each surveyor inspected and documented an area unit of 1000–1500 sq m. The data and the finds were immediately evaluated in the field; later, the survey sites deemed worthy of re-examination were resurveyed. Close attention was paid to defining the geographic location of each survey site, especially those classified as settlement sites. During the second survey general measurements were taken of the visible remains. The data was also recorded on a survey sheet that was later sent for documentation and processing. The ceramic finds underwent preliminary sorting in the field and fragments of pottery vessels and flint implements representative of all the periods were recorded, especially those deemed “fossil directeurs”. No exact count was made of the potsherds at the survey sites and not all of the representative sherds were necessarily collected. Likewise, no attempt was made to document the intensity of sherd distribution while in the field. The boundaries of the areas containing a large quantity of potsherds from different periods were marked on our maps. Sometimes the number of sherds and the diversity of types assisted us in defining the survey sites. Documentation of each survey site included photographs of the visible remains within the surrounding area, thus presenting the survey site in the natural landscape.

The Survey Finds—Processing and Analysis

During the survey maximum attention was paid to the settlement sites. By studying settlement distribution during the various periods it is possible to evaluate settlement patterns during these periods, including the changes that transpired in them. The accompanying elements around each settlement were examined. These are generally associated with agricultural activity, such as work areas and installations for processing agricultural products. Maps were prepared based on the collected data, from which it was possible to learn about settlement distribution during the various periods. In analyzing the results of the survey, issues related to the dating of the installations, the duration of their use, as well as the use of the many agricultural plots that we documented, were examined. Many of the survey sites, among them farming terraces, cisterns, wells, winepresses, oil presses and quarries, were used over long periods of time. The location of agricultural plots and hewn installations, their construction method and means of operation, are factors that can shed light on their date, even if only slightly. Mapping both the settlement sites and the agricultural areas enables us to estimate the duration of the use of the latter. Documentation of the rock-hewn installations sheds light on the kinds of farm crops grown in antiquity, as well as preferences for some over others. For example, a comparison of the number of winepresses with the number of

16* oil presses in the map area assists us in calculating how many vineyards were planted versus olive groves. It is possible, of course, that in one period one crop was preferred while in another period another dominated. No matter how comprehensive and meticulous an archaeological survey may be, it cannot identify all the remains on the ground. A combination of surveys and excavations facilitate the identiﬁcation of remains in the broadest way possible, including those located below surface level. During the survey we were greatly assisted by the local population, who were able to supplement information relating to the last few generations. Initially, 2077 survey sites were recorded within the Map of Amazya. Following the combining and consolidating of proximate sites, we arrived at 1079 survey sites, presented in this report (an average of more than 10 sites per sq km). Most of the survey sites (94.5 percent) are located in the Shephelah and the rest (5.5 percent) are situated on the slopes of the Hevron Hills.

Settlement Remains. Three hundred and forty-eight settlement sites were documented within the map area: five tells (Sites 210.1, 220.1, 318.1, 398.1, 743), eight fortresses (Sites 56, 178.1, 181, 244, 652, 664.1, 761, 784; the fortress at Site 652 is within a settlement), 38 farmsteads, 105 rural settlements, 143 survey sites consisting of single buildings, and 49 survey sites comprising scattered buildings. In the survey of the Judean Shephelah in general and the survey of the Map of Amazya in particular, special attention was paid to inspecting the settlement remains. We returned to these sites several times and increased the samplings of pottery gathered from them. It was especially important to define the settlements’ geographic location and the extent of their overall areas. A settlement site’s topographic location is of the utmost importance in determining the factors that the settlements’ founders took into consideration when establishing the sites. Is the site close to a water source? Can the settlement be defended? What is its proximity to a road or to agricultural areas? Was there some climatic preference in the selection of a specific location? The investigation of ancient survey sites is of great importance in regional archaeological research because it serves as a basis from which conclusions regarding occupation can be drawn, be it the type of settlement, an estimate of the size of its population, the nature of the interaction between settlements and attempts to reconstruct a hierarchy among the settlements. The archaeologist deals with two main problems: defining the size of the settlement remains, and determining the possible connection between the documented remains and the overall area of the site (or in other words, is it reasonable to assume that the remains of scattered buildings are one site?). A discussion of settlement patterns in different periods cannot be based solely on the areas of the tells and the large ruins. Structural remains were documented in the vicinity of most of the large towns (tells) in the Judean Shephelah, and they should generally be included in statistics of settlement distribution, as well as in estimates of population size. Along with approximations of

17* the size of settlements and their areas, estimates of agricultural activity in the area surrounding the settlements were also made. Cult Sites. Twenty-two survey sites documented within the area of the Map of Amazya were cult sites, among them remains of churches (Sites 23.1, 24.1, 26.1?, 70, 100.1?, 103, 144?, 175, 194.1, 204.1?, 222.1, 229.1?, 258.1?, 260.1?, 283.1?, 318.1, 325.1?, 523.1?, 630.1?, 651, 658, 727?) and remains of four mosques (Sites 70, 220.1, 318.1, 523.1). Roads. Remains of ancient roads were documented at approximately 140 survey sites. Nine paved roads from the Roman period were found with milestones alongside them (for more on the roads see below, The Roman Period, pp. 42*–44*). Most of the roads linked the large settlements of the Judean Shephelah with those in the Hevron Hills, as well as the settlements in the southern coastal plain. Burial Sites. Seven hundred and forty-six burial caves and hewn tombs from a variety of periods, most of them plundered, were documented at approximately 257 survey sites. Cemeteries in the Judean Shephelah are usually close to the settlement sites, for example, at Tel Bet Shemesh, Tel Sokho, Tel ‘Azeqa, Tel Goded, Tel Maresha, Tel ‘Eton, Tell Beit Mirsim and Kh. el Kaum, where the soft limestone facilitated the hewing of caves and tombs. Inscriptions and ornamentations were documented in four of the burial caves located within the map area (at H. Horesh, H. Bet Loya, Kh. el Kaum and Tel ‘Eton). The inscriptions in the burial cave at H. Bet Loya [12] written there "אלוהי ירשלם" Site 195) are of particular interest because of the words) (Ahituv 2005:208–211). Nine inscriptions were discovered in the burial caves near Kh. el Kaum [1] (Site 398.1); local residents, well aware of the monetary value of the inscriptions, sought and found additional burial caves containing inscriptions (Ahituv 2005:196–208). The beginning of a Greek inscription (Tzaferis 1982a) was discovered in a burial cave at Tel ‘Eton [2] (Site 744.1). In another burial cave there dating to the Iron Age was the carved image of a lion (Ussishkin 1974) and in a burial cave from the Roman period were carvings of people and a horse with two riders. A. Kloner discovered an ancient Hebrew inscription in a Jewish burial cave from the Roman period at Kh. ‘Eitūn et Tahta (Site 735), 1.4 km southwest of the tell, and a Greek inscription and carvings in other caves (Kloner 1986a). At H. Horesh [1] (Site 24.1) a Greek inscription was found inside a burial cave. Additional Greek inscriptions were discovered in the caves at Maresha (Peters and Thiersch 1902, 1905) and Kh. Za‘aquqa (on the road between Bet Guvrin and Tarqumiya; Kloner 1986b; Kloner, Regev and Rappaport 1992). Nine sheikh’s tombs were also documented by the surveyors (at Survey Sites 103, 220.7, 222.1, 258.2, 318.1, 328, 397.2, 520, 651, 735); two of them, currently ruinous, are marked merely by a heap of stones. A building that was used until modern times for religious gatherings (Site 222.1, Kh. en Nabī Sālih [1]) was also recorded. Caves. The thousands of rock-hewn caves discovered in the Shephelah are a phenomenon unique to this part of the country. The soft limestone (chalk), easily quarried, and the use made of the chalky material removed from the caves when they were hewn, led to

18* increased quarrying of caves in the region. Scholars recognized the singularity of the caves in the Judean Shephelah already in the nineteenth century (Robinson and Smith 1856:51–52; Guérin 1869, 2:309–311; Conder and Kitchener 1881–1883:264–274, 290–292; Smith 1894:239–244; Clermont-Ganneau 1896, II:443–447). The first scholar to comprehensively study this phenomenon, including the taking of measurements and conducting excavations, was R.A.S. Macalister, who during 1899–1900 documented caves in the vicinity of Tel ‘Azeqa, Tel Zafit, Tel Goded, Bet Guvrin, Tel Maresha, Kh. el ‘Ain and H. Bet Loya (Macalister 1902:204–270). Following the establishment of the state Y. Ben-Arieh conducted a study of the bell-shaped caves (Ben-Arieh 1959, 1960). The caves in the region were fully documented within the framework of the Judean Shephelah survey (Dagan 1982:27–43) and classified according to six groups: (1) Maresha-type Caves. These caves are hewn below settlements of the Hellenistic period and date mainly to this period. Meticulously hewn, with delicate stone chiseling, it is apparent that much thought went into their planning. Sometimes the caves are part of a multi-chambered complex. Caves of this type were documented chiefly in the vicinity of Tel Maresha (approximately 314 caves were counted there) and at six survey sites located within the Map of Amazya. (2) Bell-shaped Caves. A large group of caves hewn in the shape of a large bell (10–18 m in height, diam. of floor 10–20 m). Sometimes several caves were joined together to form an extensive subterranean complex (similar to the caves in the vicinity of Bet Guvrin and Moshav Luzit). These caves impressed all visitors to the region in the nineteenth century. In the 1960s and early 1970s the caves were studied by Y. Ben-Arieh and others (Ben-Arieh 1959, 1960; Dagan 1982:35–39; Frumkin and Kloner 1989). One hundred and thirty-nine bell-shaped caves, some of which have collapsed, were surveyed within the map area. A large group of bell-shaped caves, currently used as animal pens and cowsheds, was documented near Beit ‘Awwa. (3) Subterranean Complexes (‘Hiding Refuges’). Numerous underground complexes that include halls connected by narrow tunnels were discovered in the Judean Shephelah (Dagan 1982:32–33; Kloner and Tepper 1987; Zissu 2001:271–325; Amit and Frumkin 2003; Kloner and Zissu 2005 with an updated bibliography therein). Macalister was the first to draw and describe caves of this type in the Shephelah (Bliss and Macalister 1902:224–252). In the 1970s several researchers began to examine and record the underground complexes (Alon 1987:107–114; Kloner and Tepper 1987; Kloner and Zissu 2005), which were probably initially hewn prior to the Roman period (see Isaiah 2:19). Cut into the soft limestone, the complexes were used for a wide variety of purposes, among them as stores for agricultural produce, for water storage and industrial activities, and also as refuges in times of danger and emergency. It is possible that the majority of these complexes were initially hewn in times of crisis and used from the start as hiding places. It is surprising that so far no carvings or inscriptions have been found on the complexes’ walls to commemorate the difficult events experienced by

19* the population. Hiding in these complexes caused some of the population to become passive in their struggle and also more vulnerable, because many people were gathered in a subterranean space with a limited number of openings. Underground complexes have been discovered in almost all of the settlement sites in the eastern part of the Shephelah, as well as in other parts of Israel, such as the Galilee (Shahar 2003 with an updated bibliography and list of survey sites where underground complexes were found). It is difficult to ascribe a date to these complexes, but it is reasonable to assume that they are contemporaneous with the settlements they are in or to which they are in close proximity. Understandably, the finds unearthed in the complexes date mainly to the last phase of their use. It is noteworthy that pottery dating to the Iron Age or Hellenistic period was sometimes found; however this does not necessarily indicate when the complexes were quarried (Wexler-Bdolah 2001:49). Fifty-two underground complexes were recorded at 27 survey sites within the map area (Sites 24.1, 26.1, 70, 89.1, 103, 110.1, 175, 194.1, 220.1, 220.3, 229.1, 258.1, 260.1, 313.1, 318.1, 325.1, 326.1, 327, 383, 483, 520, 526.1, 564, 630.1, 631, 662, 735). Approximately 15 subterranean complexes were located at Survey Site 89.1 alone. (4) Columbarium Caves. These caves are not uniform in plan and the dimensions of the columbarium niches hewn in their walls vary (average dimensions 0.15–0.20×0.20– 0.30 m). Rock-cut columbarium niches were documented in bell-shaped caves, in the Maresha-type caves, in cisterns and even in oil presses located inside of caves. One particularly impressive columbarium cave in which there are c. 2000 hewn niches is Es Souk (Bliss and Macalister 1902:242–245), situated in the lower city of Maresha. Many scholars have addressed the use of the columbarium niches but today there seems to be a consensus among most researchers that the columbarium niches served as dovecotes. In the Judean Shephelah hundreds of subterranean cavities were adapted for use as dovecotes after the first phase of their use was completed (Oren 1965; Kloner 1973; Tepper 1986). Columbarium caves were documented at 43 survey sites within the Map of Amazya. (5) Cave Dwellings. Some of the rock-hewn caves were used as temporary dwellings by shepherds or farmers in different periods. These caves can be recognized by the cuttings executed in their walls in order to adapt them for habitation. Benches for sleeping were hewn and the cave interiors were divided by walls into several units, storage niches were cut, etc. Evidence of temporary living quarters was recorded at 212 caves within the map area, most of them located in the eastern part of the map on the western slopes of the Hevron Hills. (6) Caves Used for Christian Worship. Several caves revealed evidence indicating religious use by Christians. Macalister writes of chapels near H. Bet Loya and Kh. el ‘Ain (Macalister 1901a, 1901b). In several caves crosses and inscriptions were carved and cuttings in the shape of an apse were discovered.

20* Water Sources. Wells, cisterns, pools, reservoirs and springs were documented within the Map of Amazya. The lack of perennial water sources in the Judean Shephelah necessitated, to a great extent, the reliance on rainfall to supply water. (1) Cisterns. The principal solution to the shortage of an abundant year-round water supply is to dig cisterns for storing rainwater. In and around the ancient settlements of the Shephelah 1968 cisterns were documented at 286 survey sites. From time to time even today local villagers repair and clean some of the ancient cisterns for their own use. Differences in the kinds of chalk layers required different methods of preparing the cisterns. For example, “Maresha member” chalk is uniform but slightly fissured whereas “Adullam member” chalk is extremely fractured; after digging a cistern in the latter rock it is necessary to plaster the walls carefully, so as to seal them. Cisterns (diam. 1–2 m, 2–3 m deep) hewn down to water-impervious marl layers were also documented within the map area. Following a rainy winter water overflows the rim of the cistern and mid-summer the water level drops to about 0.5 m above the floor. (2) Wells. Most of the wells are located in the vicinity of ancient settlements. They were dug into pebble layers along the edges of the streambeds or into a layer of chalk. This ground water collected in the wells in small amounts that were sufficient for the needs of both the human and animal population. Most of the wells are presently dry due to the drop in the level of the coastal aquifer. Thirty wells that were dug to a great depth were documented within the Map of Amazya; several of them are still being used. (3) Pools and Reservoirs. Most of the pools in the area of the Map of Amazya were hewn at the foot of a slope, where runoff could drain into them (see Fig. 3.512). Several of the pools were built along stream banks, for example, along Nahal Lakhish (Dagan 1992c:58*, Site 97). Reservoirs can be seen in the earthen mounds that span the streambed. This water was probably collected to provide for animals (Dagan 1992c:75*, Site 181). (4) Springs. Some 67 seasonal springs (nabe‘ot) were documented at the foot of the Hevron Hills, on either side of the strip of valleys to their west. Of these, seven seasonal springs are located within the map area. Most of the springs were found in the valleys of the streams. Agricultural and Industrial Installations. In the course of the survey, agricultural activity was examined, with special attention paid to the areas adjacent to the ancient settlements.7 It is difficult to date the installations because they were used over long periods of time. There are two groups of installations: installations used to process agricultural produce, among them winepresses, oil presses, basins, cupmarks, threshing floors and silos; and industrial installations, consisting of quarries, charcoal kilns, limekilns and kilns for manufacturing pottery vessels. Rock-hewn installations for processing agricultural produce are concentrated along the edges of the cultivation plots at many of the survey sites.

21* Table 1. Agricultural installations within the area of the Map of Amazya and within all of the Judean Shephelah. Installation type Map of Amazya Judean Shephelah Winepress 1275 2991 Oil Press 76 210 Simple oil press (bodeda) 57 149 Basins 3862 8716 Cupmarks 2630 5386 Threshing ﬂoors 37 154

Table 2. Industrial installations within the area of the Map of Amazya and within all of the Judean Shephelah. Installation type Map of Amazya Judean Shephelah Quarries 106 306 Limekilns 92 304 Charcoal kilns 26 55 Pottery kilns 1 12

Winepresses and the Wine Industry. The winepresses, hewn in rock outcrops, usually consist of a treading floor and collecting vat (Dray 2003). Sometimes hewn basins, cupmarks or dressed rock surfaces adjoin them. Most of the winepresses are located on the margins of the settlements and near the agricultural areas (Figs. 197, 359.1). Apparently the size of the winepress depended on the overall area of the vineyards and the amount of fruit intended for treading. The vast number of winepresses attests to the importance of viticulture to the economy of the Shephelah. Excavations conducted to date in the Judean Shephelah have not revealed evidence of wine production during the Bronze and Iron Ages (likewise, no other agricultural installations were discovered from these periods).8 Several of the winepresses documented in the survey have two collecting vats and several others worked with a beam secured to the side of the treading floor for secondary pressing (Brosh 1996). The plans of these winepresses and the ceramic finds found in them date them to the Roman and Byzantine periods. Later rock cuttings observed in the treading floors of several of the winepresses indicate that these treading floors were used again in later periods to dry or process agricultural produce and in addition, cisterns or caves were hewn in some of the collecting vats. We know from historical documents that with the Arab conquest of Israel in the seventh century CE grape cultivation waned (Ayalon 1997; Aviam 1998:16*). Nonetheless, in certain regions wine continued to be produced for the Jewish and Christian population and grapes were processed in the manufacture of honey (Amar 1995:256–258; 2000: 122–125, 129–133).

22* Olive Presses and the Oil Industry. The limestone soil of the Judean Shephelah is exceptionally suitable for olive trees (Frankel 1994:22–23)9 and indeed, olives were and still remain a chief element in the agriculture of this region. Excavations in the large cities of the Shephelah exposed installations for the extraction of olive oil. Oil presses from Iron IIA–B were discovered at Tel Batash (Kelm and Mazar 1996), Tel Bet Shemesh (Grant and Wright 1938: Pls. 19:5, 20:3, 21:1; 1939:73–75, Fig. 9) and Tell Beit Mirsim (Albright 1943:55–63; Eitam 1979:150–152)10 and evidence of a developed olive oil industry in Iron IIC was discovered at Tel Miqne (Eitam 1996; Gitin 1996). In the area of Tel Maresha sophisticated installations for the extraction of olive oil were exposed from the Hellenistic period, when the city was a center for the production of olive oil that was marketed to Egypt (Sagiv and Kloner 1996:288).11 Excavations at two survey sites within the map area uncovered olive-oil extraction installations that date to the Roman and Byzantine periods, a subterranean oil press at ‘Ahuzzat Hazzan’ (Site 520; Avni and Gudovitz 1996) and an oil press beside a church at H. Bet Loya [1] (Site 103; Frankel, Patrich and Tsafrir 1990). Numerous written sources from the Middle Ages mention the growing of olives in the cultivation plots of the Shephelah (Amar 2000:144, 145). The olive-oil extraction installations are divided into two types: large industrial installations (oil presses) and simple installations (bodedas) hewn in rock outcrops that were used in domestic contexts (Figs. 2.319.1, 2.349.1, 655.1, 2.655.2). The industrial oil presses have a crushing basin, pressing installation, weights and a long beam (the press beam). From the Hellenistic period on, we are witness to improvements in the technology of olive-oil production, with the addition of the screw press (Ayalon 1999:115; Frankel 1994:40; Sagiv and Kloner 1996:275–276). The time of construction of most of the oil presses documented in the survey is unclear but it seems they were used mostly during the Roman and Byzantine periods.12 The simple oil press (bodeda) basically consisted of a single rock-cut basin a hollow hewn in the bottom for draining the remnants of the liquid (Avitsur 1994:99–102; Ayalon 1999:115–116). Occasionally there were two basins (average diam. 0.5–0.6 m), one above the other. The higher basin was shallow (sometimes with a hewn channel encompassing it) and cut so as to slope toward the lower basin, into which the olive oil would collect. Sometimes a simple oil press was found hewn in a large stone. Similar installations including two basins were found in many parts of Israel (Ahlström 1978, Figs. 33, 34; Eitam 1987, Fig. 3; Avitsur 1994, Figs. 99, 100). A great number of simple oil presses were documented in the course of the survey of the Map of Amazya. Dozens of these installations were hewn near the villages and farms from the Iron Age on, but dating them is difﬁcult. It is also complicated to determine the size of the areas utilized for growing olive trees in the different periods. An examination of aerial photographs from the British Mandate period (1945) reveals the presence of olive groves near ancient settlements in a considerable part of the Shephelah.

23* Rock-hewn Basins and Cupmarks. The basins are usually round (diam. 0.25 m and more), but square and rectangular basins are also found. In the Judean Shephelah 8716 basins were documented, of which 3862 are within the area of the Map of Amazya. The basins may have been used for grinding, for the preparation of foodstuffs or for other kinds of industrial usage. The proximity of the basins to the agricultural plots indicates that they were probably used for processing agricultural produce (Figs. 1.263.2, 359.1). In the Ramat Bet Shemesh area in the northern Shephelah several dozen oval basins (average size 0.3×0.6 m) dating to the Chalcolithic period are hewn into large rock surfaces (Dagan 1998a:94–100; Dagan and Mettens 1998:102–104, including plans). A large group of hewn basins probably dating to the Chalcolithic period was recorded at one of the survey sites (686) within the area of the Map of Amazya. Most of the basins are hewn close to the settlements and near other rock-hewn installations. The cupmarks (diam. 0.10–0.25 m, 0.10–0.25 m deep) are smaller than the basins. In the Judean Shephelah 5386 cupmarks were documented of which 2630 lie within the area of the Map of Amazya. The cupmarks are found close to settlements, sometimes next to basins and sometimes in separate groups; they appear to have been used for grinding and pounding. Threshing Floors. These installations, consisting of a hewn, sometimes round rock surface (1–12 sq m), were used for threshing crops, to separate the chaff from the grain (Avitsur 1984). This is assumed to be one of the most ancient of agricultural installations and it is still used today in some Arab villages. The threshing floors may also have been used to dry agricultural produce when threshing was not being done. In the Judean Shephelah 154 threshing floors were documented, among them 37 within the map area (five of them were documented on the western slopes of the Hevron Hills). Limekilns. Limekilns are found throughout the country and in the Shephelah in particular (Cohen 1972; Sasson 1990, 1996; Dagan 1992c:20*; Spanier and Sasson 2001; J. Ben- Michael, pers. comm.). Three hundred and four limekilns were documented in the course of the survey of the Judean Shephelah, of which 92 are within the area of the Map of Amazya. Most of the kilns were recorded in the western part of the map, in an area of chalk rock, next to settlement remains that provided an ample supply of building stones for burning. The limekiln is a pit dug in the ground, usually in a place exposed to the wind, in which limestone blocks were burnt at high temperatures over the course of several days until lime was produced (Fig. 231). A stokehole was built in most of the kilns through which air (oxygen) was drawn inside, in order to fan the flames of the fire. Usually a heap of gray debris is found around the kilns (Avitsur 1976:128–130). Quarries. In the Judean Shephelah 306 stone quarries were documented, of which 106 are within the map area. There are quarries in the hard nari and there are quarries in soft chalk (Shilo and Hurwitz 1975; Reich 1987:1–5). The hard nari served as the main raw material in the construction of the stone houses in the Judean Shephelah. The quarrying of chalk for construction material probably began in the Hellenistic period, primarily in the vicinity of Tel Maresha and Bet Guvrin. Remains of buildings built of

24* chalk masonry stones were exposed mostly in the area of Tel Maresha. The chalk stones were also used as raw material for burning in limekilns (Ben-Arieh 1959, 1960; Dagan 1982:35–39). Charcoal Kilns. These are installations in which wood is burnt in order to produce charcoal for domestic or industrial use. It is difficult to determine when charcoal kilns first began to be used and when the inhabitants began to fell trees to produce charcoal (Avitsur 1987). Generally the charcoal kilns are conspicuous due to the heaps of black waste in their vicinity. In the Judean Shephelah 55 charcoal kilns were documented, mostly in the eastern portion; of these 26 were recorded within the map area. Most of the charcoal kilns are located inside caves that originally served as dwellings or tombs. Several charcoal kilns that were excavated in Ramat Bet Shemesh were dated by U. Baruch to the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries CE (‘Abd Rabu 1998:107–109; Baruch 1998:116). Pottery Kilns. Twelve kilns used in the production of pottery vessels were documented within the region of the Judean Shephelah; merely one was found in the area of the Map of Amazya (Site 396.3; Figs. 1.396.3, 2.396.3). Agricultural Terraces. Agricultural terraces were documented within the map area at 575 survey sites, comprising a total area of c. 35,357 dunams (c. 35 sq km), and at 1182 survey sites within the Judean Shephelah. Most of the farming terraces are located in the eastern Shephelah, in the hills, whereas agricultural areas in the western Shephelah are in flat areas, conducive to modern agriculture. These terraces are part of the mountainous landscape of the Land of Israel (Amiran 1953:67; Reifenberg 1955:43– 48), part of a developed farming culture that prepared and exploited every patch of ground for dry farming. The construction of the terraces was necessary to prepare new cultivation areas after those in the valleys were utilized. Presumably the terraces were built at a time when there was a significant increase in the population, which required the preparation of additional agricultural lands to augment those located in the valleys. The agricultural terraces also constituted a solution to the problem of soil erosion on the slopes that stemmed from deforestation and the clearing of vegetation (Courty, Goldberg and Macphail 1989:79–103). The terraces created stepped small, flat areas that reduced the force of the runoff flow on rainy days, thereby reducing the amount of soil erosion. Soil composition on these terraces varied (Ron 1966, 1977; Courty, Goldberg and Macphail 1989:134–136).13 The terraces were constructed next to settlements, as well as in regions that were far from the settlements.14 It seems the first agricultural terraces were constructed on the low portions of the slopes, where fertile soil had been swept from the hilltops and naturally concentrated; it was only after the demand for additional farmland continued were agricultural terraces constructed further up the slopes. The agricultural terraces on the lower slopes were more advantageous: the amount and quality of soil was better and they were also closer to the valleys from which the fertile earth was taken to fill the terraces. The construction of the terraces demonstrates a high degree of engineering ability, from the process of locating a suitable area, the

25* construction of a stable retaining wall and a drainage system appropriate for the heavy water flow in the rainy season, to transporting and distributing fertile soil to the area of the terrace, work that was probably done when the soil was dry and relatively light in weight. Apparently there was an advantage to collecting soil from the area around the ancient settlements because this soil contained many organic materials enriched with nitrogen.15 The agricultural terraces within the map area were documented in the streambeds, some of them quite wide, in interior valleys and on slopes. The streambeds of the Judean Shephelah contain fertile soil, used for farming since the dawn of history. Some of these streams are broad and the slopes that descend to them are moderate, thus most of their area is utilized for cultivation. The agricultural terrace walls in the streambeds create a stepped slope that prevents soil erosion. The hilly eastern Shephelah features agricultural terraces, which are built on most of the slopes. The need for farmland motivated the population to seek additional ways of creating cultivation plots. These included the formation of artificial valleys (excavated earth would be deposited on the chalky soil so as to enrich it or it would be brought to the villages for other purposes) and the excavation of artificial channels in which they built agricultural terraces. During the course of the survey similar occurrences—the creation of new farming areas for the planting of olive trees and to sow wheat—were discerned. The agricultural lands within the Map of Amazya extend over approximately 35,355 dunams (35 sq km); one can assume that open areas not conducive for planting were used for grazing. It is extremely difficult to date the agricultural terraces because they have been in use continuously until modern times. Analysis of data related to the terraces in the region indicates that most of the activity for increasing the amount of arable land, including the construction of agricultural terraces, occurred at the end of the Roman, and particularly during the Byzantine, period. This was a time span of significant population growth, manifested by a sharp rise in the number of settlements in the Shephelah.16 In the Judean Shephelah 484 survey sites containing remains of settlements or buildings from the Byzantine period were documented; of these, 102 are sites located within the area of the Map of Amazya. A similar picture is obtained in other regions of the Land of Israel (Broshi 1980:3–10; Dan 1984:13; Tsafrir 1984:347; Safrai 1997, Table 1; Rubin 1998). During the Roman and Byzantine periods new agro-mechanical farming methods were introduced (Feliks 1982; Safrai 1986:29–48) and new markets were opened for the export of agricultural produce from Israel to neighboring countries to the east, south and west (Dan 1982, 1990; Tsafrir 1984:347–363; Safrai 1986:38–39; Rubin 1990:86, 89–90). The results of research by U. Baruch regarding the influence of man on the vegetation in Israel indicate that from the middle of the second millennium BCE until the fourth century CE, forest vegetation was depleted in favor of wild grasses and in the first quarter of the first millennium CE there occurred a significant and unparalleled increase in the cultivation of olive trees (up to three times as many as there are today; Baruch 1994:61), leading us to deduce that most of the agricultural terraces in the

26* Judean Shephelah, in particular within the Map of Amazya, were built in the Roman and Byzantine periods. Even if some terraces were built earlier, this does not alter the conclusion that the great building momentum of agricultural terraces took place in the third–fourth centuries CE. The use of the agricultural terraces did not terminate with the end of the Byzantine period in Israel. The inhabitants of the mountain villages continued to take advantage of the terraces, while attending to their proper maintenance at the same time. Even if some of them were abandoned over the course of the years, in times when the population increased the villagers returned to cultivate these same terraces built in the past. The importance of agriculture in the Ottoman period was signiﬁcant and apparently peasants engaged, among other pursuits, in the construction of new terraces and in repairing the destroyed retaining walls of old terraces (Ilan 1974:71–72; Amiran 1989:17–25).

Identification of Settlements Many scholars have undertaken to identify the cities of the Shephelah that appear in the city lists in Joshua 15:33–44 (Dagan 1996 and the bibliography cited therein). Several of these settlements were identified during the course of our survey: H. Bet ‘Elem [1] (Survey Site 26.1). The author identifies the site with Achzib, which is mentioned in the list of cities between Keilah and Mareshah (Genesis 38:5, Joshua 15:44; Dagan 1996:143). H. Lehem [1] (Survey Site 70). Several scholars have suggested identifying the site with Lahmam (Joshua 15:40; Conder and Kitchener 1881–1883:261; Abel 1938, II:90), however, this is not borne out by the finds. The author believes that Lahmam should be identified with Mishlat Ma’ahaz, located within the area of the Map of Lakhish (Site 301; Dagan 1992c:110*). H. Bet Loya [1] (Survey Site 103). The author suggests an identification with Joktheel (Joshua 15:38), based on the finds at the site (Dagan 1996:140). Kh. er Rās [1] (Survey Site 210.1). The author’s proposal to identify the site with the inheritance of Mizpeh (Joshua 15:38) is corroborated by the finds (Dagan 1996:140). Idna [1] (Survey Site 220). There are several proposals to identify the site with Dannah (Joshua 15:49), which is also mentioned in Eusebius’s Onomastikon (No. 381). However, in the lists of inheritance in the Book of Joshua Dannah is included in the cities in the hill country (Lionstam 1973). The proposal identifying the site with Ashnah (Joshua 15:33) is unacceptable because the cities adjacent to Ashnah in the list are located in the northern Shephelah (Eshtaol and Zoreah; Abel 1938 II:255; Lionstam 1972; Dagan 1996:138). Eusebius’ identification of Idna with Yitnan (No. 420) is implausible from a geographical standpoint. During the time of Eusebius a village by the name of Idna existed six miles from Bet Guvrin on the road to Hebron. It would seem that this name is preserved into the modern era in the name of the village of Idna (see Eusebius No. 534a).

27* Jebel Sālih [1] (Survey Site 294.1). The author identifies the site with biblical Zenan (Joshua 15:37; Dagan 1996:140). Ed Dawāyima [1] (Survey Site 318.1). The author identifies the site with Migdal-Gad (Joshua 15:37), based on the match of the geographic location of the site and that of the town in the inheritance list, as well as the finds (Dagan 1996:140). Rasm Dāhina (Survey Site 327). The author identifies the site with the town of Dilean (Joshua 15:38), whose mention in the lists after Migdal-Gad lends support to this proposal (Dagan 1996:140). Giv‘at Shofarit (Survey Site 330.1). The proposal to identify the site with biblical Saphir (Micah 1:11) is not borne out by the finds. The location and the topography surrounding the site are also inconsistent with this proposal.17 There are suggestions to identify Saphir with the Arab village Es Sawafir, which is situated in the western Shephelah (Kallai 1982) and there is also a proposal to identify Saphir with Kh. el Kaum [1], within the Map of Amazya (see below). Kh. el Kaum [1] (Site 398.1). Many scholars have dealt with the identification of this site. Abel identified it with Saphir (Micah 1:11) based on the name of a wadi located nearby (Abel 1938, II:447–448). M. Kochavi, who surveyed the Hevron Hills and their slopes, agrees with this identification (Kochavi 1972:29). Others prefer to identify the site with Makkedah because of the paucity of finds at Kh. Beit Maqdūm [1] (see below; Kellermann 1978:428; Dorsey 1980:191–192; Rainey 1988:103), however there is no geographic or linguistic basis to support this proposal (Kallai 1982). Kh. Beit Maqdūm [1] (Survey Site 405.1). Many scholars have identified the site with Makkedah (Joshua 10:10, 16, 21, 28, 29; 15:41) primarily because of the similarity of the names (Elliger 1934b; Noth 1937, 1971; Dorsey 1980, Rainey 1988:103). J.A. Soggin, in his commentary on the Book of Joshua, does not suggest any site whatsoever for Makkedah, beyond saying that this was an important city in Judah (Soggin 1972:126– 132). The ostracon bearing the name of Makkedah, which was found at H. ‘Uza, does not contribute to an identification of the site (Beit-Arieh 1985). Ahituv, who was deceived by antiquities dealers claiming the collection of ostraca sold in the antiquities market originated in Kh. el Kaum, attributed them to Makkedah, which is mentioned in the ostraca, for this reason (Ahituv 2003:13). The author feels that Makkedah should be identified with Tell Beit Mirsim, situated in the southeastern section of the Shephelah (Dagan 1996:141–142). Tel ‘Eton [1] (Survey Site 743). The author believes the site should be identified with Eglon, mentioned seven times in the Book of Joshua in connection with the conquest of the Judean Shephelah by Joshua. In the past Eglon was identified with Kh. Aijlon (Guérin), with Tel Hesi (Albright and Abel), with Tel Nagila (Aharoni) and with Tell Beit Mirsim (Elliger). Noth was the first to propose identifying Eglon with Tel ‘Eton in 1937. This identification is acceptable from the standpoint of the finds and the geographic location (Dagan 1996:140–141).

28* Archaeological Overview

The Neolithic Period A few Neolithic ﬁnds were found at two survey sites (560, 769), both located in the foothills of the western Hevron Hills. No prehistoric remains were documented in the western part of the Map of Amazya, for which we have no explanation. It is possible that remains from these periods are meager and require special ﬁeldwork to locate them and ascertain their characteristics.

The Chalcolithic Period Remains from the Chalcolithic period were found at 14 survey sites, seven of which are settlement remains (Sites 27, 501, 556, 630.1, 675.1, 686, 729.1); the seven other sites consisted of pottery scatters. In general, settlement remains were documented on the slopes of the Hevron Hills, in the eastern part of the map area. It is possible that settlements were established in this region in order to utilize the slopes of the Hevron Hills for grazing and because of their proximity to the fertile valleys in the eastern Shephelah. At one of the sites (686) elliptical rock-hewn basins were surveyed, the likes of which were documented in the survey of Ramat Bet Shemesh and in other regions. Basins of this type are characteristic of Chalcolithic settlements; however, at this point neither their purpose nor the manner in which they were used is clear (Dagan 1996).18

The Early Bronze Age I Remains from this period were documented at eight survey sites. Two of them (Sites 26.1, 194.1) are the remains of large settlements situated on spurs west of the slopes of the Hevron Hills, near water sources, and probably also close to cultivation plots. Pottery scatters and a few ﬂint implements dating to this period were recorded at four sites and burial caves were documented at two sites (557, 646.3).

The Early Bronze Age II Remains from the second phase of the Early Bronze Age were documented at 31 survey sites. Apparently in EB II a new population settled in the Shephelah. Five of the sites consist of settlement remains (26.1, 194.1, 547, 711, 738). A burial cave was documented at one site (650), and the remaining sites consist mostly of pottery scatters, spread over a limited area (1–5 dunams). Practically all the sites from this period are located in the Judean Shephelah, and not in the eastern part of the map. This may be due to the fact that the slopes of the Hevron Hills were covered by forests during this period.

The Early Bronze Age III Twenty-nine survey sites were documented from EB III, in many cases EB II sites that continued to be occupied. There seems to be continuity in their preference as settlement

29* sites. Burial caves were documented at two sites (646.3, 650) and at the rest of the sites a few sherds were gathered, generally fragments of the holemouths collected on spurs or hilltops. Also, as in earlier phases of the period, no remains were found in the hill country in the eastern part of the map area.

The Intermediate Bronze Age The settlement picture of the Judean Shephelah in the Intermediate Bronze Age has been revised over the course of the last four decades in light of the excavation results from Jebel el Qa‘aqir and Ramat Bet Shemesh and in the wake of the survey of the Shephelah. Until then our only knowledge of this period derived mainly from the results of excavations at three tells: Tell Beit Mirsim, Tel Lakhish and Tel Bet Shemesh (all three were excavated during the first third of the twentieth century). The nature of the remains exposed by the excavations was of little significance to the study of this period, with the exception of the discoveries at Tell Beit Mirsim (Strata I, H; Dever 2003; Albright 1932:8–18, 1938:14–16); they did not constitute enough to aid in understanding settlement patterns in this region. The excavations conducted at Jebel el Qa‘aqir (Survey Site 484) in the eastern Shephelah in 1967, 1968 and 1971 under the direction of W.G. Dever contributed greatly to reconstructing the nature of the Intermediate Bronze Age. Artifacts from this period were collected at 136 survey sites within the Map of Amazya. These sites were generally exposed following extensive development work carried out by the residents of the villages, mostly while preparing areas for cultivation. Many of these ancient remains were damaged following their discovery, particularly the rock-hewn tombs, which were plundered by antiquities robbers. Remains of 17 settlements, located mainly close to the fertile valleys at the western foot of the Hevron Hills, were counted within the map area (396.1, 472, 484, 485, 493, 558, 559, 561, 563, 565, 572, 575, 576, 577, 663.1, 667, 676). Scattered building remains were documented at 15 sites (467, 470, 475, 476, 488, 489, 579.1, 588, 664.3, 666, 668.6, 671, 692, 704, 754) and at 10 sites (409, 473, 663.2, 668.1, 668.2, 668.3, 668.4, 701, 703, 775) remains of a single structure were documented. Burial installations, mostly rock-hewn tombs, were surveyed at five sites (510, 547, 562, 578, 777). The rest of the sites consisted of pottery scatters. A scant number of potsherds from this period was found by the surveyors at several tells excavated in the past in the Judean Shephelah—Tel Zafit, Tel ‘Azeqa, Tel Goded and Tel ‘Erani. Most of the survey sites at which remains from this period were found were located in the eastern Shephelah. Apparently environmental conditions, among them the grazing lands and the possibility of dwelling in caves, attracted settlers to this region of the country. In light of this I am inclined to reject the model proposed by Dever regarding the migratory cycles of settlers between the Negev Highlands and the Shephelah. The Shephelah at this time was also settled, albeit the nature of occupation there during this period is still unclear.

30* The documentation of settlement remains and pottery scatters both in the area of Ramat Bet Shemesh in the northern Shephelah and in the Map of Amazya in the southeastern Shephelah, contributes a great deal to our understanding of changes in the settlement pattern in the Shephelah during the Intermediate Bronze Age. First of all, this part of the country was clearly neither uninhabited nor was it devoid of settlements as it has been presented in settlement maps. Intermediate Bronze remains were generally found at sites that were covered over by soil, a result of prolonged cultivation; these remains were exposed in the wake of development activities initiated by the area’s residents in recent decades. Hence the discovery of these sites is closely intertwined with the carrying out of a precise and comprehensive survey. Indeed, during some twenty years of surveying in the Shephelah a small number of sites from this period was documented; however, in light of the discoveries within the areas of the Map of Amazya and Ramat Bet Shemesh, it now seems that the Shephelah should be investigated using a different method. An examination of the geographic distribution of Intermediate Bronze settlement remains shows a preference for certain areas, ﬁrst and foremost along the streambeds, because of the proximity to water sources. Thus settlement remains were located alongside Nahal Soreq, Nahal Yarmut and Nahal Yimla (perennial water sources were almost certainly available in these streams). Residential buildings were constructed in the areas above the streambeds, thus allowing the settlement to expand across an extensive area. It seems that in the southeastern Shephelah, in the vicinity of Jebel el Qa‘aqir, the settlers hewed shallow pits, which were used to store the water that accumulated on the layers of marl and created seasonal springs. During this period the inhabitants preferred to settle in the eastern Shephelah (at Tell Beit Mirsim and in the vicinity of Jebel el Qa‘aqir) and in proximity to Ramat Bet Shemesh, areas where they could engage in grazing and agriculture year-round. The area close to the western slopes of the hill country, in which numerous survey sites were recorded and potsherds were collected, most likely served as a broad pastureland, and in the other areas seeds were probably planted. While the cave dwellings are likely to be indicative of a nomadic population, this population apparently did not migrate over great distances as has been suggested in the past, but rather within a deﬁned region close to the areas of permanent settlement, and in established cycles. At several survey sites— Ramat Bet Shemesh, Tel Lakhish, Jebel el Qa‘aqir and Tell Beit Mirsim—remains of residential buildings were documented with the accompanying domestic assemblages (household goods and storage vessels); these are characteristic of a permanently settled population engaged in working the land and raising sheep, goat and cattle.

The Middle Bronze Age II The information we have accumulated about settlement patterns in the Judean Shephelah in MB II presents a completely different habitation picture from that of the preceding period. A reconstruction of the settlement system in this period is based on excavation

31* results from four tells and two open settlements, as well as on data deriving from the surveys. Attributing potsherds collected in the survey to a particular phase of the Middle Bronze Age is difficult since the sherds that are likely to provide dates comprise a very small part of the assemblage of survey finds, especially as there are a number of vessel types that continue for a long time span. Only a few survey sites yielded potsherds that can be ascribed unequivocally to either MB IIA or MB IIB. In general, pottery sherds that were collected at the survey sites appear to be characteristic of the second phase of the period. Remains of fortified MB II cities were exposed by excavations conducted at four tells in the Shephelah: Tell Beit Mirsim (these excavations served as the basis for defining and characterizing this period for the first time), Tel Lakhish (Stratum VIII and its phases; remains of several walls exposed beneath the remains of the Area P palace19 are probably from the first phase of the period), Tel Bet Shemesh and Tel Batash (Strata XII–XI; Mazar 1997, Pl. XIV). Only at Tell Beit Mirsim were fortified remains from MB IIA exposed, but all four of the tells were fortified in MB IIB. Settlement remains dating to the first phase of MB II were exposed in excavations at three tells in the Judean Shephelah—Tell Beit Mirsim, Tel Lakhish and Tel Bet Shemesh. To these can be added settlement remains at survey sites where excavations were not conducted (16 survey sites yielded settlement remains in the Judean Shephelah survey). Remains from this period were documented within the Map of Amazya at two survey sites, one of which is a settlement (Site 210.1) and the other a pottery scatter (Site 529). The results of the excavations and the survey present a picture of sparse settlement. In the central portion of the Shephelah, in the region between Nahal Ha- Ela and Nahal Lakhish, there were no large settlements from the first phase of MB II. Contrariwise, remains from MB IIA were documented on either side of the western part of Nahal Guvrin, which demonstrates unequivocally the effort to maintain a hold on the fertile land of the Shephelah. That being the case, the high hill country region of the Shephelah was practically unpopulated during MB IIA, when it seems there was a preference for settling in the fertile western Shephelah. A similar settlement picture obtains in the Sharon region (Kochavi, Beck and Gophna 1979). The settlement picture in both these regions differs from that of the southern coastal plain, where, during this period, settlement flourished (Gophna and Ayalon 1980; Gophna and Beck 1981; Gophna 1984:29–31). The sparse occupation along Nahal Soreq and Nahal Guvrin may possibly reflect the first inroads made into this region by a population originating in the coastal plain (Broshi and Gophna 1986:83–85). During the second phase of MB II changes in settlement patterns in the Judean Shephelah are similar to those that occurred in the Land of Israel in general. At three of the tells in the Shephelah where MB IIA remains were exposed—Tell Beit Mirsim, Tel Lakhish and Tel Bet Shemesh—occupation continues into the second phase as well (Tell Beit Mirsim: Albright 1938:26–60; Tel Lakhish: Tufnell et al. 1958:44–48, 51–61, Pl. 96; Ussishkin 1978:7–10, 1983:104–108, 1996:24–28; Tel Bet Shemesh: Grant and

32* Wright 1939:21–34). To these we should add the MB IIB settlement remains exposed at Tel Batash (Mazar 1997:249–252, Pls. XIV, 21–23, 34–38), Teleilat Batash (Kaplan 1958, 1992) and Giv‘at Sharett (Bahat 1975, 1976, 1992), as well as those recorded at 49 survey sites in the Shephelah, among them five tells (Tel Zafit, Tel ‘Erani, Kh. Qa‘ila), Tel Malha and Kh. er Rās). Within the area of the Map of Amazya remains from this phase of MB II were documented at two survey sites; the first was classified as the remains of a fortified city (Site 26.1) and the second as settlement remains (Site 210.1). Unlike the first phase of MB II, in the second phase settlement patterns in the Judean Shephelah and the southern part of the coastal plain appear to be similar. It seems the evidence for Broshi and Gophna’s premise regarding a significant settlement increase throughout the Land of Israel (Broshi and Gophna 1986:86) holds true in the Judean Shephelah as well. A. Kempinski believed the establishment of new settlements in the southern coastal plain reflected a combination of Egyptian interests that encouraged settlement in this region, and of activity along the trade routes passing through the settlements, which contributed to their economic well-being (Kempinski 1992: 193–194). This may possibly explain settlement expansion along the southern coastal plain and into the fertile regions of the Shephelah. At this juncture it is difficult to evaluate the nature of the relations between the fortified MB II cities and the other settlements. The survey finds are scant and a proper examination of this subject requires an examination of data from a larger region. For this reason no model for territorial division is proposed. In the past it was suggested that the system of city-states in the Middle Bronze Age preserves a previous territorial division, and thus the assumption that the cities of Lachish and Gat controlled most of the Shephelah appeared reasonable. It is also possible that a more decentralized system of small kingdoms existed. The status of these cities was not negatively affected at the end of the Middle Bronze Age (Lachish, for example, continued its regional supremacy in the Late Bronze Age Shephelah), and they continued to rule over extensive areas in the following period (Na’aman 1982:158, 169; Bunimovitz 1995:320–324).

The Late Bronze Age The end of the Middle Bronze Age was manifested by the collapse of the settlement network throughout the Land of Israel. The recovery that followed created new hubs of power, not necessarily in the cities that dominated in the preceding period (Bunimovitz 1989:71–73). A tremendous decline in settlement and its distribution can be seen in all parts of the Land of Israel in the transition from MB IIB to the early phase of the Late Bronze Age (Gonen 1984; Bunimovitz 1989:82–85, 1992:23, 1996:45–46; Baumgarten 1989). At this time changes occurred in the number of settlements, their size and nature, and also in the distribution of the open and small settlements located in close proximity to the cities.20 Many of the small settlements were destroyed and not re-inhabited. Large cemeteries located close to cities not repopulated to their previous, full extent may be

33* indicative of a nomadic population that buried their dead in a central location (Gonen 1992:148–149). Not all parts of the country were settled at this time; the hill country was unoccupied, whereas the Galilee, the valleys, the coastal plain and the Shephelah were all settled (Baumgarten 1992). Building remains from the Late Bronze Age were exposed by excavations conducted at five tells in the Judean Shephelah—Tel Lakhish, Tel Bet Shemesh, Tell Beit Mirsim, Tel Batash and Tel Yarmut. Excavations of other tells in the area (Tel ‘Erani, Tel ‘Eton, Tel ‘Azeqa, Tel Zafit, Tel Goded and Maresha) unearthed artifacts from this period but no building remains (it should be noted that when excavations were conducted at Maresha, Tel ‘Azeqa, Tel Zafit and Tel Goded archaeological research was still in its infancy; it is impossible today to attribute the habitation levels exposed at these sites to the period under discussion). Remains from the Late Bronze Age were documented by the surveyors at three survey sites, two of them cities (Sites 210.1, 743) and the third (Site 744.1) a burial site. In comparison, LB remains were documented at 51 survey sites throughout the Judean Shephelah. In this context we should emphasize the difficulty there is in attributing the survey finds to specific phases of the period.

The Iron Age The beginning of Iron Age settlement in the Judean Shephelah is shrouded in uncertainty. Excavations conducted at the tells in the Shephelah have not shed light on the processes that preceded settlement expansion during the ninth and eighth centuries BCE. The cause of the demise of Late Bronze culture in the Shephelah and the results of this destruction are the basis for understanding the beginning of the period that followed, the Iron Age I. Excavation results from Tel Lakhish, Tell Beit Mirsim and Tel Bet Shemesh have not clarified this episode and we should probably adopt the theory of specific cultural continuity in the peripheral settlements during the transition from the end of the Late Bronze Age to the beginning of the Iron Age (Kempinsky 1985; Dever 1992). During the course of the survey of the Judean Shephelah 3281 survey sites were recorded, of which 751 revealed Iron Age remains. The results of the survey clearly reflect both the extent of Iron Age settlement in this part of the country and the important status of the Shephelah in the settlement network of Judah. Included in these survey sites are a dozen tells where excavations were conducted, among them Tel Lakhish, whose excavation results serve as a stratigraphic anchor for all the sites in the Shephelah (Ussishkin 2004). Results of excavations carried out in the cities and settlements of Judah are instrumental in identifying the various phases of the Iron Age, primarily by providing a comparison between the ceramic finds from the tells of the Shephelah and those of Tel Lakhish. The distinction between the ninth–eighth centuries and the seventh–sixth centuries BCE in the Shephelah is based on the differences between the assemblages of Strata III and II at Tel Lakhish (Tufnell 1953:48; Tufnell et al. 1958:102–103; Zimhoni 1990).

34* A comparison between the ceramic assemblages from Tel Lakhish Stratum III and the pottery gathered in the course of the survey has assisted us in clearly distinguishing settlement patterns from this phase of Iron II (ninth–eighth centuries BCE). On the other hand, an examination of the pottery from the survey and that from Tel Lakhish Stratum II is difficult since identification of potsherds from the survey is generally based on fragments only while dating the settlement remains of the latter part of the Iron Age (seventh-sixth centuries BCE) is based on vessel fragments that represent types that are clearly different from those of the first phase. It should be remembered that there are pottery vessels, which first make an appearance in the ninth–eighth centuries BCE, that continued until the last phase of the Iron Age. Therefore it is possible that the majority of the survey sites that were ascribed to the ninth-eighth centuries BCE based on the finds may have continued into the seventh–sixth centuries BCE (Iron IIC; Kletter 1996:7–9). Excavations at several of the tells in the Shephelah provided a chronological sequence of Iron Age stratigraphy from the eleventh until the sixth centuries BCE. Some of the tells revealed no early material (beginning of Iron 1) and others revealed remains that can be ascribed to the end of the period. These excavations focused on limited areas and consequently the chronological-stratigraphic horizons represent these same areas, which were insufficient in size to enable a determination of the size and nature of the overall settlement. Thus, for example, the size of the area occupied at the end of the Iron Age at Tel Lakhish (Stratum II) is unclear. Did the settlement at this time extend over the entire tell or only parts of it? In addition, excavations in a specific part of the tell will not necessarily produce results identical to those derived from excavations elsewhere on the tell. Furthermore, by focusing on the tells themselves, where remains of public edifices of great interest are located, such as the gate, palace, temple, citadel etc., but not the surrounding areas and satellite settlements, almost no attempt was made to examine the interrelationship between a city and its daughter settlements, a situation that exists at almost all tells in the Shephelah.21 An exception to this is the research carried out by G.L. Starkey at Tel Lakhish, who attempted to locate the cemeteries around the tell, and thus settlement outside the city walls was indirectly exposed in Areas 500, 4000, 6000 and 7000 (Tufnell 1953:219, 246–254, 280–293; Tufnell et al. 1958:304–306). Daughter settlements surrounding the fortified Iron Age cities were documented also east of Tel Bet Shemesh (Dagan 1992a, 1993), as well as around the following towns: H. Zanoah, Kh. el ‘Alya, Tel ‘Azeqa, Tel Sokho, Tel ‘Adullam, Tel Zafit, H. Livnin, Tel Goded, Tel Idna, Tel ‘Eton, Tel ‘Erani and Tell Beit Mirsim (see also Biran 1999). The survey results indicate a significant increase in the number of sites ascribed to this period. Of the 751 survey sites from this period documented in the Judean Shephelah, 731 sites can be attributed to a specific phase of the Iron Age. The Iron Age is usually divided into four phases22: (1) Iron IA–B— twelfth-eleventh centuries BCE; (2) Iron IIA—tenth century BCE; (3) Iron IIB—ninth-eighth centuries BCE; (4) Iron IIC—seventh-sixth centuries BCE. A review of remains from the

35* different phases of the Iron Age in the Judean Shephelah and within the area of the Map of Amazya follows. The Twelfth–Eleventh Centuries BCE. Settlement remains from Iron I were documented at several tells in the Judean Shephelah—Tel Bet Shemesh, Tel Yarmut and Tel Lakhish. Within the map area remains from this early phase were found at four survey sites (549, 550, 743, 744.1; this period was inadvertently omitted from the ‘finds’ line for Site 550). The Tenth Century BCE. This time span is the key for understanding the beginning of the settlement process in the Judean Shephelah during the Iron Age. Remains from the tenth century BCE were documented at 36 survey sites in the Shephelah, including several tells (Tel Lakhish, Tel Bet Shemesh, Tel Batash, Tel Zafit, Tell Beit Mirsim and Tel ‘Eton). In the area of the Map of Amazya remains from this phase were gathered at 12 survey sites. Two were defined as settlement sites (26.1, 210.1), one was a farmstead (142) and at one (706) the remains of a single building were surveyed. The remaining sites consisted of pottery scatters, mainly in the eastern part of the map area. The Ninth–Eighth Centuries BCE. This time span is identified with the golden age of the Kingdom of Judah—a period of accelerated settlement that can be observed in the cities of the Shephelah (the tells) and in settlements in regions hitherto empty of occupation (Mazar 1990:416–462). Based on the data on hand we propose that the Judahite entity’s expansion westward stemmed from the strengthened geopolitical position of its rulers, who had aspirations to expand their control to the fertile regions in the western part of the Shephelah (Kletter 1996:43). This occurred in the mid- ninth century BCE and peaked during the reign of Hezekiah in the last quarter of the eighth century BCE. The data from excavations and surveys conducted in the Judean Shephelah and its vicinity indicate dense settlement in this period until the great rift that occurred in the wake of Sennacherib’s campaign to Judah in 701 BCE (Tadmor 1985). Settlement in the Shephelah apparently peaked during the ninth-eighth centuries BCE. The settlement model consists of a central city in each geographic unit around which villages, farmsteads and single structures were established. This model reflects all of the settlements in the Shephelah during this period; the increase in population led to a need to expand into new regions, which, for the most part, required extensive agricultural preparation (Katz 1998). The Seventh–Sixth Centuries BCE. Sennacherib’s campaign to Judah sealed a chapter in the history of the settlements of the Shephelah. The settlement momentum of the ninth– eighth centuries BCE was brought to a halt at its zenith and Judah did not return to its full glory and the full extent of the area it previously controlled (Na’aman 1979; Kletter 1996:43–48). The number of settlements was significantly reduced, many of them were destroyed and abandoned and the scope of settlement in the Shephelah never returned to its previous dimensions. Apparently not all the cities were re-inhabited in the seventh– sixth centuries BCE (for example, at Tel Bet Shemesh, Tel Zafit, Ed Dawāyima, Tel ‘Atar, Tel Yarmut, Bet Natif, H. Shovav, Zor‘a, H. Za‘aq, Tel Agra and Tel Mudawara).

36* Thus the year 701 BCE constitutes a significant turning point in the settlement history of the Shephelah. Evidence of the destruction of the cities of the Shephelah can clearly be seen at Tel Lakhish (Stratum III), Tel Bet Shemesh (Stratum II), Tel Batash (Stratum III) and Tell Beit Mirsim (Stratum A). It seems the Assyrian suppression of the revolt was calculated and planned, and its goal was to rehabilitate the Philistine cities, to install in them loyal vassals and to expand their domain eastward into the Shephelah, at the expense of the territory of the Kingdom of Judah. It is important to emphasize that this last phase is short (approximately 50 to 70 years) compared with the period represented at Tel Lakhish in Strata IV–III (approximately 150 years). It is therefore only natural that these remains would be preserved in a more limited form. Another important factor that must be taken into consideration is that traces of this phase, which represents the end of the Iron Age, were frequently found on the surface level and were therefore damaged by processes of soil erosion or the transfer of soil from one place to another. All these make it difficult to locate remains from this particular phase of the Iron Age. It should be mentioned here that in the cities where strata from the end of the Iron Age were not identified (Tel Bet Shemesh, Tel ‘Eton and Tell Beit Mirsim23) pottery vessels from this phase were found in the rock-hewn tombs around the cities, or in specific places, such as the water system at Tel Bet Shemesh (Bunimovitz and Lederman 1997:42–47). Based on a review of the survey sites where evidence was found indicating the existence of Iron IIC (701–587/6 BCE), it seems that following the wave of destruction in 701 BCE a small part of the population returned to some of the settlements and farmsteads that had been destroyed and built their houses on the ruins. This population chose to settle on the settlement ruins, where they could make use of building materials and cisterns, and fertile lands were close by. The small quantity of pottery vessels found in settlement remains from this phase probably indicates that the settlers’ presence was short-lived. Apparently the return of the inhabitants to this part of the Shephelah was made possible by a decline in the strength of the vassal states in the west, who no longer constituted a tangible threat. This is probably the explanation for the ceramic finds unearthed near Tel Bet Shemesh, as well as the pottery vessels from Iron IIC exposed in the water system (Bunimovitz and Lederman 1997a, 1997b).

Conclusion—Settlement Distribution in the Iron Age in the Judean Shephelah. After the destruction of the Canaanite cities, probably following the collapse of Egyptian rule in Canaan, the Judean Shephelah constituted a buffer zone between the Philistine kingdoms in the southern coastal plain and the Israelite population that “settled” in the Judean Hills. Information pertaining to the beginning of Iron Age occupation in the Judean Shephelah is extremely meager and dependant upon an interpretation of limited ﬁnds. It is probably necessary to reexamine the premise of an occupation hiatus between the destruction of the Canaanite cities (the end of the thirteenth century BCE) and the beginning of settlement of the Shephelah in the Iron Age. Identifying the factor behind the destruction of the Canaanite cities of the Shephelah is important and could shed

37* light on the question most important to us—where did the inhabitants of the Canaanite cities disappear? Were the inhabitants annihilated during the campaign to occupy the Shephelah or did many of them succeed in escaping to the periphery of the settled country, and after a period of time return to the fertile areas of the Shephelah? We base this premise on remains from the beginning of the Iron Age uncovered at Tel Lakhish (Tufnell 1953:52, 79–80), at Tel Bet Shemesh (Grant and Wright 1939:10–12) and at Tell Beit Mirsim (Albright 1932:52ff, 1943:4). These remains attest to some sort of a presence that partially occupied the ruinous Canaanite cities, and probably continued to exploit the available means of subsistence, the land and water that were located in the Shephelah. It is also possible that another segment of the population became semi-nomadic and settled close to the agricultural areas. This population wandered with their herds throughout the Shephelah and partially occupied the large cities (the tells), similar to the process that occurred in the central hill country (Na’aman 1990). This settlement model matches the proposal put forth by Alt and Na’aman, according to which the areas of the tribal lands reflect the territorial reality of the realms of the royal Canaanite cities. In this way it is possible to identify the core population that returned to settle in the Shephelah as Canaanite refugees who were familiar with the previous borders and continued to recognize their legitimacy (Na’aman 1986b:482–488). The Shephelah underwent a real change at the time of the beginning of the United Kingdom. During this period governmental frameworks came into being that included administrative cities where sat senior officials. Apparently the process of resettling the large tells began at this time, when administrative centers were erected on some of them. The contradiction between the scope of settlement in the ninth–eighth centuries BCE and that of the eleventh–tenth and seventh–sixth centuries BCE clearly underscores the growth and prosperity enjoyed by the inhabitants of the Shephelah in the ninth and eighth centuries BCE. During this time the territory of the Kingdom of Judah expands to the west while taking control of new agricultural areas. The Judean Shephelah was probably included within an organized state-administrative system, reflected in the evidence of Hezekiah’s preparations prior to the uprising against the Assyrians. Regional food storehouses, where agricultural produce was stored in jars marked with royal seals, were found in the governmental centers (LMLK jars; Ussishkin 1977, 1982:42–56; Na’aman 1979, 1986a, 1994a). The jars and LMLK impressions found in most of the cities of the Judean Shephelah attest to the administrative system’s broad control and the extent of the kingdom. The upsurge in settlements ascribed to the ninth– eighth centuries BCE was accompanied by a national reorganization that included the construction of governmental centers and the establishment of an administrative system. This organization included the city of Lachish, which was probably the principal administrative city in Judah (Na’aman 1988). It seems the selection of Lachish as a central administrative hub came about only after the Kingdom of Judah gained control over large geographic regions to the west.

38* Numerous studies have addressed the subject of the Assyrians’ punitive campaign to Judah in 701 BCE (Na’aman 1979, Tadmor 1985), the results of which can clearly be seen at Lachish. Lachish is the only city whose conquest is described in both literary sources—among them the Bible (Kings II, 18:13; Chronicles II, 32:1–22; Cogan and Tadmor 1988:223–251) and in Assyrian sources (the annals of Sennacherib; Luckenbill 1924), as well as on a relief in Sennacherib’s new palace in Nineveh (Room No. XXXVI, the ‘Lachish Room’), where the conquest and looting of the city by the Assyrian army are depicted (Ussishkin 1982a:67–72). It therefore seems that the conquest of Lachish was of special significance, and marked the nadir of the Assyrian campaign. Destruction layers that are parallel to those of Lachish (Stratum III) can be seen in all the cities of the Judean Shephelah that have been studied. Sennacherib’s campaign in the Shephelah wrought destruction on the urban and rural infrastructure of Judah and brought to an end a period of prosperity that characterized this region of the country for approximately 150 years. The results of the survey point to a significant reduction in the number of settlements in the last phase of the Iron Age. Some of the cities were not reinhabited (for example Tel Yarmut, Tel Zafit and Tel ‘Atar) and there is indirect evidence near other cities that they were occupied for only a short period (for example Tel Bet Shemesh, Tel Maresha, Tel ‘Eton and Tell Beit Mirsim). Apparently their economic structures were terminated at the end of the eighth century BCE, to be replaced by those that characterized the kingdoms that arose in the western Shephelah (Eqron, Ashdod, Ashqelon and Gaza), to which parts of the Shephelah were annexed. The same kingdoms continued to utilize the Shephelah’s fertile lands, probably to grow olive trees. This may be an explanation for the large number of industrial oil installations that were discovered at Eqron (Stratum IB–C; Gitin 1986:48–51, 1996, 1997; Eitam 1996) and at Tel Batash (Stratum II; Kelm and Mazar 1996). Most of the settlements in the seventh–sixth centuries BCE were concentrated in the eastern Shephelah. Apparently the western Shephelah was seized from Judah by the Assyrians and was annexed by the vassal rulers who governed under Assyrian patronage.

The Persian Period Ancient remains in the Shephelah include those exposed by excavations and those recorded in surveys. The survey finds were discovered mainly on the surface and it is not always possible to correctly evaluate their significance; for example, do a few sherds that include a stamped impression from Tel Yarmut imply the existence of a settlement there even though excavations did not reveal a Persian stratum (Richardson 1968)? Persian remains were exposed during excavations at six tells in the Judean Shephelah (Batash, ‘Azeqa, Zafit, Maresha, ‘Erani and Lakhish); important Persian finds were uncovered at Tel Lakhish (Stratum I; Tufnell 1953:58–59, 131–168; for an updated discussion about this layer: Fantalkin and Tal 2006). The survey of the Judean Shephelah recorded remains and artifacts from the Persian period at 123 survey sites. There is difficulty in dating some of them to the Persian

39* period primarily due to the fact that the vessel types are frequently similar to those characteristic of the later part of Iron II. The number of cities and settlements from the Persian period (41) in the Shephelah may indicate a population that returned to the region after a long hiatus, probably following a change in the central government’s policy, which encouraged settlement outside Jerusalem. It is possible that large numbers of people from outside the borders of Judah migrated to the southern Shephelah, thereby promoting the rise of the Kingdom of Idumea (Stern 2005:1*–7*). Remains from this period were documented within the map area at 36 survey sites, of which seven were identified as settlements, three consisted of solitary structures, two were burial caves and 24 were pottery scatters. Potsherds from this period were found on most of the tells of the Shephelah by the surveyors, but due to the paucity of structural remains the finds at these sites were defined as pottery scatters. The hundreds of ostraca that started to appear in the antiquities markets in 1990 (most of which were smuggled out of the country and are currently held in private collections) can aid in understanding the end of the Persian period. Those ostraca that have been published deal mainly with lists of agricultural crops, the various field crops, commerce and civil debt (Eph’al and Naveh 1996). To date we know of approximately 1970 ostraca, which apparently belong to a single administrative archive. So far some of them have been published by a number of scholars (Eph’al and Naveh 1996; Lemaire 1966, 1999, 2002, 2006; Eph‘al 1998; Ahituv 2003; Eph‘al 2003:78–79; Porten and Yardeni 2006). The discoverers of the archive have kept its location a secret and we can merely theorize regarding it. The towns Maresha and Makkedah are mentioned on several of the ostraca, which led some scholars to assume the source of the archive was Kh. el Kaum [1] (Site 398.1) or somewhere in its vicinity. Alternatively, the archive may have been discovered in one of the large administrative cities of the Shephelah (Maresha?). The contents of the ostraca reveal that the region was inhabited by a sizable permanent population who engaged in farming and trade. The names listed attest to Jewish and Edomite settlement in this part of the country and reveal their network of economic ties. It should be noted that while the scope of economic activity recorded in the ostraca is extremely impressive it is not manifested in the archaeological finds from the survey sites, and this inconsistency should be addressed. Likewise, the appearance of such a large quantity of ostraca in the antiquities market as opposed to the minute number of ostraca unearthed at Tel Lakhish, Kh. el Kaum, Tel ‘Eton, Tel ‘Azeqa etc., raise suspicions with respect to the nature and origin of this archive. The city of Maresha is the exception in that a large number of ostraca were recently discovered there.24

The Hellenistic Period The Judean Shephelah, like the rest of the Land of Israel, came under Greek domination and notwithstanding disagreements over national independence this was a time of ﬂourishing settlement. The administrative divisions in the south of the country maintained the status of the previous period (Tal 2006). Most of the territory in the

40* Judean Shephelah was divided between two administrative districts, Idumaea in the south and Judah in the north; the border between them probably passed through Nahal Ha-Ela, as it did in the preceding period. Apparently the district of Idumaea, to which belonged the southern part of the Shephelah, was the largest of the districts in Israel and included practically all of the southern part of the country (De Geus 1980:58; Bartlett 1999:109). The western border of Idumaea is unknown and we do not know if the cities in the western Shephelah (Tel Zafit and Tel ‘Erani) were under Idumaean governance or were ruled by the coastal cities (Stern 1981:77). The use of the name Idumaea to identify a geographic part of the country is related to the population that originated in Edom and settled in this region toward the end of Iron IIC and the Persian period. On the one hand, this population assimilated into what was left of the local inhabitants and on the other, with the recently arrived Hellenistic population (Eph‘al 1988, 2003; Stern 2005). For this reason a mixed material culture was created there in which we can identify clearly Edomite components (Kasher 1988:9–13). Most of our knowledge about the material culture of the Hellenistic period in the Judean Shephelah derives from the archaeological discoveries in the city of Maresha and its surroundings (Kloner 2003). Also of assistance in understanding the beginning of the period are the hundreds of ostraca that have turned up in the antiquities markets, which date from the end of the Persian to the beginning of the Hellenistic periods (see above, The Persian Period). Hellenistic remains were discovered at several excavations in the Judean Shephelah: Kh. Fattir (map ref. OIG 14926 12601, NIG 19926 62601), Moshav Adderet (map ref. OIG 14950 11912, NIG 19950 61912), Tel ‘Azeqa, Tel Goded, Tel Maresha, Tel Lakhish and Kh. el Muraq (Survey Site 483). Hellenistic remains were documented at 255 survey sites within the Judean Shephelah. There is a concentration of settlements close to the city of Maresha, in the southern Shephelah, a fact which highlights that city’s centrality and importance. Within the area of the Map of Amazya remains from this period were documented at 106 survey sites, among them 28 settlements, two farmsteads, five burial sites, one site consisting of scattered buildings, five sites comprising a single structure, one fortress, one site with installations, one site consisting of a cave, one site around a well and 61 sites where pottery scatters were recorded. Artifacts and sherds from the Hasmonean period were not found in the excavations at Tel Maresha, or in the northern Shephelah. The Jewish population probably preferred to settle close to Jerusalem and in the distinctly Jewish cities rather than in the Shephelah hinterland, despite Maresha and the surrounding area having been conquered by the Hasmoneans (John Hyrcanus).

The Roman Period The conquest of the country in the year 63 BCE by Pompey opened a new chapter in the history of the Land of Israel. Cultural changes did not occur quickly and it was a long time before Judah came under the Roman yoke. It is probably impossible to

41* pinpoint a clear break between the Hellenistic and Roman periods; providing a date for the pottery vessels found at the survey sites can be determined based solely on parallels of ceramic vessels unearthed in large cities that were excavated and whose strata have been studied. The Roman period is divided into two sub-periods—the Early Roman (37 BCE to 132 CE) and the Late Roman (132–324 CE). The Early Roman Period. Herod supported the Edomite population that had penetrated into the south of the country; however, we know of no building projects that were carried out in the Shephelah. In the survey of the Judean Shephelah remains of this period were identified at 38 survey sites. Nineteen Early Roman survey sites were recorded within the area of the Map of Amazya, among them five settlements (Sites 175, 210.1, 330.1, 340, 483), one burial (Site 331) and 39 pottery scatters. We encountered some difficulty in dating the pottery sherds to the Herodian period. Only at sites offering a large variety of sherds were sherds characteristic of the Herodian period found. The Late Roman Period. The history of the Judean Shephelah in the Roman period is reflected in the development of the city of Bet Guvrin (Eleutheropolis) up to the time it became district capital of the southern part of the country (Beyer 1931).25 Bet Guvrin was situated on a crossroads leading to all four cardinal directions (Avi-Yonah 1962:87–89; Roll and Dagan 1988). The emperor Septimus Severus enlarged the city’s control of the southern portion of the country (in 200 CE) and granted its citizens the right to mint coins. A number of public buildings were erected, such as an amphitheater and an inn, which were exposed in the northern part of the city by happenstance. Water was conveyed to the city by means of an aqueduct. The city’s prosperity was an influential factor in the significant increase in the number of settlements in the Judean Shephelah. The fact that Bet Guvrin had become a colonia drew new settlers into its orbit and numerous and diverse settlements were established throughout the Shephelah. In the area of the Judean Shephelah 801 survey sites from the Late Roman period were recorded and within the area of our map—251 survey sites. Settlements were found at 72 sites, scattered buildings at five, single structures at 20, farmsteads at 12, four sites consisted of fortresses, 14 were road segments, 25 were burial sites, three sites showed signs of agricultural activity and 96 sites consisted of pottery scatters. Similar settlement efflorescence characterized other areas of the Land of Israel. The Road System. The construction of a national road network was one of the major projects of the Roman government, remains of which can be seen to this day (Roll 1976, 2000). Apparently the system of paved roads was constructed to comply with the Roman government’s military and administrative needs. This road network in the Judean Shephelah was probably based in part on a previous network that connected the urban centers in earlier periods (Dorsey 1991; Graf 1993; Roll 2000:131–132). A unique study of the Roman network of roads that passed through Bet Guvrin (conducted by the author and I. Roll of the Tel Aviv University) located previously unknown milestones in addition to remains associated with the road network (Roman Roads around the City of Bet Guvrin, HA 60 (1974):16–17 (Hebrew); Dagan 1982:64–66; Roll and

42* Dagan 1988). In the Roman period Bet Guvrin became a major district of the Roman administration and its name was changed to Eleutheropolis. As a result it became a major transportation crossroads in the eastern Shephelah. State roads ran from the city to Jerusalem, to the southern reaches of the Hevron Hills, to Ashqelon and to Lod. The milestones found alongside these roads aid in reconstructing their routes. One of the most important roads linked Bet Guvrin with Dura and the southern Hevron Hills. This road was studied extensively and today its route is well known, as are most of the milestones alongside it. The road was meticulously planned and executed (Avi-Yonah 1962:81; Roll 2000:134) and has been studied in the past by a number of scholars (Conder and Kitchener 1881–1883, III:262; Séjourné 1895; Germer-Durand 1899; Thomsen 1917:81; Alt 1930:13–20, 1934:13–16; Abel 1938, II:227); sections have been documented along its entire length (within the Map of Amazya at Sites 2, 11.1, 85, 192, 208, 230, 261, 542, 548.2 645, 660, 786). A number of the segments are paved, and masonry work and hewing are visible. Some of the numerous milestones stand in situ and bear inscriptions (Conder and Kitchener 1881–1883, III:288; Séjourné 1895:269; Germer-Durand 1899:422; Thomsen 1917:81, 84; Dagan 1982:64; Roll 2005). An examination of this road provides a glimpse of the engineering capabilities of its builders. Presumably it was paved on top of an earlier state road, of which no remains survived. It appears that with the establishment of a central authority in the periods preceding Roman control, roads were paved to connect population centers throughout the district. The Roman road led from Bet Guvrin and passed the foot of Tel Maresha, where a concentration of eight milestones (map ref. OIG 14080 11030; NIG 19080 61030) was documented, two of which bear the remains of inscriptions designating Mile II from Bet Guvrin (Germer-Durand 1899:422; Thomsen 1917:81; Dagan 1982:64). It crosses Nahal Maresha and continues east on the bank of a tributary that descends to Nahal Maresha; this segment of the road was paved 10–15 m above the wadi bed, the rock on either side was cut and retaining walls were built. At Site 11.1 (Nahal Maresha [82]) 19 milestones denoting the third mile from Bet Guvrin were documented alongside the road; ten of them still stand in situ. The stones are badly eroded but the section of road next to the milestones is well preserved. Nine letters of a Latin inscription were discerned on one of the stones. A well-preserved section was documented along the continuation of the road at Site 85. Further along Nahal Maresha (Site 192) another well-preserved section of the road was documented, with a retaining wall built to a height of six to seven stone courses. Lying on the ground alongside the road are seven milestones—designating Mile IV from Bet Guvrin—and a large limestone pedestal that served as a base for a milestone. We were able to measure the exact distance between the milestones alongside the well-preserved segments of the road, for example between Miles III and IV, which ran a length of 1635 meters. Further on, the road runs along a saddle—the watershed between Nahal Maresha and Nahal Lakhish—and descends to the east bank of a wadi that continues to the south. At Site 261 (Nahal Lakhish [166])

43* ﬁve poorly preserved milestones were documented—Mile V from Bet Guvrin. From here to the south a section of road was preserved for a distance of 1000 m. The milestones for Mile VI were not found but they probably stood in the vicinity of Sites 322 and 323; in 1895, while traveling in the area of the Roman road, the French scholar P.M. Séjourné documented peasants from Ed Dawāyima digging milestones out of the ground (Séjourné 1895:269). The milestones for Mile VII were also not found; however, they were apparently recorded in the past by the British Survey team (Conder and Kitchener 1881–1883, III:288). Four milestones marking Mile VIII are located in Moshav Sheqef (Site 542), lying alongside a section of the road 4.7 m wide that was damaged when development works for the construction of the moshav were carried out; the milestones were brought to the moshav. The road continues along the foot of Har Nadal, where it is partially paved (Site 548.2). At the edge of the village Kh. Beit ‘Awwā (Site 660) two milestones that designated Mile IX were documented, incorporated in the construction of a stone fence around an orchard. The milestones marking Mile X were not discovered. Further on, to the east, the road ascends a gentle spur in the direction of Dura. South of Wadi Umm Hadwa, alongside a modern road linking Kh. Beit ‘Awwā with Dura (Site 786), seven intact milestones marking Mile XI, three fragments of a cylinder and two square pedestals were recorded (today no longer in situ). The remains of an inscription—several worn letters—honoring Marcus Aurelius (second half of the second century CE) can be seen on one of the cylinder fragments. Prior to modern road works, a road was documented in which four steps (c. 5.6 m wide) were cut in the rock, apparently hewn during a later phase of the road’s use (see the discussion in Roll 2005). This section of the road was ﬂanked on either side by large stones, some of which were dressed. The twelfth mile from Bet Guvrin was found further east, on the upper reaches of the slope, opposite the village of Fuqēqis (map ref. OIG 14870 09910, NIG 19870 59910). A large inscription dating to the reign of Caracalla (213 CE; Thomsen 1917:84) was found on one of the stones.

The Byzantine Period The Byzantine period was a time of prosperity in the Land of Israel, evidence of which can be seen in most regions of the country (Patrich 1995:482–487). The substantial population increase resulted in the settlement of frontier regions and areas that were less than ideal from an agricultural standpoint (Rubin 1990:16–17; Tsafrir 1996). Most of the Judean Shephelah lay within the administrative authority of the city of Bet Guvrin (Eleutheropolis). The building momentum continued in and around the city and public buildings were constructed (Avi-Yonah 1962:71). Remains from the Byzantine period excavated in the vicinity of Bet Guvrin consist primarily of churches and burial caves. Eusebius describes in his writings some of the villages from this time span in the Judean Shephelah (Melamed 1950); the number of villages described by Eusebius is smaller than that of the settlements located during the course of the survey. Several

44* excavations conducted in the Shephelah unearthed scant remains from this period, mainly of churches and monasteries. The structural remains and pottery scatters recorded in the survey of the Judean Shephelah are spread across extensive areas. Usually the area of the pottery scatters was more extensive than that of the building remains. Many sites consisted only of pottery scatters. The Byzantine period was represented at 1538 survey sites throughout the Judean Shephelah and at 573 survey sites within the area of the Map of Amazya. Of the latter, 103 sites were settlements, one was a fortress, 27 consisted of scattered buildings, 24 were farmsteads, 96 sites were single structures, 34 were burial sites, six sites were roads, seven consisted of installation clusters, one was a cult site, 89 sites were related to agricultural activity and 185 were pottery scatters. A picture of the settlement pattern shows that all areas that could be exploited for urban and farm settlements were so utilized. The great increase in population and consequently in settlement in the Judean Shephelah necessitated an increase in the amount of farmland (Tsafrir 1984:347). Most of the population lived in farming villages (Hirschfeld 1997), which were probably in existence in the previous period. Some of the settlements were established on the ruins of earlier ones, including the tells (e.g., Tel ‘Azeqa and Tel Zaﬁt; Bagatti 1983:117–120). The data derived from the survey of the Judean Shephelah in general and the area of the Map of Amazya in particular reveals unprecedented settlement efﬂorescence and population increase. It was during the Byzantine period that agricultural exploitation of arable land in the Shephelah reached its peak. A profusion of agricultural installations were recorded by the surveyors. The habitation model indicates that most of the settlements were situated in rocky areas in order to utilize all available land for cultivation. Seven churches were documented, indicating a predominately Christian population. With the Arab conquest at the end of the Byzantine period some of the settlements were abandoned, but it is unclear if they were deserted immediately or whether this occurred over a long period of time.

The Early Islamic Period Settlement declined significantly during this period. Merely 661 survey sites were recorded in the Judean Shephelah and 156 survey sites within the map area, among them fifteen settlements, three temporary settlements, two sites consisting of a single structure, one site marking a road, one site evincing traces of agricultural activity and 134 sites comprising pottery scatters. There appear to be signs of settlement continuity in the transition from the Byzantine to the Early Islamic periods, although this assessment is not supported by excavations. The lack of archaeological (potsherds) finds, as is the case elsewhere in the Land of Israel, does not necessarily reflect an interruption in settlement or mass desertion. It is possible that during the beginning of the period processes did indeed occur that reduced the size of the settlements (Avi-Yonah 1977), but only more comprehensive research will shed light on this matter.

45* The Crusader Period A pottery scatter from this period was found at one survey site within the map area (Site 415.1).

The Mamluk Period In the Judean Shephelah 283 survey sites from the Mamluk period were identified. Within the area of the Map of Amazya Mamluk finds were located at 86 survey sites: 17 settlements, three temporary settlements, three burial sites and 63 sites comprising pottery scatters. No large building projects, such as those initiated in the cities of Gaza, Ramla, Hebron, Safed and especially in Jerusalem, were noted in the Judean Shephelah. It is difficult to draw conclusions regarding settlement distribution based on the survey finds but it seems that the settlement increase that characterizes the Ottoman period began during this time span.

The Ottoman Period In the Judean Shephelah 774 survey sites from the Ottoman period (1516–1917 CE) were documented. The Ottoman period is represented by 290 survey sites within the Map of Amazya, of which 13 are settlements, 134 are temporary settlements, 10 are single buildings, 14 sites are cave dwellings, six are burial sites, five are the locations of ancient roads, five mark water sources, 92 reveal evidence of agricultural activity and 11 are pottery scatters. The information from the survey results joins that from numerous written Ottoman sources to shed light on patterns of settlement, governance and administration. Most of the map area belonged to the district of Jerusalem. The surveyed area falls under two subdistricts, Hebron and Bet Guvrin. During the Ottoman period settlement patterns began to change in the Land of Israel (Cohen 1981; Stein 1986; Singer 1990; Grossman 1991), manifested in the tax records and censuses that were conducted. In the Judean Shephelah there were severe fluctuations in settlement patterns stemming from a variety of factors, but mainly the poor security situation that prevailed intermittently (Grossman 1987:57). Several villages marked on maps from the British Mandate period were deserted for a number of years because of disagreements or rivalry between clans (Grossman 1987:63–67). We were aided in our survey of the Judean Shephelah by aerial photographs taken at the time of the British Mandate period, which we used to identify the survey sites and reconstruct the ground plans of the settlements and the utilization of the area around them. We were also assisted by the testimony of former residents of Beit Jubrin, Beit Natif, Tel es Safi, Barqusiya, ‘Arak el Manshiya and Faluja, who told us about the character of the villages, their size, the agricultural crops, network of roads and about the relations between the villages prior to the establishment of the state. This information enabled us to draw conclusions regarding the traditional life style of the local population in recent generations (Ben-Artzi 2000). The villagers’ testimony and the survey data

46* of the Judean Shephelah combine to present a settlement picture that is mostly rural in nature. Apparently most of the inhabitants of the Judean Shephelah engaged in farming and grazing, similarly to residents of the rest of the Land of Israel (Stein 1986). The settlement picture reveals that every patch of land was utilized for planting, while the settlements themselves were situated around the cultivation plots. The construction of agricultural terraces and orchards and their refurbishment were part of the everyday activities (Ilan 1974:9). Many studies have been conducted on the life style of the peasants and their approach toward the land, both here (Stein 1986; Grossman 1991, 1994; Biger and Grossman 1992) and in neighboring countries (see Palmer 1998; Given 2000). All studies mention the great effort made by the peasants to cultivate every available piece of ground as part of a positive personal philosophy and a desire to transfer to the next generations the plots of land they labored so hard to prepare. In the British Survey and in the surveys carried out by V. Guérin there are no descriptions of the inhabited villages in the eastern part of the Shephelah apart from Ed Dawāyima. Censuses that were taken during the Ottoman period record no populated villages in the eastern Shephelah (Socin 1879; Schick 1896; Schmeltz 1985:137, Pl. 4; Cannon 1990:50). Only in the 1920s and 1930s did the population begin to settle among the ancient remains in the eastern Shephelah and establish villages in that region (Ben-Arieh 1985, 1987). The ancient cultivation plots and agricultural terraces in the vicinity of the villages still existed (Amiran 1948–1949a, b) and were worked by the new inhabitants. Families left these established villages and set up satellite settlements in their vicinity (Grossman 1991:38–41). Many of the residents interviewed during the survey of the Map of Amazya stated that their families came to these villages some eighty to one hundred years ago from Dura, Jerusalem, Hebron, Be’er Sheva‘ and Dahariya. Apparently most of the Arab villages within the area of the Map of Amazya were founded during the Ottoman period.

Notes

1 The contours of the Shephelah’s landscape inﬂuenced the network of ancient roads. All of the stream valleys, which extend from east to west, were apparently used in traveling from the coastal plain to the hill country. The results of studies conducted in this region of the Roman roads (Roll and Dagan 1988) reﬂect the importance of the Shephelah as a crossroads in antiquity.

2 Eusebius was preceded by several sojourners who wrote descriptions of their travels. The pilgrim Egeria describes the region of Bet Guvrin (Eleuthropolis; Wilkinson 1981:19, 202; Limor 1998:126). The pilgrim Paula describes several places in the vicinity of Bet Guvrin (Moreshet, Maresha, and Lachish; Limor 1998:252). The clergyman Theodorosus describes the road from Jerusalem to Eleuthropolis and Gaza (Tsafrir 1979:75–79; Limor 1998:178). Antoninus the Martyr describes the road he traveled from Jerusalem to Ashqelon and likewise, the road that runs through the Ela Valley on the way to Eleuthropolis and Ashqelon (Limor 1998:237–238).

47* 13 Quite a few scholars have dealt with Eusebius’s work; one of the ﬁrst and most important is Thomsen (1907). In a study completed recently the relationship between the Onomastikon and descriptions of sites appearing on the Madaba map are examined (Di Segni 1999).

14 Petrie’s report on the survey he carried out at the ancient sites in the south of Palestine is the second report after the Palestine Exploration Fund’s Survey of Western Palestine and is actually the first scientific archaeological survey to be performed in the Shephelah. Included for the first time in this report is an analysis of the pottery sherds (based on Petrie’s knowledge) that are connected to the chronological system which he formulated during his excavations at different sites in the south of the country.

15 The British School of Archaeology was founded (1918) at the start of the British Mandate. The staff of researchers in this institution constituted the core of the scientiﬁc study of the Land of Israel during the period of British rule (Ben-Arieh 1999; Gibson 1999).

16 In the survey of the Judean Shephelah the term ‘survey site’ is used to refer to each unit of area that was examined. In the event that remains or ancient finds were located at the survey site it was then redefined as an ‘archaeological site’. Following the analysis of the survey finds some of the archaeological sites were identified with more precision, e.g., settlement site, burial site, cult site, etc.

17 Several scholars have addressed the matter in the past: P. Mayerson in the excavations at Nizzana (Nessana; Mayerson 1960, 1962), S. Dar in western Samaria (Dar 1986), A. Zertal in Ramot Menashe (the Manasseh hill country; Zertal 1996:681–738), C. Dauphin and S. Gibson in the Golan Heights (Dauphin and Gibson 1992–1993), H. Ben-David in the Golan Heights (Ben-David 1998) and A. Kloner at Maresha (he checked the ratio between the residential buildings and agricultural installations that were exposed in the caves around Maresha; Kloner 1999).

18 Vineyards, like olive groves, were important components in the economy of the Land of Israel. As early as the Early Bronze Age, wine was one of the products exported from here to Egypt (as was oil; Ben-Tor 1982, 1990:10–20, 1991). Apparently the growth and importance of the cities of ‘Erani and Yarmut stemmed from the fact that the products they traded with the Egyptians were grown nearby.

19 One beautiful example describing the landscape of the Judean Shephelah appears on the Assyrian relief of the conquest of Lachish by Sennacherib (701 BCE). In addition to the description of the siege and its results, several of the vegetal features of the landscape surrounding Lachish are also depicted, among them 63 olive trees and grapevines (Ussishkin 1982:94–96; Jacoby 1991:122–124).

10 It is surprising that the excavations at Tel Lakhish did not unearth oil extraction installations from Iron II (Eitan-Katz 1998:248). Yet, numerous remains of olive trees and olive pits were uncovered in all the strata (VIII–II). In Drori’s opinion the olive was probably the principal crop of the Judean Shephelah. Examinations of the contents of LMLK jars revealed olive pits, which may prove that LMLK jars were produced especially for this product (Drori 1979:70–76, 78).

11 Evidence of trade between the Land of Israel and Egypt in the Hellenistic period abounds, and includes trade in olive oil. Oil shipments to Egypt during the Ptolemaic dynasty are mentioned in the lists in the Zenon Papyri (Tcherikover 1961:96–97).

48* 12 Based on palynological tests U. Baruch contends that in the Byzantine period the growing of olive trees was expanded to unprecedented dimensions. Following the Byzantine period the number of olive groves declined drastically, apparently an ancillary result of the Arab conquest (Baruch 1994:61).

13 The agricultural terraces in the Negev are different from those in the populated parts of the country. In the Negev the wadis were exploited for agriculture by constructing terraces and dams across their beds. They were dated to the time of settlement development in the Negev and to the Early and Late Roman and the Byzantine periods (until the beginning of the eighth century CE; Zohary 1953:95–96; Kedar 1967:120–122; Rubin 1990:76–82; Haiman 1995).

14 E. Robinson recorded farmers who descended from their villages in the Hevron Hills to work their land in the eastern Shephelah, a distance of 10–15 km (Robinson and Smith 1856, 1:212, II:216–220). D. Amiran noted that prior to the establishment of temporary settlements (satellite villages) the farmers left the villages for ﬁelds 10–20 km away from their homes (Amiran 1989:20–34). According to Z. Ron, who studied this matter, farmland in the region of the Hevron Hills is located as much as 5–6 km away from the villages (Ron 1977: 30–37).

15 The use of soil originating in ancient mounds for agricultural purposes is a phenomenon known from several tells. K. Kenyon observed that parts of the tell at Jericho were taken to supplement the soil in the surrounding area. In Kenyon’s opinion this process occurred in the Byzantine period (Kenyon 1957:45). The excavators of Tel ‘Akko believe that over the years some of the soil from the tell was taken to fill pits and depressions during the construction of the new city (Dothan and Raban 1979:58; Dothan 1992). Near El-Amarna in Egypt soil from the ruins of the old city of Pi-Aton was brought to agricultural plots nearby in order to enrich the soil in the plots; this resulted in the exposure of an archive containing documents that deal with the Land of Israel (Gardiner 1961:207–208). A. Raban reported that soil was transferred from Tel Shimron in the Jezreel Valley in order to enrich the fields of the first settlers at Nahalal (Raban 1982:74, Site 83).

16 This assumption does not negate the possibility that the construction of the terraces began earlier, possibly in the Bronze or Iron Ages (Gibson 2001).

17 The list of towns in Micah 1 has engaged many scholars, particularly because towns that are mentioned alongside settlements whose identiﬁcations are clear today are not mentioned elsewhere (Elliger 1934a). It seems that this chapter of the prophecy should be viewed as literary imagery, which was aided by the names of important cities in the region where Micah was active, among them Lachish, Gat, Maresha and ‘Adullam (Vargon 1994:33–62).

18 Elliptical basins were ﬁrst documented in Israel along the fringes of the Ayyalon Valley, near Bir Eyub (Hanauer 1900:360–364) and later in 1923–1925 during excavations at the City of David in Jerusalem under the direction of Macalister and Duncan (1926:27, Figs. 19, 20). We were the ﬁrst to discover the phenomenon of elliptical basins in the course of the Ramat Bet Shemesh Excavation Project and similar basins were later documented elsewhere in the country (at Ramat Bet Shemesh, Modi‘in, in the Ayyalon Valley and at the margins of the Hevron Hills). It is clear beyond a doubt that this phenomenon should be associated with settlements of the Chalcolithic period; nevertheless, we do not know what purpose they served (Dagan 1996). Macalister and Duncan suggested these were installations related to the oil industry. Excavations recently conducted under the direction of E. Mazar in an area in Jerusalem previously uncovered by Macalister and Duncan exposed the basins; however,

49* no evidence of a Chalcolithic settlement was found in their proximity (Mazar 2007:20–21). Yigal Shilo’s expedition uncovered pottery sherds from this period only in Areas B and E, about 250 m away from the elliptical basins (De Groot and Ariel 2000: Fig. 6).

19 The British expedition designated numbers to the strata in the excavations conducted at the site only until Stratum VIII, even though remains were exposed from earlier periods below this layer (Tufnell et al. 1958:6).

20 Results of a study by R. Gonen revealed that settlement continued in only 17 settlements (out of 77 in the entire country) in the transition from MB II to the Late Bronze Age (Gonen 1984:69).

21 The reconstruction of the satellite settlements is important in compiling estimates of settlement-site areas and in calculating population estimates in different periods (Shiloh 1980; Portugali 1988, 1989; Broshi and Finkelstein 1992; Zorn 1994).

22 According to NEAEHL (1993).

23 At these three tells meager remains (mostly potsherds and burial caves) were found atop the ruins of the eighth-century-BCE layers at the edge of the city. Because of the above- mentioned difficulties, it is difficult to ascribe them to specific layers on the tells. At Tel Bet Shemesh numerous vessels from Iron IIC were found in the water system but no contemporary remains were found on the tell. The situation is similar at Tel ‘Eton. At Tell Bet Mirsim there is an increasing number of signs with respect to the existence of settlement from this phase. The excavations conducted under the direction of Albright apparently did not pay special attention to the upper stratum; however, a number of vessels presented in the pottery plates published in the reports belong to the end of the Iron Age (Albright 1943, Pls. 15:9, 23:3, 72A:7–9, 72B:9–11). To these we should add Tombs 4 and 5, unearthed by excavations of the cemetery northeast of the tell, which also yielded pottery vessels dating to the end of the period (Ben-Arieh 2004:29–31).

24 Recently approximately 100 ostraca were found at Maresha and these join the 60 that were discovered in the past, which will soon be published by A. Eshel.

25 E.Z. Melamed remarked that the administrative area of Bet Guvrin, which is described in the Onomastikon of Eusebius, was the largest in the Land of Israel, based on a description of 33 settlements that mention ‘the district of Bet Guvrin’ (Melamed 1932:260).

50* Index of Site Names*

Abraka, Kh. 446 Abraqa, Kh. 446 ‘Adara, Kh. el 258 ‘Ahuzzat Hazzan’ 520 ‘Aitûn, Kh. 731 ‘Aitûn, Tell 743 Amazya 374 376–382 440–442 445 452 ‘Amdân, el 11 ‘Ammuda, H. 89 90–99 100 106 107 ‘Ammudim, H. 100 ‘Amûdeh, Kh. 100 Aûsâtein, Kh. 349 Avraq, H. 446 447–451 453 454

Bait ‘Allam 26 ‘Baqa‘ esh Shamaliya’– 778 ‘Baqa‘ el Janabiya’ ‘Baqa‘at Wadi es Simiya’ 586 Bāshā, Kh. el 175 181 182 187 189 Bayād Bīr es Siﬂa 62 Be’er Rahat 27 Beida, Kh. el 202 Beit ‘Awwā, Kh. 551–570 572 574 575 644 645 648–651 656 657 659–662 Beit ‘Uwwa 651 Beit ’Aûwa 651 Beit Bā’ir, Kh. 461 462–464 466 Beit Bâár, Kh. 461 Beit el Bân 340 Beit el Bān, Kh. 340 Beit Kânûn 23 Beit Lei, Kh. 103 Beit Makdûm 405

* Bold number—main site

51* Beit Maqdūm, Kh. 405 412 414 ‘Beqa‘at Beit Bā‘ir’ 465 ‘Beqa‘at es Sa‘di’ 503 Bet ‘Elem, H. 26 28–38 112 Bet Loya, H. 102 103 104 188 190 191 195 197–200 Bīr el Ballūta115 Bīr es Siﬂa 152 Bīr et Tawīla 27 Bir Idgheim 352 Bīr, Kh. el 368 Bishr, Kh. 260 Boser, H. 260 268 271

Da‘ājina, ed 3 Dāhina, Kh. 325 Dahneh, Kh. 325 Dawaîmeh, ed 318 Dawāyima, ed 318 373 Daweima, ed 318 Deir Sâmat, Kh. 492 Deir Sāmit, Kh. 492 493–497 501 Deir, Kh. ed 357 359–364 Dhahr ‘Ayyād 123 Dhahr Bīr el Ballūta 116 117 118 119 Dhahr Idgheim 419 Dhahr Khallat el Ghamīqa 217 218 219 Dhahr Khanzīra 45 50 52 137 140 Dhahr Wadi ‘Azīz 120 121 122 124 126–128 Dhahr Wadi el Bīr 125 Dihna, Kh. 325 Dohan, H. 325 Duran 513

Egoz, H. 270 273–275 ‘‘Ein Wadi es Simiya’ 674 ‘Eitūn et Tahta, Kh. 735 ‘Eitūn, Kh. 731

52* ‘Eitūn, Tell 743 ‘Eton, H. 731 ‘Eton, Tel 743 744 ‘Ezra, H. 258 265

Firjās, Kh. 396 Fuseisa, el 36

Giv‘at ‘Uqzar 431–439 521 524 Giv‘at Et 81 82–88 Giv‘at Egozit 277 278–282 Giv‘at Ga‘ada 110 111 113 114 Giv‘at Shofarit 330 Giv‘at Ziqit 547

Hamâm, Kh. el 341 Har Nadal 548 549 Hazzan, H. 526 527 528 530 532 533 535 Hazzāna, Kh. 523 526 Hibra, Kh. 229 Horesh, H. 24 25 Hover, H. 229 Humrat es Sileimī 298 353 Humsa, Kh. 415 416–418 420–422 425 427–430

Idna 123 125 129–132 138 216 220 221 304 ‘Irāq Abū el ‘Amad 100

Jauza, Kh. el 270 Jebel Duweimar 761–763 Jebel el Qa‘aqir 472–477 479 481 484–489 576–578 Jebel es Sa‘di 406 408-411 500 502 ‘Jebel es Sursali’ 796 Jebel Sālih 294 299–301 Jôzeh, Kh. el 270 Jūrat el Qitna 145 Jūrat Ghariba 456

53* Jūrat Sālem 131 Jūza, Kh. el 270

Kashkalîyeh, Kh. el 1 Kaum, Kh. el 398 400–404 Kenîseh, el 658 Khallat ‘Ashbūr 388 389 Khallat ‘Uthmān 358 Khallat Abu Sharār 543 Khallat Beit Maqdūm 356 Khallat el Fūl 295 Khallat es Sarār 35 Khallat es Summāqa 53 Khallat et Tufeiha 291 Khallat Ibrāhīm 285 289 Khallat Jarra 63 Khallat Karama 290 Khallat Khanzīra 47 Khallat Quteit 537 Khallat Sa’d 284 Khureisa, Kh. el 24 Kitf es Summāqa 56 Kôm, Kh. el 398 Kŭsáh, Kh. el 652 Kushuklīya, Kh. el 1 Kŭsr, Kh. el 326

Lahm, Kh. el 70 Lehem, H. 70 72–79

Mahami, Kh. el 654 Mahmi, Kh. el 654 Majdala, Kh. el 313 Marāh Abū Jā‘id 278 Mayish, H. 541 Mehâmi, Kh. el 654 Mejdeleh, Kh. el 313

54* Migdal Gad, H. 313 Muntār el Jōza 277 Mûrak, Kh. el 483 Muraq, Kh. el 413 483

Nabī Sālih, Kh. en 222 Nahal Adorayim 529 531 534 613–629 631–634 636–638 640 720 722–726 728 730 732–734 736 737 739–742 745– 749 751–754 756–758 Nahal Duma 708–716 718 719 721 Nahal Guvrin 41 43 44 46–49 51 53–57 59–67 69 133–136 139 142–151 153 155–161 Nahal Lakhish 162–174 176 177 180 183–186 230–238 240–243 246–257 261–263 266 267 269 272 314 315 317 320–324 369 371 372 384–388 391–395 Nahal Maresha 2–17 19–22 71 191 Nahal Naziv 58 68 Nâkieh, Kh. en 288 Nāqa, Kh. en 288 Negohot 786 793 797 800

Qanān Abū et Tahīn 370 Qanān Mugheimis, Kh. 18 23 Qas‘a, Kh. el 652 655 Qashqaliyeh, Kh. al 1 Qasr Firjās 390 478 480 Qasr Khallat Yāsin 390 Qasr, al 664 Qasr, Kh. el 326 Qazra, H. 326 329 Qurnat el Badd, Kh. 141 Qûsatîn (north), Kh. el 349 Qusātīn (north), Kh. 349 Qûsatîn, Kh. el 397 Qusātīn, Kh. 397 Qushuqûlîya, Kh. 1

55* Râ‘e, Kh. el 630 Ráiá, Kh. er 630 Râs Abu Haltam 178 179 ‘Ras Qurnat Khallat esh Sheikh’ 806 Rās, Kh. er 210 211–215 Rasm ‘Audat Allah 717 Rasm Dāhina 327 Rasm Dihna 327 Rasm ed Duwwār 276 Rasm el ‘Arūs 316 Rasm el Barazat 707 Rasm el Beida 203 204 207 Rasm el Hamām, Kh. 341 Rasm el Khanazir 755 Rasm el Kushuklīya 80 Rasm el Marāh 727 Rasm el Qa‘aqir 729 Rasm en Nuqūr 646 647 Rasm es Suffar 330 Rasm et Tāsa 259 Rasm ez Zā‘iqa 547 Rasm Hassān, Kh. 522 Rasm Khallat en Najāsa 750 ‘Rasm Majaj’ 738 Rasm Nawfal, Kh. 283 286 287 Rasm Nōfal, Kh. 283 286 287 Rasm Umm el Jamājim 110 Rasm, Kh. er 399 Rāya, Kh. er 536 538–540 630 635 Râya‘, Kh. 630 Resm el ‘Adhrâ 258 Resm Hazzaneh 522 Roz, Kh. er 245 Rub el Matarīya & El Khudūr 264 Rub‘ Awlād Khalīl 319 Rujm el Muntara 663 667 670 Rujm el Qas‘a 664 665 666 671 672

56* Rujm Hanzal 548 Rujūm el Handal 548 Rujûm el Handhal 548 Ruzz, Kh. er 245

Safhat Beit Lei 101 105 108 Shâdarwân, Kh. esh 653 Shadhrawān, Kh. esh 653 Sheikh Abū Jā‘id, esh 328 Sheikh Abu Khashab, esh 520 Shem Tov, H. 193 194 201 Sheqef 455 457–460 467–471 542 544–546 550 639 641–643 Sherwi, Kh. esh 53 Shi‘b ‘Awad 296 Shi‘b el Qas‘a 65 Shi‘b eth Thuraiya 46 Shi‘b Husein 15 Shi‘b Raiyān 443 444 Shi‘b Suweidān 223 Shibirqa, Kh. 39 40 42 Shōmar, esh 29 Siﬂi 152 Sikka, Kh. 759 Sîmieh, Kh. es 482 Sīmiyā, Kh. 482 490 491 Sūba, Kh. 308–312 365 366 367 424 Sûeity, Kh. es 657 Sŭtjeh 759 Suweiti, Kh. es 657

Tabla, Kh. et 244 Teiyibat el Ism, Kh. 194 Tiwāl el Batta49 Tūt, Kh. 383

Umm el ‘Amad 100

57* Umm el ‘Amad, Kh. 89 Umm el Meis, Kh. 541 Umm Nāb 239 ‘Urqān ‘Awad 603 Wadi Ahmad 583 584 587–589 593 597 599 600 675 676 683– 703 Wadi el Far‘a 224 225–228 307 Wadi el Hammam 407 423 426 498 505 509–512 514–519 Wadi el Qurrām 385 Wadi es Sab‘a 62 154 Wadi es Simiya 571 573 579–582 585 590 591 677 679–682 Wadi es Sumsum 375 Wadi Idna 292 293 297 302 303 305 306 331–339 342–348 350 353–355 Wadi Inzar 592 594 601 604–612 704–706 Wadi Khurāsh 765–767 Wadi Khursa 760 764 769–773 790 Wadi Qura 499 504 506–508 595 596 598 602 Wadi Rīsha 351 Wadi Umm Hadwa 668 669 673 678 768 774–777 779–785 787–789 791 792 794 795 798 799 801–805 807–813

Ya‘ar Adorayim 525 (Adorayim Forest)

Zohar, H. 109 196 202 205 206 208 209

58* Index of Sites Listed by Period

Total Number Period Site Numbers of Sites Neolithic 560 769 2 Chalcolithic 27 220.1 318.1 318.2 398.1 500.1 501 503 556 630.1 675.1 686 715 729.1 14 Early Bronze I 26.1 27 194.1 398.1 461.1 521.2 557 646.3 8 Early Bronze II 26.1 46.2 101.1 101.3 180 194.1 210.1 270.1 313.1 398.1 399.1 402 436 461.1 469 482.3* 521.1* 521.2 547 589 630.1 642 646.3 650 663.1 711 729.1 738 745.2 751 766 31 Early Bronze III 26.1 46.2 101.1 101.3 180 194.1 210.1 270.1 313.1 398.1 399.1 402 436 461.1 469 482.3* 521.1* 521.2 547 589 630.1 642 646.3 650 711 738 745.2 751 766 29 Intermediate 26.1 39 110.1 123 180 210.1 219 224.2 244 Bronze 271.1 276.1 294.1 317 341.1 356.1 388 390–392 394 396.1 396.2 399.2 409 410 416.1 416.4 434 443 449 464 466 467 470 472 473 475 476 484–486 488 489 493 498 500.1 501 502 510 526.1 534–536 541 543 547 548.1 549 550 553 556 558–563 565 571 572 575–578 579.1 583 588 592 597 603 605 629 641.1 654.2 662 663.1 663.2 664.1 664.3 665.3 666 667 668.1 668.2 668.3 668.4 668.5 668.6 668.7 669.1 670 671 676 679 687 692 698 699 701 703 704 706 707 719–721 730 735 739 750 754 756 760 762–764 766 767 769 775 777 782 783 805 807 813 136 Middle Bronze II 26.1 210.1 529 3 Late Bronze 210.1 743 744.1 3 Iron I 549 550 743 744.1 4 Iron II 5 7 14.3 20.1 22 24.1 24.2 24.4 26.1 27 29 30 39 42 43.2 44.1 45.1 48.1 50 53 56 57.1 57.2 64 65.1 65.2 66.1 79 80 89.1 101.1 101.3 103 110.1 117.1 117.2 122.2 123 124.2 125.1 125.2 131 133 135.1 138 142 151 153.1 153.2 162.2 178.3 195 204.2 209 210.1 210.2 211.2 217.1 219

* Site lacking a date in the site descriptions

59* Total Number Period Site Numbers of Sites Iron II (cont.) 220.1 220.3 220.4 220.7 220.8 221.1 221.2 224.2 228 254 271.1 276.1 280 285.1 288 290.2 294.1 295.1–295.3 303.1 305.1 306.1 306.3 310 316.1 318.1 327 341.1 343.1 343.2 344 353.1 353.2 353.3(?) 355 356.1 360.1 363 364 365.1 365.5 380 387–392 394 396.1 396.6 398.1 398.2 399.1 399.2 400 402 405.1 409 410 412 414(?) 416.1 423.3 436 444.1 444.2 459 462 464 466 467 469 470 475 476 482.1 484 485 488 489 493 494 496 500.1 501 502 509 510 521.1* 521.2 523.2 524 526.1 537 538 541 543 547 548.1 549 550 552.1 553 554 556 558 563 571 572 575–578 579.1 579.2 583 587–589 595 597 605 609 615 623 629 630.1 631 636 641.1 642 645 646.2 647 648 657 662 663.2 664.1 665.3 666 667 668.2 669.1 671 673 675.1 678 686 689 692 698 701 703 704 706 707 711 712 716–719 721 722 723 727 728 729.1 730 731 734 735 738–741 743 744.1 744.2 745.1 745.2 746 747 749 750 754–757 761–766 769 770 781 782 784 789 793 796 813 266 Persian 22 30 43.2 44.1 57.1 65.2 103 122.2 125.1 131 135.1 138 194.1 195 210.1 210.2 220.1 277.1 295.3 318.1 337 389 396.1 398.1* 444.1 548.1 578 595 630.1 651 729.1 735 743 762 765 769 36 Hellenistic 1 5 19 20.1 23.1 24.1 24.2 26.1 26.2 27 29 39 70 89.1 93 100.1 103 109 110.1 141.1 142 145.1 151 175 181 194.1 202.1 203 204.1 210.1 211.2 219 220.1 220.3 220.8 221.2 244 258.1 276.1 280 283.1 285.1 288 294.1 305.1 313.1 318.1 319.3 327 337 340 341.1 341.2 349.1 350 365.1 380 383 389 390 391 396.1 396.2 396.6 398.1 413 415.1 461.1 467 469 472 482.1 483 484 492 520 522 523.2 547 548.1 551 558 572 577 597 623 630.1 631 644 649 651 657 664.1 695 704 723 731 735 743 744.1 749 750 755 762 781 791 106 Roman 1 2 5 11.1 11.2 23.1 24.1 24.2 24.3 24.4 26.1 26.4 27 39 40 45.1 53 55 56 64 65.2 68 70 85 89.1 89.5 101.1 103 110.1 111.1 117.1 122.1 124.1 125.1 126 131 142 153.1 153.2 154.1 165 175 178.1 178.3 181–183 188 192 193 194.1 202.1 203 206 208 210.1 217.1 220.1 220.3 220.7

60* Total Number Period Site Numbers of Sites Roman (cont.) 220.8 221.1 222.1 224.1 229.1 230 244 253.1 258.1 258.2 259 260.1 261 270.1 270.5 271.1 276.1 277.1 283.1 285.1 288 294.1 294.2 295.1 296 303.1 305.1 313.1 318.1 318.3 325.1 326.1 326.3 327–329 330.1 331 340 341.1 349.1 353.2 356.1 357.1 358 365.1 380 383 386–392 396.1 396.2 396.5 397.1 398.1 399.1 405.1 415.1 416.4 418 419 434 444.1 444.2 445.1 446.1 449 461.1 463 464 466 467 482.1 483 484 487 492 493 499 500.1 501 502 509 511 512 520 521.2 522 523.1 523.2 524 526.1 526.2 529 536 542 547 548.1 548.2 549–551 552.1 558 560 563 564* 565 571 572 574.3 575–578 585(?) 616 630.1 631 636 642 643.2 644 645 646.1 646.2 647 651–653 654.1 655.2 655.3 656–658 659.2 660 662 663.1 663.2 664.1 664.3 665.3 666 667 668.2 668.3 668.4 669.1 670 673 674 676 695 696 699 707 717 718 721 727 728 729.1 731 734 735 739 740 743 744.1 744.2 745.2 747 750 751 754 755 761 764 765 772 776(?) 783 784 786 787 793 796 797(?) 807 256 Byzantine 1–5 7 8.2 10.1 10.2 11.1 14.1 14.3 16 18 21 22 23.1 24.1 25.4 26.1 26.4 27–30 31.1 33 37–40 42 43.2 44.1 45.1 46.1 46.2 47.1 48.1 48.2 50 53–56 57.1 57.2 58 62 63.2 64 65.1 65.2 66.1 68 70 71 72.2 73 75 79–81 85 86.1 89.1 93 100.1 101.1 101.2 101.3 103 109 110.1 110.2 111.1 115.2 117.1 117.2 119 122.1 122.2 123 124.1 124.2 125.1 125.2 128 131 132.1 133 135.1 135.2 138 141.1 141.2 141.3 142 146 151 153.1 153.2 154.2 162.1 162.2 165 168 172 175 178.1 178.3 180 184.1 184.3 185 187–189 192 193 194.1 194.2 196 202.1 202.2 203 204.1 204.2 206 209 210.1 210.2 210.3 211.1 211.2 213 216.1 216.3 217.1 219 220.1 220.3 220.4 220.5 220.7 220.8 221.2 222.1 223.1 223.2 223.3 224.1 224.2 227 228 229.1 230 238–245 246.1 246.2 247.1 247.2 248 252.1 252.2 253.1 253.2 254 255 256 258.1 258.2 259 260.1 260.4 261 263.1 263.2 265 266 268 270.1 270.2 270.3 270.4 271.1 271.2 271.3 272.1 276.1 276.3 276.4 277.1 278 279.1 280 283.2 283.4 284 285.1 285.2 288 289 290.2 292 293 294.1 294.2 295.1 295.3 296–298 303.1 305.1 306.3 307 308.1 310

61* Total Number Period Site Numbers of Sites Byzantine 313.1 313.2 314 316.1 318.1 318.2 318.3 318.4 (cont.) 318.5 318.6(?) 319.1 319.3 320 321.1 321.2 322 323 325.1 326.1 326.3 327–329 330.1 330.2 332.1 333–335 337 339 340 341.1 342.1 341.2 343.1 343.2 344 348 349.1 351.1 351.2 353.1 353.2 356.1 357.1 357.4 359.2 360.1 365.1 365.2 365.5 366.1 366.2 368.1 368.3 369 371–374 376 377 379–383 385–390 395.1 395.2 396.1 396.2 396.3 396.6 397.1 398.1 398.2 398.3 399.1 400 405.1 405.2 406.1 407 410 412 413 415.1 415.2 416.2 416.3 417–419 423.1 423.3 424.2 425.1 426.1 426.2 427 431 434 436–439 440.1 441 443 444.1 444.2 445.1 446.1 449 451 453* 455 458 459 461.1 462–464 466 468–470 472 473 475–477 482.1 483–486 488 489 492 494 496– 499 500.1 501 502 505 509–512 514 520 521.1* 521.2 522 523.1 523.2 524 525 526.1 526.2 529 531 532 534–539 541 543–545 547 548.1 548.2 549 551 552.1 553 555 556 558–561 563 565 572 574.3 575 577 578 579.1 579.2 583 584 587 588 592 593 595–597 605–609 613 615–617 621 623–625 627–629 630.1 631 634 636–638 641.1 642 644 646.1 646.2 647–653 654.1 654.2 655.1 655.2 657 658 659.2 662 663.1 663.2 664.1 664.3 665.3 666 667 668.2 668.3 671–674 675.1 676 678 679 682 686 687 689 692 695 696 698–703 706 707 709.2 710–713 715–720 722 723 725 727 728 729.1 730 731 735 738–740 743 744.1 746 747 749– 751 753–756 759.1 760 761–766 769 770 775 779–782 787 789 793 795 796 805 806 809 813 573 Early Islamic 5 14.3 18 20.1 22 23.1 24.1 26.1 29 30 36 39 40 42 45.1 46.1 46.2 50 53–56 57.1 62 63.2 64 65.1 65.2 68 70 75 79 80 100.1 103 110.1 111.1 117.1 125.1 130 141.1 175 209 210.1 220.1 220.3 222.1 229.1 230 239 252.1 258.1 288 307 313.1 313.2 318.1 318.5 325.1 326.1 339 366.1 383 389 397.1 399.2 405.1 407 415.1 415.2 419 444.1 451 453* 461.1 462 475 482.1 483 492 493 520 522 523.1 523.2 529 575 576 623 624 630.1 631* 636 637 642 644 646.1 647 648 651–653 654.1 654.2 655.2 657 658 659.2 662 663.1 663.2 664.1 664.3 665.3 666 667 668.2 668.3 671–673 675.1 676 678* 679

62* Total Number Period Site Numbers of Sites Early Islamic (cont.) 682 686 687 689 691 692 695 696 698–700 706 711 717* 722 727 728 729.1 731 735 738 743 746 754 755 756 760 761* 762 765 770 156 Crusader 415.1 1 Mameluke 24.1 26.1 36 70 89.1 103 109 110.1 118 125.1 153.2 162.1 175 202.1 210.1 217.1 220.1 220.7 220.8 222.1 229.1 258.1 258.2 260.1 271.1 307 313.1 318.1 318.3 318.5 325.1 328 365.1 368.1 369 373 389 391 397.1 397.2 398.1 405.1 415.1 415.2 419* 440.1 443 449 461.1 482.1 483 485 489(?) 492 493 500.1 512 520* 523.1 523.2 526.1 531 541 548.1 551 553–555 559 563 565 630.1 641.1 644 646.1 647 651 652 654.1 658 689 704 727 731 735 770 86 Ottoman 1 10.1 20.1 23.1 24.2 26.1 33 39 45.1 50 57.2 60 62 70 79 89.1 100.1 101.1 103 110.1 110.3 111.1 117.1 118 122.1 122.2 124.3 125.1 125.2 125.3 127 128 130 139 141.1 143 144 153.1 153.2 154.2 157 161 162.1 175 187 194.1 204.3 210.1 210.2 211.2 216.1 216.3 218 220.1 220.3 220.4 222.1 226 227 229.1 235 238 245 246.1 247.1 248 252.1 253.1 258.1 258.2 259 260.1 260.3 260.4 263.1 263.2 264 270.1 274 285.2 287 289 290.2 294.1 295.2 295.3 307 313.1 313.2 314 315 316.1 317 318.1 318.2 318.3 318.4 318.5 318.6(?) 318.7 318.8 318.9(?) 319.1 319.3 320 321.1 322– 324 325.1 328 340 341.1 354.2 355 357.1 359.2 365.1 365.5 367 368.1 368.3 369 370* 371–374 376 377 378* 379–383 389 391 393.1* 396.1 396.8* 397.1 397.2 398.1 399.1 401* 405.1 406.3 408 413 415.1 415.2 416.1 416.4 417–419 423.1 423.3 424.1 424.2 425.1 431 437 440.1 440.2* 443 445.1 445.2 446.1 449 452 453* 461.1 462 472 482.1 483* 484–486 488 489 490* 492–494 496–499 500.1 502 506* 511 512 514 515* 520 521.1* 522 523.1 526.1 529 536 538 541 548.1 554–556 558 563 565 571 572 574.3 576 587 589 592 595–598* 600* 604* 606–610* 623 630.1 631 637 641.1 641.2* 642 644 648 651–653 654.1 655.2 657 658 659.1* 664.1 675.1 676 679 686 687 689–691 698–705* 707 712 717 726* 729.2* 730 731 735 751 752* 761 765 769 770 773* 783 785(?) 789 792(?) 801* 803* 806 808* 809 290

63* Total Number Period Site Numbers of Sites Sites lacking 6 8.1 9 12 13 14.2 15 17 20.2 20.3 23.2 25.1 indicative ﬁnds 25.2 25.3 26.3 31.2 31.3 32 34 35 41 43.1 44.2 45.2 47.2 49 51 52 59 61 63.1 66.2 67 69 72.1 74 76–78 82 83.1 83.2 84 86.2 87 88 89.2 89.3 89.4 89.5 89.6 89.7 89.8 90 91 92 94–99 100.2 101.4 102.1 102.2 104–108 110.4 111.2 112–114 115.1 116.1 116.2 117.3 120 121 129.1 129.2 132.2 134 136 137 140 145.2 147–150 152 155 156 158–160 163 164 166.1 166.2 166.3 167 169–171 173 174 176 177 178.2 179 184.2 186 190 191 194.3 194.4 197–201 202.3 205 207 210.4 211.3 212 214 215 216.2 217.2 220.2 220.6 222.2 225 229.2 231–233 234.1 234.2 236 237 249–251 257 260.2 260.5 262 267 269 272.2 272.3 273 275 276.2 277.2 277.3 279.2 281 282 283.3 283.5 286 290.1 291 299–301 302.1 302.2 303.2 304 305.2 306.2 308.2 309 311 312 313.3 313.4 316.2 319.2 325.2 325.3 326.2 326.4 326.5 326.6 332.2 336 338 342.2 345–347 349.2 349.3 352.1 352.2 354.1 356.2 357.2 357.3 359.1 360.2 361 362 365.3 365.4 368.2 375 384 393.2 396.4 396.7 403 404 406.2 411 415.3 415.4 420–422 423.2 425.2 428–430 432 433 435 442 445.3 445.4 446.2 447 448 450 454 456 457 460 461.2 465 471 474 478–481 482.2 482.3 491 495 500.2 504 507 508 513 516–519 526.3 527 528 530 533 540 546 552.2 566–570 573 574.1 574.2 580–582 586 590 591 594 599 601 602 611 612 614 618–620 622 626 630.2 632 633 635 639 640 643.1 661.1 661.2 663.3 664.2 665.1 665.2 669.2 675.2 677 680 681 683–685 688 693 694 697.1 697.2 708 709.1 714 724 732 733 736 737 742 748 758 759.2 768 771 774 778 788 790 794 798–800 802 804 810–812 358

64* List of Illustrations

Site/Fig. Description Page (Hebrew Text) 4. Plan and section of the cairn. 54 5.1. General plan of the site. 55 5.2. Remains of buildings at the site, looking west. 55 5.3. The winepress collecting vat. 56 5.4. Pottery, Hellenistic: 1, 2 bowls; Byzantine: 3, 4 bowls; 5, 6 jars. 56 11.1.1. The milestones standing in situ, looking east. 58 11.1.2. Close-up of the milestones; remains of a worn inscription may be discerned on the milestone to the right. 58 11.1.3. Section of the road, view to the northwest. 58 24. Pottery, Iron II: 1, 2 bowls; Early Islamic: 3 bowl; 4 bowl decorated with greenish yellow glaze and brown strips inside and greenish blue glaze outside (ninth century CE); 5 African Red Slip bowl; 6 krater. 63 26.1.1. The southern portion of the ruin, looking northeast. 67 26.1.2. Remains of pens in the eastern part of the ruin, looking southwest. 67 26.1.3. Crushing vat of an oil press. 67 26.1.4. Pottery, EB I–III: 1 decorated bowl; 2 platter; 3–6 holemouth jars; 7–9 bowls; 10 cooking pot; 11 jar base. 68 26.1.5. Pottery, EB I–III: 1–6 ledge handles; 7 decorated ledge handle (EB I); EB II: 8 fragment of a stand or pithos; 9 holemouth jar; 10 jar base; Intermediate Bronze: 11 jar base; MB IIB: 12 jar; Iron I–II: 13 jar; Iron II: 14 bowl; 15 bowl (Lakhish III and Beit Mirsim A); 16 bowl; 17 cooking pot; 18 jar; Hellenistic: 19 bowl; Byzantine: 20 LRCII bowl. 69 26.2. Bowl, Hellenistic. 70 27. Pottery, Chalcolithic: 1, 2 jar bases; Iron II: 3 bowl; Iron IIC: 4 bowl (Lakhish II). 70 45.1. Plan of the farmhouse remains. 77 46.1. Plan of the site. 78 53.1. Plan and sections of the winepresses. 81 53.2. Pottery, Late Bronze–Iron I: 1, 2 cooking pots; Iron II: 3 krater; Byzantine: 4 bowl. 81 54. Plan of the winepress and the cistern. 82 56. Plan of the building and the cutting. 83 64. Plan of the site. 86 70. Plan of the mosque. 88

65* Site/Fig. Description Page (Hebrew Text) 72.1.1. Plan of the winepress and the cistern. 90 72.1.2. The winepress, looking south. 91 89.1. Pottery, Iron IIC: 1 oil lamp; 2–5 bowls; Roman: 6 bowl; Middle Ages: 7 bowl; 8 jar. 96 89.5. Limestone cup base, Early Roman period (Herodian). 96 100.1. Pottery, Hellenistic: 1 bowl; Byzantine: 2 krater. 100 101.1. Pottery, EB II: 1 holemouth jar; 2 jar fragment with handle; Iron IIC: 3 oil lamp base. 101 103.1. Aerial view of the site, looking east. 103 103.2. General view of the ruin, looking northeast. 103 103.3. Rock-hewn vat, used for crushing olives. 104 103.4. Pottery, Iron II: 1 bowl (Lakhish II); 2 bowl; 3 jar; Iron IIC: 4 burnished bowl (Lakhish II); 5 bowl; Persian: 6 bowl; Byzantine: 7 LRCIII bowl; Early Islamic: 8 cup. 104 110.1. Pottery and other ﬁnds, Intermediate Bronze: 1, 2 bowls; Iron II: 3 jar; Hellenistic: 4–7 bowls; Byzantine: 8, 9 bowls; Early Roman: 10 chalk cup. 107 142. Plan of the site. 121 162.1. Plan of the building. 126 165. Plan of the winepress (right) and the burial cave. 127 175.1. Plan of the columbarium cave and the burial chamber. 131 175.2. Pottery, Hellenistic: 1 krater; Roman: 2, 3 bowls. 132 178.1.1. Plan of the fortress. 133 178.1.2. Pottery, Byzantine: 1, 2 bowls. 133 180.1. Plan and section of the cairn and the overlying wall. 134 180.2. Pottery, EB II: 1 holemouth jar; 2 decorated body fragment; 3 ledge handle of a jar; Intermediate Bronze: 4 jar; Byzantine: 5 krater (seventh century CE). 135 181.1. Plan of the site. 135 181.2. The fortress, looking northeast. 136 181.3. The northern wall of the fortress. 136 184.1.l. The site on the hill, looking northeast. 137 184.1.2. Plan and section of the site. 138 185. Plan of the site. 139 189. Plan of the site (based on an aerial photograph). 141 194.1.1. Aerial view of the site, looking east. 143 194.1.2. Pottery, EB II: 1 krater base; 2 holemouth jar; 3 jar base; 4, 5 decorated jar fragments; Roman: 6 bowl; Byzantine: 7 bowl. 144 197. Plan of the winepress. 146 203. The site, general view looking east. 149 210.1.1. Aerial view of the tell. 152 210.1.2. The western slope of the tell. 154

66* Site/Fig. Description Page (Hebrew Text) 210.1.3. The modern terrace wall, built upon the remains of the ancient fortiﬁcation wall. 154 210.1.4. Pottery, Iron IIB (Lakhish IV–III): 1–6 bowls. 154 210.1.5. Pottery, Iron IIB (Lakhish IV–III): 1–10 bowls; Iron IIC (Lakhhish II): 11–16 bowls; Iron IIC (Lakhish III): 17, 18 kraters. 155 210.1.6. Pottery, Iron IIB: 1–5 krater; 6, 7 cooking pot; Iron IIC (Lakhish II): 8 cooking pot (Lakhish II); Iron IIB: 9–11 pithoi; 12–14 jars; Hellenistic: 15, 16 bowls; Byzantine: 17 bowl. 156 217.1. Plan of the remains (based on an aerial photograph). 160 217.2. Aerial photograph of the site (in the center of the photograph), looking northeast. 161 219. Plan of the remains of the structure and winepress. 162 220.1.1. Aerial photograph of Tel Idna (1983), looking southeast. 163 220.1.2. Tel Idna (1983), looking southwest. 164 220.1.3. Pottery, Iron II: 1–9 bowls; 10 four-handled bowl. 165 220.1.4. Pottery, Iron II: 1, 2 kraters; 3, 4 cooking pots (Lakhish III); 5 holemouth jar; 6 pithos; 7–12 jars; Persian:13 bowl; Hellenistic: 14–16 bowls; Roman: 17 cooking krater. 166 220.3. Aerial photograph of the site on the hill, looking east. 167 224.1. Plan of the site. 171 230. Remains of the road, looking west. 174 231. The limekiln, looking southwest. 175 235. Plan of the stone fences. 176 236. Plan of the site. 177 237.1. Plan and section of the winepress. 178 237.2. Winepress, looking southwest. 178 238. Plan of the site. 179 244.1. Plan of the site. 181 244.2. Pottery, Hellenistic: 1, 2 bowls; Byzantine: 3 bowl. 182 247.1.1. Plan and section of the watchman’s hut and the booth. 184 247.1.2. The watchman’s hut and the booth, looking northeast. 184 247.1.3. Plan of the winepress. 184 248. Plan of the site based on an aerial photograph. 185 251. Cuttings in a rock outcrop, looking east. 186 253.1. General plan of the site. 188 258.1. General view of the site, looking west. 190 258.2. Pottery, Roman: 1 cooking pot; Byzantine: 2 bowl; 3 jug. 191 259. General plan of the remains at the site. 192 261.1. General view of the site looking east; in the center—remains of the Roman road. 195 261.2. The milestones standing alongside the road, looking south. 195 262.1. Part of the pair of oil-press piers. 195

67* Site/Fig. Description Page (Hebrew Text) 262.2. Oil-press crushing basin. 195 263.1.1. Plan of the winepress. 196 263.1.2. Plan and section of the hewn vats. 196 270.1. Pottery, EB II: 1, 2 holemouth jars. 199 270.2.1. The quarry, looking south. 199 270.2.2. The hewn cylinder. 200 285.1. Plan and section of the winepress. 208 313.1. Pottery, Byzantine: 1 bowl; 2 krater; 3 jar. 222 314. General view of the site, looking south. 222 318.1.1. Aerial photograph of Ed Dawāyima, looking south; at the foot of the hill is Nahal Lakhish. 226 318.1.2. The orchards at the foot of the site, looking southwest. 226 318.1.3. Pottery, Iron IIB: 1 cooking pot; Iron II: 2 pithos; Iron IIB: 3 holemouth jar; 4 jar; Hellenistic: 5 bowl; Byzantine: 6 bowl. 227 319.1.1. Plan of the three winepresses and the dressed rock surface. 229 319.1.2. Plan and section of the simple oil press and the dressed surface. 230 319.1.3. Plan of the winepress and the quarries. 230 325.1. Pottery, Byzantine: 1, 2 bowls. 234 326.1.1. The eastern wall of the fort, looking south. 235 326.1.2. The southwestern corner of the fort. 235 326.3. The cave entrance. 236 331. The ornaments above the burial kokh. 328 340.1. ‘Nabatean’ capital in a stone clearance pile. 241 340.2. Pottery, Byzantine: 1, 2 bowls; 3, 4 kraters. 242 341.1.1. General view of the site, looking south. 242 341.1.2. Remains of the building on the hilltop, looking north; in the background—Wadi Idna. 243 341.1.3. Plan and section of the large double bell-shaped cistern. 243 341.1.4. Plan of the fence and the vats and cupmarks hewn in the rock surface. 244 341.1.5. Plan and section of the installations and the limekiln. 245 341.1.6. Plan and section of the columbarium cave. 245 341.1.7. Pottery, Iron IIB: 1 bowl; Iron IIC: 2 bowl; Herodian: 3 bowl; 4 jar; Early Roman: 5 bowl; Roman: 6 jar; Byzantine: 7–9 bowls; 10 krater; Early Islamic: 11 krater. 246 342.1. Aerial photograph of the site, looking east. 247 343.1. Plan of an agricltural installation. 248 349.1.1. Aerial photograph of the site. 251 349.1.2. Plan of the hewn installation and the stone fence above it. 251 349.1.3. Plan of the hewn cruciform-shaped cave. 251 349.1.4. Pottery, Hellenistic: 1 bowl; Roman: 2 jar; Byzantine: 3 jar. 252 351.1. Plan of the winepress. 253

68* Site/Fig. Description Page (Hebrew Text) 353.1. Plan of the site. 254 356.1. General plan of the site. 257 357.1.1. General view of the site, looking east. 258 357.1.2. Remains of a wall in the building. 259 359.1. Plan of the site. 260 360.1. Plan of the hewn installation. 261 365.1.1. Pottery, Iron II: 1–3 bowls; 4 four-handled krater; 5 jar; Hellenistic: bowl; 7, 8 cooking pots; 9 jug. 263 365.1.2. Pottery and other ﬁnds, Roman: 1 bowl; 2 cooking krater; 3 jar; Byzantine: 4, 5 bowls; 6–8 kraters; 9 jar; Early Islamic: 10 jar; Roman (Second Temple period): 11, 12 chalk cups. 264 365.2. General view of the site, looking northeast. 265

69* 70* The Sites—the Northern Sector

1. 0–9/1 14081 10904 19081 60904 350 m asl Kh. el Kashkalîyeh (S) Kh. el Kushuklīya (M); Kh. Qushuqûlîya (M); Kh. al Qashqaliyeh (M–1929) Settlement remains (c. 14 dunams) on northern slope of hill, descending toward a tributary of Nahal Maresha: remains of ruinous buildings, cave dwellings hewn in the chalk, concentrations of building stones and five rock-hewn cisterns. Rock-hewn steps descend to the floor of two of the cisterns (4–5 m deep), in the settlement’s center. Stone troughs adjoining one of the cisterns, from which a passage leads to a square chamber (c. 5×5 m). Walls run perpendicular to the slope’s incline; these are apparently retaining walls of terraces on which additional buildings were constructed. On the slope below the walls—a cistern with a rectangular mouth and a collapsed ceiling. At the foot of the cistern—a ruinous limekiln. Lower down the slope, slightly above the tributary—remains of an installation: a stone basin hewn in the nari rock (inner diam. 1.66 m, outer diam. 1.85 m, height 0.6 m) and several rough-hewn stones close by. Near the installation—a rock cutting (partly covered with soil) that may have been part of an oil press complex. In the tributary— agricultural terraces (c. 35 dunams). East of the settlement remains—two large bell-shaped rock-hewn pits with columbarium niches hewn in the walls. A narrow tunnel several meters long extends from the western pit. The pits’ upper sections reveal a different quarrying technique than that of the lower parts, indicating hewing in stages. Engravings are carved in the walls. Some 250 m east of the settlement remains—a rock-hewn burial cave (map ref. OIG 14105 10900, NIG 19105 60900) containing seven burial kokhim and two vaulted chambers; a bone repository (c. 1 m deep) is hewn in the corner of one of the chambers. Antiquities robbers exposed other tombs in the vicinity of the cave, among them arcosolium tombs. In the wadi—agricultural terraces (c. 8 dunams). On the northeastern slope of the hill, c. 200 m from the settlement remains—a well- preserved rock-hewn winepress consisting of a square treading floor (5.45×5.45 m, 0.44 m deep) and collecting vat (1×1 m, 0.9 m deep) to its west, linked to a larger collecting vat (1.0×3.4 m, c. 1 m deep); three steps descend to the floor of the large vat. The treading floor is paved with large white tesserae interspersed with colored mosaic pieces. Finds. Pottery: Hellenistic (scanty finds—a scatter), Roman (scanty finds—a scatter), Byzantine (numerous finds in the settlement remains) and Ottoman (scanty finds; temporary occupation—remains of a pen). Conder and Kitchener 1881–1883, III:283; IAA Archives/Mandate (File 155).

71* 2. 0–9/2 14004 10974 19004 60974 275 m asl Nahal Maresha [72] Segment of a paved ancient road (c. 100 m long, 3–4 m wide) on south bank of Nahal Maresha. The side facing the wadi is retained by a wall built to a height of three to four courses. At several locations along the route the rock was cut to facilitate maneuverability. This is apparently part of the Roman road leading from Bet Guvrin to Gaza. Finds. Roman and Byzantine pottery (scanty ﬁnds).

3. 0–9/3 14041 10943 19041 60943 322 m asl Nahal Maresha [73] Ed Da‘ājina (M) Pottery scatter (c. 7 dunams) on rocky hill facing Tel Maresha and Bet Guvrin, south of Nahal Maresha. On the hill—stone walls (1.1 m wide), oriented east–west, built of a double row of rough-hewn stones with a core of small round stones, to a height of two to three courses; the walls apparently delimited boundaries between cultivation plots. On the northern part of the hill are several low stone mounds that may be covering buildings. On the western slope of the hill—agricultural terraces (c. 15 dunams). Finds. Byzantine pottery (numerous sherds—a scatter).

4. 0–9/4 14050 10925 19050 60925 339 m asl Nahal Maresha [74] Remains of a cairn (diam. 6 m, 2.8 m high) built of small and medium-sized ﬁeldstones and stone clearance heaps (c. 14 dunams) on prominent rocky hill, south of Nahal Maresha. Around it are building remains standing to a height of two to three courses. On both sides of the hill are walls (c. 1 m thick), consisting of a double row of stones with a core of small ﬁeldstones, built several courses high. North of the hill—two low stone piles (diam. 3–4 m), apparently stone clearance heaps. Finds. Byzantine pottery (numerous sherds—burial site?).

5. 0–9/5 14057 10902 19057 60902 334 m asl Nahal Maresha [75] Remains of a farmstead (c. 1.5 dunams) on saddle south of Nahal Maresha and southeast of Tel Maresha. In the site’s center—two large adjacent courtyards (18×20 m, 20×20 m) delimited by a wall of long stones set upright and spaced close together. North of the courtyards—remains of rooms (2×2 m, 2×3 m, 4×4 m; walls preserved 1.0–1.5 m high), in which the lintels above the entrances are preserved in situ. South of the courtyards—a stone wall (c. 45 m long, 1.2 m wide) preserved 0.4–0.5 m high that may have served to delimit a cultivation plot. Some 2.8 m west of the courtyards—two

72* charcoal kilns surrounded by piles of burnt debris. Near the charcoal kilns—a partially blocked cistern (diam. of mouth 0.8 m). East of the courtyards—a winepress hewn in a rock outcrop, consisting of a treading floor (1.8×2.0 m) and collecting vat (0.4×1.1 m, 0.6 m deep). In the vicinity of the farmstead are stone walls that probably marked boundaries between agricultural plots. West of the farm—remains of pens (walls 0.6–1.0 m high). On the western and northern slopes—agricultural terraces (c. 20 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Iron II (numerous finds similar to those from Tel Lakhish Strata IV– II—farmstead?), Hellenistic (numerous finds in the farmstead), Roman (scanty finds— a scatter), Byzantine (numerous finds—farmstead?) and Early Islamic (scanty finds scattered over an area of c. 5 dunams).

6. 0–9/6 14012 10938 19012 60938 285 m asl Nahal Maresha [76] Remains of a limekiln (outer diam. 4.5 m) surrounded by piles of debris on southwest bank of a broad wadi that runs toward Nahal Maresha. On the slope, above the kiln—agricultural terraces (c. 6 dunams). Some 100 m southeast of the kiln—a large stone heap (diam. 4.5 m).

7. 0–9/7 14090 10945 19090 60945 350 m asl Nahal Maresha [77] Remains of a rectangular building (c. 4×9 m), a winepress and basins (c. 1.5 dunams) on rocky hill south of Nahal Maresha. The building, preserved two to three courses high (walls c. 0.6 m wide), is entered through the northern wall. Northeast of the building—a rock- hewn winepress consisting of a treading floor (2.1×2.6 m) and collecting vat (0.8×1.2 m; filled with alluvium). West of the winepress are two rock-hewn basins (diam. c. 0.44 m). Finds. Pottery: Iron II (numerous finds in the vicinity of the building) and Byzantine (scanty finds—a scatter).

8. 0–9/8, 9 14075 10975 19075 60975 310 m asl Nahal Maresha [78] 8.1. Remains of a round watchman’s hut, a bell-shaped pit, basins and installations (c. 6 dunams) on slope descending north toward Nahal Maresha. The watchman’s hut (diam. 6.3 m) is preserved one to three courses high. South of the hut is a bell-shaped pit (diam. of mouth 0.78 m, depth c. 2 m). Hewn in a rock outcrop west of the pit—three basins (diam. c. 0.37 m). West of the basins—a simple rock-hewn oil press: a round surface (diam. 0.96 m; 0.12 m deep) linked by a channel to a basin (diam. 0.55 m, 0.28 m deep) with a small hewn depression (diam. 0.12 m) next to it that apparently held a jar. Nearby—a basin (diam. 0.58 m, 0.37 m deep) hewn in a large rock outcrop dressed at an incline, apparently an installation for drying agricultural produce. On the slope—agricultural terraces (c. 36 dunams).

73* 8.2. Winepress and a basin, both rock-hewn, in wadi running north, toward Nahal Maresha (map ref. OIG 14088 10975, NIG 19088 60975). The winepress consists of a treading floor (2.4×2.8 m, c. 0.27 m deep) and collecting vat (0.7×1.3 m; filled with alluvium). Ten meters west of the winepress—a rock-hewn basin (diam. 0.48 m). In the wadi—remains of agricultural terraces (c. 15 dunams). Finds. Byzantine pottery (numerous finds on the agricultural terraces, probably related to agricultural activity).

9. 1–9/1 14115 10998 19115 60998 310 m asl Nahal Maresha [80] Remains of a limekiln on rocky slope descending west toward Nahal Maresha. The kiln (inner diam. 3.1 m, c. 1 m deep) protrudes c. 1.3 m above the surface; around it are blocks of limestone and heaps of debris.

10. 1–9/2, 10 14132 10931 19132 60931 425 m asl Nahal Maresha [81] 10.1. Stone walls built to a height of three to five courses and remains of an orchard (c. 10 dunams) on slope and in a wadi descending northeast, toward Nahal Maresha. In the wadi—agricultural terraces (c. 26 dunams). On hill to the north of the orchard—remains of a pen (15×15 m) delimited by a fieldstone wall. At the foot of the slope—a winepress hewn in a rock outcrop (c. 3×4 m) consisting of a treading floor (1.6×2.5 m) and collecting vat (mostly covered with alluvium). North of the winepress are two rock-hewn basins. Finds. Pottery: Byzantine (near the installations, probably related to agricultural activity) and Ottoman (temporary occupation—orchard, pen). 10.2. Agricultural terraces (c. 35 dunams) on slope and in a wadi descending northeast, toward Nahal Maresha (map ref. OIG 14115 10950, NIG 19115 60950). A dressed threshold (0.95 m long) was discerned in one of the terrace walls near the upper reaches of the wadi. Finds. Byzantine pottery (numerous sherds, probably related to agricultural activity).

11. 1–9/3, 8 14174 10910 19174 60910 300 m asl Nahal Maresha [82] El ’Amdân 11.1. Concentration of 19 milestones, 10 still standing in situ, alongside an ancient road on the south bank of Nahal Maresha. The milestones are situated on a terrace about 10 m higher than the wadi bed. On one of the milestones are remnants of an illegible inscription. The road, paved in the Roman period, probably continued to be used in Byzantine times. It ran from Bet Guvrin (Eleutheropolis) via Dura and on toward the Hevron Hills; the milestones denote Mile III from Bet Guvrin. The road, ﬂanked by

74* curbstones, continues for several kilometers along the south bank of Nahal Maresha (see Sites 86.2, 192, 258.2, 261, 542, 548.2, 660, 786), clearly visible at the concentration of milestones at Mile II (map ref. OIG 14088 11037, NIG 19088 61037), where it is almost 4.7 m wide. On the roadside facing the wadi is a retaining wall several courses high. Rock cuttings are visible at several points, and segments of walls run parallel to the road on the slope above it, apparently constructed to prevent erosion falling on the road. Finds. Byzantine pottery (on the road). Conder and Kitchener 1881–1883, III:262, 264; Thomsen 1917:81; Roman Roads Near Bet Guvrin. HA 50 (1974):16–17 (Hebrew). 11.2. Ruinous square structure (6×6 m; stronghold?)—a mound of stones, some of them dressed—on slope descending northeast, 140 m southwest of the milestones. Finds. Roman pottery (on the road and near the structure—road and stronghold?).

12. 1–9/4 14160 10978 19160 60978 325 m asl Nahal Maresha [83] Remains of two limekilns on rocky slope descending south, toward Nahal Maresha. A small mound of debris adjoins each kiln.

13. 1–9/5 14176 10943 19176 60943 325 m asl Nahal Maresha [84] Remains of a limekiln (diam. c. 3 m, 1.85 m deep) on slope descending south, toward Nahal Maresha. Around the kiln—piles of debris.

14. 1–9/6, 9, 11 14175 10964 19175 60964 325 m asl Nahal Maresha [85] 14.1. Winepress, basins, terraces and a cistern (c. 3 dunams) hewn on slope descending west, toward Nahal Maresha. The winepress consists of a treading floor (c. 2×3 m) and collecting vat (c. 1.2×1.8 m; filled with alluvium). Next to the winepress—three basins hewn in a row (average diam. 0.4 m). Hewn in a rock outcrop that slants north, to the west of the winepress—steps (0.94 m wide) and a cistern (currently blocked) capped with a large stone. Finds. Byzantine pottery (numerous finds—particularly jar sherds—probably related to agricultural activity). 14.2. Winepress and basins hewn in wadi descending southwest, toward Nahal Maresha (map ref. OIG 14195 10994, NIG 19195 60994). The winepress consists of a treading floor (c. 2.3×3.0 m) and collecting vat (filled with alluvium). Hewn in a row in a rock outcrop sloping south, west of the winepress, are three basins (diam. 0.35–0.45 m) linked by a shallow channel (6 cm wide). In the wadi—agricultural terraces (c. 10 dunams); ancient dressed building stones are included in the construction.

75* 14.3. Remains of a building, stone clearance heaps (diam. of the largest: 5–6 m) and walls on spur extending southwest, toward Nahal Maresha (map ref. OIG 14193 10965, NIG 19193 60965). Only the building’s southeastern corner (c. 5×5 m) and part of its northern wall survive. Atop the spur are walls running to the south and west that probably delimited cultivation plots. On the slopes of the spur—agricultural terraces (c. 65 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Iron II (scanty finds spread over c. 2 dunams, perhaps related to the building), Byzantine (scanty finds spread over c. 5 dunams, apparently related to the building and agricultural activity) and Early Islamic (scanty finds—a scatter).

15. 1–9/7 14140 10910 19140 60910 310 m asl Nahal Maresha [86] Shi‘b Husein (M) Hewn rock surface (4.2×6.3 m; threshing ﬂoor?), basins and agricultural terraces (80–100 m) in wadi running northeast, toward Nahal Maresha. On a rock outcrop inclining north, near the hewn surface—three basins (diam. 0.42 m). The agricultural terraces (c. 6 dunams) are supported by walls spanning the banks of the wadi.

16. 1–9/12 14118 10910 19118 60910 368 m asl Nahal Maresha [113] Wall, stone clearance heaps (diam. 3–4 m), a hewn cave and remains of agricultural terraces (c. 10 dunams) on spur running north, southwest of Nahal Maresha. The wall traverses the spur; oriented north–south and preserved in several places to a height of three to four courses, it apparently delimited cultivation plots. On the spur’s southwestern slope—a hewn cave (3.6×4.8 m, 2.2 m high) containing two burial kokhim (0.4×0.6 m). Two hewn basins (average diam. 0.47 m, 0.22 m deep) are near the cave facade. It seems the cave was used in recent generations as a shepherds’ dwelling. Finds. Byzantine pottery (numerous ﬁnds related to agricultural activity).

17. 2–9/1 14262 10985 19262 60985 350 m asl Nahal Maresha [90] Remains of a limekiln (diam. 3.1 m) near wadi running northwest, toward Nahal Maresha. Around the kiln are piles of grayish white debris. North of the kiln—a pile of building stones, apparently prepared for burning.

18. 2–9/2 14292 10986 19292 60986 400 m asl Kh. Qanān Mugheimis (M) [3] Remains of a farmstead(?) (c. 2 dunams) on ﬂat hill commanding a view of the entire Shephelah, west of Kh. Qanān Mugheimis [1]. On the hilltop—remains of a square building (c. 10×10 dunams). Several courses of dressed stones and architectural elements were exposed by antiquities robbers in the course of illicit excavations conducted along

76* the building walls. West of the building—a large mound (diam. 4.6 m, 1 m high; cairn? stone clearance heap?) delimited by a stone wall one course high that prevented stones from scattering. On the southern slope of the hill—a rock-hewn winepress and two hewn basins. In a wadi extending from the hill to the southwest—agricultural terraces (c. 35 dunams); some of the walls are preserved two to four courses high. Finds. Pottery: Byzantine (numerous ﬁnds around the building—farmstead?) and Early Islamic (a scatter spread over c. 2 dunams).

19. 2–9/3 14270 10945 19270 60945 340 m asl Nahal Maresha [91] Two burial caves and a bell-shaped pit (3–4 m deep; partially collapsed) hewn in a rocky spur descending south, toward a tributary of Nahal Maresha. The caves were plundered by antiquities robbers. One cave was damaged while quarrying the pit; only its western wall survives. This wall contains a burial kokh whose opening is adorned with a carved frame in the shape of a gable. The other cave, located 200 m to the east, is a square chamber (c. 3×3 m; ﬁlled with alluvium) approached via four hewn steps. Finds. Hellenistic pottery (burial site).

20. 2–9/4, 9, 10 14210 10988 19210 60988 375 m asl Nahal Maresha [92] 20.1. Remains of walls, a rock-hewn basin and cupmarks, and numerous pottery scatters (c. 4 dunams) on hill east of Nahal Maresha. On the eastern slope of the hill—remnants of a curvilinear wall (diam. c. 9 m) that is apparently part of a pen, the basin and cupmarks. Remains of additional walls can be observed elsewhere on the hill. Finds. Pottery: Iron II (scanty finds—scatters), Hellenistic, Early Islamic (numerous finds—scatters) and Ottoman (scanty finds—temporary occupation: pen). 20.2. Remains of a limekiln (map ref. OIG 14221 10947, NIG 19221 60947) on slope descending south, toward a tributary of Nahal Maresha. Two meters from the kiln— lime debris and several building stones. 20.3. Agricultural terraces (c. 24 dunams) in wadi running south, toward a tributary of Nahal Maresha. On a large rock outcrop on the slope descending east, toward the wadi—three hewn basins (diam. 0.48 m).

21. 2–9/5 14220 10915 19220 60915 348 m asl Nahal Maresha [93] Winepress, basins, cupmarks and caves (c. 10 dunams) hewn on a rocky hill, east of Nahal Maresha. The winepress consists of a treading ﬂoor and collecting vat (1.8×2.6 m;

77* filled with alluvium) to its north. Apparently the plan of the treading floor was initially rectangular (2.7×4.2 m) and was subsequently enlarged by hewing a triangular area toward the south (length of each side c. 2.1 m). Remains of plaster coat the walls of the collecting vat. East of the winepress are two deep hewn cupmarks (diam. 0.27 m, 0.22 m deep) and a circular basin (diam. 0.58 m, 0.44 m deep)—apparently an agricultural installation. On the eastern slope of the hill is a hewn rectangular basin (0.7×1.1 m; filled with alluvium) and three round hewn basins (diam. 0.44 m) linked by a channel (8 cm wide). Also on this slope are three burial-cave entrances (blocked by alluvium). On the southern slope of the hill—a hewn cave whose entrance faces south (ceiling collapsed). On the southern and western slopes of the hill—agricultural terraces (c. 45 dunams).

22. 2–9/6 14246 10977 19246 60977 376 m asl Nahal Maresha [94] Remains of a square building (c. 6×6 m), a cistern, rock-hewn installations and agricultural terraces (c. 5 dunams) on hill east of Nahal Maresha. Several of the building’s walls (c. 0.55 m wide) are preserved two to three courses high. The entryway is set in the eastern wall (0.88 m wide) and a stone lintel (1.2 m long) lies on the ground nearby. Northwest of the building is a rock-hewn cistern whose ceiling is collapsed. Hewn in a rock outcrop (3×5 m) near the cistern is a winepress: a treading floor (2.55×2.66 m, 0.44 m deep) bearing traces of white mosaic paving in its eastern corner and collecting vat (mostly blocked with alluvium) to its west. Alongside the winepress—two basins (diam. 0.45 m). In a wadi southeast of the hill—agricultural terraces (c. 25 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Iron II (numerous finds similar to those from Tel Lakhish Strata III– II, apparently related to the building), Persian (scanty finds—a scatter), Byzantine (numerous finds related to the building) and Early Islamic (scanty finds scattered over c. 4 dunams).

23. 3–9/1, 7 14324 10984 19324 60984 436 m asl Beit Kânûn (S) Kh. Qanān Mugheimis (M) [1] 23.1. Settlement remains (c. 15 dunams) on hill commanding a view of an extensive area, east of Tel Maresha: remains of buildings, stone fences, collapsed caves, rock-hewn cisterns and installations. On the western part of the hilltop—remains of an expansive structure (c. 16×22 m), apparently a church, built of large ashlar stones on a northeast– southwest axis; only its southeastern wall and a round apse in the northeastern wall, which extends beyond the line of the building, survived. In the west of the building is a large stone threshold (c. 2.7 m long) preserved in situ and inside the building—a stone doorjamb (1.55 m long); numerous roof-tile fragments are scattered.

78* North of the church are several rock-hewn caves linked by narrow corridors. Cuttings in the caves’ walls indicate that the caves served as quarries for stone blocks over the course of a prolonged period. In recent generations the caves provided shelter for shepherds during the pasturing season and pens and walls were built in some of them. Near one of the cave entrances—three cupmarks (diam. 0.28 m) hewn is a mass of rock. On the western slope of the hill—two rock-hewn cisterns (diam. of the lower cistern 5 m, depth 5.6 m). Near the cisterns is a large rock-hewn winepress consisting of a treading floor (3.1×4.6 m) and collecting vat (blocked by alluvium). A hewn basin (diam. 0.46 m) adjoins the treading floor. On the northern slope of the hill—another hewn winepress consisting of a circular treading floor (diam. 2.3 m) and collecting vat to its northwest. On the southern, western and eastern slopes of the hill and in the wadi running to the south—agricultural terraces (c. 90 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Hellenistic (scanty finds—a scatter), Roman and Byzantine (numerous finds in the settlement remains), Early Islamic (scanty finds—a scatter) and Ottoman (temporary occupation—pens). Conder and Kitchener 1881–1883, III:321. 23.2. On the southern slope of a hill (map ref. OIG 14342 10970, NIG 19342 60970)— agricultural terraces (c. 20 dunams).

24. 3–9/2, 3, 6; 2–9/8 14312 10930 19312 60930 350 m asl H. Horesh [1] Kh. el Khoreisah (S) Kh. el Khureisa (M); Kh. Khuraisa (M–1929) 24.1. Settlement remains (c. 60 dunams) on lower reaches of spur descending southwest, toward a tributary of Nahal Maresha: buildings (for example: 4×5 m, 4×6 m, 6×8 m) preserved here and there to a height of two to three courses; hewn caves, some of them connected by tunnels; oil presses; and rock-hewn cisterns (16 in all, some blocked), some of which have hewn staircases leading to the ﬂoors and stone troughs hewn alongside them. Numerous building stones, broken thresholds, doorjambs and limestone ashlars with drafted margins are scattered on the ground. Many illicit excavations were conducted at the site by antiquities robbers who damaged the building remains and the caves beneath them. In the southern part of the site—remains of a large public building (church?). Fragments of columns, ornamented capitals, and white and colored tesserae scattered nearby may have originated in this building. To its west are several rock-hewn cisterns. After use of the cisterns ceased a tunnel complex was hewn between them. One of the cisterns was deepened by quarrying the chalk rock and today it serves as a reservoir for most of the year. One of the tunnels leads to a cave that held an industrial-scale oil press, including

79* crushing and pressing installations and storage niches; gutters and channels for the conveyance of liquids are hewn in the cave walls. In the southeastern part of the site—a rock-hewn cruciform-shaped cave (each arm c. 4 m long) with columbarium niches in its walls (alluvium covers the floor). A narrow tunnel leads from the eastern wing of the cave to another cave whose original entrance was intentionally blocked; the latter cave served as an underground oil press containing five hewn pressing installations and another hewn installation of unclear purpose. Stone weights, some of them perforated in order to suspend them, were discovered next to the installations. Other hewn cavities were used for storage. Nearby is a cistern whose rim reveals traces of wear—grooves worn by the friction of ropes used to draw water; in the southern wall of the cistern are rock cuttings and engravings. In the western part of the site—several rock-hewn cisterns and storage caves. In the northern part of the site are several caves that apparently served as building-stone quarries, and several more caves containing columbarium niches. On one of the walls of a columbarium cave are engravings and frescos of people and animals. In the northeastern part of the site—remains of a hewn cave with three symmetrical chambers. The cave entrance is adorned with an elegantly carved arch. Hewn inside the cave and in the walls are long recesses (0.5–1.3 m; troughs?), small oil-lamp niches and tethering installations. Y. Tepper and Y. Shahar are of the opinion that the cave served as a stable. Its plan was disturbed by later construction. On the western slope of the spur—a rock-hewn winepress comprising a treading floor (2.8×3.6 m) and two hewn basins (diam. 0.35 m). In the wadis to the east and west of the spur and in a tributary of Nahal Maresha— agricultural terraces (c. 68 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Iron II (scanty finds similar to those from Tel Lakhish Stratum III—a scatter), Hellenistic (scanty finds scattered over c. 5 dunams), Early Roman (the majority of the finds—in the settlement—spread over c. 45 dunams), Byzantine (numerous finds in the settlement spread over c. 60 dunams), Early Islamic (scanty finds scattered over c. 5 dunams) and Mamluk (scanty finds scattered over c. 25 dunams). Conder and Kitchener 1881–1883, III:283; Tepper and Shahar 1992; IAA Archives/Mandate (File 124). 24.2. Remains of rock-hewn burial caves and cisterns on spur east of the settlement remains. On the northwestern slope descending to a valley—two burial caves (map ref. OIG 14330 10925, NIG 19330 60925), one containing three hewn arcosolia surmounted by a magnificent hewn cornice and the other, four arcosolia. Farther up the valley—a bell-shaped cistern (c. 5 m deep) and a columbarium cave. Some 200 m southeast of the burial caves are two additional cisterns (map ref. OIG 14349 10915, NIG 19349 60915) with fig and terebinth trees growing out of their mouths. Rock-hewn steps lead to the floor of the southern cistern; the northern cistern is partially collapsed. On the western slope of the spur, to the south of the burial caves—a large burial cave (map ref. OIG 14329 10917, NIG 19329 60917) exposed in the past by antiquities robbers and

80* documented by a team from the Unit for the Prevention of Antiquities Robbery of the Israel Antiquities Authority. The cave contains 18 gabled kokhim. On its walls are remains of inscriptions that apparently mention the names of the deceased. The cave should probably be ascribed to the Hellenistic period (third–second centuries BCE) based on the similarity of these caves to caves dating to this era located near Tel Maresha. Walls delimiting agricultural plots (c. 30 dunams) may be discerned atop the remains. Finds. Pottery: Iron II (scanty finds around the large burial cave—burial site), Hellenistic (around a burial cave—burial site), Roman (scanty finds around the large burial cave— burial site) and Ottoman (scanty finds—temporary occupation). Zissu and Ganor 1998. 24.3. Remains of a building (c. 4×4 m) on southern slope of hill (map ref. OIG 14310 10953, NIG 19310 60953); only the foundations survived. Adjacent to the building—a rock-hewn bell-shaped pit with 23 columbarium niches cut in its walls. Steps installed in the western side of the pit lead to the floor. Southeast of the building is a hewn cistern. Further up the slope—remains of two walls (c. 120 m long) that apparently delineated a field road (c. 1.1 m wide) leading to agricultural plots (c. 25 dunams). Finds. Roman pottery (around the building). 24.4. Two rock-hewn burial caves (exposed in the past by antiquities robbers) near valley running south, toward a tributary of Nahal Maresha (map ref. OIG 14290 10934, NIG 19290 60934). The southern cave has a central chamber (2.4×2.4 m) containing six hewn burial kokhim (two of the kokhim are 2.1 m deep; the others are 0.4 and 0.9 m deep). The northern cave has a central chamber (2.65×3.00 m) containing eight burial kokhim (2.15 m deep). Scattered on the chamber floor are fragments of stone ossuaries, some carved with circular decorations. Finds. Pottery: Iron II (scanty finds—a scatter) and Roman (around the cave entrances— burial site).

25. 3–9/4, 5, 8, 9 14392 12955 19392 62955 439 m asl H. Horesh [4] Remains of a building, walls, hewn cisterns and basins and agricultural terraces on hill northeast of H. Horesh [1]. Merely the northwestern corner of the building (c. 5×6 m) survived. Most of its stones were apparently taken and used in the construction of the stone fences that enclose agricultural plots on the hill. A wall built on a north– south axis (c. 600 m long) traverses the hill; according to residents of Idna it served as a boundary between the plots belonging to Bet Guvrin and those of Idna. On the western slope of the hill—a rock-hewn cistern with a large capstone placed on its mouth and a hewn rectangular basin (0.67×1.06 m) alongside it; three more hewn basins are close by. West of the cistern is a rock-hewn bell-shaped pit, entered via a side opening (diam. c. 5 m).

81* In the valleys extending from the hill in a southeasterly direction—agricultural terraces (c. 35 dunams). 25.2. On a rocky spur running south (map ref. OIG 14384 12925, NIG 19384 62925)— a rock-hewn winepress, cupmarks and agricultural terraces. The winepress comprises a large treading floor (3.2×4.2 m) and collecting vat (1.3×1.8 m) to its south, linked by a channel. The treading floor was coated with several layers of plaster (1.2 cm thick). Three basins (diam. 0.32–0.44 m) in the treading floor were probably hewn after the winepress ceased use. Ten meters south of the winepress are three cupmarks hewn in a rock outcrop. On the slopes of the spur—agricultural terraces (c. 28 dunams) delimited by stone walls. 25.3. Building remains, rock cuttings and an ancient road on spur (map ref. OIG 14380 10988, NIG 19380 60988). The building (c. 5.5×7.5 m), on the eastern slope of the spur, was constructed from large fieldstones; the west and south walls are preserved two to four courses high. Hewn west of the building are two basins (diam. 0.48 m) and three cupmarks (diam. 0.27 m). On the spur—remains of a wall (c. 550 m long) that was apparently constructed alongside an ancient road that led here from Site 22. Near the road—stone clearance heaps. On the spur (c. 36 dunams)—agricultural terraces. 25.4. Rock-hewn winepress, basins and agricultural terraces (c. 45 dunams) on gentle slope descending southwest, toward Nahal Maresha. The winepress comprises a large treading floor (c. 3.7×5.3 m; bisected lengthwise by a crack) and collecting vat (1.2×2.7 m, c. 0.55 m deep) to its south. West of the winepress are six basins (diam. 0.38–0.62 m) hewn in rock outcrops. Finds. Byzantine pottery (scanty finds, apparently related to agricultural activity).

26. 4–9/1, 3; 5–9/1 14496 10970 19496 60970 400 m asl H. Bet ‘Elem [1] Beit ’Alâm (S) Kh. Beit ‘Alâm (M); Bait ‘Allam (M–1929) Remains of a large settlement (c. 120 dunams), a cemetery, caves, installations and cisterns on hill commanding a view of the entire region. The settlement is spread out in the form of a horseshoe open to the west. In the north of the site are settlement remains dating to the early periods (Early Bronze Age and Iron Age) and in the south are remains from the later periods. The site was plundered by antiquities robbers. In the northern part of the settlement most of the structural remains left on the surface were apparently removed and taken for building the later settlement. Also at the site— agricultural terraces, wall tops, cisterns and caves (two of them columbarium caves). One of the columbarium caves is circular (diam. 4.2 m) and the other is rectangular, containing 246 niches, some of which are buried beneath collapse. Near the circular cave are rectangular masses of chalk rock, probably remnants from quarrying activity. Stone fences enclose most of the caves; remains of pens are nearby.

82* In the southern part of the settlement—remains of buildings, building-stone heaps, pens and caves, some of which were hewn below the buildings. One of the caves contains an oil press; the crushing stones and two pressing installations are preserved. Scattered among the building remains are numerous architectural elements: thresholds, stone doorjambs, fragments of capitals, column drums and limestone columns, and fragments of chalk and basalt basins. Beduins residing in caves located in the area built pens in front of them, using building stones taken from the ruins. Between the two sections of the settlement—a large basin (diam. 1.38 m, 0.87 m deep) and a hewn rock surface (4×6 m) with nine cupmarks connected by a channel along the edge of the surface. Four meters south of the basin is a rock-hewn bell-shaped cistern with a circular mouth (diam. c. 6.8 m at its base, 5.7 m deep; partly filled with alluvium) approached by a hewn channel. Among the building remains are five hewn cisterns (c. 5 m deep), as well as several other hewn pits of unknown purpose. On the margins of the settlement are remains of pens constructed in part from dressed building stones, some with drafted margins. In the east of the site is a rock-hewn cave-dwelling fronted by a pen (8×12 m); an orchard was recently planted next to it. Near the orchard is a hewn complex of caves connected via narrow tunnels hewn at several levels. One of the tunnels (23 m long) leads to several cisterns. After use of the cisterns ceased openings were breached, connecting them to one another. Near the orchard, hewn in a rock outcrop—three cupmarks (diam. 0.28 m) and two basins (diam. 0.48 m). Southwest of the orchard, at the end of an ancient road leading to the settlement remains—a rock-hewn bell-shaped cave (4.6 m deep). Tunnels branch out from the cave into several small chambers; one of them leads to a bell-shaped cistern (currently blocked) in which a staircase descends to the floor. The hewers of the cistern left a rock column in place to support the ceiling on which carvings were discerned (diam. 0.8 m). West and south of the settlement remains is a cemetery; some of the tombs were damaged or destroyed by antiquities robbers. South of the settlement remains—a large hewn reservoir (8×10 m) fed by several hewn channels. Southeast of the reservoir are two rock-hewn bell-shaped caves that apparently served initially as cisterns. From the western cave a hewn tunnel leads to two hewn chambers whose walls are carved with letters, circles and asymmetric geometric patterns. Another tunnel (13 m long) extends from this cave to a large hall from which a passageway leads to a columbarium cave. The caves were plundered extensively by antiquities robbers. An ancient paved road on the western slope of the hill, hewn in several sections, leads to the settlement remains. Near the road is a rock-hewn cave containing a large rectangular hall (12.5×15.6 m) and a passage around which are six chambers. In the

83* north wall of the hall are two rows of nine large niches with convex ceilings (2.5 m long, 2.6 m wide, c. 1 m high, width of opening 0.7 m); apparently this was a burial cave subsequently adapted for use as a shepherd’s dwelling. Ten meters east of the cave are three rock-hewn cisterns. A hewn tunnel (8 m long; its end is blocked) runs north from the northern cistern. Columbarium niches are hewn in the eastern cistern. Thirty- five meters south of the cisterns is another group of hewn cisterns. The eastern cistern, entered via a side opening, has a passageway leading to four square chambers with connecting corridors. Excavating tools belonging to antiquities robbers were discovered in the southernmost cistern. On the upper reaches of the western slope—three rock- hewn winepresses, partly covered over when the area was cleared of stones. Also on the western slope are remains of a magnificent and well-preserved rock-hewn burial cave; it was breached and plundered by antiquities robbers. The cave’s entrance shaft (2.4 m deep) leads to an opening sealed with a rolling stone that was damaged by the antiquities robbers, opening into a square chamber (2.6×2.6 m). A passageway leads from this chamber to three additional chambers, each of which contains three hewn stone coffins (0.7×2.0 m, 0.6 m deep) surmounted by a vault. Some of the coffins are covered by fragmentary stone lids. Burial caves were documented at the foot of the western slope, 200 m from the settlement remains; they were plundered by antiquities robbers. North of the burial caves—a hewn cistern (mostly blocked with soil) with a circular mouth. On the spur extending from the hill to the southwest (map ref. OIG 14475 10965, NIG 19475 60965)—a burial cave: a square chamber (6×6 m) with 10 kokhim (2.1 m long; dimension of the openings 0.5×0.8 m) hewn in the east and south walls; the cave was plundered in recent years. On a spur running north from the hill (map ref. OIG 14500 10996, NIG 19500 60996)— eight hewn cisterns (most of them blocked with soil). Six of the cistern mouths are round and two are square. A fig tree grows in the northern cistern. North of the cisterns is a cave hewn in the chalk rock; its entranceway faces east. It was recently occupied by shepherds. Nearby—a hewn winepress consisting of a circular treading floor (diam. 1.35 m) and circular collecting vat (diam. 0.75 m, 0.5 m deep) to its east with traces of plaster on its walls. On the slopes of the hill and in the valley to its west—agricultural terraces (c. 140 dunams). Finds. Pottery: EB I–II (numerous finds spread over 45 dunams in the settlement), EB III (scanty finds—a scatter), Intermediate Bronze (scanty finds spread over 5–10 dunams in the settlement), MB IIB (numerous finds spread over 5–10 dunams in the settlement), Iron II (numerous finds spread over 60 dunams, similar to those from Tel Lakhish Strata V–II in the settlement), Hellenistic (scanty remains, including imported vessels, spread over 25 dunams in the settlement), Roman and Byzantine (numerous remains spread over c. 60 dunams in the settlement), Early Islamic (scanty remains spread over c. 25

84* dunams in the settlement), Mamluk (numerous remains spread over c. 25 dunams in the settlement) and Ottoman (potsherds and pens—temporary occupation). Robinson and Smith 1856, II:403; Guérin 1868–1869, II:365 (Kh. Beit-Aa’lam); Conder and Kitchener 1881–1883, III:321; Saarisalo 1931:103; Dagan 1982:53; IAA Archives/Mandate (File 26). 26.2. Rock-hewn well in a horseshoe-shaped valley west of H. Bet ‘Elem [1] (Be‘er ‘Alem; map ref. OIG 14481 10980, NIG 19481 60980), adjacent to the ancient road leading to the settlement at H. Bet ‘Elem [1], which appears on a map from the British Mandate period as Bīr el Harāba. The mouth of the well is lined with ancient building stones. There is clear potable water in the well; following the winter rains the water level reaches c. 8 m below the rim (3–5 m deep). Around the well are seven stone troughs. To its east a masonry wall prevents alluvium from being washed inside. A red- slipped bowl fragment from the Hellenistic period was found close by. This well was apparently the main water source for the settlement at H. Bet ‘Elem [1]. 26.3. Five caves hewn in a slope descending to the east, northeast of H. Bet ‘Elem [1] (map ref. OIG 14515 10992 NIG 19515 60992). The walls and ceilings in some of the caves have collapsed. It seems the caves were originally used for storing water. A Beduin family currently lives in one of them. Nearby—a rock-hewn cistern still in use and a rock-hewn winepress. 26.4. On slope c. 500 m northeast of H. Bet ‘Elem [1] (map ref. OIG 14557 10992, NIG 19457 60992)—a concentration of 12 hewn pits; they were exposed by antiquities robbers and appear to be parts of burial caves. Nearby—a rock-hewn cistern (2.6 m deep, mostly blocked with soil). East of the concentration of pits are several collapsed bell-shaped caves that formed a crater (40×45 m). Finds. Pottery: Roman and Byzantine (burial site).

27. 4–9/2 14446 10988 19446 60988 350 m asl Be’er Rahat Bîr et Tawîl (S) Bīr et Tawīla (M) Well and settlement remains (c. 10 dunams) in valley west of H. Bet ‘Elem [1]. The well (diam. 1.2 m, 6.3 m deep) is dug into a raised terrace; its water is potable. The settlement remains are on the terrace to the east of the well and include low walls that do not form a coherent plan with piles of dressed stones between them. On the west side of the terrace, facing a wadi—a solid wall (1.2 m wide) preserved three to five courses high. The settlement remains were apparently damaged by agricultural cultivation. Finds. Pottery: Chalcolithic (numerous finds spread over c. 5 dunams, related to the settlement remains?), EB I (scanty remains scattered over c. 2 dunams), Iron II (scanty remains similar to those from Tel Lakhish Strata III–II—a scatter), Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine (scanty finds—a scatter).

85* 28. 4–9/4 14403 10916 19403 60916 400 m asl H. Bet ‘Elem [2] Remains of a cave (burial?) hewn in the chalk rock in the upper portion of a valley running northeast, southwest of H. Bet ‘Elem [1]. Next to the cave entrance—a pile of rocks removed from the cave at the time it was quarried. The cave was damaged by construction works. Two hewn corners in the cave probably indicate that its shape was square. Finds. Byzantine pottery (scanty ﬁnds near the cave entrance—burial site?).

29. 4–9/5 14435 10918 19935 60918 432 m asl H. Bet ‘Elem [3] Esh Shōmar (M) Remains of buildings, hewn installations, cisterns, quarries and agricultural terraces on rocky hill southwest of H. Bet ‘Elem [1]. Scanty remains of four structures were documented on the hilltop (there may have been more buildings); apparently the buildings’ stones were taken for the construction of agricultural terrace walls on the hill. On the western slope of the hill—foundations of a large building (c. 6×8 m) whose northern and southern corners are constructed from a double row of ashlars. Nearby— a hewn cistern (diam. of mouth 0.8 m, 3–4 m deep) and a trough cut into a large stone. Also on the western slope—two rock-hewn winepresses. One is well preserved and consists of a treading floor (2.5×3.5, 0.5 m deep) and two collecting vats (0.6×0.9 m, 0.5 m deep; 1.3×1.7 m; the floor of the larger vat is filled with alluvium). A channel (0.44 m long) led from the treading floor to the small collecting vat and another channel (0.33 m long) linked the small vat to the large vat. North of the vats—four basins (average diam. 0.44 m) hewn in a rock outcrop. Lower down the western slope is a hewn cistern (diam. c. 5 m) with steps that descend to the floor; the upper steps have collapsed. On the western and southern slopes of the hill dressed stones and fragments of a threshold were discerned in the construction of agricultural terrace walls; apparently a building close by was dismantled in order to enlarge the plots. On the northern slope—three rock-hewn basins (average diam. 0.42 m) and seven cupmarks (diam. c. 0.27 m). Nearby—a well-preserved farming terrace. Hewn in a rock outcrop on the eastern slope—a simple oil press (bodeda): a round press bed (diam. 1.2 m, 0.16 m deep) linked by a channel to a square drainage basin (0.8×0.8 m). Next to the basin—four hewn hollows that accommodated storage jars. Iron II potsherds were gathered near the installation. Hewn in rock outcrops nearby—five basins (average diam. 0.38 m). On the slopes of the hill—five concentrations of stone quarries. One of the quarries (4.3×6.0 m) is well preserved; negatives remaining from the quarrying of a large stone (0.5×0.6×1.47 m) are visible. Also on the slopes—agricultural terraces (c. 25 dunams).

86* Finds. Pottery: Iron II (numerous finds spread over c. 10 dunams similar to those from Tel Lakhish Strata III–II in the building remains), Hellenistic (scanty remains scattered over c. 5 dunams), Byzantine (numerous finds spread over c. 15 dunams in the building remains) and Early Islamic (scanty finds scattered over c. 10 dunams).

30. 4–9/6 14415 10982 19415 60982 413 m asl H. Bet ‘Elem [4] Remains of a building, cisterns and a winepress on hill west of H. Bet ‘Elem [1]. Part of the building’s (c. 5×7 m) northern wall and southern corner are preserved. A threshold (1.4 m long) belonging to the eastern side of the building was discerned. On the northern slope of the hill—two rock-hewn cisterns. In a later phase of use 38 columbarium niches were hewn in the southern cistern; part of its mouth is collapsed. The northern cistern has rock-hewn steps that lead to the floor. In a rock outcrop near the northern cistern—a hewn winepress consisting of a treading floor (2.8×4.0 m; currently cracked) and collecting vat (1.3×1.4 m; filled with alluvium). At the foot of the eastern slope of the hill—remains of a square structure (8×8 m) built of one row of stones. On the slopes are walls that delimit cultivation plots and agricultural terraces. In the area surrounding the hill are additional agricultural terraces: to the west (area of c. 45 dunams), in a valley running north (13 well-preserved terraces) and in a valley running east. Finds. Pottery: Iron II (numerous finds around the structure), Persian (scanty finds—a scatter), Byzantine (numerous finds around the building and the installations) and Early Islamic (scanty finds scattered over c. 2 dunams).

31. 4–9/7, 8; 4–8/8 14460 10905 19460 60905 419 m asl H. Bet ‘Elem [5] 31.1. Walls delimiting agricultural plots, a winepress, basins and an installation on rocky hill southwest of H. Bet ‘Elem [1]. Dressed building stones are incorporated in the walls’ construction. On the northern part of the hill is a rock-hewn winepress that includes a treading floor (2.4×2.5 m) and collecting vat (filled with alluvium). Near the winepress— three hewn basins (average diam. 0.38 m). On the eastern slope of the hill—a simple oil press (bodeda): a press bed (0.8×1.3 m) and a drainage vat (diam. 0.55 m, 0.42 m deep). At the foot of the northeastern slope of the hill are four burial-cave entrances; the caves were plundered by antiquities robbers. West of the hill—agricultural terraces (c. 25 dunams). Finds. Byzantine pottery (scanty finds near the installations—probably related to agricultural activity; in front of the burial caves—a burial site). 31.2. Remains of agricultural terraces (c. 24 dunams) in wadi running north, south of H. Bet ‘Elem [1] (map ref. OIG 14481 10910, NIG 19481 60910). The terrace walls, preserved four to six courses high, span the breadth of the wadi.

87* East of the wadi, hewn in a rock outcrop—a winepress consisting of a treading floor (1.5×2.4 m) and collecting vat (filled with alluvium). Nearby—two hewn basins (diam. 0.48 m) 0.6 m apart surrounded by a hewn channel (0.12 m wide)—apparently the components of an agricultural installation. 31.3. Agricultural terraces (c. 10 dunams) in wadi extending north, south of H. Bet ‘Elem [1] (map ref. OIG 14475 10893, NIG 19475 60893). The walls are preserved to a height of two to five courses.

32. 5–9/2 14540 10975 19540 60975 400 m asl H. Bet ‘Elem [8] Rock-hewn cave on slope descending west, east of H. Bet ‘Elem [1]. The cave was apparently initially a building-stone quarry related to the construction at H. Bet ‘Elem [1] and later it was enlarged by hewing two small burial chambers (presently collapsed). Later still it was converted for use as a dwelling. A masonry wall partitions it in two: the southern part served as a shepherd’s dwelling and storage niches and hooks for food were hewn in it; the northern part was used as a sheepfold.

33. 5–9/3 14570 10947 19570 60947 415 m asl H. Bet ‘Elem [9] Remains of ancient agricultural activity (c. 35 dunams) on spur running south, 700 m southeast of H. Bet ‘Elem [1]: agricultural terraces and walls (preserved three to five courses high) delimiting farming plots that incorporate dressed building stones in their construction. Between the walls—remains of orchards (one was planted c. 30 years ago). Further up the spur is a hewn winepress consisting of a treading floor (2.6×3.2 m) and collecting vat (0.7×1.5 m; fieldstones lie on the floor). Next to the winepress—four hewn basins (diam. 0.44 m). Finds. Pottery: Byzantine (scanty finds scattered over c. 10 dunams on the agricultural terraces, probably related to agricultural activity) and Ottoman (scanty finds in the orchard, related to agricultural activity).

34. 5–9/4 14588 10912 19588 60912 410 m asl H. Bet ‘Elem [10] Rock-hewn cistern (diam. of mouth 0.6 m, 4.6 m deep) fed by a hewn channel in wadi running northeast, east of H. Bet ‘Elem [1].

35. 5–9/6 14540 10942 19540 60912 380 m asl H. Bet ‘Elem [12] Khallat es Sarār (M) Winepress, basins, a cistern and agricultural terraces (c. 10 dunams) on spur southeast of H. Bet ‘Elem [1]. The winepress is hewn in a rock outcrop (c. 3×4 m); near it are

88* three rock-hewn basins (diam. c. 0.37 m). At the foot of the spur’s southern slope is the hewn cistern (diam. of mouth 0.85 m, 3–4 m deep).

36. 5–9/7 14588 10987 19588 60987 435 m asl H. Bet ‘Elem [13] El Fuseisa (M) Square compound (110×110 m) and a cistern on saddle northeast of H. Bet ‘Elem [1]. The compound is delimited by a stone wall partially constructed from worked building stones; large oak trees grow inside. Portions of the compound were destroyed when agricultural plots were prepared for cultivation. West of the compound—a rock-hewn cistern. According to local residents the compound served in the past as a meeting place for rival tribes. Finds. Pottery: Early Islamic (scanty ﬁnds scattered over c. 2 dunams) and Mamluk (numerous ﬁnds—a scatter).

37. 5–9/8 14506 10908 19506 60908 400 m asl H. Bet ‘Elem [14] Rock-hewn installations, a pit, burial caves (blocked with alluvium) and a quarry (spread over c. 2 dunams) on lower northern reaches of hill southeast of H. Bet ‘Elem [1]. Hewn in a rock outcrop that inclines to the north—a winepress consisting of a treading floor (1.8×2.8 m, 0.42 m deep) and collecting vat (0.8×1.6 m; filled with alluvium) linked by a channel (0.42 m long). East of the winepress are two basins (average diam. 0.47 m) hewn in a rock outcrop. At the foot of the basins—a hewn pit (1.7 m deep) with a square opening (1.2×1.2 m) that may be a cave filled with alluvium. West of the winepress—a simple oil press (bodeda) hewn in a rock outcrop: a circular press bed (diam. 0.86 m, 0.21 m deep) that inclines toward a square basin (0.52×0.55 m, 0.37 m deep). Nearby—a quarry (c. 2×3 m). On the slope—agricultural terraces (c. 27 dunams). Finds. Byzantine pottery (numerous sherds around the installations—related to agricultural activity, and near the burial caves—burial site).

38. 5–9/9 14560 10910 19560 60910 380 m asl H. Bet ‘Elem [15] Rock-hewn agricultural installations at foot of slope descending south, southeast of H. Bet ‘Elem [1]: three basins (diam. 0.33–0.45 m) hewn in a dressed rock surface; six cupmarks (average diam. 0.27 m) hewn in a cracked rock outcrop to their west. Remains of a masonry wall surround the rock outcrop. On the slope—agricultural terraces (c. 10 dunams) and pottery scatters. Finds. Byzantine pottery (several sherds scattered over c. 5 dunams).

89* 39. 6–9/1 14633 10970 19633 60970 440 m asl Kh. Shebrakah (S) Kh. Shibirqa (M); Kh. Shabraqa (M–1929) [1] Settlement remains (c. 25 dunams) on long spur: foundations of a rectangular building (6×10 m) and stone walls delimiting cultivation plots that utilize ancient walls in their construction. Plowing and planting have disturbed the remains. Recent sheep and goat pens on some of the remains incorporate in their construction building stones and architectural elements from the ancient settlement. In reports filed by antiquities inspectors during the British Mandate period several buildings and a well were documented. On the southern slope of the spur—three bell-shaped rock-hewn columbarium caves. One cave, well preserved, has 214 square or triangular niches hewn in its walls. Another cave, a cistern that ceased to be used as such, was converted later for use as a columbarium. To the south and west of the settlement remains—five rock-hewn cisterns (diam. c. 4.5 m, 3–5 m deep), two of which have steps descending to the floor. North and east of the cisterns are hewn pits (1.3×1.5 m), apparently for storage. Nearby—five rock-hewn burial caves, plundered by antiquities robbers. Rock-hewn installations, among them two winepresses, seven cupmarks (average diam. 0.28 m) and five basins (average diam. 0.46 m) were documented north of the settlement remains. On the slopes of the spur—agricultural terraces (c. 37 dunams), some of them repaired recently. Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (scanty finds scattered over c. 5 dunams), Iron II (large sherds similar to those from Tel Lakhish Stratum III in the settlement remains), Hellenistic (numerous finds, including imported ware, in the settlement remains), Roman and Byzantine (numerous finds throughout the site), Early Islamic (scanty finds scattered over c. 20 dunams) and Ottoman (scanty finds and pens—temporary occupation). Conder and Kitchener 1881–1883, III:361; Saarisalo 1931:101; IAA Archives/Mandate (File 176).

40. 6–9/2 14616 10930 19616 60930 410 m asl Kh. Shibirqa (M) [2] Concentration of agricultural terraces (c. 15 dunams) on spur extending south, south of Kh. Shibirqa [1]. The terrace walls (0.6 m wide) are preserved to a substantial height (0.5–1.2 m) and include ancient building stones and fragments of thresholds and columns in their construction. The terraces are aligned perpendicular to the incline of the slope and attest to a long and organized tradition of agricultural terrace construction. West of the terraces—low walls (0.3–0.4 m high) that apparently delimit farming plots.

90* Atop the spur—remains of a round stone mound with building stones at its base (diam. 4.6 m, 1.6 m high; watchman’s hut?). Finds. Pottery: Roman (scanty finds—a scatter), Byzantine (scanty finds spread over c. 10 dunams, including a LRCIII bowl, perhaps related to agricultural activity) and Early Islamic (scanty finds scattered over c. 5 dunams).

41. 6–9/3 14640 10919 19640 60919 400 m asl Nahal Guvrin [1] Cistern, stone walls and agricultural terraces (c. 25 dunams) at foot of slope descending south, south of Nahal Guvrin. The cistern (not currently in use) is capped by a large stone with a central drawing hole (diam. 0.55 m). Nearby—an agricultural terrace wall. Some 20 m east of the cistern is a wall (4.8 m long, 0.6 m wide) built of large ﬁeldstones preserved three to four courses high. Stone clearances heaps ﬂank both sides of the wall. Dressed building stones are incorporated in the walls of the agricultural terraces.

42. 6–9/4 14668 10978 19668 60978 464 m asl Kh. Shibirqa (M) [3] Remains of a building, cistern, caves and pens (c. 3 dunams) on rocky hill east of Kh. Shibirqa [1] that has recently undergone preparation for cultivation. The building (c. 4×4 m), built of two rows of dressed stones (average width of walls 0.55 m; some of the stones in secondary use), survives to a height of one or two courses. The entrance (c. 0.65 m wide) is set in the eastern wall. Northeast of the building—a rock-hewn cistern (diam. of mouth 0.8 m, 4–5 m deep). Pieces of chalk removed when it was hewn are heaped up around it. South of the building—a rock-hewn winepress: a treading floor (2.7×3.2 m, 0.38 m deep in the western corner; partly covered with alluvium) and collecting vat (0.7×1.4 m; filled with alluvium) to its south, connected by a through- hole (diam. 0.8 cm). Next to the collecting vat are two hewn niches (diam. 0.12 m) that probably accommodated storage jars. Two basins hewn in the treading floor were apparently cut after use of the winepress ceased. Northwest of the building are two hewn caves (diam. c. 3–4 m), probably used as dwellings by shepherds; storage niches (average dimensions 0.32×0.55 m) are hewn in the walls. Next to the caves—remains of two adjoining pens built of large upright fieldstones. West of the caves, hewn in a large rock outcrop—two basins (diam. 0.48 m, 0.28 deep) approached by channels— apparently an agricultural installation. On the north of the hill—farming plots delimited by stone fences preserved four to five courses high that incorporate dressed stones in their construction. On the slopes of the hill—agricultural terraces (c. 15 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Iron II (numerous finds in the building remains), Byzantine (around the building and the installations) and Early Islamic (scanty finds—a scatter).

91* 43. 6–9/5, 6 14665 10940 19665 60940 420 m asl Nahal Guvrin [3] 43.1. Winepress, cistern and basins (c. 4 dunams) hewn in a spur descending south, south of Nahal Guvrin. The winepress, hewn in a rock outcrop, has a treading floor (2.3×2.6 m) and collecting vat (0.6×1.5 m, 1.2 m deep) to its south. Two hewn steps in the eastern corner of the vat descend to the floor. Traces of plaster on the collecting vat walls contain fragments of Byzantine potsherds. Ten meters west of the winepress is a hewn cistern whose ceiling collapsed. Near the cistern—three basins (average diam. 0.4 m) hewn in a rock outcrop. On the spur—agricultural terraces (c. 24 dunams). 43.2. Remains of a building, a winepress, basins and a hewn surface (c. 5 dunams) on spur descending south, south of Nahal Guvrin. The building (4.2×8.5 m), built chiefly of fieldstones, has four ashlars incorporated in its walls, and is preserved three to five courses high; the entrance was apparently in its northern wall. South of the building—a courtyard (5×6 m) surrounded by a wall built of two rows of stones. East of the building— a rock-hewn winepress comprising a treading floor (2.4×2.8 m) and collecting vat (0.55×1.30 m; filled with alluvium). Hewn in rock outcrops north of the winepress are four basins (average diam. 0.4 m). Lower down the spur is a hewn round surface (diam. 8.5 m) delimited by fieldstones, apparently a threshing floor. In the valley south of the spur—agricultural terraces (c. 35 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Iron II (numerous finds in the building remains), Persian (scanty finds scattered over c. 3 dunams) and Byzantine (around the building and the installations).

44. 6–9/7, 8 14695 10996 19695 60996 460 m asl Nahal Guvrin [132] 44.1. Concentration of installations and a rock-hewn burial cave on hill south of Nahal Guvrin. Illicit excavations were conducted on the hill. On the eastern part of the hill— a rock-hewn winepress consisting of a treading floor (c. 2.1×2.5 m) and collecting vat (0.55×0.85 m; filled with stone clearance) to its west. Traces of plaster containing crushed sherds coat the eastern wall of the treading floor. North of the winepress—a basin (diam. 0.82 m, 0.52 m deep), which in a later phase was deepened; this may be the beginnings of a bell-shaped cistern that was left unfinished. West of the winepress—two hewn basins (average diam. 0.44 m). On the northeastern slope of the hill—two hewn basins (filled with alluvium). The burial cave was documented on the northwestern part of the hill. In the past villagers from Idna illicitly excavated the cave, and revealed a rectangular entrance (0.63×1.7 m; today blocked by collapse) that leads to a burial chamber with three arcosolia. On the southwestern slope of the hill—agricultural terraces (c. 10 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Iron II (numerous finds—a scatter), Persian (scanty finds scattered over c. 1 dunam) and Byzantine (next to the burial-cave entrance).

92* 44.2. Remains of a paved road (1.2–1.8 m wide) on saddle running north from Dhahr Khanzīra [1] (Site 45.1) for a distance of c. 180 m. The road is retained by walls on both sides. At several places along its course the rock was cut to facilitate maneuverability. Next to the road, east of the saddle—a large hewn rock surface surrounded by twelve dressed stones (benches?).

45. 7–9/1, 6 14730 10928 19730 60928 459 m asl Dhahr Khanzīra (M) [1] 45.1. Remains of a farmstead (c. 8 dunams) on hill, in an area of olive groves: foundations of buildings, scattered building stones and rock-hewn installations. At the top of the hill—remains of a prominent building—foundations of the northern and western walls (1.4 m wide). On the eastern slope of the hill—foundations of another building (4×5 m; foundation width 0.55 m). To its southwest is a rock-hewn winepress: a treading floor (1.7×2.4 m, 0.2 m deep) and collecting vat (1×1 m; filled with alluvium). Southeast of the building is a rock surface and two hewn basins (diam. 0.45 m, 0.24 m deep) 1.1 m apart, and 2 m southeast of them, on the lower part of the rock surface, is a row of six cupmarks (diam. c. 0.19 m, 0.1 m deep) hewn at set intervals; a hewn channel links the southern basin with the southern cupmark. On a saddle south of the hilltop—a circular surface (diam. 9.6 m), partly rock-hewn and partly of beaten earth, delimited by stones. According to the villagers of Idna this was a threshing floor. East of the surface—hewn rock surfaces where produce was placed while awaiting threshing. Next to the threshing floor—remains of a pen (c. 5×7 m). On the slopes—agricultural terraces (c. 57 dunams) whose walls are preserved 0.5–1.0 m high. In the valley south of the hill—remains of another building; its western corner survives. Finds. Pottery: Iron II (numerous finds in the farmstead), Late Roman (numerous finds in the farmstead), Byzantine (numerous finds in the farmstead), Early Islamic (scatter over c. 5 dunams) and Ottoman (temporary occupation—pens). 45.2. Two hewn caves and agricultural terraces on slope descending north, toward Nahal Guvrin. The cave entrances are sealed off by a wooden door. The western cave consists of a single chamber (c. 4×5 m). The eastern cave has two chambers; four large kokhim are hewn in the eastern wall of the inner chamber. The agricultural terraces (c. 12 dunams) are delimited by stone fences.

46. 7–9/2, 7 14720 10980 19720 60980 450 m asl Nahal Guvrin [5] Shi‘b eth Thuraiya (M) 46.1. Remains of a building, winepress, limekiln and a cistern on a rocky spur west of Nahal Guvrin. Only the northeastern corner of the building (walls 2–3 m long) survives.

93* Apparently the building stones were dismantled in order to use them in the production of lime. East of the building is a rock-hewn winepress: a treading floor (2.8×4.0 m, 0.18 m deep) and collecting vat (0.7×1.8 m, currently 0.22 m deep; partially destroyed) linked by a channel (0.2 m wide). To its north—a limekiln (diam. 2.6 m, 3 m deep); close by are piles of debris and limestone building stones. Nearby, east of the kiln—a rock-hewn cistern (diam. c. 1 m, 3.6 m deep; currently dry). Finds. Pottery: Byzantine (numerous finds around the winepress, probably related to agricultural activity) and Early Islamic (scant finds scattered over 1 dunam). 46.2. Pottery scatter (c. 2 dunams) on slope descending northeast, toward Nahal Guvrin. Finds. Pottery: EB II–III, Byzantine and Early Islamic (scant finds—a scatter).

47. 7–9/3, 8 14720 10946 19720 60946 425 m asl Nahal Guvrin [6] Khallat Khanzīra (M) 47.1. Rock-hewn bell-shaped cistern (diam. of mouth 0.65 m, 3.2 m deep) on hill west of Nahal Guvrin. The cistern and its water-supply network were recently renovated by a resident of Idna who planted an orchard close by. Next to the cistern—two hewn troughs (0.55×1.2 m, 0.36 m deep). A few Byzantine potsherds were recovered from the debris removed from the cistern when it was cleaned. Finds. Byzantine pottery (a few sherds). 47.2. Winepress and a rock-hewn (burial?) cave entrance to its east, on rocky saddle west of Nahal Guvrin. The winepress consists of a treading floor (2.5×3.2 m, 0.33 m deep) and collecting vat (c. 0.4×1.4 m; filled with alluvium). The cave entrance (0.6×1.3 m; presently blocked) is magnificently hewn.

48. 7–9/4; 8–9/7 14790 10920 19790 60920 440 m asl Nahal Guvrin [7] 48.1. Remains of several buildings, a limekiln, a winepress, basins and a cistern (c. 10 dunams) on flat hill, southwest of Nahal Guvrin; parts of the hill underwent agricultural cultivation. At the summit and on the southern slope—meager remains of seven to nine buildings, destroyed during earthmoving works and the preparation of a dirt road. The road is flanked by walls constructed in part of ancient dressed building stones. On the western part of the hill—remains of a structure (c. 4.2×7.4 m; average width of walls 0.5 m) preserved to a height of two to three courses. The building’s entrance (c. 0.85 m wide) was in the eastern wall. The limekiln (inner diam. c. 4 m) is located on the hilltop near the building remains. On the eastern slope—a winepress hewn in a rock outcrop: a treading floor (2.1×2.3 m) and collecting vat (0.9×1.2 m). Nearby are three hewn basins (diam. c. 0.45 m). South of the basins—a rock-hewn cistern (diam. of mouth c. 1 m, c. 4 m deep).

94* On the hill—agricultural terraces (c. 35 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Iron II (numerous finds similar to those from Tel Lakhish Strata IV–III spread over c. 10 dunams near the building remains) and Byzantine (numerous finds in the building remains). 48.2. Orchards (c. 15 dunams) and agricultural terraces (c. 35 dunams) on slope descending east, toward Nahal Guvrin (map ref. OIG 14810 10910, NIG 19810 60910). Rough-hewn building stones and fragments of limestone columns (diam. 0.58 m, 1.27 m high) are incorporated in the construction of the orchards’ walls. Lower down the slope—remains of a wall (1.4 m wide) built at a uniform elevation; it may have served as a foundation for an aqueduct that conveyed water from ‘Ein ‘Unqur to Bet Guvrin (see Sites 61, 134, 142, 143, 149, 150, 222.2). Finds. Byzantine pottery (scanty finds related to agricultural activity).

49. 7–9/5 14780 10970 19780 60970 395 m asl Nahal Guvrin [8] Tiwāl el Batta (M) Segment of a paved road (c. 180 m long), cisterns, a winepress and a hewn rock surface (c. 3 dunams) on the southwest bank of Nahal Guvrin. The road (2–3 m wide) runs from Bet Guvrin via the wadi bed of Nahal Guvrin toward Idna. Two rock-hewn cisterns were documented near the wadi bank; one is collapsed and the other is mostly blocked with earth (1–2 m deep). Some 20 m east of the cisterns—a hewn winepress (merely the treading ﬂoor survives). Next to the winepress—a hewn rock surface (5.4×7.0 m), apparently a threshing ﬂoor.

50. 7–9/9 14760 10910 19760 60910 400 m asl Dhahr Khanzīra (M) [2] Remains of a building, a winepress, cave and agricultural terraces on slope descending west. The building remains are covered by a stone clearance heap and only the northwestern corner, built of rough-hewn stones and preserved three to four courses high, is visible. Numerous Iron II potsherds were gathered from the area around it. East of the building—a rock-hewn winepress consisting of a treading floor (1.6×2.8 m) and collecting vat to the east (filled with stone clearance). Next to the winepress is a shallow rock-hewn basin (diam. 0.62 m). West of the winepress—a hewn cave (2.5×3.5 m, 1.8 m high), containing a hewn bench (2 m long). Around the building remains— agricultural terraces (c. 4 dunams). In the valley west of the site—a rock-hewn cistern (ceiling collapsed) with a staircase on its western side. Finds. Pottery: Iron II (numerous finds around the building), Byzantine (scanty finds around the winepress, related to agricultural activity), Early Islamic (scanty finds scattered over 1 dunam) and Ottoman (near the cave—temporary occupation).

95* 51. 7–9/10 14776 10995 19776 60995 400 m asl Nahal Guvrin [134] Eight hewn cupmarks (diam. 0.17 m, 8 cm deep) in a dressed rock surface (3.7×5.3 m) on spur extending west, toward Nahal Guvrin.

52. 7–9/11 14706 10922 19706 60922 400 m asl Dhahr Khanzīra (M) [3] Two large stone piles, perhaps cairns (diam. of the northern pile: c. 4.8 m, height 1.8 m; diam. of the southern pile: c. 3.7 m, height c. 1 m), on the west slope of a hill.

53. 8–9/1 14840 10960 19840 60960 400 m asl Nahal Guvrin [12] Kh. esh Sherwi; Esh Sharawi (M) Khallat es Summāqa (M) Settlement ruins (c. 10 dunams) on slope descending west, toward Nahal Guvrin: remains of five to seven buildings (c. 3×4 m), 7–10 m apart. Some of the structures’ walls (0.5 m wide) are built of two rows of stones. The area was recently plowed prior to planting an olive grove; ancient remains were concentrated in several heaps. Plowing exposed architectural elements, among them monumental masonry stones (average length 1.2 m), ashlars, column fragments (0.75 m long) and a threshold (1.4 m long). On the slope—agricultural terraces (c. 22 dunams). Below one of the terraces is a dressed rock surface sloping moderately to the west on which two winepresses are hewn. The northern winepress consists of a treading floor (3.1×3.1 m) and collecting vat (1.7×2.0 m, 0.6 m deep) linked by a channel. The southern winepress comprises a treading floor (2.9×3.1 m, 0.3 m deep) and collecting vat (1.0×1.5 m 0.9 m deep) to its west, also connected by a channel. On a rock surface east of the winepresses—two hewn basins (diam. 0.45 m, 0.35 m deep). Finds. Pottery: Iron II (numerous finds in the settlement similar to those from Tel Lakhish Strata IV–III), Roman (numerous finds in the settlement), Byzantine (scanty finds scattered across c. 1 dunam) and Early Islamic (scanty finds—a scatter).

54. 8–9/2 14835 10936 19835 60936 430 m asl Nahal Guvrin [13] Winepress and a cistern hewn in a rocky slope descending northwest, toward Nahal Guvrin. The winepress is well preserved and consists of a treading ﬂoor (3.5×3.5 m, 0.45 m deep; partially covered by alluvium) and collecting vat (1.32×2.10 m; partly blocked). Traces of plaster are visible on the treading ﬂoor and in the collecting vat. Next to the winepress—a bell-shaped cistern (3 m deep, diam. of mouth 0.85 m) that severs the winepress (postdates it). On the southeast slope—agricultural terraces (c. 38 dunams; map ref. OIG 14844 10924, NIG 19844 60924), several of them delimited by a stone wall. Within this area are

96* quarries and a collapsed rock cutting, perhaps that of a tomb. At the foot of the slope, near a modern road, are buildings, recently erected, that incorporate ancient dressed building stones in their construction. Finds: Byzantine and Early Islamic pottery (scanty ﬁnds—a scatter).

55. 8–9/3 14885 10960 19885 60960 480 m asl Nahal Guvrin [14] Ruinous settlement (c. 20 dunams) on hilltop covered with large rock outcrops overlooking Nahal Guvrin, to the west and south: building remains (2×3 m, 3×4 m, 6×6 m; foundation widths 0.40–0.55 m), some of whose walls are preserved two to three courses high. Between the buildings are remains of paths paved with flagstones. Architectural elements, including stone doorjambs, thresholds and column fragments, are scattered throughout the site. On the western and southern slopes of the hill—two rock-hewn winepresses on which an agricultural terrace wall (0.7 m wide, 0.85 m high) was built in a later phase. On the slopes around the settlement—agricultural terraces (c. 35 dunams; walls 0.6–1.0 m high), some of whose walls include fragments of columns and hewn building stones. On the saddle to the east—remains of a limestone quarry. West of the quarry is a hewn cave (2.8×3.8 m) with large niches (0.48×0.75 m, 0.28 m deep) in its walls. In the western wall of the cave—remains of an elongated kokh (0.55×1.85 m). This was apparently a burial cave that was converted into a dwelling. Finds. Pottery: Roman and Byzantine (numerous finds in the settlement) and Early Islamic (scanty finds scattered over c. 10 dunams).

56. 8–9/4 14814 10984 19814 60984 452 m asl Nahal Guvrin [15] Kitf es Summāqa (M) Remains of a square structure (stronghold?) on hilltop, overlooking Nahal Guvrin and the western slopes of the Hevron Hills. The northeastern corner of the structure (8×8 m), built of dressed stones, is preserved (1.0–1.5 m long; 1 m high) and merely the foundations (c. 1 m wide) of the other sections survive. The entryway (1.1 m wide) was in the southern wall. Lying on the ground 100 m to the west—large stone doorjambs (1.65 m long) that may have belonged to the structure. This was apparently a highway stronghold that guarded the road passing through Nahal Guvrin and Idna on the way to Adorayim. West of the site, on the west bank of Nahal Guvrin—remains of a Roman-period aqueduct that conveyed water from ‘Ein ‘Unqur to Bet Guvrin (Sites 48.2, 61, 134, 143, 149, 150, 222.2). Some 20 m north of the stronghold—remains of a rock cutting (quarry?). At the foot of the southeastern slope of the hill—a rock-hewn cistern whose ceiling collapsed. Close to its mouth is a trough hewn in a mass of rock.

97* At the foot of the hill’s northeastern slope—agricultural terraces (c. 25 dunams). Dressed stones are incorporated in the construction of the terraces’ walls. Finds. Pottery: Iron II (numerous finds similar to those from Tel Lakhish Stratum III— a single structure[?]), Roman (numerous finds—stronghold[?]), Byzantine and Early Islamic (scanty finds—a scatter).

57. 8–9/5, 6 14854 10928 19854 60928 450 m asl Nahal Guvrin [16] 57.1. Remains of a building (farmstead?) and rock-hewn installations (c. 12 dunams) on slope descending southwest, toward Nahal Guvrin. Merely two walls survive (the southern wall: 5.2 m long, 0.6 m wide; the northern wall: 3.2 m long). Walls on the slope delimit agricultural plots in which ancient building stones and architectural elements are incorporated, including stone thresholds, a column fragment, a doorjamb and dressed building stones with drafted margins. Apparently additional structures at the site did not survive. East of the building remains—a rock-hewn winepress consisting of a treading floor (c. 2.5×3.5 m) and collecting vat (1.2×1.4 m, c. 0.95 m deep) to its south. Ten meters south of the winepress—four basins (diam. 0.55 m) hewn in a rock outcrop. West of the building remains are three additional basins (diam. 0.34 m, 0.27 m deep) hewn in a row in a rock outcrop that slopes steeply to the south; a narrow channel (7 cm wide) links them. Near the basins—a simple rock-hewn oil press: a round press bed (diam. 0.85 m) from which a channel leads to a rectangular vat (0.6×1.4 m; filled with alluvium). On the slope—agricultural terraces (c. 35 dunams). East of the building remains a burial cave dating to Iron II was exposed when foundations of a modern building were excavated; the cave was subsequently destroyed. Finds. Pottery: Iron II (numerous finds over c. 5 dunams near the building remains similar to finds from Tel Lakhish Strata III–I), Persian (scanty finds—a scatter), Byzantine (numerous finds throughout the area) and Early Islamic (a scatter). 57.2. On a spur extending to the west, northeast of Nahal Guvrin (map ref. OIG 14890 10912, NIG 19890 60912)—a concentration of rock-hewn installations (c. 2 dunams): a winepress hewn in a rock outcrop consisting of a treading floor (2.2×2.8 m) and circular collecting vat (diam. 0.55 m), and to its south two hewn basins (diam. 0.44 m) linked by a channel (0.27 m long). At the foot of the spur is an oil-press crushing basin (diam. c. 1.88 m), broken into three pieces, with a square, central recess (mortise? 0.28×0.28 m, 0.32 m deep). West of the basin is a hewn pool (2.8×3.7 m; mostly filled with alluvium). East of the pool are three hewn basins (diam. 0.35–0.50 m). On the slopes of the spur and in the valley to its north—agricultural terraces (c. 25 dunams).

98* In the valley northwest of the spur—remains of a pen (c. 4×6 m) and a rock-hewn cave (3×3 m) that was used as a dwelling by shepherds. Finds. Pottery: Iron II (scanty ﬁnds similar to those from Tel Lakhish Stratum III, probably related to agricultural activity), Byzantine (numerous ﬁnds related to agricultural activity) and Ottoman (a pen and cave dwelling—temporary occupation).

58. 8–9/8 14895 10990 19895 60990 410 m asl Nahal Naziv [3] Ancient quarry and a burial cave in valley of Nahal Naziv. Negatives of quarried building stones (c. 0.22×0.32×0.65 m) may be observed in the quarry (2×3 m). Five meters east of the quarry—a hewn burial cave; four steps descend from its entrance (0.65×1.27 m) into the burial chamber (2.4×2.7 m; partly covered with stone clearance). The cave was plundered several years ago. On the slope south of the cave—additional rock cuttings (entrances to other burial caves?). Finds. Byzantine pottery (a few sherds—burial site).

59. 8–9/9 14814 10965 19814 60965 410 m asl Nahal Guvrin [37] Winepress hewn on rocky slope descending west, toward Nahal Guvrin, consisting of a treading ﬂoor (2.4×2.7 m, 0.32 m deep) and collecting vat (diam. 2.7 m; ﬂoor covered with stone clearance) to its southwest.

60. 8–9/10 14880 10938 19880 60938 450 m asl Nahal Guvrin [135] Remains of a building (c. 3.5×3.5 m) on saddle east of Nahal Guvrin, preserved to a height of two to three courses. The entrance (0.84 m wide) is in the southern wall. Rough-hewn building stones lie on the ground near the building. A depression in the ground noted to the east of the building may be a cistern whose ceiling collapsed. Finds. Ottoman pottery (around the building).

61. 8–9/11 14808 10940 19808 60940 400 m asl Nahal Guvrin [136] Wall built along an elevation contour at foot of slope descending northeast, toward Nahal Guvrin. The remains are fragmentary (c. 62 m long; c. 1 m wide) and preserved to a height of two to ﬁve courses. The wall may have carried a Roman-period aqueduct that conveyed water from ‘Ein ‘Unqur to Bet Guvrin (see Sites 48.2, 134, 142, 143, 149, 150, 222.2).

99* 62. 9–9/1 14900 10918 19900 60918 460 m asl Nahal Guvrin [19] Wadi es Sab‘a (M) Bayād Bīr es Sifla (M) Orchard, remains of a building and a winepress on rocky spur extending southwest, east of Nahal Guvrin. The orchard (60×100 m) is delimited by a wall (0.4–0.6 m wide) built of large fieldstones (0.8 m long). It was recently planted with olive trees. East of the orchard—remains of an ancient structure on whose foundations a modern building was constructed. A corner of the ancient building (length of corner walls 1.4 m, width 0.65 m) is preserved in the courtyard of the modern structure. On a saddle east of the orchard—a winepress hewn in a rock outcrop: a treading floor (1.3×2.4 m) and collecting vat (0.7×1.3 m, 0.65 m deep; partly covered by alluvium) linked by a channel (0.15 m wide); three steps installed in the collecting vat lead down to its floor. On the slopes of the spur—agricultural terraces (c. 42 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Byzantine and Early Islamic (scanty finds in the orchard—a scatter); Agricultural activity: Ottoman (orchard and cultivation plots).

63. 9–9/2, 8 14918 10948 19918 60948 480 m asl Nahal Guvrin [20] Khallat Jarra (M) 63.1. Section of a paved road (c. 200 m long) at the foot of the Hevron Hills, northeast of Nahal Guvrin. The road led north from Idna to Tarqumiya and Beit Ula, traversing a saddle where the rock was cut to facilitate passage (12 m long; 2.1 m wide at this section) and curbstones were set on either side. Further along the road, north of the saddle—several hewn steps (2.2–2.8 m wide, c. 0.3 m high) cut to ease the descent. 63.2. Sparse remains of a structure (only the eastern portion survives; watchman’s hut?) on rocky slope of spur descending north toward Nahal Guvrin, located in the center of a cultivated area. The walls enclosing the agricultural plots are built of rough-hewn stones, probably taken from the building remains. Finds. Byzantine and Early Islamic pottery (scanty ﬁnds—a scatter).

64. 9–9/3 14954 10924 19954 60924 502 m asl Nahal Guvrin [21] Remains of a building and a winepress on rocky hilltop east of Nahal Guvrin. The building (4×5 m) has two rooms, of which mostly the foundations (0.45 m wide) of the western room survive. East of the building—a stone pile that includes masonry stones. Additional building stones are scattered near the structure. Southeast of the building are remains of a rock-hewn winepress: a treading ﬂoor (1.6×2.4 m) and circular collecting vat (diam. 0.7 m, 0.6 m deep).

100* East of the building—remains of a curvilinear fieldstone wall, encompassing the hilltop, which may have been built along contour line 500 m asl. Stones scattered around the hilltop probably fell from the wall. On the slope north of the hilltop and in the valley at its foot—agricultural terraces (c. 45 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Iron II and Roman (scanty finds—a scatter), Byzantine (numerous finds around the building) and Early Islamic (scanty finds—a scatter).

65. 9–9/4, 6 14984 10964 19984 60964 512 m asl Nahal Guvrin [22] Shi‘b el Qas‘a (M) 65.1. Remains of five buildings, stone clearance heaps, a pool and a cistern on rocky hilltop commanding a view to the west and east, east of Nahal Guvrin. The buildings’ plans were disturbed by stone clearance activity and removal of the stones for use in lime production. The stone clearance heaps (12) include dressed building stones; some of the heaps cover the foundations of ancient buildings. On the eastern part of the hilltop—a hewn pool (2.2×2.6 m; filled alluvium). Five meters east of the pool—a rock-hewn cistern (c. 5 m deep). On a slope descending from the hilltop to the north—two stone thresholds (1.2 m long). On the slope descending from the hilltop to the south—a rock-hewn winepress (covered with soil debris) and two hewn basins (diam. 0.3 m, 0.27 m deep). A deep hewn channel surrounds the eastern basin. At the foot of the slope—a simple oil press hewn in a rock outcrop: a circular surface (diam. 1.2 m) and an incompletely hewn vat (diam. 0.7 m; mostly covered with alluvium). On the slope descending from the hilltop to the west—remains of a limekiln (diam. 2.7 m; filled with debris). On the slopes descending to the north and south from the hilltop —agricultural terraces (c. 52 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Iron II (numerous finds near the building remains), Byzantine (numerous finds near the building remains) and Early Islamic (scanty finds scattered over c. 5 dunams). 65.2. Pottery scatter (c. 3 dunams) on northern slope of spur descending to Nahal Naziv. On the fringes of a cultivated field north of the scatter—heaps of rough-hewn stones, probably dismantled from buildings when the area was prepared for cultivation. Finds. Pottery: Iron II, Persian, Roman, Byzantine and Early Islamic (scanty finds—a scatter).

66. 9–9/5, 7 14982 10924 19982 60924 520 m asl Nahal Guvrin [23] 66.1. Remains of a building, a winepress, basins and a limekiln (c. 4 dunams) on rocky hill east of Nahal Guvrin. The building (c. 4.6×6.0 m) survives to a height of

101* one or two courses (walls c. 0.5 m wide). Its entrance (0.8 m wide) was apparently in the southern wall. The winepress, to its east, consists of a treading floor (covered with alluvium) and collecting vat, which was later converted into a cistern. South of the building remains—two basins (diam. 0.46 m) hewn in a rock outcrop. On the eastern part of the hill—a limekiln (diam. 3.6 m, 2.3 m deep) and building stones close by, prepared for burning. On the slopes—agricultural terraces (c. 80 dunams), some them recently renovated, and walls built to a height of four to five courses that apparently delimited agricultural plots. The agricultural terrace walls include dressed building stones in secondary use. Finds. Pottery: Iron II (numerous finds near the building) and Byzantine (scanty finds— a scatter). 66.2. Burial cave entrances and a winepress in valley extending west, toward Nahal Guvrin. The caves were looted many years ago by antiquities robbers; today their entrances are blocked with alluvium. West of the burial caves, on the south bank of the valley—a hewn winepress consisting of a treading floor (2.2×2.4 m, 0.28 m deep) and collecting vat (0.57×0.97 m; filled with stone clearance). In the center of the treading floor—two hewn basins (diam. 0.32 m). In the valley—agricultural terraces (c. 26 dunams).

67. 9–9/9 14962 10908 19962 60908 460 m asl Nahal Guvrin [137] Quarry, a winepress and basins on slope descending south, toward a wadi that runs into Nahal Guvrin. The quarry comprises negatives of quarried stones, some of them quite large (1.2×1.4 m), in rock outcrops. On the quarry’s fringes—a hewn rectangular pit (0.74×1.44, 0.52 m deep) in which there are two steps. East of the quarry—a hewn winepress consisting of a treading ﬂoor (c. 1.5×2.2 m; partly covered with alluvium) and round collecting vat (diam. 0.65 m, 0.42 m deep). South of the winepress—three rock-hewn basins (diam. of each 0.32–0.52 m, c. 0.2 m deep). On the slope—agricultural terraces (c. 4 dunams).

68. 9–9/10 14940 10970 19940 60970 470 m asl Nahal Naziv [4] Stone clearance heaps and agricultural terraces (c. 4 dunams) on rocky slope descending north, toward Nahal Naziv. Inside the agricultural plots are retaining walls built three to five courses high and pottery sherds. Finds. Pottery: Roman (scanty finds, related to agricultural activity), Byzantine (numerous finds, related to agricultural activity) and Early Islamic (scanty finds—a scatter).

102* 69. 9–9/11 14918 10908 19918 60908 450 m asl Nahal Guvrin [138] Section of a paved road (400 m long) on spur extending west, toward Nahal Guvrin. The road ascends from Nahal Guvrin to the northeast, toward the top of the spur. Curbstones positioned on either side of the road are covered by stone clearance. The rock in the southern portion of the road segment was cut to facilitated maneuverability.

70. 0–8/1 14018 10888 19018 60888 350 m asl H. Lehem [1] Kh. el Lahm (S) Kh. el Lahm (M) Settlement remains (c. 40 dunams) from the Ottoman period on hill commanding a view of an extensive area. The buildings are of dry construction; column fragments and dressed masonry stones taken from ancient structures are incorporated in the buildings’ walls (0.6 m wide), some of them preserved 1.0–1.5 m high. Between the buildings are 17 rock-hewn cisterns, two winepresses and numerous hewn caves, among them cave dwellings and storage caves, caves in which there are narrow tunnels, numerous bell-shaped caves—some of which are collapsed, burial caves and columbarium caves. Prior to 1948 shepherds residing at the site built pens and courtyards for sheep, goats and cattle, utilizing the stones from the ruins, and changed the layouts of some of the caves. East of the buildings are remains of a mosque (c. 7×8 m, walls preserved to a height of c. 2 m) built of ancient masonry stones and architectural elements, including columns parts, fragments of lintels and an ornamental capital; the northwestern corner of the mosque is well preserved. Sparse remains of plaster that apparently covered all of the mosque walls were discerned, particularly on their lower parts. The mosque’s prayer niche (mihrab), facing southeast, was preserved in its entirety. Judging from the building’s foundations, as well as the building stones and ancient architectural elements used in its construction, it would appear that a church once stood in this spot during the Byzantine period. At the top of the hill, inside a hewn cave—an oil press. A courtyard built of large dressed stones (0.6×0.9, 1.2 m high) fronts the cave. A crushing basin (diam. 1.55 m) and a screw press, next to it, are preserved in one of the cave’s chambers. In the southern wall of the chamber is a hewn recess into which a press beam may have been inserted. One of the chambers in the southern part of the cave was apparently used for storage. Near the cave entrance—a wall that incorporates in its construction a stone that apparently belongs to an even earlier oil press than that recorded above. Next to the oil press is a rock-hewn cistern whose ceiling consists of a constructed vault, similar to the cisterns of the Hellenistic period in the vicinity of Tel Maresha. Inside a hewn cave on the northeastern portion of the hilltop—another oil press. A crushing stone, a fragment of a stone weight and several architectural items were preserved in the cave. Hewn recesses in the cave walls probably accommodated a press

103* beam and screw. The finds in the cave indicate that the oil press dates to the Hellenistic period; sometime thereafter its plan was modified. To the right of the oil press is a plastered cistern. On the northern slope of the hill—a hewn bell-shaped cistern with a complex of steps leading down to the floor. In a later phase the cistern was enlarged to form a T-shaped cave containing 230 hewn columbarium niches (average size 0.16×0.25 m). A large cross is carved in the eastern wall of the cave. One hundred meters to the west are several large hewn cisterns (8–10 m deep). Also on the northern slope—a hewn bell- shaped cave (collapsed) used until recently as a pen. Entrances to two other caves were discerned in the depression that formed when the cave collapsed. Two tunnels branch off from the eastern cave. It is possible to crawl for a distance of about 10 m through one of the tunnels; the other leads to a square room. Pens built of stones taken from the settlement remains were also recorded on this slope. On the northeastern slope—remains of a square courtyard partly hewn to a depth of c. 1 m below the surface and partly constructed from ashlar stones to a height of two to three courses. An entryway leads from the courtyard to a cave comprising three chambers whose openings are blocked. One of the chambers was apparently a cistern that was enlarged for use as a storeroom or pen at a later date. Another chamber is rectangular (4×8 m). On the western slope of the hill—five adjoining rock-hewn bell-shaped cisterns (some of them collapsed). A large pen built of large dressed stones and fieldstones was constructed around them; its walls incorporate architectural elements including column fragments, stone thresholds and the fragment of a capital in secondary use. A passage (c. 10 m long) terminating in a stone wall was hewn in one of the cisterns. Also on the western slope, 200 m west of the settlement remains—a rock-hewn burial cave consisting of a central chamber flanked by chambers containing burial kokhim. Near the burial cave—a hewn columbarium cave. Antiquities robbers breached an opening in the wall of the columbarium cave leading to a burial cave. Nearby—rock-hewn cisterns. Close by is a hewn bell-shaped columbarium cave in which there are large spaces that were probably used by the inhabitants of the cave. Lower down the western slope—a cistern (c. 5 m deep). On the southern slope of the hill—a rock-hewn bell-shaped columbarium cave (5.6 m deep). At the foot of the northeastern slope of the hill—agricultural terraces (c. 35 dunams) whose walls are built several courses high. Other agricultural terraces (c. 10 dunams) are visible in a small wadi to the north of the settlement. West of the terraces are a rock- hewn winepress and basin (diam. 0.45 m). Finds. Pottery: Hellenistic (scanty finds scattered over c. 5 dunams), Roman and Byzantine (numerous finds in the settlement remains), Early Islamic (scanty finds scattered over c. 10 dunams), Mamluk (scanty finds—a scatter); Temporary occupation: Ottoman (pens).

104* Proposals put forth identifying the biblical city of Laham (Josh. 15) with this site are not corroborated by the ﬁnds. Conder and Kitchener 1881–1883, III:261, 283; Abel 1938, II:368; Dagan 1996; IAA Archives/Mandate (File 126).

71. 0–8/2 14047 10883 19047 60883 310 m asl Nahal Maresha [98] Remains of a limekiln at foot of slope descending west, close to the confluence of wadis that run toward Nahal Maresha. The lower part of the kiln (diam. 4 m, 3.5 m deep) is hewn in chalk rock and the upper part is built of a single course of hard limestone blocks. Around the kiln—piles of debris, limestone blocks prepared for firing and lime removed from the kiln and prepared for delivery. In the wadi ascending south from the kiln—agricultural terraces (c. 22 dunams) whose walls are preserved four to five courses high. Finds. Byzantine pottery (numerous finds around the kiln—a scatter).

72. 0–8/3, 8 14039 10864 19039 60864 384 m asl H. Lehem [2] 72.1. Remains of a deep hewn cistern (10–12 m), a winepress and an ancient road on saddle southeast of H. Lehem [1]. A hewn channel conveying runoff from the slope to the west leads to the cistern’s mouth (diam. 3 m), which is today hidden by a mastic tree. Four meters below the rim the cistern becomes wider and bell- shaped (diam. 7–8 m). Five meters west of the cistern is a well-preserved rock-hewn winepress consisting of a carefully hewn treading floor (2.3×2.5 m, 0.2 m deep) with a settling pit (0.3×0.6, 0.48 m deep) in its northeastern corner, and a collecting vat (1×2 m, 0.5 m deep; filled with soil) coated with the remnants of two layers of plaster. The paved ancient road arrives from the east and ascends to H. Lehem (c. 160 m long, average width 2.4 m.). 72.2. Rock-hewn winepress, basins and agricultural terraces (c. 18 dunams) in a wadi running south and on the slopes that descend to it (map ref. OIG 14033 10843, NIG 19033 60843). The winepress consists of a treading floor (2.7×4.3 m, max. depth 0.44 m) and collecting vat (0.6×1.2 m; filled with soils). On the slope descending east, toward the wadi—five hewn basins (diam. 0.38–0.55 m). Two fragments of an oil press crushing basin are incorporated in one of the agricultural terrace walls. Finds. Byzantine pottery (numerous finds on the agricultural terraces—agricultural activity).

73. 0–8/4 14064 10860 19064 60860 350 m asl H. Lehem [3] Segment of a paved ancient road ﬂanked with curbstones (800 m long; 2.0–2.5 m wide), running along an elevation line between the saddle north of Giv‘at Et and H. Lehem [1]. At several points the rock was hewn to ease the movement of trafﬁc. On both sides of

105* the road are remains of walls built of stones cleared from the agricultural plots (c. 12 dunams) running parallel to the road. West of the saddle—an agricultural plot (c. 2 dunams) delimited by a stone wall, one to three courses high, whose entryway (0.6 m wide) is ﬂanked on both sides by stone doorjambs (0.85 m high). On the spur running to the southwest of the saddle (map ref. OIG 14060 10850, NIG 19060 60850)—agricultural terraces (c. 27 dunams). Finds. Byzantine pottery (numerous ﬁnds—a scatter).

74. 0–8/5 14065 10810 19065 60810 305 m asl H. Lehem [4] Limekiln (diam 3.8 m, c. 2 m deep) surrounded by heaps of white debris on the south bank of a wadi southeast of H. Lehem [1], and to its south remains of a building, on the slope descending to the north, toward the wadi. The building remains consist of two walls that form a corner (walls c. 2.3 m long, 0.45 m wide). Stones from the building were apparently dismantled for use in the production of lime. In the wadi—agricultural terraces (c. 20 dunams).

75. 0–8/6 14090 10880 19090 60880 374 m asl H. Lehem [5] Rock-hewn winepress and stone walls on hill east of H. Lehem [1]. The winepress includes a treading floor (2.3×2.7 m) and collecting vat (0.7×1.4 m; filled with alluvium) to its south; in the eastern corner of the treading floor—traces of plaster. The walls, delimiting agricultural plots, are built to a height of three to four courses. Finds. Pottery: Byzantine (numerous finds spread over c. 15 dunams related to agricultural activity) and Early Islamic (scanty finds scattered over c. 5 dunams).

76. 0–8/7 14010 10824 19010 60824 325 m asl H. Lehem [6] Four rock-hewn basins and a simple oil press in wadi running south, south of H. Lehem [1]. The basins (average diam. 0.37) are hewn in a dressed rock outcrop (2.4×3.2 m); the two western basins are linked by a hewn channel. The oil press, also hewn in a rock outcrop, consists of a circular press bed (diam. 0.83 m) with a central outlet (diam. 0.13 m) and a channel leading from the outlet to a basin (diam. 0.42 m). Some 12 m west of the installation—a hewn rectangular basin (0.44×0.85 m). On both sides of the wadi—agricultural terraces (c. 26 dunams).

77. 0–8/9 14028 10804 19028 60804 315 m asl H. Lehem [7] Rock-hewn winepress and stone clearance heaps on slope descending north, south of H. Lehem [1]. Only the winepress’ treading ﬂoor (c. 1.7×2.3 m; partly covered with

106* alluvium) was found; the collecting vat, apparently covered by alluvium, is located north of the treading ﬂoor. Around the winepress—twelve stone clearance heaps. In the past this was probably an agricultural area.

78. 0–8/10 14090 10845 19090 60845 360 m asl H. Lehem [8] Agricultural plots (c. 10 dunams), some of them delimited by stone fences, and walls, on spur southeast of H. Lehem [1]. On the northern part of the spur—a wall (c. 300 m long) that apparently served as a boundary between plots. On the western portion of the spur—four basins (diam. 0.35–0.60 m, 0.28 m deep) hewn in a rock outcrop.

79. 0–8/11 14020 10850 19020 60850 356 m asl H. Lehem [9] Remains of a building, a cistern, a cave and walls (of courtyards?) on hill south of H. Lehem [1]. Two corners built of rough-hewn stones preserved two to three courses high are all that survive of the building (3.4×4.2 m). Some 12 m to the west—a heap of building stones, dismantled from the building, and used to construct agricultural terrace walls in the vicinity. North of the building remains—a rock-hewn cistern (3.5 m deep), apparently fed by rainfall that drained from the building’s roof. On the hill’s southern slope—a hewn cave consisting of a single chamber (c. 3×4 m) with two hewn storage niches in it. The cave was apparently used by shepherds; another room in it is collapsed. On the slopes of the hill—agricultural terraces (c. 25 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Iron II (scanty finds—a scatter), Byzantine and Early Islamic (numerous finds around the building remains) and Ottoman (scanty finds near the cave entrance— temporary occupation).

80. 1–8/1 14120 10892 19120 60892 360 m asl Rasm el Kushuklīya [M] Remains of a farmstead(?) (c. 15 dunams) on spur running north. In the center of the site—remains of a square building (40×40 m) built of ﬁeldstones mixed with ashlars (walls 0.8–1.2 m wide). Some of the stones are especially long (1.2 m) and bear a combed dressing characteristic of Iron Age II. The northeastern corner is two to four courses high. Around the building, particularly next to its eastern wall, are sparse remains of structures of unclear plan, among them foundations and wall segments. Some 100 m north of the building—foundation stones of another building. Sixty meters south of the square building—remains of two additional structures, among them the preserved corners of a building and several masonry stones. Near the buildings—agricultural terraces that belong to the farmstead. On the slope of the spur north of the building—a cistern (2.5 m deep; mostly blocked).

107* On the eastern slope of the spur—a well preserved rock-hewn winepress consisting of a treading floor (3.75×3.75 m, 0.33 m deep) connected to a collecting vat. Near the winepress—two large hewn basins (diam. 0.55 m, 0.35 m deep). In the valley east of the spur (map ref. OIG 14130 10895, NIG 19130 60895)— agricultural terraces (c. 8 dunams) whose walls are preserved to a height of two to four courses and dam the wadi bed. Additional agricultural terraces (c. 45 dunams) are visible on the northern, western and southern slopes of the spur. On the northern slope are stone walls delimiting agricultural areas. Finds. Pottery: Iron II (numerous finds spread over c. 5 dunams in the building remains similar to those from Tel Lakhish Strata IV–III), Byzantine (numerous finds spread over c. 10 dunams in the building remains) and Early Islamic (scanty finds—a scatter).

81. 1–8/2 14116 10851 19116 60851 401 m asl Giv‘at Et [1] Remains of walls (probably delimiting agricultural plots; c. 15 dunams), stone clearance heaps, a rock-hewn winepress, basins and cupmarks on lofty hill. The winepress (covered with alluvium) and two hewn basins (diam. 0.48 m) are at the top of a wadi running south. Hewn in a rock outcrop east of the winepress are three cupmarks (average diam. 0.27 m). On the western slope of the hill—agricultural terraces (c. 27 dunams). Finds. Byzantine pottery (scanty ﬁnds, probably related to agricultural activity).

82. 1–8/3 14158 10870 19158 60870 325 m asl Giv‘at Et [2] Rock-hewn pit near wadi running east, northeast of Giv‘at Et [1]. Near the rim are piles of soil debris, removed from the pit at the time it was quarried. In the wadi—agricultural terraces (c. 8 dunams).

83. 1–8/4, 9 14133 10825 19133 60825 391 m asl Giv‘at Et [3] 83.1. Five rock-hewn pits (4–5 m deep) on hill 350 m southeast of Giv‘at Et [1]. Spanning a wadi 200 m east of the pits—agricultural terraces (c. 10 dunams) whose walls are two to ﬁve courses high. 83.2. In a wadi extending southwest from Giv‘at Et—agricultural terraces (c. 12 dunams). On the east bank of the wadi is a farming terrace whose walls are preserved to a height of three to four courses.

84. 1–8/5 14120 10802 19120 60802 350 m asl Giv‘at Et [4] Rock-hewn cistern (2–3 m deep; ﬁlled with soil) on slope descending west, south of Giv‘at Et [1]. The cistern’s mouth (diam. 1.1 m) is encircled by one uniform course of stones.

108* 85. 1–8/6 14175 10810 19175 60810 352 m asl Giv‘at Et [5] Remains of a building, a winepress and cistern on spur southeast of Giv‘at Et [1]. The eastern wall of the building seems to be preserved for its entire length (c. 4.3 m, 0.6 m wide) and the remaining walls are covered with stone clearance. West of the building— a rock-hewn winepress consisting of a treading floor (c. 2×3 m) and collecting vat (1.1×1.6 m, 0.5 m deep). North of the building—a rock-hewn cistern (3-4 m deep; filled with alluvium). On the slopes of the spur—agricultural terraces (c. 8 dunams). At the foot of the spur to the north are remains of an ancient Roman road, leading from Bet Guvrin to the Hevron Hills and probably continued to be used in the Byzantine period (see Sites 11.2, 86.2, 192, 261, 258.2, 542, 548.1, 548.2, 660, 786). Finds. Pottery: Roman (scanty finds on the road) and Byzantine (numerous finds in the building remains and on the road).

86. 1–8/7, 8 14165 10853 19165 60853 345 m asl Giv‘at Et [6] 86.1. Concentration of installations (c. 3 dunams) hewn in rock outcrops on northeastern slope of spur, east of Giv‘at Et [1]: a winepress consisting of a treading floor (2.6×3.5 m) and collecting vat (0.52×1.44 m; filled with alluvium) connected by a channel (0.27 m long); to its northeast—three basins (average diam. 0.47 m, 0.28 m deep); some 20 m north of the basins, hewn in a rock outcrop—two basins (diam. 0.44 m) and two cupmarks (diam. 0.22 m); and near them—a bell-shaped cistern (c. 2 m deep, diam. of floor 3 m, filled with alluvium). A wall (7 m long, 0.9–1.0 m wide), built to a height of three to five stone courses, was discerned next to the installations. On the slopes of the spur—agricultural terraces (c. 15 dunams). Finds. Byzantine pottery (numerous finds around the installations related to agricultural activity). 86.2. Segment of an ancient Roman road (c. 100 m long, 5–6 m wide) running north– south in Nahal Maresha, supported on the eastern side by a retaining wall. It led from Bet Guvrin to the southern Hevron Hills (see Sites 11.1, 192, 258.2, 261, 542, 548.2, 660, 786). The road apparently also continued to be used in Byzantine times. Some 130 m west of the road—remains of a limekiln (diam. c. 4 m) surrounded by piles of white debris.

87. 1–8/10 14108 10885 19108 60885 345 m asl Giv‘at Et [9] Agricultural terraces (10 dunams) in wadi running north, north of Giv‘at Et [1]. Thirteen agricultural terraces built to a height of two to ﬁve courses span the wadi. On the east bank of the wadi—remains of a quarry (2×3 m).

109* 88. 1–8/11 14195 10880 19195 60880 320 m asl Giv‘at Et [10] Burial cave and basins hewn in the northwestern slope of a spur, east of Giv‘at Et [1]. The entrance to the burial cave is blocked by alluvium. The cave was plundered a number of years ago by antiquities robbers. West of the cave entrance—three hewn basins (diam. 0.35–0.45 m; ﬁlled with alluvium). On the slope—remains of agricultural terraces (c. 12 dunams).

89. 2–8/1, 2, 8; 2–9/7; 3–8/2, 3, 4, 5 14280 10880 19280 60880 375 m asl H. ‘Ammuda [1] Kh. Umm el Amad (S) Kh. Umm el ‘Amad (M) 89.1. Extensive settlement remains (c. 55 dunams) on spur extending northwest: dense remains of structures (several of them measure c. 3×4 m) built of dressed stones, most of whose walls survive no higher than the foundations, and a few that stand to a height of two to three courses. Some of the buildings have courtyards in which entrances to rock-hewn caves are visible. One especially large structure (6×8 m) appears to have been a public building. Buildings situated near the northeastern slope were supported by retaining walls. Between the building remains are architectural elements, including thresholds, doorjambs, column fragments and bases and among the remains are rock- hewn cisterns, particularly on the eastern and northern slopes. North of the settlement is a paved road leading to Nahal Maresha. Another road, running to H. ‘Ammudim [1] (Site 100.1), was documented to the southeast. Sections of the road (2–3 m wide), flanked by curbstones and propped up by retaining walls, are visible for 500–600 m. Located below the settlement area are dozens of hewn caves containing oil presses, columbarium niches and colonnaded halls, apparently meant for storage. Many of the caves are linked by narrow tunnels hewn in a later phase, after the cisterns and oil presses ceased to be used. In a built courtyard in the settlement’s center hewn steps lead to a subterranean cave complex linked by narrow tunnels; the caves were originally hewn as separate entities. Inside the complex is an oil press consisting of four pressing installations, as well as collecting and storage installations; traces of later cuttings in the rock were discerned in the oil press. A cistern is situated nearby. Further along in the complex is a cruciform-shaped cave with symmetric rows of columbarium niches cut in its walls. Continuing further still is another oil press consisting of two pressing installations. A passage leads from the oil press to several truncated cisterns whose openings are blocked by large rocks. The combined length of the tunnels connecting the caves in this complex is in excess of 100 m. There is no doubt that the tunnels were hewn during the last phase of settlement, when the oil presses and cisterns were no longer being used. In the southern part of the site are five rock-hewn cisterns, two of them with hewn steps that descend to the floor. Hewn storage cells were found in a tunnel that branches off from one of the cisterns.

110* Also on the spur—eight rock-hewn caves, among them columbarium caves, and four rock-hewn cisterns. In the valleys around the settlement are agricultural terraces (c. 300 dunams) with retaining walls built of large fieldstones. Finds: Pottery: Iron II (scanty finds spread over c. 10 dunams similar to those from Tel Lakhish Strata III–II—settlement remains), Hellenistic (numerous finds throughout the settlement area), Roman and Byzantine (settlement remains and burial caves), Mamluk (scanty finds scattered over c. 10 dunams); Temporary occupation: Ottoman (shepherd’s dwellings); Other small finds: Early Roman (fragment of a chalk cup). Conder and Kitchener 1881–1883, III:369; Clermont-Ganneau 1896, II:444 (Clermont-Ganneau, describing caves in the settlement remains, provided the name E‘rak Abul Amed); Solar 1987; IAA Archives/Mandate (File 188). 89.2. Two winepresses and a limekiln at foot of spur east of H. ‘Ammuda [1] (map ref. OIG 14294 10892, NIG 19294 60892). Around the kiln—a concentration of ashlar stones, prepared for burning. Near the kiln (map ref. OIG 14290 10895, NIG 19290 60895)—remains of a square structure (5×5.6 m) built of dressed stones (average dimensions 0.6×0.8×1.0 m). In the northern wall of the structure—stone-built cells. 89.3. Remains of agricultural terraces (c. 20 dunams) in wadi running west (map ref. OIG 14265 10870, NIG 19265 60870): fifteen retaining walls, constructed perpendicular to the wadi. Two column fragments are incorporated in the construction of the wall of the sixth terrace from the top. In the upper part of the wadi—a hewn pit that was excavated by antiquities robbers (filled with soil). 89.4. Two rock-hewn cisterns (c. 3.7 m deep and c. 4.0 m deep) on spur northwest of H. ‘Ammuda [1] (map ref. OIG 14245 10910, NIG 19245 60910). In the vicinity of the cisterns—walls (0.6 m wide), that apparently delimit agricultural plots. 89.5. Rock-hewn cisterns next to a wadi east of H. ‘Ammuda [1] (map ref. OIG 14303 10890, NIG 19303 60890). One of the cisterns is square (5×6 m) with a hewn staircase that descends to the floor. Cracks in the cistern walls were sealed with plaster. In a later period, when the cistern ceased to be used, columbarium niches were hewn in its walls. 89.6. Columbarium cave (17×22 m) hewn in the vicinity of the cisterns, east of H. ‘Ammuda [1] (map ref. OIG 14308 10890, NIG 19308 60890); the niches are carefully and symmetrically hewn. The cave’s ceiling is supported by columns. There are numerous cracks in the cave’s walls and ceiling. Apparently modifications to the cave, including quarrying and the construction of walls, were carried out subsequent to the time it was quarried. Tethering holes were hewn in the columns. 89.7. Three rock-hewn cisterns on eastern slope of spur east of H. ‘Ammuda [1] (map ref. OIG 14314 10888, NIG 19314 60888). Remains of a hewn staircase were visible

111* in one of the cisterns. Nearby—an elongated hewn columbarium cave, apparently originally cruciform in plan, that was later modiﬁed by quarrying. Columns left in place had columbarium niches hewn into them. North of the cisterns—another hewn columbarium cave, partially collapsed and of unclear plan. 89.8. Rock-hewn rectangular cistern (6×8 m) in valley, east of H. ‘Ammuda [1] (map ref. OIG 14316 10884, NIG 19316 60884). There are hewn steps inside the cistern and its ceiling is supported by two hewn columns, in whose upper sections a cornice is carved. Nearby—additional rock-hewn cisterns.

90. 2–8/3 14233 10857 19233 60857 368 m asl H. ‘Ammuda [3] Winepress, basins and remains of agricultural terraces on hill southwest of H. ‘Ammuda [1]. On the northern slope of the hill—a rock-hewn winepress and two hewn basins (partly covered with soil). On the slopes—agricultural terraces (c. 20 dunams), whose walls are constructed from dressed stones to a height of one to four courses.

91. 2–8/4 14240 10835 19240 60835 350 m asl H. ‘Ammuda [4] Rock-hewn winepress—a treading ﬂoor and collecting vat, mostly covered with alluvium, and agricultural terraces on southeast bank of wadi running southwest, southwest of H. ‘Ammuda [1]. The agricultural terraces (c. 40 dunams) are retained by walls preserved in several places to a height of three to four courses. A depression in the ground in the lower reaches of the wadi is probably a hewn pit that collapsed; near it—white chalk debris that was removed from the pit.

92. 2–8/5 14250 10808 19250 60808 350 m asl H. ‘Ammuda [5] Installations, a cave entrance and a cistern(?) in wadi extending west, southwest of H. ‘Ammuda [1]. Among the installations—a simple oil press hewn in a rock outcrop that inclines west, consisting of two basins, one (diam. 0.68 m, 0.26 m deep) lower than the other (diam. 0.42 m, 0.34 m deep), linked by a channel. Next to the lower of the two basins—two shallow hewn basins (diam. 0.37 m, 0.12 m deep). About 3.5 m to the west—three hewn basins (diam. 0.38 m). Further down the wadi bed—the hewn cave entrance, blocked by collapse (a burial cave?) and to its north—a depression (diam. c. 9 m) that may be a collapsed bell-shaped cistern. In the wadi—agricultural terraces (c. 26 dunams).

93. 2–8/6 14266 10820 19266 60820 382 m asl H. ‘Ammuda [6] Two winepresses, basins and a cultivation plot on hill south of H. ‘Ammuda [1]. The eastern winepress is well preserved and consists of a treading ﬂoor (c. 2×3 m) and

112* collecting vat (0.7×1.6 m; filled with alluvium). The western winepress (mostly covered with alluvium), hewn in a large rock outcrop, is accompanied by two basins (diam. 0.44 m). On the hill are remains of a wall that delimits a cultivation plot (c. 20 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Hellenistic (scanty finds—a scatter) and Byzantine (numerous finds, probably related to agricultural activity).

94. 2–8/7 14285 10830 19285 60830 350 m asl H. ‘Ammuda [7] Rock-hewn basin (diam. 2.4 m, 0.22 m deep; for drying fruit?) in wadi running northwest, south of H. ‘Ammuda [1]. In the wadi—agricultural terraces (c. 16 dunams).

95. 2–8/9 14206 10854 19206 60854 330 m asl H. ‘Ammuda [13] Cave entrance (burial cave?) surrounded by a masonry wall on slope descending southwest, southwest of H. ‘Ammuda [1]. The cave entrance is blocked and obscured by a mastic tree. Antiquities robbers were apparently in the process of exposing the entrance when their work was halted. The wall may have served as a means of preventing animals from entering the cave. On the slope—agricultural terraces (c. 25 dunams) and walls that probably delimited cultivation plots.

96. 2–8/10 14224 10823 19224 60823 325 m asl H. ‘Ammuda [14] Rock-hewn winepress on slope descending west, southwest of H. ‘Ammuda [1]: a treading ﬂoor (3. 5×3.7 m, 0.32 m deep) and collecting vat (ﬁlled with alluvium). At the foot of the slope—agricultural terraces (c. 10 dunams). In a wadi to the north of the winepress—additional agricultural terraces (4 dunams) whose walls are built to a height of three to four courses.

97. 2–8/11 14228 10896 19228 60896 325 m asl H. ‘Ammuda [15] Stone quarry (3×3 m) in an inclined rock outcrop, on slope descending southwest, west of H. ‘Ammuda [1]. Stones were apparently removed from the quarry to a depth of c. 1 m. On the slope—agricultural terraces (c. 25 dunams).

98. 2–8/12 14215 10842 19215 60842 330 m asl H. ‘Ammuda [16] Winepress, a simple oil press, basins and cupmarks (c. 3 dunams) hewn on slope descending west, southwest of H. ‘Ammuda [1]. The winepress consists of a treading

113* ﬂoor and collecting vat to its west and most of it is covered by stone clearance heaps. In the collecting vat—an incomplete cutting of a cave. North of the winepress—a simple oil press in an elevated rock outcrop: a round press bed (diam. 0.74 m, 0.12 m deep) and a channel leading to a basin (diam. 0.42 m, 0.37 m deep). West of the oil press are six hewn basins (diam. 0.37–0.52 m), apparently used for processing agricultural produce. To its south—two hewn cupmarks (diam. 0.19 m). On the slope—agricultural terraces (c. 35 dunams).

99. 2–8/13 14288 10816 19288 60816 330 m asl H. ‘Ammuda [17] Rock-hewn cave and a cistern in wadi extending west, south of H. ‘Ammuda [1]. The cave is hewn in the south bank of the wadi and its ceiling is collapsed; it apparently served as a shepherd’s dwelling prior to the collapse. The hewn cistern (c. 3 m deep) is to its east; a hewn channel conveyed runoff from the slope to its mouth. In the wadi—agricultural terraces (c. 15 dunams).

100. 3–8/1, 10 14320 10844 19320 60844 400 m asl H. ‘Ammudim [1] Kh. ’Amûdeh (S) Umm el ‘Amad; ‘Irāq Abū el ‘Amad (M) 100.1. Settlement remains (c. 25 dunams) on spur extending northwest: building foundations and numerous building stones—some of them dressed and several with finely drafted margins, two column fragments and a meticulously-dressed column base. In the high part of the site are foundations of a large rectangular structure, apparently a public building (a church?); its western corner is preserved three courses high. The scattered architectural elements may belong to this building. Throughout the site are remains of pens constructed from building stones and ancient architectural elements, evidence of late occupation (Ottoman period) that disrupted the plan of the ancient settlement. Around the settlement remains—five hewn winepresses, six basins (diam. c. 0.44 m) and twelve cupmarks (average diam. 0.26 m) hewn in rock outcrops. Between the building remains are remains of courtyards in which there are entrances to six hewn caves and seven rock-hewn cisterns. One of the caves (6 m deep) has well preserved columbarium niches cut in the walls. Later rock cuttings that altered the cave’s plan were discerned. On the southern wall of the cave—engravings and remains of an indecipherable inscription in Arabic. A staircase, which has since collapsed, was apparently hewn in the cave. Potsherds dating to the Hellenistic period were collected from the cave floor. West of the entrance—remains of additional collapsed caves. In another cave at the top of the spur—hewn troughs and later stone walls that alter its original plan. It seems that the cave was recently used as a pen, although its original use remains unclear. Northeast of the columbarium cave is a square cave (5.4×5.6 m) containing an oil press whose ceiling (partially collapsed) is supported by a stone column

114* (diam. c. 1.1 m); the cave walls are carefully hewn and the eastern and southern walls have deep storage recesses. In the southeastern corner of the cave an oil press crushing basin was discerned. Thirteen triangular niches in the cave walls held ceramic oil lamps. On the spur’s western slope—a burial cave (4×4 m) hewn in the chalk rock, with three burial kokhim (1.25 m deep) hewn in both the western and eastern walls. Nearby—two burial caves. One cave is large and magnificently decorated (3.5×7.0 m) with burial kokhim in its walls, of which five are preserved. There were probably originally 15 or 16 kokhim in the cave, whose plan was disturbed as a result of later quarrying and collapse of its ceiling. The second cave is similar in plan. Both caves were plundered. Potsherds dating to the Hellenistic period were collected near their entrances. In the lower part of the settlement (map ref. OIG 14311 10848, NIG 19311 60848)—rock- hewn caves that connect to form a large subterranean complex (c. 1000 sq m, 7–10 m high). The caves’ ceilings are supported by well-dressed square columns left in place by the quarriers; some of the ceilings have collapsed. It seems the caves served as water reservoirs before they were connected, based on their similarity to the complexes used for this purpose in the vicinity of Tel Maresha. The complex was subsequently adapted to house animals by hewing. West of the subterranean complex—three rock-hewn cisterns. One of the cisterns (6.4 m deep) has hewn steps leading to the floor. Southwest of the cisterns—a rock-hewn winepress and a hewn surface (4.0×4.5 m) that was probably used as a threshing floor. West of the cisterns—a rock-hewn cruciform cave (each wing c. 4 m long) with carefully hewn columbarium niches. Most of the niches are triangular, a few are square. Several Greek letters are engraved on the southern wing of the cross. On the northern slope of the spur—entrances to four inaccessible rock-hewn caves and six rock-hewn cisterns. In the wadis to the west and north of the site—agricultural terraces (c. 25 dunams) whose walls are built of large fieldstones to a height of two to four courses. Finds. Pottery: Hellenistic (numerous finds in the settlement remains), Byzantine (numerous finds in the settlement remains), Early Islamic (scatter) and Ottoman (scanty remains and pens—temporary occupation). Conder and Kitchener 1881–1883, II:278. 100.2. Remains of agricultural terraces (c. 50 dunams) in wadi northeast of H. ‘Ammudim [1]: walls spaced 110 m apart spanning the width of the wadi. On the slope descending to the wadi from the north—two basins (diam. 0.55 m), hewn in a rock outcrop sloping south, and a small hollow (diam. 0.11 m) between them.

101. 3–8/6, 11, 12; 4–8/5 14356 10843 19356 60843 430 m asl Safhat Beit Lei (M) [1] 101.1. Settlement remains (c. 20 dunams) on hilltop overlooking the western Hevron Hills and large parts of the Shephelah, destroyed by mechanical equipment when a

115* system of channels was built. Pottery scatters and several openings of quarry pits that served as reservoirs were documented. On the fringes of the site—several heaps of building stones. On the north and east slopes of the hill—agricultural terraces (c. 35 dunams). Finds. Pottery: EB II–III (scanty finds spread over c. 10 dunams—a scatter), Iron II (scanty finds—a scatter), Early and Late Roman and Byzantine (numerous finds spread over c. 20 dunams—a scatter) and Ottoman (scanty finds—a scatter). 101.2. Remains of a building (3.8×5.2 m) at the top of the southern slope of a spur extending south, northeast of Safhat Beit Lei (map ref. OIG 14394 10892, NIG 19394 60892); the southern and eastern walls are preserved. Scattered on the slope— building stones. Southwest of the building is a depression in the ground (a collapsed cave?). North of the building—a basin (diam. 0.38 m) and two cupmarks (diam. of each 0.26 m) hewn in the rock. Finds. Byzantine pottery (a few sherds in the vicinity of the building remains). 101.3. Pottery scatter (c. 1 dunam) at the confluence of wadis northeast of Safhat Beit Lei (map ref. OIG 14393 10865, NIG 19393 60865). On both sides of the wadis—agricultural terraces (c. 25 dunams). Spots of mud-brick material, as well as building stones, were discerned along the edges of these terraces, apparently building remains. Finds. Pottery: EB II–III (scanty finds—a scatter), Iron II (scanty remains—a scatter) and Byzantine (numerous finds—a scatter). 101.4. Agricultural terraces (c. 10 dunams) on both sides of a wadi running south.

102. 3–8/7, 9 14345 10815 19345 60815 415 m asl H. Bet Loya [2] 102.1. Remains of agricultural terraces (c. 15 dunams) on saddle northeast of H. Bet Loya [1], built to a height of two to three courses; ancient building stones are incorporated in their construction. In this area are three rock-hewn cisterns that were partly blocked by means of mechanical equipment. On the eastern slope of the saddle—remains of ten additional well preserved agricultural terraces (c. 20 dunams); the walls (0.8–1.2 m wide) survive to a height of several courses. 102.2. Rock-hewn winepress and a basin on slope descending east, northeast of H. Bet Loya [1] (map ref. OIG 14370 10820, NIG 19370 60820). The winepress consists of a treading ﬂoor (c. 2.3×3.7 m; only a small part is visible) and collecting vat (ﬁlled with soil). Next to the winepress is a hewn basin (diam. 0.55 m). On the slope—agricultural terraces (c. 22 dunams).

116* 103. 3–8/8 14323 10800 19323 60800 400 m asl H. Bet Loya [1] Beit Leyi (S) Kh. Beit Lei (M) Settlement remains (c. 45 dunams) on hill that commands a view of the surrounding area: remains of buildings preserved five to eight courses high resting atop ancient foundations, four bell-shaped pits, six columbarium caves, five burial caves, six cisterns, caves from which narrow tunnels lead off, two oil presses, architectural elements and pens. The current plan of the settlement reflects that from the Middle Ages, when families from Dura used the site seasonally for grazing. The remains were damaged by illicit excavations and other activities. In the south part of the settlement is a cairn marking a ruinous sheikh’s tomb with large oak trees standing nearby; around the tomb are potsherds dating to the Mamluk period. In the west part of the site—a rectangular building surrounded by several other structures; the upper portions of dressed columns, a large lintel (c. 2.7 m long), colored tesserae and parts of an oil press are preserved. Near the southwestern wall of the rectangular building is a round oil press crushing basin. Several years after the survey the building remains were excavated, resulting in the identification of the remains as a church with an adjacent oil press (below). West of the settlement—a rock-hewn bell-shaped double cistern. In a later phase columbarium niches were hewn in the cistern’s walls, which bore several large engraved crosses. Columbarium niches were also hewn in several other cisterns at the site after the cisterns ceased to function. On the eastern fringes of the settlement—a rock-hewn cruciform cave (each arm c. 3.0×4.1 m) with 845 columbarium niches varying in shape hewn in its walls. Carved in the northern wall of the cave is a Greek inscription, only several letters of which are preserved, and below it, a cross. A hewn staircase leads to the cave floor; the upper part of the staircase collapsed or was intentionally removed during a later phase of use. After the cave was no longer in use a narrow tunnel was hewn (currently blocked), which may have led to another chamber. Later rock cuttings in the cave altered its original plan. A tight opening to a narrow tunnel leads to four bell-shaped cisterns. A cave containing an oil press is located between the buildings, in the vicinity of the columbarium cave. The original openings to the cisterns and cave are blocked, probably intentionally. The northern cistern in this complex may originally have been used as an oil press. In the eastern part of the site is a rock-hewn cistern with a fig tree growing in its mouth. Carved in the western wall of the cistern is a Greek inscription and below it—a large cross. Surrounding the site—agricultural terraces (c. 28 dunams). In 1899 R.A.S. Macalister documented several caves at the site. In 1962 Y. Naveh excavated two burial caves to the east of the site with inscriptions carved in their walls

117* (see below, Site 195). In 1979–1983 the caves were examined by Y. Tepper and Y. Shahar. They documented four caves containing oil presses, seven columbarium caves, cisterns, as well as tunnels that link several of the caves. In December 1983 and the spring of 1986 two excavation seasons were conducted by Y. Patrich and Y. Tsafrir. A basilical church and adjacent oil press were exposed, as well as a rock-hewn winepress and burial cave; the remains and the finds were attributed to the Byzantine and Early Islamic periods. The excavators believe this site was a rural monastery located on the margins of the settlement. The church consists of a central hall (13.9×20.4 m) with an apse on its eastern side and a narthex in the west. There are three entryways in the narthex (the central one is 1.7 m wide, the side entrances are 1 m wide), which is approached by a staircase. The atrium (a paved courtyard; 20.0×30.5 m), with rooms arrayed around it, is west of the narthex. A chapel (4.2×7.5 m) was exposed north of the basilica. South of the basilica is a baptisterium (3.5×4.1 m) with a baptismal font delineated by a marble screen. The basilica, chapel and baptisterium are paved with a breathtakingly beautiful polychrome mosaic. The perimeter of the floor in the central hall is decorated with twisting vine tendrils forming medallions, inside of which are animals, among them a dog, hare, lioness, water fowl etc. In the center of the floor are four inscriptions and images of people. The mosaic floors were intentionally defaced at the beginning of the eighth century CE and were repaired in a later period. Two of the inscriptions are dedicated to donors and the other two contain excerpts from the Book of Proverbs and the Book of Psalms. An oil press that was an integral part of the monastery was partially exposed to the south of the church. Oil extraction installations operating by means of a screw press were exposed. Other parts of the oil press were documented west of the atrium during the survey (1980) that was carried out at the site prior to excavation. North of the chapel a hewn burial cave with three burial troughs was exposed. On the cave walls were four carved crosses. The finds inside the cave include 26 ceramic lamps from the Early Islamic period, an intact glass bottle and fragments of glass vessels, as well as a juglet decorated with geometric patterns from the Mamluk period left behind by tomb robbers who looted the cave during that time span. The finds indicate the cave was used during the Byzantine and Early Islamic periods. A winepress built of masonry that was part of the monastery complex was exposed to the east of the church. Finds. Pottery: Iron II (spread over c. 10 dunams in the settlement remains similar to those from Tel Lakhish Strata IV–II), Persian (scanty finds, c. 1 dunam—a scatter), Hellenistic and Roman (numerous finds in the settlement remains), Byzantine (numerous finds in the church and burial caves), Early Islamic (numerous finds spread over c. 15 dunams in the settlement remains), Mamluk (decorated sherds—a scatter) and Ottoman (a sheikh’s tomb and pens—temporary occupation). In 2005 excavations resumed at the site under the direction of O. Gottfeld, on behalf of the Institute of Archaeology in Jerusalem with assistance from the Mormon Kimber

118* Academy of the United States. Another oil press and a tunnel complex, partly blocked, were exposed. Conder and Kitchner 1881–1883, III:274; Macalister 1901b; Patrich and Tsafrir 1985; 1986; 1987–1988; 1993a; 1993b; Tepper and Shahar 1987a; Frankel, Patrich and Tsafrir 1990; IAA/Mandate Archives (File 32).

104. 3–8/13 14305 10833 19305 60833 375 m asl H. Bet Loya [8] Rock-hewn winepress, a quarry, cave and basins on north bank of small wadi running west, north of H. Bet Loya [1]. The winepress consists of a treading ﬂoor (2.2×3.1 m, 0.42 m deep) and collecting vat (covered with alluvium) to its west, linked by a channel. East of the winepress—a quarry (2.0×2.7 m), from which a stone cylinder was apparently hewn. The cave, north of the quarry, is blocked c. 2 m from the entrance. Near the cave—three rock-hewn basins (diam. 0.42 m), two of them connected by a hewn channel (0.28 m long). In the wadi—agricultural terraces (c. 17 dunams); on the slopes descending to the wadi—stone clearance heaps.

105. 3–8/14 14370 10855 19370 60855 380 m asl Safhat Beit Lei (M) [4] Remains of walls on slope descending east, northeast of Safhat Beit Lei [1]. The walls (3–7 m long), preserved two to four courses high, are apparently the remains of a pen (c. 12×16 m). To the west—a depression in the ground (diam. c. 3.2 m; a collapsed cistern?). On the slope—agricultural terraces (c. 25 dunams).

106. 3–8/15 14370 10892 19370 60892 360 m asl H. ‘Ammuda [18] Agricultural plots (c. 20 dunams) delimited by stone walls and a watchman’s hut on slope descending south, east of H. ‘Ammuda [1]. On the eastern part of the slope— another watchman’s booth (diam. 2.5 m) preserved three to four courses high. The structure’s entryway faces east.

107. 3–8/16 14336 10874 19336 60874 385 m asl H. ‘Ammuda [19] Poorly preserved quarry (2×2 m), a rock-hewn cistern and installations on spur running northwest, east of H. ‘Ammuda [1]. The cistern (c. 2.4 m deep), west of the quarry, is surrounded by chalk debris removed from it when it was hewn. North of the cistern—a simple oil press hewn in a rock outcrop sloping west: two basins, one (diam. 0.62 m, 0.32 m deep) higher than the other (diam. 0.42 m, 0.28 m deep), linked by a shallow channel (0.28 m long, 4 cm deep); six cupmarks (diam. 5–7 cm) were hewn around the upper

119* basin. North of the installation—four basins (diam. 0.45–0.55 m, average depth 0.2 m) hewn in a dressed rock outcrop (an installation for drying agricultural produce?). On the slopes of the spur—agricultural terraces (c. 35 dunams).

108. 3–8/17 14390 10838 19390 60838 360 m asl Safhat Beit Lei (M) [5] Agricultural terraces (c. 30 dunams) spanning a broad wadi that runs north, east of Safhat Beit Lei [1].

109. 3–8/18 14390 10810 19390 60810 380 m asl H. Zohar [8] Rock-hewn agricultural installations over an area of 2 dunams on slope descending west, northwest of H. Zohar [1]: remains of two winepresses of unclear plan, a simple oil press, five basins (diam. 0.38 m) and two cupmarks (diam. 0.18 m) on prominent rock outcrops. Toward the top of the slope—a rock outcrop hewn at a slight incline in the direction of a trough (0.27×0.85 m; 0.32 m deep). On the slope—agricultural terraces (c. 40 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Hellenistic (scanty finds—a scatter), Byzantine (numerous finds— agricultural activity) and Mamluk (several painted sherds—a scatter).

110. 4–8/1, 4, 6, 7 14450 10825 19450 60825 450 m asl Giv‘at Ga‘ada [1] Resm Umm el Jemajem (S) Rasm Umm el Jamājim (M) 110.1. Settlement remains (c. 24 dunams) on hilltop overlooking the eastern Shephelah, and on a spur extending north from the hill. In the years since the survey was conducted and the site was initially documented the ancient remains were damaged by antiquities robbers and the construction of an army outpost. In the British Mandate period (1929, 1933) antiquities inspectors reported the presence of impressive remains at the site. Our survey documented a wide wall (a city wall?) built of large dressed stones encompassing the site from the south, west and east, partly preserved to a height of three to six courses. This may also have been a retaining wall for a surface that was leveled to facilitate the erection of the settlement. Among the other antiquities documented at the site are tops of walls built of dressed chalk blocks, foundations of buildings and courtyards, rock- hewn installations and a segment of a paved road that runs north–south. Antiquities robbers exposed a building that served an oil press, stone weights and a fragment of a crushing basin. Eight rock-hewn cisterns (some of them blocked in the course of earthmoving works) were documented among the building remains. Visible in photographs of the site from the British Mandate period are capped cisterns with adjacent stone troughs. Also documented among the building remains—rock-hewn cave inside of which are installations. One of the caves houses an oil press complex

120* consisting of three pressing installations. In a later time shepherds from the Hevron Hills built pens on top of the earliest remains at the site. West of the settlement’s center—remains of a building (c. 5.5×8.0 m), of which only two corners survive. In the southern part of the site on the summit of the hill—remains of a public building (7.5×14.0 m); mainly its southern wall (1.3 m wide) survives. In the north part of the site several rock-hewn caves were documented; they were used primarily for storage and as cisterns. One of the cave entrances leads to a series of caves hewn on several levels and connected by low narrow passageways requiring one to crawl in order to navigate them (the complex is partially blocked). Some of the caves contain installations for storing liquids. This complex was surveyed and measured by Y. Tepper and Y. Shahar. On the eastern slope of the spur, close to the cave entrances—several burial caves that were excavated by antiquities robbers, as well as two rock-hewn winepresses. The north winepress consists of a treading floor (2.3×2.6 m) and collecting vat (0.7×1.2 m; filled with alluvium); the south winepress consists of a treading floor (2.77×3.28 m, 0.28 m deep) and collecting vat (covered with alluvium). West of the southern winepress are two rock-hewn basins (diam. 0.47 m). On the eastern slope of the spur—agricultural terraces (c. 30 dunams). On the western and northern slopes of the spur—rock-hewn burial caves, also excavated by antiquities robbers. At the foot of the northwestern slope—agricultural terraces (c. 10 dunams; map ref. OIG 14415 10856, NIG 19415 60856) whose walls are preserved three to six courses high; some of the walls were also used to delimit farming plots. Also located in the vicinity are remains of a building (its southern corner). In the upper reaches of a wadi, c. 300 m east of the settlement remains—a large rock- hewn cistern (5 m deep) filled with water that drains from the surrounding slopes. South of the settlement is a segment of a paved road that leads from Horvat ‘Ammuda [1], in the west (Site 89.1), eastward, toward the Hevron Hills, apparently a section of a road that ascended from the villages east of Bet Guvrin via Nahal Guvrin, and arrived at Hevron. Parts of the road are paved and delimited with curbstones (see below, Site 111). Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (scanty finds spread over c. 2 dunams—a scatter), Iron II (scanty finds spread over c. 10 dunams—a scatter), Hellenistic (numerous finds in the settlement remains), Roman (scanty finds spread over c. 10 dunams—a scatter), Byzantine (numerous finds in the settlement remains), Early Islamic and Mamluk (scanty finds spread over c. 5 dunams—a scatter) and Ottoman (scanty finds); Temporary occupation: Ottoman (pens). Conder and Kitchner 1881–1883, III:377; Tepper and Shahar 1987b; IAA/Mandate Archives (File 161). 110.2. Remains of a building, rock-hewn winepress and agricultural terraces (c. 25 dunams) on slope descending south, south of Giv‘at Ga‘ada [1]. The building (c. 5×7 m) is partially preserved to a height of one to three courses; currently its southern wall

121* is incorporated in the wall of an agricultural terrace. West of the building—a rock- hewn winepress consisting of a treading ﬂoor (c. 2.2×2.7 m) and small collecting vat (0.82×0.90 m, 0.44 m deep). Finds. Byzantine pottery (a few sherds related to the building remains and perhaps also to agricultural activity). 110.3. Rock-hewn cave (4×5 m), basins and agricultural terraces (c. 15 dunams) on rocky slope descending northwest, northwest of Giv‘at Ga‘ada [1] (map ref. OIG 14412 10852, NIG 19412 60852). Kokhim are cut in the eastern wall of the cave, indicating that it was ﬁrst used for burial. In recent generations the cave served as a dwelling for shepherds. Hewn in a large rock outcrop east of the cave—two basins (diam. 0.38 m). On the slope—a wall enclosing a large agricultural terrace. Finds. Ottoman pottery. 110.4. Agricultural terraces (c. 10 dunams) incorporating dressed ancient building stones in the walls, in wadi running north, north of Giv‘at Ga‘ada [1].

111. 4–8/2, 3 14490 10830 19490 60830 450 m asl Giv‘at Ga‘ada [2] 111.1. Remains of a farmstead(?) (c. 6 dunams) on hill east of Giv‘at Ga‘ada [1]: remnants of a large building (wall segments and the northeastern corner) and a rock- hewn cistern (currently blocked) with an adjacent broken trough. In a later phase pens (12×16 m, 18×20 m) were constructed atop the building remains. On the northeastern slope of the hill—agricultural terraces (c. 35 dunams). On the southern slope of the hill—a rock-hewn winepress (mostly covered with soil) consisting of a treading floor (c. 2.1×2.5 m) and collecting vat to its east. Next to the winepress—two hewn basins (diam. 0.58 m, 0.22 m deep). South of the site—a paved road segment (135 m long; 3.5–4.2 m wide), parts of it paved with flagstones and delimited by curbstones (see Site 110.1). Other sections of the road were documented southeast of the site, near Kh. er Ras (Site 210.1). Finds. Pottery: Roman (numerous finds in the building remains), Byzantine (numerous finds in the building remains), Early Islamic (scanty finds—a scatter) and Ottoman (pens—temporary occupation). 111.2. Two rock-hewn caves on southwest slope of hill, excavated by antiquities robbers (inaccessible due to collapse). On the slope and in the adjacent wadi to the south—agricultural terraces (c. 25 dunams).

112. 4–8/9 14435 10890 19435 60890 410 m asl H. Bet ‘Elem [17] Two hewn (burial?) caves and agricultural terraces (c. 45 dunams) on slope descending south, southwest of H. Bet ‘Elem [1]. The caves, excavated by antiquities robbers many

122* years ago, are partially blocked by soil. The terrace walls are preserved three to ﬁve courses high.

113. 4–8/10 14410 10830 19410 60830 380 m asl Giv‘at Ga‘ada [5] Rock-hewn basins on slope west of Giv‘at Ga‘ada [1]. One deep basin (diam. 1.23 m, 0.44 m deep) on a rock outcrop has circular grooves produced by milling agricultural products. To its west are three shallow basins (diam. of each 0.38 m, 0.12 m deep). In the valley to the north—agricultural terraces (c. 10 dunams).

114. 4–8/11 14490 10850 19490 60850 490 m asl Giv‘at Ga‘ada [6] Rock-hewn winepress hewn in a large rock outcrop (fissures in the outcrop may have caused the cessation of its use) and a large depression in the ground on south slope of spur, northeast of Giv‘at Ga‘ada [1]. The winepress consists of a large treading floor (4.3×4.8 m, 0.47 m deep) and two conduits issuing from it northward to two collecting vats (the western vat: 0.74×1.10 m, filled with stone clearance; the eastern vat: 0.48×0.85 m, mostly covered with alluvium). In the center of the treading floor is a large hewn basin for collecting the remainder of the must. Remains of plaster are visible on the treading floor’s walls and on the upper part on the western collecting vat. South of the winepress—a large depression (diam. c. 7 m; a collapsed cistern?). On the slope and in the wadi to its west—agricultural terraces (c. 27 dunams).

115. 5–8/1, 6 14589 10839 19589 60839 400 m asl Bīr el Ballūta (M) 115.1. Well (6.4 m deep) in wadi running northwest, toward Nahal Maresha. The upper part of the well is dug out and lined with ancient stones to a depth of 2.4 m and the lower part is hewn in the chalk rock. Around the well—four broken stone troughs. North of the well is a section of a paved road that connected Idna with Bet Guvrin; curbstones delimiting the road include ancient building stones and architectural elements in secondary use, among them a limestone column (1.25 m long), c. 110 m west of the well. 115.2. Rock-hewn burial cave(?), a cistern and remains of a quarry (c. 2 dunams) on western slope of spur (map ref. OIG 14586 10870, NIG 19586 60870). The burial cave (3.2×4.0 m, 1.8 m high), looted by antiquities robbers many years ago, contained no ancient remains; its entrance has a carved frame. Some 20 m north of the burial cave—a rock-hewn cistern, mostly ruinous. Next to the cistern—remains of a quarry (2×4 m). Finds. Byzantine pottery (numerous sherds—burial site?).

123* 116. 5–8/2, 5 14505 10828 19505 60828 430 m asl Dhahr Bīr el Ballūta (M) [2] 116.1. Two rock-hewn bell-shaped caves (diam. of floor 5.6 m, c. 6 m deep) on slope descending north, west of Dhahr Bīr el Ballūta [1]. Twelve columbarium niches (0.18×0.24×0.25 m) are hewn in the walls of the eastern cave; there are carvings in its northern wall (remains of an inscription?). The caves are similar in plan to those located in the area of Bet Guvrin. 116.2. Two rock-hewn winepresses, basins and stone clearance heaps (diam. 3–6 m) on hill southwest of Dhahr Bīr el Ballūta [1] (map ref. OIG 14516 10810, NIG 19516 60810). One of the winepresses, on the northern slope of the hill, consists of a treading floor (c. 3.2×4.0 m) and collecting vat; part of the winepress is covered by a stone clearance heap. The other winepress, on a saddle to the east of the hill, consists of a treading floor (2.7 3.4 m) and collecting vat (0.7×1.0 m). On the western slope of the hill—three basins (diam. 0.42–0.48 m) hewn in a large rock outcrop. On the slopes of the hill—agricultural terraces (c. 50 dunams).

117. 5–8/3, 4, 7 14552 10837 19552 60837 467 m asl Dhahr Bīr el Ballūta (M) [1] 117.1. Remains of a farmstead (c. 10 dunams) on hill with a spectacular view of the central Shephelah and the lower western Hevron Hills: pottery scatters and fieldstone walls. On the southern part of the hill—remains of an orchard (50×50 m) delimited by a fence constructed with fieldstones and dressed stones, preserved to a height of two to five courses; part of the southern wall is missing. On the north part of the hill—several depressions in the ground (collapsed caves?). We returned to the site about a year after the survey was conducted and discerned merely a few ancient remains; most of the ruins had been destroyed when the area was prepared for planting of an orchard. On the eastern and southern slopes of the hill—modern agricultural terraces (c. 38 dunams) that destroyed the ancient remains at the site. Some 150 m south of the hilltop—a rock-hewn winepress consisting of a treading floor (2.55×3.45 m) and plastered collecting vat (0.8×1.5 m, 1.1. m deep) to its south. Nearby—a basin (diam. 0.55 m, 0.3 m deep) hewn in a rock surface inclining slightly to the south and five cupmarks (diam. 0.27 m, 0.14 m deep) hewn in a large rock outcrop. Finds. Pottery: Iron II (numerous finds, mostly burnished bowls, probably related to the farmstead remains), Roman, Byzantine and Early Islamic (scanty finds spread over c. two dunams—a scatter) and Ottoman (in pens and orchards—temporary occupation). 117.2. Remains of a building, cave, cistern, winepress and basins on hill north of Dhahr Bīr el Ballūta [1] (map ref. OIG 14512 10876, NIG 19512 60876), covered with large rock outcrops; between the rock outcrops are farming plots. On the northeast portion

124* of the hill—remains of a building (c. 8×8 m) partitioned by a wall into two equal units. The southern and western walls are better preserved than the other walls, generally preserved one to three courses high. Stone clearance heaps cover part of the building. Northwest of the building an entrance to a rock-hewn cave with a dressed facade was discerned (0.65×1.30 m; burial?); the cave is inaccessible today. On the eastern slope of the hill—a rock-hewn cistern (c. 4 m deep, diam. of mouth 1.2 m) and two broken stone troughs. On the western slope—a rock-hewn winepress consisting of a small treading surface (2×2 m) and collecting vat (0.65×0.78 m; blocked with alluvium). Next to the winepress are two hewn basins (diam. 0.52 m). On the slopes—agricultural terraces (c. 35 dunams), some of them recently renovated and planted with fruit trees. Finds. Pottery: Iron II and Byzantine (numerous ﬁnds in the building remains). 117.3. Well-preserved agricultural terraces (c. 45 dunams) on southeast slope of hill (map ref. OIG 14580 10815, NIG 19580 60815).

118. 5–8/8 14548 10890 19548 60890 380 m asl Dhahr Bīr el Ballūta (M) [6] Remains of a structure and cistern on slope descending northeast, north of Dhahr Bīr el Ballūta [1]. Several rough-hewn stones are incorporated in the walls of the structure (c. 4.0×4.3 m), preserved three to four courses high; the northern wall is better preserved than the rest. In the structure’s center—a column base and remains of a hearth. East of the building—a rock-hewn cistern approached by a channel that drains water from the slope. Apparently there were several additional buildings at the foot of the slope that were destroyed when the modern agricultural terraces were constructed. Finds. Pottery: Mamluk (scanty ﬁnds—a scatter) and Ottoman (scanty ﬁnds in the building remains).

119. 5–8/9 14525 10864 19525 60864 467 m asl Dhahr Bīr el Ballūta (M) [7] Large stone clearance heap on saddle northwest of Dhahr Bīr el Ballūta [1]. Rough-hewn building stones were discerned in the heap. Around the heap—numerous potsherds. West of the saddle is a capped rock-hewn cistern (c. 4 m deep). Finds. Byzantine pottery (numerous sherds—a scatter.

120. 5–8/10 14590 10892 19590 60892 380 m asl Dhahr Wādī ‘Azīz (M) [9] Winepress and an oil press hewn at the bottom of the northern slope of a spur, northwest of Dhahr Wādī ‘Azīz [1]. The winepress consists of a treading ﬂoor (1.68×1.88 m, 0.42 m deep) and collecting vat (0.95×1.18 m, 0.72 m deep) linked by a channel (0.28 m

125* long). Two basins (diam. 0.52 m, 0.22 m deep) are hewn in the treading ﬂoor. A kokh, cut in the collecting vat in a later phase, is apparently the beginning of a burial cave that was never completed. East of the winepress is a simple oil press (bodeda), hewn in a rock outcrop inclining north: two basins, upper (diam. 0.72 m, 0.28 m deep) and lower (diam. 0.52 m, 0.36 m deep), linked by a channel (0.38 m long). The olives were crushed in the upper basin, which is circumscribed by a hewn channel (8 cm wide, 7 cm deep). On the slope of the spur—agricultural terraces (45 dunams), most of which are currently in use. Rough-hewn building stones are incorporated in the terraces’ walls.

121. 6–8/1 14644 10850 19644 60850 400 m asl Dhahr Wādī ‘Azīz (M) [3] Remains of a limekiln (diam. 4.5 m, 2.4 m deep) on saddle southeast of Dhahr Wādī ‘Azīz [1], surrounded by piles of debris and several limestone blocks. East of the kiln—remains of an orchard (c. 3 dunams) delimited by stone fences that incorporate dressed stones in their construction. Inside the orchard are well-preserved retaining walls. Hewn in a rock surface in the upper part of the orchard—ﬁve cupmarks (average diam. 0.25 m).

122. 6–8/2, 7 14626 10863 19626 60863 447 m asl Dhahr Wādī ‘Azīz (M) [1] 122.1. Building remains and hewn installations (c. 15 dunams) on a crescent-shaped hill open to the north. Meager foundations of structures and piles of building stones were found at the site. The building remains were damaged while preparing the area for cultivation. Hewn in a rock outcrop on the northeast part of the hill are seven cupmarks (average diam. of 0.27 m). Some 25 m west of the cupmarks is a rock- hewn winepress: a treading floor and collecting vat, both partially covered by stone clearance heaps. On the south slope of the hill—agricultural terraces (c. 48 dunams) and between them stone fences that delimited fields. On the spur southeast of the site is a paved road (3.17 m wide) that runs from Idna to the site. Three cisterns were hewn next to the road in 1984. East of those cisterns is an ancient cistern and close to it—a rock-hewn winepress, of which only the treading floor (3.5×4.0 m) survives. Hewn in a rock outcrop near the winepress are four basins (diam. c. 0.38 m). Finds. Pottery: Roman (scanty finds spread over c. 5 dunams—a scatter), Byzantine (numerous finds in the building remains) and Ottoman (pens, orchards and cultivation plots—agricultural activity). 122.2. Remains of a structure, cave, winepress, cistern and basins (c. 3 dunams) on north slope of hill, north of Dhahr Wādī ‘Azīz [1] (map ref. OIG 14618 10885,

126* NIG 19618 60885). The structure (c. 6×8 m) is constructed on a rock terrace and its eastern and southern walls (0.46–0.60 m wide) are preserved two to five courses high. Apparently its building stones were taken for the construction of walls that demarcate cultivation plots. Adjacent to the structure, from the west—remains of a curvilinear wall (diam. 7.3 m) preserved three to four courses high, probably used as a granary. A rock-hewn cave (3.2×5.0 m, height c. 1.8 m) documented below the building remains was apparently used recently by shepherds. Two kokhim (c. 0.48×0.73 m, 0.32 m deep) are cut in the cave’s western wall and there are four hooks for suspending objects. Hewn in the southern wall of the cave are two benches (c. 0.42×1.60 m). Thirteen meters west of the building—a rock-hewn winepress that consists of a treading floor (2.3×2.8 m, 0.27 m deep in its northwest corner) and collecting vat (0.55×1.06 m, 0.42 m deep). North of the winepress are four basins (diam. c. 0.38–0.48 m) hewn in rock outcrops. East of the building is a rock-hewn cistern (c. 3.5 m deep); four large fieldstones are arranged to form a square (c. 1×1 m) around its mouth (diam. 0.73 m). North of the structure are remains of two pens (c. 6×6 m) constructed of rough-hewn building stones. On the slope of the hill and in the wadi to its north—agricultural terraces (c. 45 dunams), some of them renovated and planted with olive trees. Finds. Pottery: Iron II (numerous finds in the building remains similar to those of Tel Lakhish Stratum III including a jar handle with a two-winged LMLK stamp), Persian (scanty finds—a scatter), Byzantine (numerous finds in the building remains) and Ottoman (remains of pens and a cave dwelling—temporary occupation).

123. 6–8/3 14690 10894 19690 60894 480 m asl Idna (M) [7] Dhahr ‘Ayyād (M) Remains of an agricultural compound (150×260; c. 40 dunams) on hill 2 kms southwest of Idna [1]. The top of the hill was leveled and a retaining wall was built around the flattened area. Fieldstones, dressed stones, broken stone lintels and column drums are incorporated in the wall. Today the site is also planted. Apparently in the past there were ancient remains on the hill, destroyed in recent generations by works preparatory to cultivation. On the northwestern slope of the hill—a rock-hewn winepress consisting of a treading floor (2.18×3.28 m) and collecting vat (an agricultural terrace is superposed on it). Two basins (diam. 0.55 m, 0.37 m deep) used for dying wool are hewn in the winepress’ treading floor. On the slopes of the hill—agricultural terraces (c. 38 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (scanty finds spread over c. 3 dunams—a scatter), Iron II (scanty finds from the eighth century BCE—a scatter) and Byzantine (numerous finds on the agricultural terraces, probably related to agricultural activity).

127* 124. 6–8/4, 6, 8 14674 10850 19674 60850 450 m asl Dhahr Wādī ‘Azīz (M) [4] 124.1. Remains of an agricultural compound (100×100) surrounded by a stone fence (0.55 m wide, 0.8 m high) whose northeastern corner is round, on hill southeast of Dhahr Wādī ‘Azīz [1]. Numerous building stones are incorporated in the construction of the fence, particularly on its western side. The buildings that once stood on the hill were apparently dismantled when the area was prepared for cultivation. Twenty meters north of the compound—a rectangular pit (0.6×1.1 m, 0.8 m deep) hewn in a rock surface. Nearby—remains of a building-stone quarry. Northwest of the hill—a winepress, hewn in a rock outcrop sloping north, consisting of a treading floor (1.5×2.4 m, 0.36 m deep) with a central hollow (diam. 0.35 m, 0.15 m deep) and collecting vat (0.55×1.30 m, 0.45 m deep), linked by means of a channel (0.35 m long). Remains of plaster were observed on the northern wall of the collecting vat. A rock-hewn basin (diam. 0.55 m, 0.35 m deep) is located 1.2 m north of the collecting vat. At the north foot of the hill—agricultural terraces (c. 10 dunams). In the wadi running north from the hill—agricultural terraces (c. 25 dunams) cultivated by residents of Idna. The terrace walls are built of fieldstones and dressed stones to a height of one meter. The bottom courses incorporate ancient building stones with drafted margins; the northernmost wall includes a fragment of a crushing stone, probably taken from a nearby oil press. On the southwestern slope of the hill—an agricultural plot (40×180 m) delimited by a stone fence, agricultural terraces and three rock-hewn caves that were looted by antiquities robbers; the cave entrances were blocked with soil containing Roman pottery. South of the hill—a rock-hewn cistern (diam. of mouth 0.75 m, 3.5 m deep) and chalk debris, removed when the cistern was installed. Recently a concrete lid was constructed on the cistern’s mouth and the drainage system that feeds it was renovated. A paved road (3.5 m wide) leading to Idna passes close to the site; the rock was cut at several places in order to facilitate passage. Finds. Pottery: Roman and Byzantine (scanty finds—a scatter). 124.2. Remains of a building (3.7×5.6 m), cave and cistern on spur southeast of Dhahr Wādī ‘Azīz [1] (map ref. OIG 14680 10805, NIG 19680 60805). The building’s northern and southern corners and a section of the western wall are preserved one to three courses high (width of walls c. 0.48 m). Fifteen meters west of the building—a concentration of building stones. The hewn cave (c. 3×6 m), with shelves cut in its walls (used for storage?), is to the building’s east. The rock-hewn cistern (c. 3 m deep; currently in use), is to the building’s south. Finds. Pottery: Iron II (scanty finds in the building remains) and Byzantine (numerous finds in the building remains). 124.3. Remains of an orchard, a quarry and agricultural terraces in wadi east of Dhahr Wādī ‘Azīz [1] (map ref. OIG 14674 10868, NIG 19674 60868). The orchard

128* (c. 80×80 m) is enclosed by a stone fence preserved two to six courses high. On the east bank of the wadi—remains of a quarry (4×5 m). On both sides of the orchard and alongside the wadi—agricultural terraces (c. 50 dunams). Finds. Ottoman pottery (agricultural activity).

125. 6–8/5, 9, 10 14625 10820 19625 60820 440 m asl Idna (M) [8] Dhahr Wādī el Bīr (M) 125.1. Settlement remains (c. 35 dunams) on rocky hill northwest of Idna [1]. On the northwestern part of the hill is the corner of a large building (width of foundations 1.2 m, the converging walls preserved 1.5 m and 2.4 m in length). The other buildings at the site were damaged by agricultural cultivation. Building stones are concentrated in several heaps around the top of the hill; among the stones in the heaps are fragments of a column base and a plain capital, a limestone column and a fragment of a stone threshold. On the eastern part of the hill—three basins (diam. 0.35 m, 0.25 m deep) hewn in a row 0.4 m apart in a rock outcrop. On the north slope of the hill—four rock-hewn cisterns. The two eastern cisterns are currently filled with alluvium (diam. of mouths 0.85 m, 1–2 m deep) and the two western cisterns (3–4 m deep) are still in use. On the south slope of the hill—two rock-hewn winepresses. The eastern winepress, especially large, consists of a meticulously hewn treading floor (3.2×4.2 m, 0.45 m deep) and collecting vat (1.8×2.5 m, 1.6 m deep) 0.35 m to the south. In the center of the treading floor is a hewn basin (diam. 0.55 m, 0.23 m deep). In the southeastern corner of the collecting vat are four cut steps and in its southwestern corner is a hewn basin (diam. 0.35 m, 0.15 m deep), in which the remainder of the must was collected. On the vat’s walls are remnants of plaster (1.4 cm thick) containing crushed potsherds. Local residents use the treading floor today for threshing or drying agricultural produce. The western winepress is small and consists of a treading floor (1.0×2.1 m, 0.25 m deep) and collecting vat (0.55×1.20 m, 0.47 m deep; partly filled with soil) 0.24 m to the southwest. On the west slope of the hill—remains of an oil press, located inside a hewn cave. Part of the cave’s ceiling collapsed. The crushing stone (apparently 0.45 m thick), mostly buried in soil, and three stone weights set in the corner of the cave, are all that remains of the press. Nearby—remains of a quarry (3.4×4.0 m; length of the quarried stones:c. 0.55 m). On the northeast slope of the hill—three entrances to rock-hewn burial caves (currently inaccessible due to collapse), exposed by antiquities robbers. A paved road traverses the hill, leading from Idna. Most of the road was renovated recently but ancient sections may still be observed. On the hill—agricultural terraces (c. 110 dunams), some of them recently renovated. Other agricultural terraces (c. 10 dunams), not currently utilized, are in the wadi running west from the hill; the well-built terrace walls employ large fieldstones.

129* Finds. Pottery: Iron II (numerous finds spread over c. 25 dunams in the settlement remains similar to those from Tel Lakhish Strata III–II), Persian (scanty finds spread over c. 4 dunams—a scatter), Roman (numerous finds in the settlement remains), Byzantine (numerous finds in the settlement remains), Early Islamic (scanty finds spread over c. 2 dunams—a scatter), Mamluk (scanty finds spread over c. 10 dunams—a scatter) and Ottoman (temporary occupation). 125.2. Two winepresses, basins, a pool, oil press, and dressed rock outcrop on lower south slope of hill (map ref. OIG 14650 10835, NIG 19650 60835). The eastern winepress, hewn in a large rock outcrop inclining to the southwest, consists of a treading floor (2.4×2.7 m) and collecting vat (0.6×1.3 m; filled with alluvium) to its south. The western winepress consists of a treading floor (1.8×2.0 m) and collecting vat (0.80×0.95 m, 0.55 m deep). Next to the western winepress—two large rock-hewn basins (diam. 0.58 m, 0.37 m deep) linked by a hewn channel (0.36 m long). Toward the top of the slope—two additional rock-hewn basins. West of the western winepress—a rock-hewn pool (2.5×3.2 m, 0.85 m deep) with three cut steps descending to the floor. Apparently the pool was used to irrigate a field located at the foot of the slope. Hewn in a rock outcrop north of the pool—the oil press, comprising a large upper basin (diam. 0.62 m, 0.12 m deep) and a small lower one (diam. 0.37 m) linked by a channel. East of the oil press—a large dressed convex rock outcrop (3.2×4.7 m) and a shallow channel that runs south from its center, probably a surface used for drying agricultural products. On the slope of the hill—agricultural terraces, orchards and an olive grove delimited by a stone fence (c. 25 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Iron II and Byzantine (scanty finds—a scatter) and Ottoman (finds spread over the entire slope—agricultural activity). 125.3. Rock-hewn cave near the edge of a modern orchard at foot of slope descending north. In the southern wall of the cave are two hewn storage niches (0.37×0.62 m). Inside the cave are remains of a shepherd’s dwelling. It is fronted by a ruinous pen (c. 5×6 m). Finds. Ottoman pottery (a scatter).

126. 6–8/11 14610 10825 19610 60825 400 m asl Dhahr Wādī ‘Azīz (M) [10] Rock-hewn burial cave at foot of slope descending northwest, south of Dhahr Wādī ‘Azīz [1]. Hewn around the cave entrance (0.68×1.42 m) are three stepped frames. A long corridor (4.2 m long) inside the cave leads to a square chamber (c. 3×3 m; partly ﬁlled with alluvium). In the eastern and southern walls of the chamber—arcosolia. The cave was plundered by antiquities robbers. On the slope and along its fringes—agricultural terraces (c. 55 dunams) and stone clearance heaps. On the southern part of the slope—several large stone clearance heaps (diam. 5–6 m). Finds. Roman pottery (in the vicinity of the burial cave).

130* 127. 6–8/12 14658 10890 19658 60890 400 m asl Dhahr Wādī ‘Azīz (M) [11] Cave dwelling and rock-hewn basins at foot of slope descending southwest, northeast of Dhahr Wādī ‘Azīz [1]. The cave (4.0×4.5 m, c. 2 m high), hewn in chalk rock, has four niches (c. 0.53×0.58 m) cut in its walls. Large pithoi used for storing grain were discovered in the corner of the cave. Hewn in a dressed rock outcrop (1.25×1.84 m) east of the cave—two basins (diam. c. 0.4 m). Finds. Ottoman pottery.

128. 6–8/13 14608 10845 19608 60845 400 m asl Dhahr Wādī ‘Azīz (M) [12] Remains of a building, cistern and cave on slope descending south of Dhahr Wādī ‘Azīz [1]. The building (4.7×5.2 m) survives to a height of two to three courses and was apparently entered from the southern side. Stones dismantled from the building were probably incorporated in the walls of nearby agricultural terraces. The rock-hewn cistern is east of the building; close by is a heap of chalk debris removed from it when it was quarried. Today the cistern is capped by a large stone. The building and cistern are situated in the midst of modern agricultural terraces and recently olive trees were planted around them. West of the building—a rock-hewn cave (3.0×3.7 m) that was probably used by shepherds. Finds. Pottery: Byzantine (numerous ﬁnds in the building remains) and Ottoman (cave dwelling—temporary occupation).

129. 7–8/1, 9 14729 10883 19729 60883 440 m asl Idna (M) [10] 129.1. Two rock-hewn cisterns and three rock-hewn caves on saddle north of Idna [1]. The local residents refer to the site as Bīr Khallat Jabar. The cisterns were recently renovated and are covered with concrete capstones. The caves (4×5 m), which were probably quarries and subsequently served as dwellings for shepherds, are east of the cisterns. On the high part of the saddle is a ruinous building (4×4 m; watchman’s tower?) built of rough-hewn stones; its northern and eastern corners survive. East and north of the caves—agricultural terraces (c. 12 dunams) and stone clearance heaps. 129.2. Two rock-hewn caves (4×5 m) on saddle north of Idna [1] (map ref. OIG 14710 10855, OIG 19710 60855), with hewn niches and benches inside. On the slopes of the saddle—agricultural terraces (c. 45 dunams).

130. 7–8/2 14757 10816 19757 60816 460 m asl Idna (M) [11] Two rock-hewn cisterns (c. 4 m deep) on spur north of Idna [1]. Next to the cisterns— heaps of chalk removed when quarrying and piles of alluvium removed when the cisterns

131* were cleaned, in which potsherds were found. Upon returning to the site we observed that the cisterns had been enclosed within the courtyard of a modern structure. Finds. Pottery: Early Islamic (scanty ﬁnds) and Ottoman (numerous ﬁnds).

131. 7–8/3 14748 10847 19748 60847 483 m asl Idna (M) [12] Jūrat Sālem (M) Quarries, rock-hewn installations and a paved road on hill (planted with olive trees), c. 1 km north of Idna [1]. Local residents refer to the site as Dhahr Abu Jabrin. On the north slope of the hill—stone quarries in rock outcrops. The negatives of stones (0.4×0.6 m) and several stones that were not detached from the rock were recorded in the western quarry (10×14 m). Near the quarries are two winepresses. The eastern winepress consists of a treading floor (2.18×2.68 m) and collecting vat (blocked with stone clearance); the western winepress is covered with alluvium. On the west slope of the hill—a dressed rock outcrop slightly inclined to the west (4.8×6.0 m) that was apparently used as a threshing floor. On the east slope of the hill—a rock-hewn plastered pool (1.8×2.4 m; the floor is covered with alluvium); three wide cut steps lead to the floor. North of the pool, hewn in a rock outcrop that inclines to the east, are two large basins (diam. 0.59 m, 0.44 m deep). An ancient road (1.5 m wide) delimited by curbstones traverses the hill, visible from Idna northward for a distance of c. 2 km. It connected Idna to fields (cultivation plots) and to Nahal Guvrin. On the slopes of the hill—dressed building stones and a fragment of a stone doorjamb. Finds. Pottery: Iron II (scanty finds—a scatter), Persian (scanty finds spread over c. 2 dunams—a scatter), Roman (scanty finds—a scatter) and Byzantine (numerous finds near the installations, probably related to agricultural activity).

132. 7–8/4, 10 14728 10830 19728 60830 420 m asl Idna (M) [13] 132.1. Rock-hewn winepress and basins, a pottery scatter and agricultural terraces (c. 10 dunams) in upper reaches of wadi northwest of Idna [1]. The winepress consists of a treading ﬂoor (2.19×3.68 m) and collecting vat (0.75×1.66 m; partly ﬁlled with alluvium) to its north, linked by a channel (0.33 m long). Hewn in a rock outcrop west of the winepress—three basins (diam. 0.44 m). A large scatter of potsherds was discerned on the north bank of the wadi; apparently this was the site of a pottery kiln. The agricultural terraces are delimited by stone walls preserved to a height of four to six courses. Some of the terrace walls probably date to ancient times. Finds. Byzantine pottery (around the winepress and scatters). 132.2. Remains of a paved road, a winepress and basins on spur running from Idna to the northwest (map ref. OIG 14707 10810, NIG 19707 60810). The road (3–5 m wide)

132* is bounded on both sides by stone clearance or stone walls that delineate farm plots. At several places along the course of the road the rock was cut to facilitate passage. South of the road is an especially large rock-hewn winepress, consisting of a treading ﬂoor (4.6×5.2 m) and collecting vat (2.6×3.2 m, 1.7 m deep); the treading ﬂoor was used until recently for drying agricultural produce. Apparently the collecting vat was deepened and converted for use as a reservoir or for cleaning or dying wool. Southwest of the winepress— three rock-hewn basins (diam. 0.35–0.50 m). North of the winepress is a large rock-hewn basin (diam. 0.73 m, 0.28 m deep). On the slopes of the spur—agricultural terraces (c. 50 dunams).

133. 7–8/5 14760 10880 19760 60880 420 m asl Nahal Guvrin [25] Remains of a building, a cistern, a winepress, a fragmentary oil press crushing basin, and basins (c. 1 dunam), on low spur south of Nahal Guvrin. One corner and part of the western wall survive of the building, which is topped by a low stone clearance heap. Near the building—a rock-hewn cistern (diam. of mouth c. 0.8 m, 1.5 m deep; mostly blocked). Northeast of the building is a rock-hewn winepress: a treading floor (2.15×2.40 m) and collecting vat (filled with stone clearance). A semicircular channel (1.2 m long) hewn in the treading floor appears to be incomplete. Near the winepress is a large fragment of an oil press crushing basin (diam. c. 1.7 m). West of the winepress— four basins (diam. 0.48 m) hewn in two rock outcrops. In the valley east of the building—agricultural terraces (c. 5 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Iron II (numerous finds in the building remains) and Byzantine (numerous finds in the building remains).

134. 7–8/6 14786 10806 19786 60806 420 m asl Nahal Guvrin [26] Remains of a stone wall at the edge of an olive grove, on the west bank of Nahal Guvrin. The wall (10.7 m long, 0.72 m wide), built of dressed stones, is preserved to a height of 0.62 m; remains of plaster may be observed between the stones. Apparently this wall was part of the aqueduct that ran the length of Nahal Guvrin and conveyed water from ‘Ein ‘Unqur to Bet Guvrin (see Sites 48.2, 61, 142, 143, 149, 150, 222.2).

135. 7–8/7, 8 14786 10870 19786 60870 440 m asl Nahal Guvrin [27] 135.1. Two rock-hewn burial caves, a bell-shaped cistern, a winepress and a watchman’s hut (c. 2 dunams) on gentle slope descending northeast, toward Nahal Guvrin. The burial caves were exposed when digging the foundations of a modern building. Iron II potsherds were collected from the area in front of the cave entrances. The mouth of the bell-shaped cistern (2.5 m deep; ﬁlled with soil debris), west of the caves, is capped with a dressed stone. The cistern can be entered via a side opening, hewn after it ceased

133* to be used. Forty-eight columbarium niches (0.21×0.28 m, 0.12 m deep) arranged in six rows are hewn in the cistern’s walls. Around the top opening of the cistern are remains of a wall. Northeast of the cistern is a rock-hewn winepress: a treading floor (mostly covered with alluvium) and collecting vat (0.94×1.44 m). Nearby—a watchman’s hut (diam. 4.28 m) whose walls are preserved four to five courses high. On the slope—agricultural terraces (c. 12 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Iron II (in the burial caves) and Byzantine (numerous finds near the installations—agricultural activity). 135.2. Remains of a building and four rock-hewn burial caves on slope descending east, toward Nahal Guvrin (map ref. OIG 14790 10840, NIG 19790 60840). The northeast corner and south wall of the building (c. 4.8×7.3 m) survive; its stones were apparently taken to build walls around orchards in the vicinity. The burial caves, south of the building, were plundered many years ago by antiquities robbers. On the slope—agricultural terraces and cultivation plots (c. 50 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Iron II (numerous finds in the building remains and in front of the burial caves), Persian (scanty finds in the building remains) and Byzantine (numerous finds in the building remains).

136. 7–8/11 14778 10865 19778 60865 450 m asl Nahal Guvrin [139] Two rock-hewn winepresses and basins atop a spur running north, west of Nahal Guvrin. The northern winepress has a pentagonal treading ﬂoor (0.55 m deep, each side c. 2.7 m long) and collecting vat to its east; a stone clearance heap rests on the collecting vat. The southern winepress consists of a shallow treading ﬂoor (2.6×2.8 m, 0.27 m deep) with a central rectangular pit (0.53×0.82 m), incompletely quarried; there is no collecting vat, which may indicate that the winepress was never completed. South of the winepresses, hewn in rock outcrops—four basins (diam. 0.37–0.55 m, 0.28 m deep). On the spur—agricultural terraces (c. 60 dunams).

137. 7–8/12 14710 10892 19710 60892 430 m asl Dhahr Khanzīra (M) [4] Rock-hewn cave and ancient quarry on upper reaches of wadi running west, south of Dhahr Khanzīra [1]. The cave is blocked and may be entered for a length of merely 2 m from the entrance. The cave facade is meticulously hewn, indicating that it was probably used for burial. Northeast of the cave is the quarry (c. 3×4 m), with negatives of stones that were removed from it. On the nearby slopes—agricultural terraces (c. 25 dunams) whose walls have recently been restored.

134* 138. 7–8/13 14780 10830 19780 60830 455 m asl Idna (M) [22] Remains of a building (c. 8×10 m), a cistern and cupmarks on small spur north of Idna [1]. The building’s corners are constructed of dressed stones; the remains are preserved two to five courses high and are covered with numerous cleared stones. To the north—a rock-hewn cistern (currently in use); grooves in the capstone are the result of wear from ropes used to draw water. West of the cistern—22 cupmarks varying in size (diam. 0.18–0.23 m, c. 0.1 m deep) hewn in a prominent rock outcrop; some of the cupmarks are arranged in three rows. On the nearby slopes—agricultural terraces (c. 35 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Iron II (numerous finds in the building remains similar to those from Tel Lakhish Strata III–II), Persian (scanty finds—a scatter) and Byzantine (scanty finds—a scatter).

139. 7–8/14 14794 10895 19794 60895 445 m asl Nahal Guvrin [140] Remains of a pen built of ﬁeldstones (4×7 m) and numerous stone clearance heaps on spur west of Nahal Guvrin. The pen is preserved to a height of four to six courses; the entryway was in the eastern side. It is apparently not in use today. Finds. Ottoman pottery.

140. 7–8/15 14720 10885 19720 60885 445 m asl Dhahr Khanzīra (M) [5] Rock-hewn cistern and a quarry on saddle south of Dhahr Khanzīra [1]. The cistern (4–5 m deep) has two openings, one for drawing water and the other for descending to the ﬂoor via a staircase. On the upper portion of the cistern are remains of plaster, primarily covering cracks. It is currently in use and apparently is fed from runoff that drains into it from the surrounding slopes. West of the cistern—an ancient quarry (3×3 m).

141. 8–8/1, 7; 9–8/5 14877 10827 19877 60828 508 m asl Kh. Qurnat el Badd (M) [1] 141.1. Settlement remains (c. 10 dunams) on a spur: remains of buildings, walls, pens, installations, cisterns and caves. Several years ago a family from Dura settled at the site and employed the ancient building stones in the construction of their house; architectural elements, discerned underneath the plaster, were incorporated in the walls. As a result of this activity the plan of the site was disturbed and several cisterns were blocked. In addition, some of the caves were enlarged and converted for use as sheepfolds; walls were built inside the caves and new openings were installed. Among the building remains—a large stone basin (diam. 1.84 m, 0.65 m thick), which was probably part of an oil press that once stood at the site, and three rock-hewn cisterns. At the time of the

135* survey the cisterns were being cleaned and enlarged and a sedimentation installation (for separating the alluvium from the water) was being quarried alongside the cisterns: before water entered the cisterns it passed through a series of three small settling pits linked by plastered conduits. One of the cisterns was about to be renovated at the time of the survey. In the western part of the site are two rock-hewn caves, initially used as cisterns and later converted for use as dwellings by breeching a wide opening in their western sides and hewing storage niches and hooks, used for suspending objects. In the southern part of the site, hewn in a dressed rock outcrop (2.17×2.45 m)—a simple oil press (bodeda). On the edge of the rock outcrop are four hewn hollows that probably held jars. Ten meters to the south—a rock-hewn winepress consisting of an oval treading floor (2.77×3.28 m) and collecting vat (0.85×1.55 m) to its west with a hollow hewn in its floor. East of the winepress—five basins hewn in a row (average diam. 0.37 m, average depth 0.28 m), at a set interval of 0.44 m. In a wadi to the southwest of the site—agricultural terraces (c. 23 dunams) whose walls (1.4 m wide) are preserved to a height of four to seven courses. On the spur to the south of the site—an orchard delimited by a wall and agricultural terraces (c. 5 dunams). A limestone column fragment (90.58 m long), a capital and a decorated lintel fragment are incorporated in the southeastern flank of the wall that encloses the orchard. Finds. Pottery: Hellenistic (scanty finds spread over c. 5 dunams—a scatter), Byzantine (scanty finds spread over c. 2 dunams—a scatter) and Ottoman (building remains and pens—temporary occupation). 141.2. Two rock-hewn burial caves in valley southwest of the settlement remains at Kh. Qurnat el Badd [1] (map ref. OIG 14863 10804, NIG 19863 60804). The caves, presently located within an orchard, were looted by antiquities robbers many years ago. Finds. Byzantine pottery (numerous finds). 141.3. Rock-hewn burial cave with a hewn facade (1.2×3.0 m) and agricultural terraces (c. 35 dunams) in valley running north, southeast of the settlement at Kh. Qurnat el Badd [1]. The burial cave (currently filled with alluvium) was looted by antiquities robbers. Finds. Byzantine pottery (numerous finds).

142. 8–8/2 14833 10800 19833 60800 500 m asl Nahal Guvrin [29] Remains of a farmstead(?) (c. 3 dunams) on hilltop east of Nahal Guvrin and northeast of Idna: remains of a rectangular building (5.2×8.0 m) partitioned into two rooms; the walls (0.65 m wide) are preserved to a height of two to ﬁve courses. To its east is a large courtyard (8.6×9.0 m). The building had two entrances, one set in the western wall (0.6 m wide) and the other (c. 1 m wide), which led to the courtyard, in the eastern wall. There were apparently two phases of use to the building. The courtyard was

136* functional in the first phase, but in the later phase (Roman?) it was not used and stone clearance was piled on top of it. During this later stage the building apparently served as a stronghold, guarding the Roman road and the aqueduct that ran along the foot of the hill inside the streambed of Nahal Guvrin (see Sites 48.2, 61, 134, 143, 149, 150, 222). Five meters east of the building—a rock-hewn cistern; a large capstone (diam. 1.67 m) was found nearby. Two meters south of the building’s courtyard—a winepress hewn in a dressed rock outcrop (3.1×4.2 m), consisting of a treading floor (1.4×2.1 m, 0.3 m deep) and collecting vat (0.7×1.4 m, 0.76 m deep) linked by a through-hole (0.3 m long). About 0.7 m east of the collecting vat are two hewn basins (diam. 0.5 m), positioned one meter apart. A new structure was documented in 1988 when the site was revisited; its construction resulted in the destruction of most of the ancient building remains at the site. On the slopes of the hill and on the saddle to the south—an orchard and agricultural terraces (c. 55 dunams). Inside the orchard is a rock-cut pool (2.6×3.4 m, 1.2 m deep) that was fed by a series of hewn channels. Finds. Pottery: Iron II (numerous finds in the building remains similar to those from Tel Lakhish Strata V–II) and Hellenistic (scanty finds—a scatter), Roman and Byzantine (numerous finds in the building remains).

143. 8–8/3 14808 10870 19808 60870 420 m asl Nahal Guvrin [30] Orchard enclosed by a wall and agricultural terraces (c. 5 dunams) on moderate slope descending east, toward Nahal Guvrin. Large, dressed limestone building stones are incorporated in the orchard’s wall; several of the stones are coated with travertine— these stones were apparently dismantled from the aqueduct that runs nearby in Nahal Guvrin (see Sites 48.2, 61, 134, 142, 149, 150, 222.2). Finds. Ottoman pottery.

144. 8–8/4 14824 10820 19824 60820 450 m asl Nahal Guvrin [31] Olive orchard (c. 5 dunams) enclosed by a wall on a raised terrace east of Nahal Guvrin. Architectural elements, including a stone threshold (2.4 m long), column drums, dressed stones and a fragment of a capital, are incorporated in the orchard’s walls. These elements were apparently dismantled from a nearby public building (church?). Finds. Ottoman pottery.

145. 8–8/5, 6 14875 10878 19875 60878 470 m asl Nahal Guvrin [32] Jūrat el Qitna (M) 145.1. Remains of a building (c. 5×5 m) atop a spur near the conﬂuence of Nahal Guvrin and Nahal es Sab‘a. The building’s foundations are ancient and a new structure

137* was superposed on them several decades ago. The entryway, facing north, is flanked on both sides by ancient doorjambs. Ancient dressed building stones with drafted margins were used in the construction of the new building’s walls. South of the site, in a valley running northwest—agricultural terraces (c. 17 dunams). Finds. Hellenistic pottery (numerous sherds in the vicinity of the building remains). 145.2. Concentration of rock-hewn installations on slope of spur descending northwest, toward Nahal Guvrin (map ref. OIG 14860 10885, NIG 19860 60885), including two rock-hewn winepresses. The eastern winepress consists of a treading floor (2.2×3.2 m) and two collecting vats, a small one (0.53×0.88 m) into which the must flowed and a second, larger, one (1.2×1.5 m, 0.49 m deep). The western winepress was damaged when a road was paved nearby; it consists of a treading floor (2×2 m; cracked) and collecting vat (0.54×0.87 m) to the north, linked by a channel. West of the eastern winepress—a basin (diam. 0.52 m) hewn in a large rock outcrop. North of the western winepress—a simple oil press (bodeda): a pressing basin (diam. 0.65 m, 0.38 m deep) connected to a rectangular basin (0.45×0.75 m, 0.4 m deep) via a hewn channel. Ten meters west of the oil press—a basin (diam. 0.49 m) and two cupmarks (diam. 0.25 m). At the foot of the spur is a hewn circular rock surface (diam. 12 m), apparently a threshing floor. On the slopes of the spur and in adjacent Nahal Guvrin—agricultural terraces (c. 27 dunams).

146. 8–8/8 14845 10870 19845 60870 480 m asl Nahal Guvrin [141] Rock-hewn winepress, an oil press (bodeda), stone clearance heaps and agricultural terraces (c. 35 dunams) at foot of spur running northwest, toward Nahal Guvrin. The winepress consists of a treading ﬂoor (2.3×2.8 m, 0.42 m deep) and collecting vat (covered with a stone clearance heap) to its northwest, linked by a channel (0.42 m long). The winepress was recently destroyed when a road was paved to Hevron. North of the winepress—the bodeda, hewn in a large protruding rock outcrop; it consists of a hewn press bed (diam. 0.63 m) circumscribed by a channel (8 cm wide), and a basin (diam. 0.39 m, 0.22 m deep). Finds. Byzantine pottery (a few sherds—a scatter).

147. 8–8/9 14840 10838 19840 60838 480 m asl Nahal Guvrin [142] Rock-hewn burial cave (looted many years ago by antiquities robbers) at foot of spur running north, toward Nahal Guvrin, located at the edge of an olive grove. A corridor in which a staircase is hewn leads to the cave; today only four steps are visible. Part of

138* the corridor and the staircase are covered with stone clearance, which blocked the cave entrance. South of the cave—three shallow basins (diam. 0.37 m) hewn in a rock outcrop.

148. 8–8/10 14890 10890 19890 60890 485 m asl Nahal Guvrin [143] Quarry (c. 3×4 m) at foot of slope descending north toward Wadi es Sab‘a and Nahal Guvrin; negatives of the stones that were removed from it are visible. The quarry is partly covered with stone clearance. On the slope—agricultural terraces (c. 30 dunams).

149. 8–8/11 14806 10844 19806 60844 460 m asl Nahal Guvrin [144] Remains of a wall (17 m long; preserved to a height of three to six courses) built along a contour line on the western bank of Nahal Guvrin. This wall may have been the foundation of the aqueduct that conveyed water from ‘Ein ‘Unqur to Bet Guvrin (see Sites 48.2, 61, 134, 142, 143, 150, 222.2). The wall currently lies inside an orchard; dressed building stones, some of them neatly chiseled, are incorporated in the wall around the orchard.

150. 8–8/12 14808 10892 19808 60892 460 m asl Nahal Guvrin [145] Rock-hewn burial cave (3.2×3.4 m, 2.3 m high) excavated many years ago by antiquities robbers on the west bank of Nahal Guvrin, located inside an orchard. Hewn in both the northern and southern walls are two arcosolia; in the western wall is another arcosolium, incompletely hewn. Ten meters west of the cave—a masonry wall that may belong to the aqueduct that ran through Nahal Guvrin and conveyed water to Bet Guvrin (see Sites 48.2, 61, 142, 143, 149, 222.2).

151. 8–8/13 14885 10860 19885 60860 480 m asl Nahal Guvrin [146] Remains of a building on slope descending west, toward a wadi running to Nahal Guvrin. The northern and western walls of the building are preserved two to three courses high; the remaining walls were dismantled and were probably used in the construction of the fences around the nearby orchards. Nearby—a constructed corner that may have been part of the building. West and south of the building the bedrock is leveled, perhaps indicating that the building originally extended over a larger area and included several rooms. East of the building—a rock-hewn cistern (ceiling collapsed); only its mouth is visible.

139* West of the building—a rock-hewn winepress consisting of a treading floor (c. 2×3 m) and collecting vat (mostly blocked by stone clearance). Near the winepress—three basins (diam. 0.38–0.45 m) hewn in a rock outcrop. South of the building—a small quarry. In the wadi—agricultural terraces (c. 15 dunams). Finds: Pottery: Iron II (scanty finds—a scatter), Hellenistic (scanty finds, including a fragment of an imported vessel—a scatter) and Byzantine (numerous finds in the building remains).

152. 9–8/1 14914 10885 19914 60885 425 m asl Sifli; Bîr es Sifli (S) Bīr es Sifla (M) Well (diam. 3 m, c. 6 m deep) alongside Wadi es Sab‘a, which runs toward Nahal Guvrin. Today the well belongs to the residents of Tarqumiya and is capped with a concrete lid. The translation of the name is ‘the bottommost well’. The well’s shaft is lined with ancient stones (4.5 m deep), several of which have grooves formed by the friction of ropes used to draw water and it is surrounded by nine concrete troughs. The well contains water year-round; occasionally after a particularly rainy winter the water level rises almost to the surface. To the east—stone-built walls (0.7 m wide), probably constructed to protect the well from flooding. Several paved side roads extend from the well to the north. Rock-cut steps in the upper reaches of the wadi descend to the well from the east. Near the well—orchards. In the orchard south of the well—a rock-hewn winepress consisting of a treading floor (1.5×2.4 m) and collecting vat (filled with soil). Near the fringes of another orchard (c. 3 dunams), southeast of the well—three rock-hewn basins (diam. 0.38 m).

153. 9–8/2, 6 14940 10848 19940 60848 530 m asl Nahal Guvrin [34] 153.1. Remains of two buildings, a wall, rock cuttings and cultivation plots on hilltop east of Nahal Guvrin. The buildings were dismantled when the area was prepared for cultivation. Potsherds were collected within an enclosure wall (0.8 m wide) built to a height of one meter around the hilltop; also inside this area were rock cuttings, of unclear purpose. The cultivation plots are delimited by stone walls, some of which are constructed upon remains of ancient walls. Dressed building stones are incorporated in the construction of the walls at the site. On the slope northeast of the hill—an orchard (recently rehabilitated); inside it is a small rock-hewn winepress consisting of a treading ﬂoor (0.7×1.0 m) and collecting vat (0.35×0.55 m), linked by a channel (0.15 m long). West of the hilltop—remains of a building (3×4 m) preserved to a height of three to four courses; an entrance (0.8 m wide) was set in its northern wall. This seems to have

140* been a shelter used by shepherds. Nearby—three hewn basins (diam. 0.44 m, 0.28 m deep). Finds. Pottery: Iron II (scanty finds—a scatter), Roman (scanty finds spread over c. 1 dunam—a scatter), Byzantine (scanty finds spread over c. 4 dunams—a scatter) and Ottoman (scanty finds and an orchard—temporary occupation). 153.2. Remains of a building (5.2×6.0 m), cistern, basins and stone clearance heaps on rocky spur running northwest, toward Nahal Guvrin (map ref. OIG 14910 10860, NIG 19910 60860). The building’s walls are preserved one to four courses high. The entrance (c. 0.88 m wide) is in the southern wall. Northeast of the building—a wall one course high that may have enclosed a courtyard (3×5 m). South of the building is a rock-hewn cistern (c. 2.5 m deep). West of the building—three hewn basins (diam. 0.49 m). In the valley south of the site—remains of an orchard (c. 2 dunams) and a pen. On the slopes of the spur and in the valley to its south—agricultural terraces (c. 35 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Iron II (scanty finds spread over c. 3 dunams, possibly related to the building remains), Roman (scanty finds spread over c. 1 dunam—a scatter), Byzantine (numerous finds spread over c. 7 dunams in the building remains and the entire area of the spur), Mamluk (scanty finds—a scatter) and Ottoman (scanty finds and an orchard—temporary occupation).

154. 9–8/3, 4 14990 10840 19990 60840 475 m asl Wādī es Sab‘a [1] 154.1. Paved road, a stone heap, remains of a structure, a winepress, a wide stone wall, remains of orchards and cultivation plots (c. 85 dunams) on slope northeast of a spur that descends toward Wādī es Sab‘a. The road (2.3 m wide), which runs between the cultivation plots and is delimited on both sides by curbstones, connects Tarqumiya with Idna. In the orchard at the top of the slope is a large stone heap covered by building remains. A building that was constructed recently next to the mound utilized stones from the heap. Nearby—a meticulously hewn winepress consisting of a treading ﬂoor (2.1×3.2 m, 0.35 m deep) and collecting vat (1.31×2.44 m, 0.8 m deep; partly covered with alluvium), linked by a channel (0.35 m long). Remains of plaster were observed on the collecting vat’s walls. In the orchard at the bottom of the slope is a wide stone wall oriented east–west (c. 55 m long, 1.2 m wide; preserved 1.0–1.6 m high) built of dressed stones, some of them with drafted margins and neatly chiseled. Apparently a corner was built at its eastern end. This may be a city wall around a settlement that was dismantled when the orchard was planted. Dressed ancient building stones are incorporated in the stone walls delimiting the orchards. Finds. Roman pottery (numerous potsherds—a scatter).

141* 154.2. Remains of orchards, walls and rock-hewn caves on slope descending southwest, toward Wādī es Sab‘a (map ref. OIG 14998 10872, NIG 19998 60872). The orchards are delimited by walls that incorporate rough-hewn building stones in their construction. Inside one of the orchards— building foundations(?). North of this orchard—two rock- hewn caves that served until recently as dwellings. Finds. Pottery: Byzantine (numerous ﬁnds—a scatter) and Ottoman (orchards and cave dwellings—agricultural activity).

155. 9–8/7 14980 10890 19980 60890 465 m asl Nahal Guvrin [147] Concentration of installations hewn in rock outcrops (c. 2 dunams) on slope descending southwest, east of Nahal Guvrin. On a large rock outcrop—a rock-hewn winepress (in the middle of a modern orchard) consisting of a treading floor (c. 2.6×3.7 m; cracked) and collecting vat (0.57×0.95 m; filled with alluvium) to its south. East of the winepress—four basins (diam. c. 0.4 m) and two cupmarks (diam. 0.18 m). According to the owner of the orchard a large dressed rock surface north of the winepress was used in the past as a threshing floor. West of the dressed surface—two large hewn basins (diam. c. 0.73 m, 0.45 m deep), linked by a hewn channel (0.37 m long).

156. 9–8/8 14948 10825 19948 60825 530 m asl Nahal Guvrin [148] Agricultural terraces (c. 10 dunams) on saddle east of Nahal Guvrin enclosed by stone walls built to a height of one meter; rough-hewn building stones are incorporated in their construction. Nearby—remains of a building, destroyed in recent years; the stones are consolidated in a pile.

157. 9–8/9 14905 10838 19905 60838 530 m asl Nahal Guvrin [149] Remains of a building and a pen on spur east of Nahal Guvrin. The building (c. 4×4 m) was destroyed when a modern road was paved. The pen (c. 6×8 m) is built of large ﬁeldstones; inside the pen—two large stone basins (diam. c. 0.75 m) that were used as troughs. Finds. Ottoman pottery.

158. 9–8/10 14988 10810 19988 60810 520 m asl Nahal Guvrin [150] Ruinous limekiln (currently ﬁlled with debris; of indeterminate dimensions) on spur east of Nahal Guvrin.

142* On the spur—modern agricultural terraces (c. 20 dunams) that include ancient walls in their construction.

159. 9–8/11 14940 10808 19940 60808 500 m asl Nahal Guvrin [151] Entrance to a hewn (burial?) cave (ﬁlled with collapse; entrance partly blocked) on slope descending north, east of Nahal Guvrin.

160. 9–8/12 14954 10868 19954 60868 430 m asl Nahal Guvrin [152] Ancient quarry on rocky slope descending toward a wadi draining into Nahal Guvrin. Negatives of stones (c. 0.45×0.70×0.85 m) and three columns (c. 1.5 m high) that were removed from the quarry (c. 8×10 m) were observed.

161. 9–8/13 14952 10895 19952 60895 430 m asl Nahal Guvrin [153] Rock-hewn cave and a pen on a constructed terrace next to Wādī es Sab‘a, which drains into Nahal Guvrin. The cave (c. 3×4 m; currently ﬁlled with soil) has a narrow opening hewn in the ceiling and a bench hewn in the northern wall. It apparently was used by local shepherds. In front of the cave—a ruinous pen (c. 6×7 m) whose walls are preserved two to three courses high. Finds. Ottoman pottery.

162. 0–7/1, 7 14064 10780 19064 60780 385 m asl Nahal Lakhish [124] 162.1. Remains of a rectangular building (8×10 m; a farmstead?) on spur running west, toward Nahal Lakhish. The building’s walls are constructed of two rows of worked stones with a core of small fieldstones. The walls (c. 1 m wide) are preserved to a height of three to five courses; the northern and western corners are preserved five courses high (c. 1 m). The building’s entrance (0.8 m wide) is set in the northeastern wall. Inside the building are remains of two walls (c. 0.55 m wide), one (c. 2 m long) extending from the southwestern wall and the other (1.8 m long) from the southeastern wall. Two large stone lintels (1.3 m long) lie on the ground east of the building. Next to the outside of the building’s northwestern wall—foundations (0.6–0.8 m wide) of three rooms (each 2.4×3.0 m); there may also have been another room to the south. Five meters north of the structure—a constructed wall (preserved for a length of 10 m) that includes a corner; it apparently bounded the rectangular structure or was part of an earlier structure. Thirty meters east of the building—a rock-hewn cave (3.0×4.5 m), whose entrance faces west. Inside the cave are remains of a charcoal kiln; at its front are piles of burnt waste.

143* At the southwest foot of the spur—agricultural terraces (c. 10 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Byzantine (numerous finds in the building remains including LRC III bowls and African Burnished Bowls), Mamluk (scanty finds—a scatter) and Ottoman (scanty finds in the vicinity of the cave—temporary occupation). 162.2. Remains of a building, a rock-hewn winepress, stone clearance heaps and agricultural terraces (c. 30 dunams) on hill north of Nahal Lakhish (map ref. OIG 14088 10783, NIG 19099 60783). Several of the building’s (c. 6.2×7.0 m) walls are incorporated in the walls of agricultural plots. Rough-hewn building stones are included in the eastern wall of the building. On the south slope of the hill—a rock-hewn winepress consisting of a treading floor (2.2×2.7 m) and collecting vat (0.6×1.1 m; filled with stone clearance). On the west bank of a wadi south of the hill—three shallow hewn basins (diam. 0.38– 0.47 m). Finds. Pottery: Iron II (scanty finds—a scatter) and Byzantine (numerous finds in the building remains). 163. 0–7/2 14010 10778 19010 60778 335 m asl Nahal Lakhish [125] Remains of a limekiln (diam. 3.6 m, 2.7 m deep) surrounded by heaps of debris in the upper reaches of a small wadi running west, toward Nahal Lakhish. Ten meters west of the kiln—piles of limestone building stones prepared for firing.

164. 0–7/3 14083 10724 19083 60724 365 m asl Nahal Lakhish [126] Remains of a large, well-preserved limekiln (diam. 5.3 m, 3.7 m deep), the lower part hewn in the rock and the upper part built of large ﬁeldstones, on saddle north of Nahal Lakhish. It is preserved to a height of seven courses. Part of the stokehole survives in the southwestern side of the kiln. Several layers of plaster, tinted light red by the ﬁring, coat the kiln walls. Around the kiln—piles of limestone building stones and gray waste.

165. 0–7/4 14090 10730 19090 60730 375 m asl Nahal Lakhish [127] Remains of a farmstead(?), a rock-hewn winepress and burial cave on spur extending southwest, north of Nahal Lakhish. Foundations of three buildings (4×4, 3×5; only two walls survive of the third building), illicitly excavated, were documented. A large courtyard (5×8 m) adjoins the eastern side of the rectangular building, whose stones were apparently taken for burning in the limekiln located to the southwest (see Site 164). Nearby—a large winepress hewn in a large rock surface, consisting of a treading ﬂoor (4×6 m, 0.4 m deep) and collecting vat (2×4 m, 0.6 m deep) linked by a channel (0.32 m) and another vat (1×2 m, 0.8 m deep), connected by a passage to the collecting vat. The sides of the second vat are coated with plaster containing ground potsherds.

144* Around the treading ﬂoor—remains of a single course of ashlar stones; only the northeastern corner is preserved. The burial cave, west of the winepress, consists of an oval chamber (7×8 m) with six hewn kokhim: three kokhim in the eastern wall (0.6×1.0 m) and one in the northern (0.8×2.15 m), western (2.0×2.8 m) and southern (1.0×2.8 m) walls. A stone supportive column (0.65×0.95 m) on which a rosette (diam. 0.47 m) is carved was left by the hewers in the cave’s center. The cave was later enlarged to the east and the kokhim in the eastern wall were remodeled into one large chamber; hooks and storage niches were hewn in the walls. On the cave walls—inscriptions in Arabic. Finds. Pottery: Roman (bowl fragments, cooking pots and jars in the building remains) and Byzantine (LRC III wares in the building remains).

166. 0–7/6, 8, 9 14054 10750 19054 60750 320 m asl Nahal Lakhish [129] 166.1. Remains of a building (c. 4×6 m; one or two courses survive) and agricultural terraces (c. 55 dunams) on moderate spur running southwest, north of Nahal Lakhish. South of the building remains—agricultural terraces and walls (0.6 m wide, 0.6–1.0 m) demarcating cultivation plots. Some of the terraces span a wadi south of the spur, where they extend over a greater area. 166.2. Remains of a watchman’s hut (diam. c. 6.7 m; the northwestern side survives) and rock-hewn basins on spur north of Nahal Lakhish (map ref. OIG 14048 10745, NIG 19048 60745). Around the hut—long, large ﬁeldstones (0.7–1.0 m in length). Southwest of the watchman’s hut—ﬁve basins (diam. 0.3–0.5 m) hewn in rock outcrops. North of the watchman’s hut—an ancient quarry (3×5 m). On the southwestern slope of the spur—agricultural terraces (c. 45 dunams). 166.3. Remains of agricultural terraces (c. 15 dunams) in valley extending south, toward Nahal Lakhish. Some of the agricultural terrace walls were used to delimit the cultivation plots.

167. 0–7/10 14014 10745 19014 60745 320 m asl Nahal Lakhish [222] Remains of an ancient road (2–4 m wide; c. 360 m long) flanked by curbstones, a winepress and basins on saddle north of Nahal Lakhish. The road apparently connected H. Hover [1] (Site 229.1) to Bet Guvrin. Near the road—a rock-hewn winepress consisting of a rhomboid treading floor (c. 4.2 sq m) and round collecting vat (diam. 0.93 m, c. 0.42 m deep; filled with debris) linked by a channel (0.52 m long). North of the winepress—two basins (diam. 0.42 m) hewn in a rock outcrop. On both sides of the saddle—agricultural terraces (c. 35 dunams).

145* 168. 0–7/11 14096 10767 19096 60767 404 m asl Nahal Lakhish [223] Large stone mound (diam. c. 4 m, c. 2 m high; cairn?) and rock cuttings on hill north of Nahal Lakhish. West of the mound—a shallow rock-hewn basin (diam. 0.62 m) and three cupmarks (diam. 0.18 m). In a wadi east of the site—agricultural terraces (c. 25 dunams). Finds. Byzantine pottery (several sherds—a scatter).

169. 0–7/12 14071 10752 19071 60752 355 m asl Nahal Lakhish [224] Entrance to a rock-hewn burial cave (currently blocked by alluvium) plundered many years ago by antiquities robbers on spur north of Nahal Lakhish. Next to the cave entrance—a rock-hewn rectangular basin (0.57×0.92 m, 0.22 m deep).

170. 0–7/13 14045 10772 19045 60772 345 m asl Nahal Lakhish [225] Remains of an agricultural terrace (c. 2 dunams) on slope descending southwest, toward Nahal Lakhish. A fragment of a square column (0.63 m high) and a column base are incorporated in the terrace’s wall. These architectural elements were probably taken from an anicent public building that once stood nearby.

171. 0–7/14 14003 10730 19003 60730 325 m asl Nahal Lakhish [226] Agricultural terraces delimited by stone walls, a winepress and a hewn pit on slope descending east, north of Nahal Lakhish. South of the agricultural terraces—a rock- hewn winepress consisting of a treading ﬂoor (2.3×2.7 m, c. 0.32 m deep) and collecting vat (mostly blocked by alluvium), linked by a through-hole. West of the winepress—a hewn pit (diam. 5 m, 1.5 m deep), probably a cave whose ceiling collapsed.

172. 0–7/15 14076 10705 19076 60705 355 m asl Nahal Lakhish [227] Remains of a building (4.0×4.2 m) and rock cuttings on slope descending south, north of Nahal Lakhish. Only the northwestern corner of the building survives; all that remains of the other building parts is a mound of stones. The entrance was in the southern wall. East of the building—a dressed rock outcrop (2.5×3.2 m) in which are hewn three basins (average diam. 0.42 m) and two cupmarks (diam. 0.22 m), linked by a narrow channel. Finds. Byzantine pottery (a few sherds in the building remains).

146* 173. 0–7/16 14030 10770 19030 60770 325 m asl Nahal Lakhish [228] Entrances to two rock-hewn caves (burial? currently blocked by alluvium) and basins on slope descending south, toward Nahal Lakhish. The caves were looted by antiquities robbers many years ago. North of the cave entrances—four basins hewn in rock outcrops.

174. 0–7/17 14067 10795 19067 60795 370 m asl Nahal Lakhish [229] Concentration of installations (c. 5 dunams) hewn in rock outcrops, some of them dressed, on slope descending northwest, north of Nahal Lakhish. Among them are two winepresses. The eastern winepress, mostly covered with alluvium, consists of a treading floor (c. 2.4×2.7 m) and collecting vat (c. 0.55×0.83 m; filled with stone clearance). The western winepress comprises a meticulously dressed treading floor (2.4×3.7 m, 0.44 m deep) from which a channel (0.32 m long) leads to a rectangular vat (0.55×0.82 m). A through-hole (diam. 0.1 m) in the southern wall of the vat leads to a collecting vat (0.85×1.50 m, filled with alluvium). North of the winepresses—five basins (diam. 0.32– 0.45 m); a dressed rock surface (2.2×2.8 m) that slopes to the northwest; two cupmarks (diam. c. 0.2 m); and a simple oil press (bodeda) consisting of a round treading floor (diam. 0.85 m) and collecting vat (diam. 0.47 m).

175. 1–7/1 14162 10785 19162 60785 375 m asl Kh. el Bâsha (S) Kh. el Bāshā (M) [1]; Kh. al Basha (M–1929) Settlement remains (c. 75 dunams) on northwest slope of spur: remains of buildings, some of which are built on agricultural terraces, caves used for a variety of purposes, cisterns, oil presses, charcoal kilns and winepresses. Several of the buildings are preserved to a height of four to six courses. Some of the buildings are arranged on streets, on a uniform contour line. An impressive section of a street (8 m long) paved with ﬂagstones is preserved in the northern part of the site. In the eastern part of the site are remains of a large building (church?); sections of several ashlar-built walls (1.2 m wide) are preserved. Stones dismantled from the building were used in the construction of a pen. A stone fence, which has ﬁnely combed ashlar stones incorporated in its construction, was built inside the pen and is preserved to a height of 1.4 m. Also inside the pen—a meticulously hewn cave comprising three small chambers (c. 2.6×3.0 m, 3.1 m high), whose entrance faces west. In the eastern chamber of the cave illicit excavations uncovered fragments of storage jars dated to the Roman period. Several engraved letters (inscription?) were discerned on the wall of the cave’s northern chamber; this cave was apparently used for storage. Nearby—a well-hewn burial cave with four burial kokhim in each of its walls and a dressed frame around each of their openings. Fragments of chalk ossuaries bearing carved circles and rosettes were discovered in front of the cave.

147* In the east portion of the site is an oil press, located in a hewn cave. Inside its central chamber (10×12 m) are a stone weight and stone crushing basin (diam. 2 m, 0.55 m deep) and surrounding the chamber are several rooms, where jars ﬁlled with oil were probably stored. East of the building remains—an oil press inside a building (5.7×6. 3 m) constructed from coarsely dressed stones, except for the corners, which were of ashlar construction: a stone basin (probably the oil press’s crushing basin; diam. 0.6 m) and a stone weight. Close to the building is a stone crushing basin (diam. 1.9 m, 0.37 m thick; depth of crushing surface 0.22 m) with a central recess for the beam’s axle, which turned the crushing stone. Construction remains are present outside the building. Near the oil press—a hewn winepress and two hewn basins (diam. 0.37 m). On the uppermost, southeastern part of the site are remains of construction. Merely the western wall (c. 5 m long) survives; it was meticulously built of ashlar stones (0.7–0.9×1.8–2.3 m) placed as headers and stretchers, apparently part of a public building. Nearby—a pen wall in which column fragments and a broken column base are incorporated. South of the wall is a basin (diam. 0.5 m) hewn in a rock surface. Nearby—a complex of rock-hewn bell-shaped caves, some of which have collapsed; these were apparently cisterns. Columbarium niches are hewn in one of the caves. In the large cave a support column was left in place by the hewers; it bears later inscriptions. In the western part of the site, next to remains of one of the buildings—a courtyard in front of a rock-hewn cave consisting of two chambers. A narrow entryway to a tunnel in the forechamber leads to a blocked cistern. West of the building remains—a rock-hewn cave with a long corridor (8 m long); on both sides of the corridor are openings to chambers (some have collapsed), some of which contain hewn columbarium niches. In one of the chambers (6.7×8.0 m) are remains of an oil press; pressing installations (some broken), a stone weight and several fragments of stone weights were recorded. Also west of the building remains—a sizable hewn cave with large rock-cut storage niches. A passage hewn at a later stage leads from the cave to a rock-hewn bell-shaped cistern with remains of several layers of plaster on its walls. A staircase descends to the cistern’s ﬂoor. Four Arabic letters are carved on the northern wall of the cistern. Northeast of the cave and the cistern—remains of two charcoal kilns. One kiln is located inside a burial cave that was enlarged by quarrying and the burial kokhim (originally four kokhim) connected. Nearby—three small rock-hewn caves, probably used recently by shepherds as seasonal dwellings. Illicit excavations were conducted in the caves. Subsequent archaeological excavations revealed that two of the caves served for burial and one was a columbarium cave. Northeast of the building remains—a rock-hewn burial cave (6×6 m) with four long kokhim (0.7×2.7 m, 0.68 m high) hewn in its eastern wall. On the southwestern slope of the spur—a rock-hewn cave with a square entrance (1.2×1.3 m) leading to a cruciform-shaped chamber (length of its extensions 8.85 m

148* and 13.52 m). There are 325 columbarium niches hewn in the chamber’s walls. On the floor of the cave is a large quantity of potsherds from the Roman period, particularly storage-jar fragments. An entrance (0.92 m wide) in the southwestern wall of the chamber leads to a rock-cut burial cave. In its central chamber (3×5 m) are 12 barrel- vaulted burial kokhim (1.8 m long), four in each side, in three of its walls. A neatly dressed strip runs along the edges of the ceiling. On the cave floor—fragments of ossuaries adorned with circular decorations and remains of red paint. On the southeastern slope of the spur—a burial cave consisting of a large chamber from which a passage leads to a burial chamber with twelve kokhim (0.65×2.1 m), and a corridor that leads to another burial chamber in which there are five kokhim (2.15 m long) surmounted by an ornate hewn cornice. On the slopes of the spur—agricultural terraces (c. 55 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Hellenistic (numerous finds in the settlement remains), Early Roman (Herodian period; settlement remains and burial caves), Late Roman and Byzantine (numerous finds in the settlement remains), Early Islamic (scanty finds spread over c. 25 dunams—a scatter), Mamluk (scanty finds—a scatter) and Ottoman (pens—temporary occupation). Conder and Kitchner 1881–1883, III:279; Ben Arieh 1960:278; IAA/Mandate Archives (File 161).

176. 1–7/2 14120 10735 19120 60735 375 m asl Nahal Lakhish [133] Rock-hewn bell-shaped cistern (6–7 m deep) on saddle, from which a wadi runs southwest, toward Nahal Lakhish. Deep grooves were worn in the cistern’s mouth (diam. 2.8 m) by the friction of ropes used to draw water. A hewn conduit leads from the slopes to the west to the cistern.

177. 1–7/3 14120 10733 19120 60733 375 m asl Nahal Lakhish [134] Three rock-hewn bell-shaped pits (4–6 m deep; diam. of the northern pit—8 m, the middle pit—6 m, the southern pit—4 m) on saddle from which a wadi runs southwest, toward Nahal Lakhish. The middle pit has collapsed and now serves as an entrance to the southern pit. All of the pits have a single opening from above. The pits were apparently chalk quarrys, similar to those in the area of Bet Guvrin. Ten meters east of the pits—a large dressed rock surface (6.7×8.0 m) inclining to the west in which seven cupmarks (diam. 0.17 m, 0.13 m deep) and two basins (diam. 0.45 m) are hewn, now ﬁlled with soil.

178. 1–7/4, 11, 14 14135 10720 19135 60720 414 m asl Râs Abu Haltam (S) [1] 178.1. Remains of a square fortress (c. 20×25 m) and building remains (c. 3 dunams) on a lofty hilltop overlooking large parts of the Shephelah. Walls partitioned the fortress

149* into rooms. In its center—a courtyard (6×8 m) with a central depression, apparently a cistern (presently blocked). The northeastern and southeastern walls of the fortress are built on a precipitous slope and retained by walls. Illicit excavations conducted in the fortress exposed wall segments (mostly 0.8–1.0 m wide) preserved two to three courses high, and architectural elements, among them lintels, thresholds, column fragments and column bases. The antiquities robbers smashed dozens of pottery vessels. Next to the fortress, to its southeast and southwest—remains of buildings and pens, of which mostly heaps of building stones survive. Two stone basins (diam. 0.6 m) and segments of lintels, one of which is adorned with a circular decoration, were discerned in the stone piles. On the western slope of the hill—remains of several rock-hewn caves whose ceilings collapsed. Two hundred meters southwest of the site—a hewn pit, apparently a cistern (presently mostly blocked). On the southern and eastern slopes of the hill—agricultural terraces (c. 26 dunams). In a wadi east of the hill—agricultural terrace walls (mostly c. 1 m wide) preserved to a height of three to five courses. Finds: Pottery: Roman (numerous finds in the fortress remains, including many large bowls and kraters) and Byzantine (numerous fragments of jars and LRC III bowls in the fortress remains). Conder and Kitchner 1881–1883, III:288. 178.2. Winepress, basins and a cave entrance hewn at the top of a valley running north. The winepress, on a fractured rock surface, consists of a treading floor (3.0×3.2 m, 0.38 m deep) and collecting vat (0.83×1.50 m). West of the winepress—three basins (diam. 0.38–0.44 m). North of the basins—the cave entrance (burial cave?). In the upper reaches of the valley—agricultural terraces (c. 25 dunams). 178.3. Foundations of a building (4.8×6.8 m), a quarry, cistern and cave on spur running northwest (map ref. OIG 14150 10755, NIG 19150 60755). Illicit excavations were conducted around the foundations. A stone threshold (1.2 m long) was observed in the northeastern part of the building. On the northeastern slope of the spur—a quarry (3×4 m). Near the quarry—a rock-hewn cistern (mostly blocked). On the northwestern slope of the spur—a rock-hewn cave; part of its ceiling has collapsed. Around the building foundations and on the northwestern slope of the spur—agricultural terraces (c. 20 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Iron II and Roman (scanty finds—a scatter) and Byzantine (scanty finds in the building remains and near the cistern).

179. 1–7/5 14150 10722 19150 60722 375 m asl Râs Abu Haltam (S) [2] Remains of a limekiln (diam. 3.2 m, 2.8 m deep) surrounded by heaps of gray debris in a wadi running north, east of Râs Abu Haltam [1].

150* 180. 1–7/6 14105 10750 19105 60750 407 m asl Nahal Lakhish [135] Settlement remains (c. 4.5 dunams) on high hilltop overlooking extensive parts of the Shephelah, including a view of numerous tells. In the center of the site—a cairn (diam. 10 m, 2–3 m high) that dominates the surrounding area and was built on remains of several buildings; its base was constructed of two to four stone courses above which smaller fieldstones and potsherds were piled. A wall (c. 35 m long, 0.6 m wide, 0.8 m high), built in a later period, crosses the cairn, traversing the top of the hill and continuing east. Around the cairn—remains of walls, corners of buildings and several scattered building stones. On a saddle northwest of the site—building remains, among them several walls and corners of a building; a few potsherds were gathered there. On the southern slope of the hill, hewn in a rock outcrop—three cupmarks (diam. 0.27 m, 0.22 m deep) and two basins (diam. 0.46 m). Finds. Pottery: EB II–III (numerous finds, including holemouth rims, jars and ledge handles—a scatter), Intermediate Bronze (scanty finds—a scatter) and Byzantine (scanty finds—a scatter).

181. 1–7/8 14178 10772 19178 60772 424 m asl Kh. el Bāshā (M) [2] Remains of a building partitioned into rooms (fortress? c. 1 dunam) on hilltop rising above a spur, southeast of Kh. el Bāshā [1]. The foundations of the building (c. 30×30 m) are constructed of two rows of large stones (0.85 m long) and the corners are of ashlars. The entrance (1.3 m wide) was set in the southern wall. Two large rooms (the western room 7×13 m, the eastern—7×17 m) abut the southern wall of the building, which was entered via the eastern room. Two small rooms built of rough-hewn stones in header- and-stretcher technique abut the building’s eastern wall. The southern room (3.8×5.0 m) is preserved to a height of several courses and only part of the northern room’s foundations survive. Next to the building’s external western wall are remains of a courtyard delimited by adjoining, upright monolithic stones. Numerous architectural elements, including fragments of thresholds and lintels, column drums and fragments of column bases are scattered inside the building and in its vicinity. Southeast of the building—a stone wall (c. 100 m long, 0.55 m wide) built on the top of the spur, apparently part of a paved road that led to the building. Twenty meters northeast of the building—two rock-hewn cisterns 8 m apart; one of the cisterns is partially blocked. The building provides a lookout over the Roman road that runs toward the Hevron Hills (see Sites 11, 86.2, 192, 258.2, 261,542, 548.2, 660, 786). On the eastern and southern slopes of the spur—agricultural terraces (c. 20 dunams). Finds. Hellenistic and Roman pottery (numerous ﬁnds in the building remains).

151* 182. 1–7/9 14124 10789 19124 60789 345 m asl Kh. el Bāshā (M) [3] Five burial caves hewn in the southwestern slope of a hill, northwest of Kh. el Bāshā [1]. The caves were looted by antiquities robbers. Today only the southern cave (2×3 m, 1.8 m high) can be accessed (the remaining caves are blocked with alluvium). Six burial kokhim are hewn in three of the cave’s walls, two in each wall. Outside the caves are piles of soil debris, deposited by the robbers. Finds. Roman pottery and glass (numerous sherds and a decorated fragment of a glass bottle—burial site).

183. 1–7/10 14122 10701 19122 60701 375 m asl Nahal Lakhish [137] Rock-hewn burial cave on spur running southwest, toward Nahal Lakhish. The cave (dimensions of the entrance 1.2×1.4 m) is partly blocked with soil. It was dug by antiquities robbers; further illicit excavations were carried out nearby in an attempt to locate additional caves. Finds. Roman pottery (burial site).

184. 2–7/1; 1–7/12, 13 14216 10710 19216 60710 443 m asl Nahal Lakhish [142] 184.1. Remains of a large cairn, rock cuttings and a wall on hilltop commanding a view in all directions, north of Nahal Lakhish. The cairn (diam. 10 m, 4 m high) was built of medium-sized fieldstones and delimited by a wall preserved only on the western and eastern sides to a height of four to five courses. West of the cairn, in a rock outcrop—a rectangular quarry (0.7×1.1 m, 0.8 m deep). Five meters south of the cairn—a dressed rock surface (2.5×3.2 m, 0.4 m deep). A fieldstone wall (0.7 m wide; preserved five to seven courses high) that traverses the hill from east to west passes near the northern side of the cairn, forming a corner, and continues south. On the eastern slope of the hill—a rock-hewn cave (3.2×5.0 m). On the western slope of the hill—a rock-hewn cave whose ceiling has collapsed. Finds. Byzantine pottery (numerous sherds—a burial site). 184.2. Winepress, stone clearance heaps and agricultural terraces (c. 34 dunams) on spur running northwest, north of Nahal Lakhish (map ref. OIG 14192 10720, NIG 19192 60720). The winepress consists of an oval treading floor (2.2×3.6 m, 0.32 m deep) and round collecting vat (diam. 0.55 m; filled with stone clearance). 184.3. Remains of a building and a watchman’s hut on spur running northwest, north of Nahal Lakhish (map ref. OIG 14195 10750, NIG 19195 60750). Only the western and southern walls of the building (c. 5×6 m) survive; apparently most of the building’s stones were dismantled for the construction of the agricultural terrace walls. East of the building—remains of the watchman’s hut (3×3 m). All that survives is a large pile of

152* stones on the eastern side, including several dressed stones that may be steps leading to the hut. On the spur—stone fences (0.5–0.6 m wide) preserved two to five courses high that probably delineated cultivation plots. On the eastern slope of the spur—a rock-hewn winepress consisting of a treading floor (3.2×4.3 m), on which there are plaster remains, and collecting vat (1.5×2.1 m; filled with stone clearance). A basin (1.4×1.6, c. 0.33 m deep) hewn in the treading floor appears to be incomplete. On the northern part of the spur—three rock-hewn basins (diam. 0.35–0.50 m). On the slopes of the spur—agricultural terraces (c. 45 dunams). Finds. Byzantine pottery (numerous sherds—related to the building remains and agricultural activity).

185. 2–7/2 14265 10730 19265 60730 345 m asl Nahal Lakhish [143] Remains of a farmstead(?) (c. 10 dunams) on raised terrace in wadi running northwest, north of Nahal Lakhish: remains of two buildings (2.5×3.0, 4×4 m) constructed of large fieldstones (preserved four courses high) and a rectangular courtyard (4×5 m) delimited by a wall, of which only the foundations (0.65 m wide) survive, abutting the eastern side of the larger building. East of the buildings—a cultivation plot (c. 60×100 m) on a low terrace, probably enclosed by a stone fence. In the southern part of the cultivation plot—a rock-hewn bell-shaped cistern (diam. 1.4 m, 3 m deep; part of its ceiling collapsed) whose mouth is lined with dressed stones. Three meters west of the cistern—a depression in the ground (another collapsed cistern?). Retaining walls four to five courses high are visible in the plot. To its south—four cupmarks (diam. 0.25 m, 0.17 m deep) and two round basins (diam. 0.6 m, 0.26 deep) hewn in a rock surface. Some 2.5 m south of the rock surface—seven basins (diam. 0.46 m, c. 0.3 m deep) hewn in a row. North of the cultivation plot—a rock-hewn burial cave containing three kokhim; its entrance faces southeast. The cave was plundered in the past and is difficult to enter. Between two of the buildings—remains of a large charcoal kiln (diam. 2.5 m, 1.5 m deep); near the opening is a gray soil stain, remaining from the kiln debris. On the northern and southern slopes of the wadi—agricultural terraces (c. 45 dunams). Finds. Byzantine pottery (numerous sherds).

186. 2–7/3 14250 10750 19250 60750 325 m asl Nahal Lakhish [144] Limekiln (diam. 3 m, 3.2 m deep) and a charcoal kiln in a wadi north of Nahal Lakhish. The upper part of the limekiln is built of four ﬁeldstones courses and the lower part is rock-hewn. Around the limekiln—piles of grayish-white waste. The charcoal kiln is

153* inside a hewn cave (1.4×2.0 m) west of the limekiln. Piles of black debris surround the charcoal kiln. One hundred meters south of the site—a ruinous limekiln (1.4 m deep) ﬁlled with soil debris.

187. 2–7/4 14222 10760 19222 60760 340 m asl Kh. el Bāshā (M) [4] Remains of a building and a limekiln in small wadi running north, east of Kh. el Bāshā [1]. The building (c. 2.6×3.0 m) is constructed from fieldstones; some of the walls (0.45 m wide) are preserved three courses high. Several building stones are scattered around the remains. Nearby—a limekiln (diam. 3.6 m, 2.1 m deep), its upper part built of six courses of worked stones and its lower portion rock-hewn; remains of grayish red plaster coat the outer walls of the kiln. The building’s stones were apparently used as raw material for burning in the limekiln. Nearby—an agricultural terrace with a palm tree growing on it. Finds. Pottery: Byzantine (numerous finds in the building remains) and Ottoman (scanty finds—a scatter).

188. 2–7/5 14276 10765 19276 60765 350 m asl H. Bet Loya [4] Agricultural terraces (c. 35 dunams) in wadi running west, southwest of H. Bet Loya [1]. The well-preserved terrace walls (40–60 m long, 0.8–1.2 m wide), some of them standing to a height of eight courses, span the wadi from one bank to the other. Apparently the plots were cultivated and maintained over the years and therefore the walls are well-preserved. In the wadi—rock cuttings (ancient quarries?). Finds. Roman and Byzantine pottery (numerous ﬁnds—a scatter).

189. 2–7/6 14240 10724 19240 60724 380 m asl Kh. el Bāshā (M) [5] Remains of a farmstead(?), a quarry and rock-hewn installations on a leveled terrace on the northeastern slope of a hill, southeast of Kh. el Bāshā [1]: remains of a building (3.6×6.0 m) built of medium-sized fieldstones (width of walls 0.7 m) preserved to a height of two to three courses. The building’s entryway (0.9 m wide), on the northeastern side, has a large stone threshold and stone lintels preserved in situ. Scattered around the building—dressed stones and two corner stones (1 m long). Twelve meters east of the remains is a quarry (8×14 m). North of the building remains—a rock-hewn winepress consisting of a treading floor (1.4×2.6 m, 0.35 m deep) and collecting vat (mostly filled with alluvium). Six meters west of the winepress—three basins (diam. 0.35 m, 0.22 m deep), 0.8 m apart, hewn in an inclined rock surface and a shallow channel that leads to each of them.

154* On the slope—agricultural terraces (c. 30 dunams). Finds. Byzantine pottery (numerous sherds).

190. 2–7/7 14285 10741 19285 60741 350 m asl H. Bet Loya [5] Remains of a limekiln, a quarry and rock cuttings in small wadi running west, south of H. Bet Loya [1]. The limekiln (diam. 3 m, 1 m deep) protrudes c. 1.4 above the surface; stone clearance and soil debris have accumulated on the ﬂoor. Severance channels and several stones that were left in place are visible in a nearby quarry (3×5 m). East of the kiln—three entrances to burial caves(?) (c. 0.8×1.1 m; currently blocked) hewn in a rock outcrop.

191. 2–7/8 14245 10797 19285 60797 350 m asl H. Bet Loya [6] Remains of a limekiln (diam. 3.8 m, 2.7 m deep) and rock cuttings on slope descending west, west of H. Bet Loya [1]. Around the limekiln are piles of debris and a pile of building stones, prepared for ﬁring. Some 20 m south of the kiln—three cupmarks (diam. 0.17 m) hewn in a dressed surface (3.4×7.0 m) on a rock outcrop; a square basin (0.7×0.7 m, 0.4 m deep) surrounded by a hewn channel are hewn into a higher part of the outcrop. In the wadi north of the site—agricultural terraces (c. 40 dunams) whose walls (1.1 m wide) are preserved to a height of two to ﬁve courses. Southwest of the site—remains of a building (c. 3.6×5.0 m) and agricultural terraces (c. 10 dunams). A few of the building’s walls survive and stone clearance is piled on the remaining portion of the structure. Some of the well-preserved agricultural terrace walls were also used to delimit farming plots.

192. 2–7/9 14220 10780 19220 60780 325 m asl Nahal Maresha [103] Remains of an ancient road on a constructed terrace on south bank of wadi running northwest, toward Nahal Maresha. The road (5–6 m wide), passing 8 m above the wadi bed, is retained by a wall built of dressed stones. Next to the road are seven milestones, some of them broken. This is apparently Mile IV on the road that led from Bet Guvrin to the Hevron Hills (see Sites 11, 85, 86.2, 258.2, 261, 542, 548.1, 660, 786). The road is preserved in its entirety for a distance of 1635 m between Miles III (see Site 11) and IV. Also preserved next to the milestones is a square stone with a square, central recess, on which the milestone was placed. The road was paved during the Roman period and apparently continued to be used in Byzantine times. Finds. Roman and Byzantine pottery. Thomsen 1917:81; Roman Roads Near Bet Guvrin. HA 50 (1974):16–17 (Hebrew); Roll and Dagan 1988.

155* 193. 3–7/1 14330 10748 19330 60748 395 m asl H. Shem Tov [2] Burial cave entrances at the top of the eastern slope of a hill, west of H. Shem Tov [1]; the caves were exposed in the past by antiquities robbers. Today it is difficult to discern the entrances due to work conducted with mechanical equipment and they are primarily apparent as depressions in the ground. East of the site—a rock-hewn winepress consisting of a treading floor (3×3 m) and collecting vat (filled with alluvium) to its west. Finds. Roman and Byzantine pottery (in the vicinity of the burial caves).

194. 3–7/2, 8, 9, 10 14391 10750 19391 60750 420 m asl H. Shem Tov [1] Kh. Teiyibat el Ism (M) 194.1. Remains of an extensive settlement (c. 100 dunams) on hill. Perennial springs in the wadi north of the hill supplied water to the settlement; today wells are built over the springs and they are surrounded by stone troughs and rock cuttings. Among the antiquities documented at the site: remains of several buildings; lines of walls; scattered building stones; twelve cisterns; numerous rock-hewn caves, among them storage caves, columbarium caves that were originally cisterns and burial caves; recent pens; remains of orchards; and agricultural terrace walls. The hilltop is circumscribed by a wall (c. 15 dunams) preserved four to eight courses high that may originally have been a city wall enclosing an Early Bronze Age settlement. The settlement apparently later expanded beyond the wall and the wall supported an agricultural terrace. On the hilltop are remains of a large public building, of which parts of its walls and the southeastern corner are preserved; the remains are covered today by cacti. The building’s location and its construction plan indicate that it may have been a church. On the southern part of the hilltop—a rock-hewn cave with a staircase descending to the ﬂoor containing several chambers, and a tunnel branching out from one of them to another complex of chambers where there is a bell-shaped cistern with hewn columbarium niches in its walls. On the eastern part of the hill—a rock-hewn cave consisting of a complex of chambers that does not resemble the caves known from the Shephelah. Its purpose is unclear and its may have been a quarry. Short, narrow tunnels are hewn in the cave’s western wall. In the cave’s main chamber are traces of later use, among them rock-cut niches, hooks for suspending objects and masonry walls. Fifteen meters east of the cave is an entrance to another hewn cave containing a series of three interconnected chambers. From these chambers a passageway leads to a bell-shaped cistern; after use of the cistern ceased columbarium niches were hewn in its walls. Another cistern in the cave also contains hewn columbarium niches. Narrow, well-hewn tunnels in the cave walls lead to other parts of the cave.

156* On the northern slope of the hill—an impressively hewn and well-preserved circular columbarium cave (diam. 8 m) divided by partitions into four quarters with 135 hewn columbarium niches. On the western slope of the hill—a rock-hewn cave with niches for oil lamps cut in its walls. A cross incised in the wall was defaced by later carvings. Several columbarium niches are hewn in the cave’s northern wall. In the eastern wall is a hewn niche (apse?) and basin, indicating that the cave may have served as a chapel. Nearby—a rock-hewn cave with columbarium niches and remains of an oil press, including well preserved pressing installations. On the southern slope of the hill a rock-hewn burial cave was exposed during the construction of a road. Other burial caves were recorded on the western and northern slopes. In a wadi south of the site—agricultural terraces with retaining walls built in header- and-stretcher technique preserved in part to a height of three to five courses. Near the agricultural terraces—three rock-hewn winepresses and a square rock cutting (0.6×0.8 m, 0.6 m deep) surrounded by several small niches (diam. 8 cm, 10 cm deep). In the valleys surrounding the site—fertile agricultural tracts in which remains of agricultural terraces (c. 120 dunams) are visible. Finds. Pottery: EB I (numerous finds spread over c. 20 dunams in the settlement remains), EB II (scanty remains spread over c. 25 dunams—a scatter), EB III (numerous finds spread over c. 25 dunams in the settlement remains), Persian (numerous finds spread over c. 12 dunams in the settlement remains), Hellenistic (scanty finds spread over c. 5 dunams—a scatter), Roman and Byzantine (numerous finds spread over c. 32 dunams in the settlement remains) and Ottoman (pens and the remains of an orchard— temporary occupation). Saarisalo 1931:102–103; Ilan 1975; Tepper and Shahar 1987c (Tepper and Shahar drew a plan of the site and surveyed the caves). 194.2. Remains of a building (3.4×5.0 m) and rock-hewn installations at the foot of the south slope of the hill on which H. Shem Tov [1] is situated (map ref. OIG 14393 10715, NIG 19393 60715). Merely the northwestern corner survives; the building’s stones were probably taken for use in constructing retaining walls and walls enclosing farming plots. East of the building—a rock-hewn winepress consisting of a treading floor (2.2×2.4 m) and collecting vat (0.7×1.0 m; filled with stone clearance). East of the winepress—three basins (diam. 0.48 m) hewn in rock outcrops. At the foot of the slope and in the valley to its south—agricultural terraces (c. 12 dunams). Finds. Byzantine pottery (numerous sherds in the building remains). 194.3. Remains of a paved road (c. 140 m long) on the southwestern slope of the hill on which H. Shem Tov [1] is located (map ref. OIG 14357 10722, NIG 19357 60722).

157* The road is ﬂanked by curbstones and walls, which also serve as boundaries for the cultivation plots (c. 10 dunams) alongside the road. 194.4. Remains of a building and a rock-hewn winepress next to a wadi, southwest of H. Shem Tov [1] (map ref. OIG 14334 10715, NIG 19334 60715). All that survive of the building is its southeastern corner and several rough-hewn building stones. Apparently the rest of the building stones were incorporated in the construction of agricultural terrace walls to the west of the building remains. West of the building—a rock-hewn winepress consisting of a treading ﬂoor (2.2×2.4 m) and collecting vat (diam. 0.55 m). On the slope west of the site—agricultural terraces (c. 20 dunams).

195. 3–7/3 14365 10785 19365 60785 380 m asl H. Bet Loya [12] Remains of two burial caves hewn in chalk rock in a wide valley east of H. Bet Loya [1]. The caves, 20 m apart, were discovered during the construction of a road and were excavated by J. Naveh in 1962. The southern cave is similar in plan to the burial caves of the First Temple period. A corridor leads to two burial chambers with hewn benches running the length of the walls; on the benches were bones. Metal objects, a bronze ring and an earring, were found on two of the skeletons. Fragments of a krater were discovered inside the cave and a juglet from the Persian period was exposed near the cave entrance. The singularity of the cave lies in the carvings on its walls, among them two sailboats and images of a person with a harp, a person praying and a person wearing a headdress. Several inscriptions were also discerned—three large ones and a few small ones. One of and therefore the cave is referred to as ’אלוהי ירשלם‘ the inscriptions includes the words ‘the Jerusalem cave’. The northern cave has a rectangular chamber with stairs that descend to its ﬂoor; potsherds dating to the Persian period were discovered in the cave. Today the caves are open; the ancient remains inside them were not preserved. The excavator dated the caves to Iron Age II (eighth century BCE) and the Persian period. F.M. Cross, who examined the inscriptions, believes the caves date to the seventh–sixth centuries BCE. Hebrew Inscriptions in the “Jerusalem” Cave, HA 2 (1962):4–5 (Hebrew); Naveh 1963:74–92; Cross 1970:301–306.

196. 3–7/5 14390 10797 19390 60797 400 m asl H. Zohar [2] Remains of two burial caves, c. 80 m apart, hewn in a spur that extends to the west, west of H. Zohar. The caves were dug in the past by antiquities robbers. The southern cave contains a burial chamber (2×3 m); hewn in both the northern and southern walls is a vaulted kokh; remains of bones were discovered in one of the kohkim. Bones and potsherds are scattered on the cave’s ﬂoor. Other illicit excavations were discovered nearby and may have been conducted in other burial caves located in the area. Finds. Byzantine pottery.

158* 197. 3–7/7 14310 10722 19310 60722 370 m asl H. Bet Loya [7] Well-preserved rock-hewn winepress on south slope of hill, south of H. Bet Loya: a treading floor (2.8×3.4 m, 0.35 m deep) and collecting vat (1.2×1.4 m, 0.6 m deep), linked by a channel. Remains of plaster coat the walls of the collecting vat. Some 0.6 m north of the treading floor—three shallow hewn depressions (diam. 1 m) and channels leading from them to the treading floor. It is possible that the grapes were placed in these depressions prior to treading and the must that collected there flowed onto the treading floor. Some 1.2 m west of the winepress—four deep rock-hewn basins (diam. 0.55 m, 0.40 m deep). Toward the top of the slope—stone clearance heaps and remains of two watchman’s huts. On the slopes are two walls oriented north–south that continue to the wadi at the foot of the slope, preserved to a height of 0.6 m; next to them are fallen stones. The walls apparently enclosed agricultural plots. On the slope near the winepress—agricultural terraces (c. 40 dunams) with walls preserved to a height of two to four courses.

198. 3–7/11 14355 10795 19355 60795 400 m asl H. Bet Loya [9] Cultivation plots delimited by ﬁeldstone fences on a slope east of H. Bet Loya [1]. The fences incorporate ancient architectural elements in their construction.

199. 3–7/12 14310 10773 19310 60773 375 m asl H. Bet Loya [10] Stone walls in wadi running west, south of H. Bet Loya [1], that apparently demarcated agricultural terraces (c. 20 dunams). On the slope of the wadi—several entrances to rock-hewn caves looted many years ago by antiquities robbers.

200. 3–7/13 14305 10708 19305 60708 340 m asl H. Bet Loya [11] Rock-hewn winepress, a quarry and basins on south slope of hill, south of H. Bet Loya [1]. The winepress, mostly covered with alluvium, consists of a treading ﬂoor (0.52 m deep in its northwestern corner) and collecting vat to its south. East of the winepress—a building-stone quarry (1.0×1.6 m). North of the winepress—two basins (diam. 0.30–0.37 m, 0.17 m deep) hewn in a rock outcrop. Most of the slope is covered with agricultural terraces (c. 35 dunams).

201. 3–7/14 14370 10774 19370 60774 375 m asl H. Shem Tov [6] Square compound (c. 60×70 m; pen?) enclosed by a ﬁeldstone fence in wadi north of H. Shem Tov [1].

159* On the slope north of the site—seven or eight burial caves plundered by antiquities robbers and agricultural terraces (c. 25 dunams).

202. 4–7/1, 9, 10 14440 10788 19440 60788 450 m asl H. Zohar [1] Kh. el Beida (M) 202.1. Ruinous settlement (c. 65 dunams) on moderate slope descending south: building remains and courtyards built of dressed stones, retaining walls, cisterns, rock-hewn installations, oil presses and rock-hewn caves—columbarium caves, cave dwellings and burial caves—containing quarries, basins, troughs and vaults. The settlement was constructed on terraces; some of the terrace walls also served as walls for the buildings. Fragments of finely dressed doorjambs, thresholds and a lintel (1.24 m long) decorated with incised circles were observed in the walls of the later buildings. Remains of orchards are visible along the fringes of the settlement. The ancient remains were damaged when buildings and animal pens were erected in a later phase. The site was also severely damaged by illicit excavations conducted after 1967. Remains in the higher reaches of the site were damaged when a road was paved and the area was leveled. Three of the cisterns are preserved with their capstones in place. Two of these can be accessed via rock-hewn steps. A cross and several Greek letters are engraved in the wall of the northernmost cistern. In the settlement’s center—a well-preserved rock-hewn cave that was originally used as an oil press and subsequently adapted for use as a dwelling. A cutting in the eastern cave wall resembles a pressing installation. Later, the cave was hewn into a single large cavity (6×12 m). The cave is fronted by a wall built of rough-hewn stones in which ancient lintel stones are incorporated. On the eastern side of the settlement antiquities robbers exposed a building containing an oil press. Inside are stone weights and a crushing stone and several meters to its south is a stone crushing basin (diam. 1.84 m). East of the settlement remains—two rock-hewn columbarium caves (map ref. OIG 14450 10800, NIG 19450 60800). Niches in the walls were damaged by later quarrying. West of the settlement—remains of a rock-hewn cistern (diam. of floor c. 6.2 m, depth 8.3 m) with a top opening (diam. c. 3 m) and steps leading to the floor; it was apparently filled with water that drained from the roofs of nearby buildings. In a later phase, after use of the cistern ceased, some 200 columbarium niches were hewn inside of it. Southeast of the settlement—two rock-hewn cisterns (map ref. OIG 14437 10796, NIG 19437 60796). Capstones of hard limestone (diam. 1.5 m), each with a square central drawing hole, top the cisterns. Grooves on the sides formed by the wear of the ropes used to draw water. Cracks in the cisterns’ walls are filled with plaster remains. Nearby, to the south—additional well-preserved cisterns. On the hilltop north of the settlement—a rock-hewn burial cave containing two kokhim (1.6 m long); its entrance faces east. In a later phase further hewing altered its original plan.

160* On the eastern fringes of the settlement—remains of an orchard (c. 6 dunams) delimited by a stone fence (preserved 0.6–1.0 m high). Inside the orchard are rock-hewn cisterns, currently in use. Ancient building stones were reused in the construction of the fence that delimits the orchard. Nearby are two well-preserved winepresses of similar dimensions, hewn in rock surfaces sloping south: a treading floor (3.4×4.0 m, 0.6 m deep) and collecting vat (1.2×3.0 m, 1.5 m deep), and dressed rock surfaces above the treading floors in which shallow channels are cut that lead to the floors. Nearby, to the west—four basins (diam. 0.35 m) hewn in a row in a rock surface next to a fieldstone wall with a corner preserved to a height of two courses; this is probably an industrial installation that was enclosed by a wall. East of the site—agricultural terraces (c. 40 dunams). Southeast of the site—agricultural terraces and cultivation plots delimited by stone fences (c. 60 dunams). In a wadi descending from the site to the south—an impressive system of dams. Finds. Pottery: Hellenistic (numerous finds, including imported vessels, in the settlement remains), Roman and Byzantine (numerous finds in the settlement remains) and Mamluk (several decorated sherds—a scatter). 202.2. Remains of a building (c. 4.6×7.0 m), cave opening, winepress and dressed rock surface on slope descending south, south of the settlement (map ref. OIG 14428 10765, NIG 19428 60765). Two of the building’s corners and its western wall survive. Parts of the building were apparently dismantled in order to construct agricultural terrace walls in the vicinity. East of the building—a cave opening (currently partly blocked). West of the building—a rock-hewn winepress consisting of a treading floor (c. 2.4×3.2 m; traversed by a wall) and collecting vat covered by a stone clearance heap. Next to the winepress—a dressed rock surface (diam. c. 7 m; threshing floor?). East and west of the building remains—farming plots (c. 20 dunams) enclosed by stone fences. Finds. Early and late Byzantine pottery (numerous finds in the vicinity of the building remains and in the farming plots). 202.3. Hewn cistern and a quarry in valley descending south, east of the settlement remains (map ref. OIG 14480 10795, NIG 19480 60795). The cistern (diam. of mouth 0.73 m, c. 3 m deep) is currently dry; grooves formed in its mouth by the friction of ropes used to draw water. East of the cistern—a quarry (2×4 m). On both sides of the valley—agricultural terraces (c. 30 dunams).

203. 4–7/2 14445 10703 19445 60703 325 m asl Rasm el Beida (M) [1] Settlement remains (c. 7 dunams) at foot of slope that descends south. Perennial springs issue from the bed of a wadi to the south. Remains at the site were severely damaged by illicit excavations conducted over the course of many years. These excavations exposed sections of walls and building foundations. Building stones, some of them coarsely

161* dressed, are scattered amongst the building remains. In the upper part of the site is a large stone threshold (1.65 m long), as well as lintels hewn from hard limestone that is probably indigenous to the area of the Hevron Hills. Rock-hewn caves containing oil presses were documented inside the settlement and along its fringes. Scattered among the settlement remains—parts of an oil press, including grooved monolithic piers (betulot) and two round stone weights (diam. 0.5 m) with a tying hole. Also at the site—twelve rock-hewn caves, including columbarium caves, bell-shaped cisterns and burial caves, some of which were plundered. Hewing carried out in several of the caves over the years altered their original use. In the last phase of the caves’ use narrow passages that connected them to extensive subterranean complexes were hewn. A large cross is deeply carved (6 cm) in the wall of one of the bell-shaped cisterns dating to the settlement phase. The arms of the cross (length of the central arm 0.4 m) are bifurcated at their ends. Opposite the cross is a Greek inscription comprising 17 letters; α (alpha), φ (theta) and ψ (psi) were identified, the remaining letters are illegible. West of the settlement remains—a rock-hewn burial cave with two kokhim (1.2 m long) hewn in the entrance that were probably cut after the kokhim inside the burial chamber had filled up. The cave consists of a square chamber (3×3 m) with three burial kokhim (1.65 m long) hewn in each of the northern, eastern and southern walls. Hewn above the openings of the kokhim are lovely cornices. Ossuary fragments, some of them bearing decoration, are scattered on the cave floor and outside of it. East of the settlement remains—an extensive complex of caves, including a cistern, a columbarium cave and a splendid oil press, complete with all of the accompanying installations and storage chambers. South of the site—remains of an ancient road in a wadi, damaged when a modern road was paved. An impressive section of the road, delimited by curbstones, is preserved for a distance of c. 150 m southeast of the settlement remains. This road probably linked H. Zohar to Idna, and branched off from the Roman road that connected Bet Guvrin to the Hevron Hills (see Site 192). East of the site, further up the wadi slopes—agricultural terraces (c. 100 dunams) that have recently been brought back into use. Finds. Pottery: Hellenistic (numerous finds in the settlement remains), Roman (scant finds—a scatter) and Byzantine (numerous finds in the settlement remains). Tepper and Shahar 1987d (the authors surveyed the caves at the site and mapped some of them).

204. 4–7/3, 7, 8 14440 10735 19440 60735 435 m asl Rasm el Beida (M) [2] 204.1. Remains of a building (5×6 m) on hill north of Rasm el Beida [1]. The entrance (1.3 m wide) is in the southern wall. The walls (0.8 m wide) are preserved to a height of two to ﬁve courses. A courtyard (6×10 m) enclosed by a wall built in part with large

162* stones (several 0.6–0.7 m high) abuts the eastern side of the building. A few years ago the site was prepared for cultivation and the remains were consolidated into heaps. Surrounding the site, especially on its eastern side, are cultivation plots, mostly delimited by stone fences, and ancient agricultural terraces (c. 35 dunams) that are also currently in use. Finds. Pottery: Hellenistic (scant finds—a scatter) and Byzantine (numerous finds in the building remains, including fragments of roof tiles). 204.2. On a hill northeast of Rasm el Beida [1] (map ref. OIG 14465 10746, NIG 19465 60746)—a winepress, charcoal kiln, quarry, rock cuttings and stone fence. The winepress is hewn on the southern slope of the hill and consists of a treading floor (3.2×4.2 m) and collecting vat (an agricultural terrace wall is built over it). West of the winepress—a charcoal kiln inside a cave that may have originally been used for burial. In front of the cave—ashes and charcoal debris. On the northern slope of the hill—a quarry (3×5 m) and two stone masses that were probably quarried from it. Also on the northern slope of the hill—six basins (0.36–0.55 m) and two cupmarks hewn in rock outcrops. A stone fence (c. 700 m long) built to a height of one meter traverses the hill from north to south. Two finely crafted hard limestone columns (1.45 m long, diam. 0.47 m; limestone indigenous to the Hevron Hills) are incorporated in the fence; the upper part of the northern column is adorned with a plain capital. On the hill—agricultural terraces (c. 45 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Iron II (scant finds—a scatter) and Byzantine (numerous finds—a scatter). 204.3. Remains of an orchard and agricultural terraces in wadi running southwest, northwest of Rasm el Beida [1] (map ref. OIG 14424 10718, NIG 19424 60718). The orchard (c. 30×60 m) is enclosed by a stone fence; only a few sections survive. The agricultural terrace (c. 12 dunams) walls are built to a height of three to five courses. Finds. Ottoman pottery.

205. 4–7/4 14464 10774 19464 60774 395 m asl H. Zohar [4] Rock-hewn cistern (c. 5 m deep) on north bank of wadi running toward Nahal Maresha. A hewn conduit conveys runoff to the cistern’s mouth from an area of c. 5 dunams. It was recently renovated by the landowner of the surrounding area and a cover was constructed on top of it. Nearby—another rock-hewn cistern (currently ruinous state). North of the cistern—a winepress hewn in a rock surface, consisting of a treading ﬂoor (1.4×2.1 m, 0.4 m deep) and collecting vat (0.45×0.66 m, 1.1 m deep), linked by a through-hole (0.35 m long). South of the cistern—remains of a paved road (c. 2.4 m wide) ﬂanked by curbstones. In the vicinity of the cistern—agricultural terraces (c. 50 dunams).

163* 206. 4–7/5 14498 10765 19498 60765 440 m asl H Zohar [5] Caves, installations and stone clearance heaps on small spur running west, southeast of H Zohar [1]. On the top of the spur—rock-hewn burial caves plundered by antiquities robbers. Nearby—a rock-hewn bell-shaped cave whose opening faces south. On the southern slope of the spur is a winepress hewn in a rock surface: a treading ﬂoor (2.4×3.0 m) and collecting vat (0.9×1.7 m, 0.8 m deep) to its south, linked by a channel. Ten meters west of the winepress—two rock-hewn basins (diam. 0.45 m, 0.35 m deep). Four meters south of the basins—three conical cupmarks (max. diam. 0.2 m, 0.18 m deep) hewn in a rock terrace that slopes sharply to the south. Nearby—stone clearance heaps. Remains (of a building?) that include a corner preserved two to three courses high are visible beneath one of the heaps. Finds. Roman and Byzantine pottery (in the vicinity of the burial caves).

207. 4–7/6 14462 10728 19462 60728 410 m asl Rasm el Beida (M) [3] Agricultural terraces and farming plots (c. 20 dunams) in wadi running south, northeast of Rasm el Beida [1]. The terraces are supported by well-built retaining walls (max. width 1 m) that prevented soil erosion. The farming plots are enclosed by stone fences, carelessly built compared to the retaining walls, probably using cleared stones.

208. 4–7/11 14490 10707 19490 60707 360 m asl H Zohar [9] Remains of a paved road (c. 120 m long; c. 4 m wide) ﬂanked by curbstones at foot of slope descending south, southeast of H Zohar [1]. This is probably a local road that branched off from the Roman road that ran between Bet Guvrin and the Hevron Hills (see Sites 11, 85, 86.2, 192, 258.2, 261, 542, 548.2, 660, 786), leading to Idna.

209. 4–7/12 14485 10782 19485 60782 390 m asl H Zohar [10] Two rock-hewn winepresses, a quarry, burial cave entrance and stone clearance heap in wadi running west, east of H Zohar [1]. The northern winepress consists of a large treading ﬂoor (4.6×4.8, 0.58 m deep) and collecting vat (1.4×2.2 m, 0.72 m deep) to its west. In the center of the treading ﬂoor are four basins (diam. 0.52 m), two of which are linked by a channel (0.32 m long); these were apparently hewn after use of the winepress ceased. Traces of plaster were observed on the collecting vat walls. The southern winepress is mostly covered with alluvium. East of the southern winepress—a quarry (c. 2.5×3.3 m) with negatives of the removed stones (0.46×0.48×0.82 m). Near the quarry—the entrance to a rock-hewn burial cave that was plundered several years ago by antiquities robbers; the entrance is currently blocked by alluvium. Near the cave

164* entrance—a large stone clearance heap that may cover building remains. Iron II pottery was gathered from the vicinity of the stone heap and the cave entrance. West of the stone clearance heap, on the wadi slope—a depression in the ground, which may be a collapsed cistern. In the wadi and on both its sides—agricultural terraces (c. 60 dunams) supported by retaining walls built of rough-hewn stones. Finds. Pottery: Iron II (numerous finds similar to those from Tel Lakhish Strata IV–II), Byzantine (scant finds—a scatter) and Early Islamic (scant finds—a scatter).

210. 5–7/1, 5, 6; 6–7/3 14598 10745 19598 60745 495 m asl Kh. al Ras (S) Kh. er Rās (M) [1] 210.1. Large tell (c. 50 dunams) on a lofty hill, overlooking an extensive area to the west: sections of a city wall and buildings that adjoin the wall; building remains; and rock-hewn caves, cisterns and industrial installations on the margins of the tell. The remains were damaged by illicit excavations. In the years following the survey the remains at the site were destroyed when the area was being prepared for cultivation and agricultural terraces were built on the hill, utilizing the ancient stones from the tell. At the top of the tell are remains of a large building (10×12 m?), among them a wall (6 m long, 2.1 m wide) and an ashlar-built corner at its western end preserved to a height of two courses. It is possible that the wall around the orchard near the building was originally one of its walls. On the northern fringes of the top of the tell is a sturdy wall built of large fieldstones (0.7×1.0 m) and preserved to a height of four to eight courses (c. 3 m wide). Its location, dimensions and construction method indicate that it is part of the city wall. On a low hill southwest of the top of the tell architectural elements of a magnificent building were exposed by illicit excavations carried out by antiquities robbers: fragments of limestone columns (1–2 m long), a column base, a large stone threshold and several fragments of a cornice. On the northern part of the hill oil press installations were exposed, among them a crushing basin, crushing stone and stone weights. On the northern slope of the hill a rock-hewn oil press was discovered inside a cave. On the northern fringes of the hill are remains of a solid wall built to a height of four to six courses. This wall’s construction does not resemble that of the city wall documented along the northern margins of the top of the tell. Apparently this wall was also part of an ancient fortification that encircled this part of the settlement. While revisiting this hill several months after we documented the remains there we observed that all of the ancient remains had been consolidated in a heap preparatory to the construction of a modern structure. On the southern slope of the tell are several rock-hewn bell-shaped caves (7–8 m deep, diam. of floor 4–5 m), of the type found in the vicinity of Bet Guvrin. It is possible to descend to the floor of three of the caves. Hewn into the walls of the western cave are 124 columbarium niches, arranged in a strip. Surmounting the strip of niches is an

165* engraved decoration consisting of a tendril-like line (4.5 m long) that terminates in a schematic carving that probably depicts a bunch of grapes. The central of the three caves has two chambers, upper and lower; a simple cross (length of its arms 0.33 and 0.55 m) is carved above the entrance to the upper chamber. On the saddle southwest of the tell—two rock-hewn cisterns still used by local farmers who say they are from ancient times and that they are linked to each other. A network of conduits leads to the cisterns. Fifteen meters west of the cisterns is a well-preserved rock-hewn winepress: a treading floor (4×5 m, 0.75 m deep), from which two channels lead to two separate collecting vats (1.5×2.4 m, 1.6 m deep); the winepress is also currently in use. On the eastern slope of the tell—24 rock-hewn burial caves, plundered in the past by antiquities robbers. In some of the caves that were accessible a uniform plan was discerned: a burial chamber (2.0×2.5 m) with three arcosolia. Numerous potsherds, most of them dating to Iron II, were collected in the cave entrances. At the foot of the eastern slope—a rock-cut bell-shaped cave with columbarium niches hewn in its walls. Near the cave—two rock-hewn cisterns with staircases leading to their floors. One of the cisterns is currently in use; it was replastered to its full depth. Traces of plaster maybe discerned on the lower parts of the other cistern. In the valley west of the tell—a rock-hewn bell-shaped cave (diam. 10–12 m, diam. of floor 6 m; map ref. OIG 14572 10741, NIG 19572 60741), with an opening in its south wall. Near the cave—six basins (diam. 0.5 m, 0.45 m deep) arranged in two rows, hewn in a rock outcrop; foundations of a wall (2.5×6.0 m; remains of a building?) are preserved around the basins. On a saddle northwest of the site—remains of a paved road (map ref.—OIG 14554 10765, NIG 19554 60765), connecting H. Zohar with Idna (see Site 203). Four broad steps were hewn in this section to facilitate the movement of traffic. A support wall was built alongside the road and in several places the stone pavement survives. A ruinous cistern (4 m deep) is located near the road, on the saddle. Segments of this road were also documented east of the site. On the southern slope of the hill, south of the tell—well-preserved agricultural terraces (c. 35 dunams; map ref. OIG 14580 10715, NIG 19580 60715) and four watchman’s huts, one of them merely a stone heap with building remains at its base. On the slopes of the hill, around the tell—additional agricultural terraces (c. 60 dunams). On the spur running east from the tell—remains of an ancient road. Finds. Pottery: EB II–III (scanty finds spread over c. 10 dunams—a scatter), Intermediate Bronze (scanty finds—a scatter), MB IIA–B (numerous finds spread over c. 30 dunams in the settlement remains), LB (numerous finds spread over c. 35 dunams in the settlement remains, similar to those of Tel Lakhish Stratum VI), Iron II (numerous remains spread over c. 50 dunams in the settlement remains, similar to those of Tel Lakhish Strata V–II), Persian (numerous finds spread over c. 35 dunams in the settlement remains), Hellenistic, Early and Late Roman, and Byzantine (numerous

166* finds spread over c. 50 dunams in the settlement remains), Early Islamic and Mamluk (numerous finds spread over c. 35 dunams in the settlement remains), and Ottoman (in the agricultural terraces); a coin from the time of Herod, Jerusalem mint: obverse— “Herod the Great” inside a diadem; reverse— a flat vessel on a table with three curved legs, flanked by palm fronds. Conder and Kitchener 1881–1883, Maps. 210.2. Remains of a building, a pen, rock-hewn installations and agricultural terraces (c. 30 dunams) on slope descending south, south of the tell (map ref. OIG 14582 10712, NIG 19582 60712). Meager remains of the building have survived; apparently the masonry stones were taken for the construction of the fences enclosing nearby cultivation plots. An illicit excavation conducted along the eastern wall of the building exposed three stone courses. North of the building remains—remains of a pen (5×5 m) built of rough-hewn stones, apparently constructed upon an ancient courtyard. West of the building remains—a rock-hewn winepress consisting of an oval treading floor (3.2×4.3 m, 0.3 m deep) and two collecting vats; the must flowed firstly to the small vat (0.65×0.85 m) and continued from there to the large vat (0.9×1.3 m, 0.66 m deep). Alongside the large vat—three hewn depressions (diam. 0.12 m). Incorporated in an agricultural terrace wall east of the building remains—two fragments of a stone weight and a fragment of a crushing basin, originally part of an oil press. Northeast of the building remains—three basins (diam. 0.45 m) hewn in a rock outcrop. Finds. Pottery: Iron II (numerous finds in the building remains), Persian (scanty finds— a scatter), Byzantine (numerous finds in the building remains) and Ottoman (a pen— temporary occupation). 210.3. Rock-hewn cistern and agricultural terraces (c. 45 dunams) on spur north of the tell (map ref. OIG 14595 10788, NIG 19595 60788). The cistern’s mouth (0.8×1.2 m) is of masonry and covered with a sheet-metal lid. The cistern currently holds water (3–4 m deep). Olive trees were recently planted on some of the terraces. Finds. Byzantine pottery (numerous finds spread over c. 20 dunams on the agricultural terraces). 210.4. Several rock-hewn caves and cisterns on slope descending south, southeast of the tell. One of the caves, large and rectangular, was a chalk (qirton) building-stone quarry. Near the cave—two cisterns. Rock-hewn steps lead to the floor of one of the cisterns. In a later phase approximately 45 columbarium niches were hewn in the walls of the other cistern.

211. 5–7/2, 4, 7 14510 10758 19510 60758 400 m asl Kh. er Rās (M) [2] 211.1. Rock-hewn winepress, basins, a quarry and a cave on west slope of hill, west of Kh. er Rās [1]. The winepress’s components are a treading ﬂoor (2.2×2.6 m) and collecting vat (ﬁlled with alluvium). North of the winepress—three hewn basins (diam. 0.35 m).

167* Near the winepress—a quarry (8×12 m; negatives of the removed stones are visible). Also documented on the western slope of the hill, southwest of the winepress—a rock-hewn bell-shaped cave (5 m deep, diam. of floor c. 4 m) with a side opening, facing south. On the slopes of the hill, particularly the southern slope—agricultural terraces (c. 45 dunams). A structure apparently once stood on the hill and its stones were dismantled and incorporated in the walls of the agricultural terraces. Finds. Byzantine pottery (numerous sherds near the installations, probably related to agricultural activity). 211.2. Remains of two watchman’s huts and buildings on slope descending southeast, west of Kh. er Rās [1] (map ref. OIG 14540 10740, NIG 19540 60740). The watchman’s huts are circular (diam. c. 6 m) and c. 10 m apart. Near the eastern hut—remains of three buildings. One of the buildings (3.0×3.8 m), near the top of the slope, survives to a height of one to two courses; an entrance (0.64 m wide) is in its eastern wall. Potsherds dating to Iron II and the Hellenistic period were gathered around the building remains. West of the building remains—remains of another building (3×3 m), probably a temporary structure, and a pen (4×7 m). Twenty meters north of the watchman’s huts— remains of a modern building (c. 5×6 m) constructed by residents of Idna of ancient masonry stones taken from the surrounding area. On the slope—agricultural terraces (c. 30 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Iron II (scanty finds in the remains of the building at the top of the slope), Hellenistic (scanty finds spread over c. 1 dunam—a scatter), Byzantine (numerous finds) and Ottoman (pen—temporary occupation). 211.3. Rock-hewn winepress on slope descending south, southwest of Kh. er Rās [1] (map ref. OIG 14512 10715, NIG 19512 60715): a treading floor (3.6×4.2 m, 0.42 m deep) and collecting vat (1.30×2.15 m; covered with stone clearance) to its south. Three surfaces (each c. 1×1 m) sloping slightly toward the treading floor are hewn alongside the winepress.

212. 5–7/3 14566 10797 19566 60797 425 m asl Kh. er Rās (M) [3] Remains of a limekiln (blocked) on northwest bank of wadi running northeast, north of Kh. er Rās [1]. Around it are many debris heaps of burnt chalk that were removed from the kiln when it was active. South of the limekiln—a pile of limestone blocks (prepared for burning?). West of the limekiln—construction remains.

213. 5–7/8 14510 10795 19510 60795 425 m asl Kh. er Rās (M) [9] Remains of a building (c. 4.2×5.2 m) and a rock-hewn winepress on slope descending south, northwest of Kh. er Rās [1]. Only the foundations survive, save the southern

168* wall (4.2 m long, 0.58 m wide), preserved to a height of three to four courses. East of the building—a rock-hewn winepress (mostly covered with alluvium). The beginnings of a cistern were discerned, hewn in the middle of the treading ﬂoor, but the work was never completed. In the wadi south of the building—agricultural terraces, apparently related to the above structure. Two stone thresholds and a stone lintel are incorporated in the terrace walls. On the surrounding slopes—agricultural terraces (c. 50 dunams). Finds. Byzantine pottery (in the building remains).

214. 5–7/9 14558 10720 19558 60720 400 m asl Kh. er Rās (M) [10] Remains of a meticulously hewn square courtyard apparently belonging to a burial cave (3.7×3.9 m; ﬂoor covered with alluvium) on slope descending west, southwest of Kh. er Rās [1].

215. 5–7/10 14560 10777 19560 60777 430 m asl Kh. er Rās (M) [11] Section of a paved road (c. 250 m long) delimited on either side by ﬁeldstones on saddle northwest of Kh. er Rās [1]. South of the road—an entrance to a rock-hewn burial cave, plundered many years ago by antiquities robbers; stones were discarded inside the cave.

216. 6–7/1, 7; 6–6/7 14694 10709 19694 60709 475 m asl Idna (M) [16] 216.1. Concentration of seven rock-hewn cisterns on saddle west of Idna [1]. A network of rock-hewn channels drains runoff to the cisterns from the slopes of the hill to the east. In 1990 buildings were constructed in the vicinity of the saddle and the cisterns were included within the courtyard of one of the structures. An ancient lintel (1.4 m long) decorated with a rosette was documented near the mouth of the southern cistern; the lintel is used today to support the cistern’s cover. Northeast of the cisterns—a rock-hewn winepress consisting of a treading floor (2.5×3.2 m, 0.37 m deep) and collecting vat; a wall delineating a farming plot surmounts the collecting vat. West of the winepress, on the fringes of farming plots—a dressed rock surface (6×8 m), apparently a threshing floor. Finds. Pottery: Byzantine (scanty finds—a scatter) and Ottoman (near the cisterns). 216.2. Section of a paved road (140 m long) flanked by curbstones in wadi running west, west of Idna [1] (map ref. OIG 14658 10714, NIG 19658 60714). Parts of the road are still in use. According to residents of Idna the road linked Idna with Bet Guvrin.

169* On the slope north of the road—a rock-hewn cave (c. 5×8 m) with two openings, recently used as a pen. 216.3. Long fieldstone wall (0.8–1.0 m wide; 530 m long) oriented north–south on spur running south (Shi‘b el Quttein), southwest of Idna [1] (map ref. OIG 14686 10690 NIG 19686 60690). The wall is preserved two to six courses high; several sections of the wall have collapsed. The wall delineated a farming plot owned by the El Quttein family of Idna. The southern part of the wall veers west, continuing an additional 210 m. In the wadi east of the spur—a rock-hewn winepress: part of its treading floor and the collecting vat (0.55×1.30 m, 0.45 m deep) survive. On the upper part of the spur—a dressed rock surface (3.2×6.3 m; threshing floor?) surrounded by a stone wall of which one course survives. Finds. Pottery: Byzantine (numerous finds, possibly related to agricultural activity) and Ottoman (scanty finds near the cisterns connected to agricultural activity).

217. 6–7/2, 6 14680 10740 19680 60740 498 m asl Dhahr Khallat el Ghamīqa (M) [1] 217.1. Olive grove (80×140 m) on hill west of Idna [1], enclosed by a wall (0.65–0.80 m wide) that includes ancient dressed building stones (several of them measure 0.8×1.0 m) in its construction; a limestone lintel is incorporated in the western side. Numerous potsherds are scattered throughout the grove. A large building, apparently situated on the hill, was dismantled when the area was prepared for cultivation. Next to the northwest side of the grove—another area enclosed by a wall. West of the orchard—foundations of two buildings (4×4 m). The foundation on the south side of the western building has not survived; merely a rock-hewn foundation trench remains. North of the orchard—a rock-hewn winepress consisting of a treading floor (2.1×3.4 m) and two rock steps, in place of a collecting vat; apparently must flowed directly from the treading floor into jars, set on the steps. On the western slope of the hill—four rock-hewn cisterns, some of them blocked. Two of the cisterns are connected (one of the openings is blocked). On the slope northwest of the hill—five rock-hewn burial caves (inaccessible) plundered by antiquities robbers, who left behind small mounds of soil near the entrances. On the south slope of the hill—a paved road, running west (see Site 210.1). Finds. Pottery: Iron II (numerous finds spread over c. 25 dunams similar to those of Tel Lakhish Strata IV–III—a scatter), Roman (scanty finds—a scatter), Byzantine (numerous finds) and Mamluk (a few sherds spread over c. 10 dunams—a scatter). 217.2. Concentration of 26 rock-hewn cisterns (c. 5 dunams) on north slope of hill west of Idna [1] (map ref. OIG 14664 10760, NIG 19664 60760), some ruinous, others still in use. A metal lid covers the mouth of one of the cisterns, located toward the top of the slope. Alongside three of the cisterns are piles of soil debris, removed from inside when they were cleaned.

170* Nearby—modern orchards; several of the cisterns on the slope were ﬁlled and covered over with soil when the area was prepared for cultivation. Ancient rough-hewn stones are incorporated in the stone walls around the orchards.

218. 6–7/4 14626 10780 19626 60780 450 m asl Dhahr Khallat el Ghamīqa (M) [2] Very large stones (0.9–1.2 m long) incorporated in a wall surrounding a modern orchard (c. 4 dunams) in wadi running northwest, northwest of Dhahr Khallat el Ghamīqa [1]. On the fringes of the orchard—a rock-hewn cistern (partly blocked) surrounded by a heap of chalky material, removed from inside when it was hewn. South of the orchard—a rock-hewn winepress consisting of a treading ﬂoor (1.8×2.3 m, 0.34 m deep) and collecting vat (0.55×1.20 m, 0.55 m deep; partly blocked) linked by a hewn channel (0.12 m wide). Close to the collecting vat—a hewn basin (diam. 0.55 m, 0.35 m deep). Finds. Ottoman pottery.

219. 6–7/5 14658 10788 19658 60788 475 m asl Dhahr Khallat el Ghamīqa (M) [3] Remains of a farmstead(?) (c. 2 dunams) on spur north of Dhahr Khallat el Ghamīqa [1]: remains of structures, currently consolidated into several stone piles, and between the stone piles—remains of a large building (c. 7×12 m; walls 0.9–1.0 m thick) that may have been partitioned into two rooms. Only the eastern wall of the building survives, one to three courses high, and the foundations of the northeastern, southeastern and southwestern corners. In the structure’s center—a depression (collapsed cistern?). There are large quantities of potsherds. Development work prior to cultivation exposed architectural elements, including stone thresholds, doorjambs and several ashlar stones. Southeast of the building remains—a wall (c. 340 m long, average width of 0.4 m) constructed mainly of fieldstones along a uniform contour line; its lower courses are meticulously constructed and include dressed stones. This wall apparently supported the ancient road that led to Idna. Ten meters southwest of the building—a winepress hewn in a prominent rock outcrop sloping west: a treading floor (2.5×4.0 m, 0.35 m deep) and collecting vat (0.6×1.4 m, 0.65 m deep) to its west, linked by a channel (0.4 m long). Small depressions (diam. 8 cm, 0.15 m deep) hewn at intervals of 0.6–0.8 m in a dressed rock surface surround the treading floor; they may have held wooden posts for a protective fence around the installation. On the northern slope of the spur—an orchard (83×155 m), whose walls also serve as supportive walls for ancient agricultural terraces. In the wadi to the north—agricultural terraces (c. 12 dunams), spanning the wadi from bank to bank.

171* Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (scanty finds—a scatter), Iron II (numerous finds in the building remains), Hellenistic and Byzantine (scanty finds spread over c. 2 dunams—a scatter).

220. 7–7/1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6; 8–7/1; 8–6/2 14768 10768 19768 60768 450 m asl Idhna; Idhnah (S) Idna (M) [1] 220.1. Extensive tell (c. 55 dunams) on northeastern side of a large Arab village (c. 1,000 dunams), near a large, fertile valley. The village houses were erected atop the ancient remains around the tell, and on the tell itself, thus impeding documentation of the site. Over the years numerous illicit excavations were conducted, and these too took a heavy toll on the ancient remains. Among the antiquities recorded at the site: sturdy walls, rock-hewn caves and cisterns, and numerous building stones and depressions— probably remnants of collapsed caves and cisterns. At the foot of the tell— agricultural terraces, constructed with ancient stones removed from buildings on the tell. According to the villagers, in the past a mosque with a wooden mihrab occupied the top of the tell; the mosque burnt down many years ago and was never rebuilt. At the western foot of the tell—a sturdy wall (5–6 m wide), apparently a section of the city wall, built of large well-dressed stones and preserved four to seven courses high. A later wall (100 m long) of different construction style surmounts this wall and presently retains the slope of the tell. At the foot of the western slope of the tell—agricultural terraces constructed in part of ancient building stones. One hundred meters southeast of the terraces is a rock-hewn burial cave with three arcosolia in the courtyard of a modern house. A passageway cut from the middle arcosolium leads to another rock-cut cave (2.4×6.0 m) containing 140 hewn columbarium niches arranged in a strip surmounted by a hewn decorative cornice. Soil debris containing potsherds from the Hellenistic period was recently removed from the cave, which is currently used for storage. East of the tell, above Wādī el Far‘a—remains of a large structure (foundations and one stone course from the southeastern corner), whose building stones were utilized in modern construction, which may have been a Roman fortress that defended the road and aqueduct passing through Wādī el Far‘a (for the aqueduct, see: Sites 48.2, 61, 134, 142, 143, 149, 150, 222.2). On the precipitous east slope of the tell—segments of retaining walls. On the upper part of the slope is a broad wall (c. 4 m wide), probably part of the tell’s fortiﬁcations. According to the villagers four dressed rock surfaces on the eastern foot of the tell were threshing ﬂoors. Some 100 m northeast of the tell, on a terrace above Wādī el Far‘a—a well, dry since the 1960s, and a large cistern hewn after it dried out, fed by a conduit conveying water from Wādī el Far‘a. In the vicinity of the well and the cistern were Chalcolithic potsherds.

172* On the north part of the tell—building foundations, walls delimiting cultivation plots and collapsed cisterns. On the northern slopes are walls built 2–3 m high that served as retaining walls of ancient buildings. At the foot of the northern slope of the tell is a structure enclosed by walls incorporating ancient stones taken from the surrounding area, among them parts of an oil press, including a crushing basin, two columns and four weights, one particularly heavy (0.7×0.8×0.9 m). Some 200 m northwest of the tell—a rock-hewn bell-shaped cave (currently blocked) accessed via a long corridor (c. 5 m long). A narrow passageway extends from the cave to the west, and according to the villagers, leads to a network of hewn cisterns underneath the village houses. These residents claim that there are many narrow rock- hewn passages beneath the village whose entrances are located inside the houses. Some of these passages were hewn recently utilizing the same methods employed in antiquity. On the southwestern part of the tell—a depression (filled with soil debris and refuse) in the ground (5×7 m, c. 6 m deep) with five rock-cut steps. Lower down the slope are several rock-hewn cisterns, currently filled with refuse. It is possible that this depression is the remnent of the upper opening of a water-supply system for the tell. On the saddle south of the tell, near the modern-day road, are broad retaining walls that include ancient building elements. Remains of a wall (preserved height 3.5 m), apparently part of the ancient city wall, were recorded in one of the alleys nearby, beneath a modern structure. In the courtyard of a modern house are remains of ancient walls, apparently part of the ramp that ascended the tell. At the top of the southern slope, on the northwestern fringes of the tell, is a broad, massive wall (c. 6 m long) in the courtyard of a modern building; a well-preserved corner in the wall that turns at a right angle to the north may be part of the city gate. Rock-hewn cisterns and storehouses were documented beneath several houses on both sides of the street that runs along the saddle. Apparently in antiquity the saddle was deepened by hewing as part of the tell’s fortifications; remains from these cuttings are visible here and there in the village courtyards. In El Midan Square, located on the saddle, there is an opening leading down into a square cistern with ancient rock cuttings in its walls. To the south, on the other side of the street, is an impressive building (called by its occupants ‘El Shari‘a’—the palace; 25×45 m) constructed in the early twentieth century by the Bashir family, who utilized stones from a ruinous Mamluk- period khan located 150 m to its east. Ancient architectural elements are incorporated in the structure’s construction. The stone lintel surmounting the building’s entrance is decorated with a relief of a rosette flanked on either side by palm trees. The lintels above the windows are adorned with eagles and circular motifs. Ancient capitals and “combed” ashlar stones were also observed. Fragments of limestone columns were utilized in the construction of the rear wall of the building. On the slope along the eastern side of the saddle—a concentration of seven capped rock- hewn cisterns (map ref. OIG 14804 10740, NIG 19804 60740). Deep grooves on the rims formed by the friction of ropes used to draw water. Rock-hewn staircases descend

173* to the floors. A system of channels, draining water from the roofs of the buildings and courtyards, led to the cisterns. Near the southern cistern—four troughs and a limestone column (3.6 m high, diam. 0.46 m), lying close by. Some 500 m south of the tell, in the vicinity of the modern cemetery, are several hewn caves. One of the caves contains a large hewn oil press, from which a passage leads to several other caves. In 1974 parts of a decorated lead coffin were found in the courtyard of one of the village houses (Rahmani 1980), exposed in the course of illicit excavations (the precise location is unclear). In 1984 fragments of another decorated coffin, this one of limestone, were discovered in a courtyard, probably the same courtyard whence the earlier coffin was found. Both coffins were transferred to the Antiquities Authority. Finds. Pottery: Chalcolithic (scanty finds spread over c. 4 dunams near the well—a scatter), Iron II (numerous finds spread over c. 75 dunams similar to those from Tel Lakhish Strata V–II), Persian (numerous finds spread over c. 55 dunams), Hellenistic (numerous finds, also on the western foot of the tell, spread over c. 95 dunams), Early Roman (Herodian; scanty finds spread over c. 30 dunams—a scatter), Roman and Byzantine (numerous finds spread over c. 45 dunams), Early Islamic (many Abbasid- period bowls spread over c. 35 dunams), Mamluk (painted sherds spread over c. 45 dunams) and Ottoman. Robinson and Smith 1856, II:399; Guérin 1868–1869, 2:364–365 (Idna); Conder and Kitchener 1881–1883, III:302, 330; Kochavi 1972:56; Dagan 1996. 220.2. Paved road (4 km long), southwest of the tell; the sections near Idna are well- preserved, some of them paved and flanked by curbstones. Southeast of the tell—a spring, which supplied water to the ancient village (‘Ein el Balad; map ref. OIG 14742 10745, NIG 19742 60745) and a well, constructed over it. The water table is currently 3–4 m below surface level; after a year of heavy rainfall the water level rises, overflowing the well. According to the local villagers there is a hewn tunnel in the well, below the water level, which leads to the tell. West of the well are several rock-hewn cisterns still in use today. 220.3. Remains of structures on a hill southwest of the tell (El Qarna‘a; map ref. OIG 14730 10715, NIG 19730 60715), whose plans were disturbed by later building construction. Ancient building stones are incorporated in the walls of the modern buildings adjacent to the site. On the western slope of the hill—several rock-hewn caves, some of which first served as cisterns. One of the cisterns is plastered to its full height. At the foot of the western slope of the hill—a large cave (6×11 m) containing four oil presses. The cave is currently used as a sheepfold. Also at the foot of the western slope, in the courtyard of a house—remains of a limekiln (diam. c. 4.5 m) surrounded by piles of debris. At the foot of the northern slope of the hill—a large threshing floor (8×14 m), partly rock-hewn; four basins (diam. 0.47 m, 0.35 m deep) are hewn in the western part of the floor. Nearby—a rock-hewn installation: a square vat (1.1×1.4 m, 0.68 m deep)

174* from which a channel extends to two round adjacent basins (0.4 m deep), and another channel that continues to six basins, 1.5 m to the west, linked by a channel. According to the villager in whose courtyard the installation is located, it was used to prepare carob honey (dibs). On the southwestern slope of the hill—remains of a rock-hewn burial cave containing kokhim in the courtyard of a poorly constructed building. The cave is currently used for storage. A narrow tunnel extends from the northern kokh and, according to the occupants of the building, leads to a blocked cistern. On the eastern and western slopes of the hill—agricultural terraces (c. 17 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Iron II (scanty finds spread over c. 3 dunams—a scatter), Hellenistic (scanty finds—a scatter), Roman (numerous finds—a scatter), Byzantine, Early Islamic (numerous finds from the Abbasid period spread over c. 10 dunams—a scatter) and Ottoman. 220.4. Four rock-hewn burial caves, a pen, an ancient road and orchards on hill, northwest of the tell (map ref. OIG 14730 60784, NIG 14730 10784). The caves were exposed when the orchards were enlarged in 1982. Only the eastern cave is accessible; it comprises a single burial chamber (2.5×3.2 m) with an arched burial kokh (0.53×0.53×1.20 m) in each of its walls. The remaining caves are blocked with stone clearance. On the northeastern part of the hill—a pen (6×6 m) and a hewn cave (partially collapsed) close by that served shepherds as a dwelling. On the hill—an ancient road running from Idna to the northwest, probably toward the villages west of the tell. On the slopes of the hill—agricultural terraces (c. 35 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Iron II (near the burial caves), Byzantine (numerous finds extending over the entire hill—a scatter) and Ottoman (a pen and cave dwelling—temporary occupation). 220.5. Remains of a building and a rock-hewn cistern on slope descending east, toward Nahal Guvrin, north of the tell (map ref. OIG 14790 10785, NIG 19790 60785), presently located inside an orchard. The building’s northern corner and eastern wall (c. 4.2 m long, 0.5 m wide) survive. The cistern, located on the edge of the orchard, east of the building remains, is still used today (by the owner of the orchard). The orchard is delimited by a fieldstone wall that includes in its construction ancient rough-hewn stones removed from the building. Finds. Byzantine pottery (numerous sherds in the building remains). 220.6. Rock-hewn burial cave in the courtyard of a modern house, south of the tell (map ref. OIG 14780 10710, NIG 19780 60710). The hewn cave facade (2.3×3.5 m) has two dressed frames around the entrance, not completely preserved due to later enlargement of the entrance. The inside of the cave was also enlarged; it is currently used for storage. 220.7. Remains of a building and a winepress (farmhouse?) on hill southeast of the tell (map ref. OIG 14820 10704, NIG 19820 60704). Most of the remains at the site

175* were destroyed by earthworks carried out prior to planting a new olive grove. A large mound of stones and several small stone clearance heaps were documented. Among the stones are lintels of limestone originating from the Hevron area, a column base and building stones, including several large ashlars. On the western slope of the hill, inside the orchard—a winepress hewn in a dressed rock surface. An agricultural terrace wall is built on top of the rock surface. Finds. Pottery: Iron II and Roman, Byzantine (scanty finds) and Mamluk (scanty finds). At the foot of the hill to the west—a sheikh’s tomb partly built with ancient building stones, renovated in 1990 (the walls were replastered and whitewashed). At the foot of the hill to the east—two rock-hewn cisterns inside an orchard. One cistern was renovated and is currently used by the owner of the orchard. The other is ruinous, with two stone troughs alongside it; a large cross is engraved on one of them. Nearby— a simple oil press (bodeda): a dressed rock surface sloping slightly toward a large hewn basin. At the foot of the hill to the northeast—remains of a paved road (c. 140 m long, 2–3 m wide) flanked by curbstones, linking Idna with Hevron (see Sites 302.1, 303.2, 305.1, 365.4). 220.8. Settlement remains (c. 10 dunams) on slope descending south, southeast of the tell (Kh. Khallat el Ghazel; map ref. OIG 14810 10690, NIG 19810 60690), damaged by construction work: building remains, mostly foundations, and scattered building stones. In the eastern part of the site—foundations of a structure (c. 6×8 m) built of ashlar stones. South of the building—a rock-hewn cave (blocked with stone clearance) whose facade is decorated with a stepped cornice. In the western part of the site— remains of three buildings (c. 3.4×4.8 m, 4×6 m); one of them is damaged and only two of its corners survive. West of the building remains—a rock-hewn winepress consisting of a treading floor (2.77×3.27 m) and collecting vat (0.74×1.66 m, 0.44 m deep). Twelve meters south of the winepress—a hewn surface (c. 8×14 m), apparently a threshing floor. On the slope—four rock-hewn cisterns. Toward the bottom of the slope, next to the southern cistern—a hewn pool (2.77×3.84 m, 1.28 m deep) with six steps leading to its floor. Near the pool—a rock-hewn winepress (mostly covered by alluvium). Finds: Pottery: Iron II (numerous finds in the settlement remains similar to those of Tel Lakhish Strata IV–III), Hellenistic (numerous finds, including imported vessels, in the building remains), Roman (scanty finds—a scatter), Byzantine (numerous finds in the building remains) and Mamluk (scanty finds—decorated vessels—over an area of c. 4 dunams—a scatter).

221. 8–7/2, 3 14875 10758 19875 60758 510 m asl Idna (M) [18] 221.1. Remains of a building (c. 6×8 m) and stone clearance heaps (c. 2 dunams) on hilltop east of Idna [1]; only the foundations (width of eastern foundation c. 0.7 m)

176* survive. A few building stones are scattered about the site. Apparently the building stones were consolidated into several heaps when the area was cleared. On the southern slope of the hill—a rock-hewn winepress consisting of a treading floor (2.2×3.2 m) and collecting vat (0.8×0.9 m). Finds. Pottery: Iron II (scanty finds in the building remains) and Roman (numerous finds in the building remains). 221.2. Concentration of rock-hewn installation, orchards and agricultural terraces (c. 50 dunams) on spur east of Idna [1] (map ref. OIG 14852 10782, NIG 19852 60752). Some of the installations were destroyed by agricultural activity and others were covered with stone clearance heaps. Two winepresses, an oil-press crushing basin, five basins (diam. 0.55 m) and three cupmarks (diam. 0.28 m) were documented. To the north—a mound of building stones (diam. c. 6 m; remains of an ancient building?). Finds. Pottery: Iron II (numerous finds—a scatter), Hellenistic and Byzantine (numerous finds around the crushing basin).

222. 9–7/1, 3 14991 10710 19991 60710 500 m asl Kh. en Nabī Sālih (M) [1] 222.1. Extensive ruin (c. 30 dunams) on hill overlooking a fertile valley, at the foot of the Hevron Hills. Local residents refer to the valley, currently cultivated by farmers from Tarqumiya, as Baqa‘a el Galatiya. Among the remains are structures (2.6×4.0 m, 3×6 m, 4×4 m) constructed of dressed limestone blocks, many of them fronted by stone-built courtyards or the remains of a pen. Inside some of the courtyards are rock- hewn caves or cisterns (mostly blocked by alluvium). In the area near the ruin—three rock-hewn cisterns; apparently additional cisterns were sealed with stones. On the north slope of the hill are two cisterns, still in use, fed by a built conduit that drains runoff from the slope. In the north part of the ruin is a rock-hewn cave containing remains of an oil press (entrance collapsed; accessible by means of ropes), and several sheep and cattle pens, apparently used in the springtime. In the west of the ruin—remains of a large structure. It was apparently a fortress from the Roman and Byzantine periods that guarded the road through Wādī el Far‘a, which continued to Hevron (see Site 225), and the aqueduct that conveyed water to Bet Guvrin. Also in the west portion of the ruin— remains of a plastered pool (3×5 m, 0.8 m deep) hewn in the courtyard of a ruinous structure. Scattered architectural elements in the east part of the ruin were probably part of a public building (church?) at the site, and include a delicately dressed lintel (4.2 m long), several ashlar stones (0.8×1.2 m) and two fragments of column bases. Many of the buildings were renovated in recent decades and used by local shepherds. Finds. Pottery: Roman and Byzantine (numerous ﬁnds spread over c. 30 dunams in the settlement remains), Early Islamic and Mamluk (scant ﬁnds spread over c. 20 dunams

177* in the settlement remains) and Ottoman (numerous ﬁnds spread over c. 20 dunams in pens—temporary occupation). At the eastern foot of the ruin—a square, domed structure (6×6 m) known as En Nabī Sālih (map ref. OIG 15002 10702, NIG 20020 607020), which is not a tomb, but used for Muslim religious gatherings. The entrance is in the northern wall and ancient architectural elements from the ruins are incorporated in its construction. The site was abandoned until 1986, at which time the dome was replastered, the building was whitewashed, a cistern was dug at its fore and the stone fence enclosing the building was repaired. Large oak trees, two hundred to three hundred years old, grow around the cistern. Near the structure are remains of several graves. Northeast of the building—a dressed rock surface surrounded by a hewn channel. Local residents say the surface was used for slaughtering animals. Finds (in the vicinity of the building). Byzantine, Early Islamic and Mamluk pottery. 222.2. Remains of an ancient paved road ﬂanked by curbstones on a saddle south of the ruin (map ref. OIG 15000 10680, NIG 20000 60680) that linked Tarqumiya with Deir Samet, passing through the valleys at the foot of the Hevron Hills. In several places the rock was hewn to facilitate manueverability.

223. 9–7/2, 6, 8 14960 10780 19960 60780 559 m asl Shi‘b Suweidān (M) 223.1. Wall (c. 700 m long, 0.6 m wide, max. height 1.2 m) enclosing cultivation plots on a hill built mostly of fieldstones, except for several sections constructed of dressed stones. Part of the wall runs east–west and close to the hilltop it turns to the southwest. On the eastern slope of the hill there is an entryway (0.6 m wide), flanked by stone lintels. On the south slope of the hill—agricultural terraces (c. 20 dunams). Finds. Byzantine pottery (numerous sherds—agricultural activity). 223.2. Remains of a building (3.5×5.5 m) preserved to a height of three to five courses on spur extending west (Khallat ‘Afana). The building’s entrance (0.79 m wide) is in the eastern wall. Next to the building—a large hewn basin (0.68×0.86 m, 0.55 m deep). On the slopes of the spur—agricultural terraces (c. 55 dunams). Finds. Byzantine pottery (a few sherds in the building remains). 223.3. Remains of a building and a collapsed pit on a rocky hill. Only the northern and southern corners of the building survive, standing to a height of one to three courses. East of the building—a hewn pit (collapsed cistern?); today it appears as a depression in the ground (diam. 5 m, 2 m deep). Finds. Byzantine pottery (numerous sherds in the building remains).

178* 224. 9–7/4, 7 14940 10740 19940 60740 475 m asl Wādī el Far‘a [1] 224.1. Remains of a building, a cistern and winepress on spur running southwest, toward Wādī el Far‘a. All that survive of the building (estimated dimensions 8×8 m) are the foundations (0.75 m wide) of its southern part and a section of the northern wall (1.7 m long). The entrance (c. 1.1 m wide) is preserved in the south wall and remains of an interior wall indicate that it was partitioned in two. Southwest of the building—remains of a rock-hewn cistern (presently blocked; estimated diam. of mouth 1.4 m). East of the cistern—a winepress hewn in a rock surface: a treading floor (3.4×4.0 m, 0.34 m deep) and collecting vat (1×3 m, 0.6 m deep) to its south. Two simple oil presses are hewn in the treading floor: two basins (diam. 0.55 m, 0.35 m deep) cut 1.1 m apart, each circumscribed by a shallow channel (7 cm wide). Later an agricultural terrace wall (22 m long, 0.85 m wide, average height 0.45 m) was built over the treading floor; the segment that passes over the winepress was recently dismantled. On the spur—agricultural terraces (c. 37 dunams). Finds. Roman and Byzantine pottery (a few sherds in the building remains). 224.2. Rock-hewn burial cave and winepress on saddle north of Wādī el Far‘a. The burial cave, on the south part of the saddle, was exposed by antiquities robbers. The cave’s entrance (0.8×1.5 m) leads to a burial chamber (c. 3.2×3.7 m), whose floor is covered with alluvium. West of the burial cave—a winepress consisting of a treading floor (2.2×2.6 m) and collecting vat (0.6×1.1 m) to its north. On the saddle—numerous low stone clearance heaps. On and around the saddle—agricultural terraces (45 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (scanty finds—a scatter), Iron II (numerous finds similar to those of Tel Lakhish Strata IV–III—a scatter) and Byzantine (numerous finds—a scatter).

225. 9–7/5 14940 10710 19940 60710 440 m asl Wādī el Far‘a [2] Segment of an ancient Roman road, paved with ﬂagstones and ﬂanked by curbstones, at the edge of a valley (preserved to its full width—4.5 m). The road can be seen to the east, in Wādī el Far‘a, where hewn segments and remains of steps are preserved. Sections of the aqueduct that conveyed water to Bet Guvrin (see Sites 48.2, 61, 134, 142, 143, 149, 150) were exposed in the area between the road and Kh. en Nabī Sālih by farmers working there with tractors. Kochavi 1972:57. South of the road, in a valley descending to Wādī el Far‘a—agricultural terraces (c. 10 dunams), some of which are planted with large olive trees. Numerous rough-hewn stones, apparently taken from ancient buildings in the area or from Kh. en Nabī Sālih (Site 222.1) are incorporated in the terrace walls.

179* 226. 9–7/9 14907 10710 19907 60710 480 m asl Wādī el Far‘a [7] Rock-hewn cave at foot of spur running north, toward Wādī el Far‘a, subsequently modiﬁed and adapted for use as a pen (currently not in use). East of the cave—two basins (diam. 0.42 m) hewn in a rock outcrop. Finds. Ottoman pottery.

227. 9–7/10 14990 10755 19990 60755 510 m asl Wādī el Far‘a [8] Agricultural terraces on slope descending south, toward Wādī el Far‘a. Rough-hewn stones are incorporated in the terrace walls. In the east of the site—a rock-hewn winepress (mostly covered by a stone clearance heap). Finds. Pottery: Byzantine (numerous ﬁnds—a scatter) and Ottoman (agricultural activity).

228. 9–7/11 14910 10782 19910 60782 500 m asl Wādī el Far‘a [9] Remains of structure close to the top of a spur running northwest. Only the foundations survive (presumed dimensions 4×5 m; width of northern foundation 0.82 m). At the foot of the spur—a concentration of stone clearance including rough-hewn stones and a stone threshold that may originate in the structure. Finds. Pottery: Iron II (numerous ﬁnds—a scatter) and Byzantine (numerous ﬁnds in the building remains).

229. 0–6/1, 12 14025 10692 19025 60692 330 m asl H. Hover [1] Kh. Hebra (S) Kh. Hibra (M); Kh. Habra (M–1929) 229.1. Remains of an extensive settlement (c. 60 dunams) on spur running southwest, and on the chain of hills linked to the spur from the northeast: building remains, stone clearance heaps, 17 rock-hewn cisterns, some of them capped, and rock-hewn caves. Pens from a later time were built utilizing dressed stones removed from the settlement remains. Inside several of the pens—rock-hewn caves that were used for storage. In the site’s center—remains of a large structure (c. 8×14 m) built of ashlar stones, oriented on a northeast–southwest axis: wall segments, most of them standing two to three courses high; a corner preserved ﬁve to six courses high on the north side of the structure; and nearby—a constructed arch and a large stone threshold. Ashlars fallen from the walls lie on the ground around the building. Numerous ashlars with drafted margins are scattered south and west of the building remains. Apparently this structure was a church with a nave and two aisles. To the east are several collapsed rock-hewn cisterns. Two

180* rock-hewn bell-shaped caves were documented near the center of the site. The western cave contained 100 hewn columbarium niches. Parts of the eastern cave collapsed. In the east of the site—remains of several buildings (2.7×3.5 m, 3×5 m, 4×4 m) preserved two to three courses high, in which illicit excavations were conducted. In the south of the site—a rock-hewn cistern (7 m deep, diam. of floor c. 5.6 m) covered by a capstone (diam. 1 m, 0.6 m high) with a central drawing hole (diam. 0.55 m); around it are eight hewn troughs in which jars were probably placed, to be filled with water. In the southeastern part of the site—a rock-hewn burial cave: the stone-vaulted entrance (visible length 3.5 m) leads to a square chamber with several burial kokhim. One side of the vault leads to a hewn cistern (4.8 m deep) with Arabic inscriptions carved in the walls and the other side leads to a hewn chamber (3.4×3.6 m). A narrow tunnel extends from this chamber to several hewn bell-shaped pits (cisterns?) equipped with steps and a railing, and a hewn cave containing an oil press: pressing installations, recesses that accomodated the press beams and a large crushing stone. Fragments of large pottery vessels shattered by antiquities robbers are scattered on the floors of the pits. On the southeastern slope of the spur—a rock-hewn burial cave with a vaulted stone- built entrance leading to a square chamber with several burial kokhim. It is impossible to distinguish its plan due to collapse. Also on the southeastern slope are rock-hewn cisterns, some of them equipped with hewn steps that descend to the floor. A channel drains runoff from the slope to one of the cisterns. On the upper reaches of the slope, close to the building remains—a rock-cut pit (2.5×2.7 m, c. 2.6 m deep) with a recess (0.4×0.4 m) cut in its northwestern wall. At the foot of the slope—a rock-hewn winepress (partly covered by alluvium). Near the winepress—a narrow curvilinear channel (0.12 m wide, 0.08 m deep, diam. 2.6 m) hewn in a rock surface. Ancient quarries were also documented on the southeastern slope. In the valley south of the site—agricultural terraces. On the saddle northeast of the site—stone fences constructed mainly of fieldstones delimiting cultivation plots, preserved to a maximum height of one meter. Dressed building stones, probably taken from a magnificent structure, are incorporated in the construction of the southern fence. Between the fences are two large rock-hewn cisterns. The eastern bell-shaped cistern (c. 5 m deep) has a square mouth and is topped with a capstone (diam. 1.58 m). Later cutting marks discerned inside the cistern may be traces of attempts to enlarge it. Columbarium niches are hewn in the western cistern (6.3 m deep, diam. 4.8 m). Slightly south of the cisterns—remains of an impressive building (c. 6×11 m) built of meticulously dressed stones of which only the northeastern corner survives. West of the cisterns—a rock-hewn cave (collapsed). Finds. Pottery: Roman and Byzantine (numerous finds in the settlement remains), Early Islamic (scanty finds spread over c.15 dunams—a scatter), Mamluk (scanty finds spread over c. 10 dunams—a scatter) and Ottoman (scanty finds and pens—temporary occupation). Conder and Kitchener 1881–1883, III:281; Abel 1938, II:298; IAA Archives/Mandate (File 65).

181* 229.2. Remains of a limekiln (outer diam. 6.5 m) on southeast bank of valley running southeast, east of the settlement (map ref. OIG 14040, 10695, NIG 19040 60695), dug in the ground to a depth of 1.2 m and hewn a further 2 m into the rock. The walls are lined with ﬁve to seven courses of stone. The limekiln is supported on the outside by a round stone wall preserved three to six courses high. Inside the kiln are remnants of quicklime and around it are piles of gray debris and a heap of quicklime. North of the limekiln—a heap of building stones, apparently prepared for ﬁring. South of the limekiln—a cultivation plot (60×140 m, c. 8.4 dunams), cleared of stones, leveled and delimited by a stone fence.

230. 0–6/2 14020 10610 19020 60610 300 m asl Nahal Lakhish [145] Section of a paved road (c. 300 m long) ﬂanked by large, upright curbstones placed next to one another on northeast bank of Nahal Lakhish. Other sections of the road are visible to the west and east. The road (3.4 m wide) runs along a raised terrace alongside Nahal Lakhish, occasionally approaching the fringes of cultivation plots bordering the wadi bed. Sections of the road were damaged when the modern road between Moshav Lakhish and Moshav Amazya was paved; the ancient road bedding, composed of tamped wadi pebbles and a thin layer of crushed qirton, was exposed in the section trenches created by modern roadworks. According to residents of Qubeiba the road connected ‘Araq el Manshiya (Qiryat Gat), El Qubeiba (near Moshav Lakhish), Ed Dawāyima (Amazya) and Hevron. Near the road—a winepress (mostly destroyed and covered with alluvium), partly rock- hewn and partly stone-built. Roman and Byzantine potsherds were collected from the vicinity of the winepress and Early Islamic potsherds, from the area near the road.

231. 0–6/3 14043 10646 19043 60646 330 m asl Nahal Lakhish [146] Remains of a well-preserved limekiln (diam. 4.3 m, 3.6 m deep) on spur running southwest, toward Nahal Lakhish. The upper part of the kiln (c. 1 m) is constructed of ﬁeldstones and the lower part is rock-hewn; the walls are coated with thick remnants of brownish-red plaster. Around the kiln—small mounds of debris and heaps of stones prepared for ﬁring.

232. 0–6/4 14072 10628 19072 60628 300 m asl Nahal Lakhish [147] Remains of a limekiln (diam. 3 m; all but its east side destroyed) surrounded by piles of gray debris at foot of southwest slope of hill, northeast of Nahal Lakhish.

182* 233. 0–6/5 14069 10655 19069 60655 305 m asl Nahal Lakhish [148] Remains of a limekiln (diam. 3.5 m, 1.5 m deep) on east slope of spur, northeast of Nahal Lakhish. Three stone courses survive of the western side of the kiln, which is ﬁlled with refuse and surrounded by heaps of burnt lime debris.

234. 0–6-6/6, 7 14071 10674 19071 60674 330 m asl Nahal Lakhish [149] 234.1. Remains of a limekiln (diam. 4.2 m, 2.5 m deep) on slope of spur descending east, northeast of Nahal Lakhish. The limekiln is rock-hewn and its interior is lined with five courses of stone. Around it—piles of debris. 234.2. Section of a paved road (600 m long) to the east of the kiln (map ref. OIG 14078 10675, NIG 19078 60675), ascending the spur in a northerly direction from Nahal Lakhish. The road (3–4 m wide) is flanked by curbstones. On the slope to the east of the road are retaining walls standing three to five courses high. At several places along its course the rock was cut or fill was deposited in order to straighten it and provide easier passage. Some 150 m to the north remains of a culvert were discerned, built beneath the road.

235. 0–6/8 14030 10634 19030 60634 310 m asl Nahal Lakhish [151] Remains of stone fences delimiting orchards (fig, carob, pomegranate, olive and almond trees; c. 20 dunams) and a watchman’s hut on a moderate spur extending southwest, toward Nahal Lakhish. The stone fences (0.5–0.6 m wide) are preserved to a height of 0.5–0.8 m. Entrances surmounted by dressed stone lintels, leading to the orchards, were distinguished in several places. The watchman’s hut (3.0×4.5 m; mainly the lower courses), constructed of large stones (0.5–0.8×0.8–1.2 m), some of them worked, is on the fringes of the orchards; the northeastern corner is preserved to a height of 2.1 m. A road (3.5–4.0 m wide) paved with large flagstones runs between the orchards. On the slope of the spur, at the edge of the orchards—a rock-hewn cistern (partly blocked) and an adjacent dressed rock surface (2.4×3.0 m) in which two basins (diam. 0.55 m, 0.25 m deep) linked by a channel are hewn. Fifteen meters to the east—a round surface (diam. 5.6 m), partly rock-hewn and partly made of tamped earth, delineated by a circle of stones (threshing floor?). Finds. Ottoman pottery (agricultural activity).

236. 0–6/9 14080 10608 19080 60608 310 m asl Nahal Lakhish [152] Installations and rock cuttings in rock surfaces (c. 4 dunams) on north slope of hill, north of Nahal Lakhish. Toward the top of the slope—two rock-hewn winepresses,

183* 6.8 m apart. The eastern winepress consists of a treading floor (1.5×2.2m, 0.44 m deep) with a collecting vat (diam. 0.6 m, 0.55 m deep) in its center. The western winepress comprises a treading floor (3.8×5.2 m) and collecting vat (1.5×2.5 m, 1.2 m deep) linked by a channel and three steps installed in the collecting vat, leading to the floor. West of the winepresses—six hewn cupmarks 0.37 m apart (diam. 0.27–0.35 m, 0.12–0.20 m deep) in a rock surface sloping north. West of the cupmarks—four basins (diam. 0.50–0.65 m, 0.3–0.4 m deep) hewn in a dressed rock surface (3.2×4.0 m). South of the basins—a hewn round surface (diam. 3.2 m) on a stepped rock. Toward the bottom of the slope—a rectangular rock cutting (0.6×1.3 m; covered by bushes), probably the beginnings of a burial cave that was never completed. In a small valley to the east—cultivation plots (c. 5 dunams). At the foot of the west slope of the hill—remains of an orchard delimited on the northwest by a stone fence preserved 0.5 m high. Inside the orchard—a quarry (10×14 m), revealing the negatives of stones that were detached from the rock.

237. 0–6/10 14090 10610 19090 60610 310 m asl Nahal Lakhish [153] Meticulously hewn winepress on north slope of hill, north of Nahal Lakhish: a treading floor (2.7×3.8 m, 0.45–1.00 m deep) and collecting vat (1.00×1.95 m, 0.8 m deep; partly filled with soil debris) to its north, linked by a channel. Traces of chisel marks were discerned in the corners of the treading floor. The surface is delimited in the south by a wall (preserved length 3.1 m) built of ashlars (dimensions of some of the stones 0.40×0.44×1.00 m) that apparently enclosed the surface from the east and west as well. A step was installed in the northern corner of the collecting vat. South of the winepress—several shallow hewn depressions in a dressed rock surface.

238. 0–6/11 14023 10655 19023 60655 315 m asl Nahal Lakhish [154] Cultivation plots and orchards (olive, carob, ﬁg and almond trees; c. 10 dunams), a winepress, rock cuttings and remains of a building on moderate slope of spur descending southwest, toward Nahal Lakhish. On the upper portion of the site—two cultivation plots delimited by stone fences (0.5 m wide) of dry ﬁeldstone construction and preserved 0.5–0.6 m high. Further down the slope—two hewn basins (diam. 0.35 m, 0.25 m deep) and two hewn cupmarks. Fifty meters west of the basins—remains of two orchards delimited by a stone fence. At the edge of the fence—a rock-hewn winepress (mostly covered with soil). About 150 m northwest of the orchards—two basins, a square vat (0.8×0.8 m, 0.55 m deep) and a conical cupmark (upper diam. 0.3 m, 0.24 m deep) hewn in a dressed rock surface (4×4 m); a comparison with similar installations located in the Hevron Hills indicates that this is an installation used in the production of carob honey (dibs). A depression (diam. 4.2 m, 2.1 m deep), probably a collapsed cistern, was

184* discerned in the ground west of the two orchards. Nearby—remains of a building; only the eastern corner (two courses) survives. Finds. Pottery: Byzantine (LRCIII-X bowls spread over c. 4 dunams—a scatter) and Ottoman (scanty ﬁnds in the orchards—agricultural activity).

239. 0–6/13 14050 10670 19050 60670 325 m asl Umm Nāb (M) Agricultural terraces and cultivation plots (c. 30 dunams) on which there are stone clearance heaps, winepresses, basins and cupmarks, on moderate slope of spur descending west. Remains of stone walls are preserved three to five courses high (0.6–1.2 m); some of the walls delimited cultivation plots and others retained agricultural terraces. The walls around the cultivation plots are broad (1.2 m wide) and built from the top of the slope down to its bottom, whereas the retaining walls are narrower (0.8 m wide) and constructed perpendicular to the gradient of the slope. At two spots the cultivation plot walls run parallel to each other, and a local farmer’s road passes between them. On one of the agricultural terraces—two adjacent rock-hewn winepresses. The southern winepress consists of a treading floor (1.8×2.4 m, 0.28 m deep) and collecting vat (c. 0.45×1.1 m; filled with soil). The northern winepress consists of a treading floor (2.1×3.2 m, 0.38 m deep) and collecting vat (0.6×1.5 m, 0.55 m deep; covered with alluvium) linked by a channel (0.34 m long); the treading floor walls are coated with plaster mixed with potsherds. Twelve meters west of the winepress—four basins (diam. 0.27–0.45 m, 0.20–0.35 m deep) hewn in a raised rock surface. Ten meters west of the basins—three hewn cupmarks (diam. c. 0.2 m, 0.12 m deep). At the foot of the western slope—a rock surface inclining gently to the west in which are cut 12 cupmarks in two rows, 1.4 m apart: eight cupmarks (average diam. 0.28 m, 0.24 m deep) in the upper row and four cupmarks (diam. 0.22 m, 0.12 m deep) in the lower row; a hewn channel connects the cupmarks in the lower row. In a valley to the south—agricultural terraces (c. 45 dunams), the walls (0.8 m wide) preserved to a height of three to five courses. North of the site—remains of a limekiln (diam. 3.4 m, 2.1 m deep; map ref. OIG 14055 10680, NIG 19055 60680) surrounded by piles of gray debris. Finds. Pottery: Byzantine (scanty finds spread over c. 5 dunams—a scatter) and Early Islamic (scanty fragments of bowls from the Abbasid period—a scatter).

240. 0–6/14 14092 10640 19092 60640 340 m asl Nahal Lakhish [232] Hewn installations and rock cuttings on rocky slope descending southwest, toward Nahal Lakhish. Higher up the slope—a rock-hewn winepress consisting of a treading floor (1.7×2.6 m) and collecting vat (filled with stone clearance and alluvium) linked by a channel. North of the winepress—a simple rock-hewn oil press (bodeda): a flat basin (diam. 0.73 m, 0.18 m deep) linked by a channel to a basin (diam. 0.42 m, 0.48 m

185* deep) on a lower level. On the rock outcrops around the installation—eight hewn basins (diam. 0.4–0.5 m) and 12 cupmarks (diam. 0.14–0.18 m). Close to the top of the slope—a hewn channel in the center of a dressed rock surface (1.3×1.6 m), apparently used for drying agricultural produce. Nearby are 11 depressions (diam. 8–10 cm) hewn in rock outcrops. Finds. Byzantine pottery (a few sherds—a scatter).

241. 0–6/15 14053 10615 19053 60615 290 m asl Nahal Lakhish [233] Pottery scatter (c. 2 dunams) in the midst of a cultivated area in and northeast of the Nahal Lakhish wadi bed. Spots of ash and brownish-red material (remnants of mud bricks?) were noted in the area of the scatter. Finds. Byzantine pottery (numerous sherds).

242. 0–6/16 14055 10647 19055 60647 310 m asl Nahal Lakhish [234] Agricultural terraces (c. 10 dunams) on southeastern slope of spur, northeast of Nahal Lakhish. Finds. Byzantine pottery (numerous sherds—agricultural activity).

243. 0–6/17 14092 10688 19092 60688 320 m asl Nahal Lakhish [235] Entrances to four rock-hewn burial caves near foot of slope descending southwest, toward a tributary of Nahal Lakhish. The caves were plundered many years ago by antiquities robbers. Today they are inaccessible because of collapse. Finds (in the vicinity of the caves). Byzantine pottery.

244. 0–6/1 14156 10687 19156 60687 425 m asl Kh. et Tabla (M) Remains of a square fortress (40×40 m) on summit of high hill (c. 2 dunams) overlooking an extensive area. Illicit excavations were conducted at the site. The fortress is built of large stones dressed on two faces only; mainly the northern, western and eastern walls (1.2 m wide) are preserved to a height of two to ﬁve courses. The entrance, presently ruinous, is set in the eastern wall; interior walls partitioned the fortress into several rooms (2×3 m, 4×4 m, 3×5 m). Inside the fortress are heaps of masonry stones, among them stones with drafted margins, a stone bearing a carved circle (a rosette?), two stone thresholds (1.8 m long), a lintel fashioned from limestone not indigenous to the area and fragments of a column and a plain capital. Next to the entrance—remains of a paved road leading to the fortress, retained by a stone wall (38 m long). Meager wall remains and later structures of dry ﬁeldstone construction were documented around the fortress; some of the later buildings utilized the outer walls of the fortress. The structure

186* adjacent to the fortress’ western wall utilizes building stones from the fortress and its southern wall includes fragments of a capital and a round column (0.6 m high). On the upper southeastern slope of the hill—a collapsed cave (10×10 m), apparently a reservoir. North of the cave—sections of a stone-built channel that probably fed the reservoir. North of the fortress—a winepress hewn in a rock outcrop: a treading floor (3.2×4.0 m, 0.03 m deep) and collecting vat (presently blocked). Nearby—three hewn cupmarks (diam. 0.28 m). On the western slope of the hill—agricultural terraces. A rock-hewn winepress comprising a trapezoid treading floor (1.5×2.0×3.2 m, 0.34 m deep) and collecting vat (currently blocked) was discerned near one of the terrace walls. Two hundred meters north of the fortress—remains of walls, of unknown purpose. On the slopes of the hill—agricultural terraces (c. 73 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (scanty finds including jar rims and bases of bowls—a scatter), Hellenistic (numerous finds in the fortress remains), Roman and Byzantine (scanty finds).

245. 1–6/2 14164 10647 19164 60647 375 m asl Kh. er Roz (S) Kh. er Ruzz (M) Settlement remains (c. 20 dunams) on low saddle and the surrounding slopes. Later orchards planted in the area of the site disrupted the plan of the ancient remains. Between the stone fences around the orchards—stone clearance heaps, some of them piled on the foundations of buildings and walls. On the southern part of the saddle—the corner of a large building (wall thickness 0.6 m; a public building?). In the area of the orchards—remains of watchman’s huts (dimensions of several of them: 2×2 m, 2×3 m, 3×4 m), some of them preserved four to eight courses high. On the slope west of the saddle— remains of a watchman’s hut; the stone threshold and three steps survive. Dressed building stones from the ancient structures in the settlement were used in the construction of the orchards’ fences. On the saddle—ten rock-hewn cisterns, some of which can be entered, and hewn channels that convey runoff into the two southern cisterns. On the western wall of the southernmost cistern—remains of a circular carving, an illegible inscription in Greek and a carved cross (arms 0.6 m long). In the center of the saddle—a rock-hewn cruciform cave (length of each arm c. 3 m) containing 260 hewn columbarium niches arranged in symmetric rows. Apparently the cistern, initially round, was later enlarged in the shape of a cross in order to increase its wall area, and the columbarium niches were cut. Nearby, west of the cave entrance—a rock-hewn trough (0.63×1.34 m). West of the saddle (map ref. OIG 14150 10655, NIG 19150 60655) are two additional rock-hewn cisterns, one of them collapsed (c. 4 m deep) and the other with a bush growing out of its mouth (diam. 0.8 m). Nearby—a large rock-hewn winepress

187* consisting of a treading floor (4.5×5.3 m; partly covered with earth) and collecting vat (2.1×4.0 m) to its west, linked by a channel (0.35 m long). A paved road (2.1–2.5 m wide) flanked with curbstones runs along the saddle and continues south toward Nahal Lakhish; some of the segments were cut in the rock to facilitate manueverablilty. The road apparently connected Ed Dawāyima with the orchards on the hills. On the slope east of the saddle—another rock-hewn winepress, near the corner of an orchard. The wall enclosing the orchard is built on top of the treading floor; the collecting vat is filled with stones. Finds. Pottery: Byzantine (numerous finds spread over c. 20 dunams in the settlement remains) and Ottoman (numerous finds inside the orchards—agricultural activity). Conder and Kitchener 1881–1883, III:285; IAA Archives/Mandate (File 163).

246. 1–6/3, 12 14147 10605 19147 60605 352 m asl Nahal Lakhish [155] 246.1. Remains of orchards, pens, an ancient road, stone mounds, building remains, installations, caves, a limekiln and ancient quarries (c. 25 dunams) on hill north of Nahal Lakhish. The orchards (olive, carob and pomegranate trees) are enclosed by stone fences (0.8–1.0 m wide, 0.7–1.0 m high). Entrances built with stone lintels taken from ancient buildings are preserved in some of the orchards. Some of the orchards, as well as the stone pens on the hill, were used by the villagers of Ed Dawāyima until the establishment of the state. Paved road (c. 400 m long, 1.2 m wide) flanked by stone fences (around orchards), extending across the eastern part of the hill. Two mounds of stones—apparently stone clearance heaps—were discerned inside one of the orchards; the mounds cover remains of a building preserved two courses high whose eastern corner stands out conspicuously. The western mound of stones covers remains of another building and most an adjacent rock-hewn winepress. In an orchard on the eastern side of the hill—a collapsed cave (4×4 m) with a niche (0.3×0.5 m) hewn in its northern wall. Additonal caves were recorded inside orchards to the south. Also on the eastern side of the hill—remains of a limekiln (diam. 4 m, 3.8 m deep), the lower part rock-hewn and lined with four to six courses of large fieldstones and the upper part (aboveground) stone-built; only the western side (0.8 m in width) survives, to a height of c. 1 m. Around the limekiln—piles of gray debris. A short distance to the south—a rock- hewn winepress consisting of a treading floor (2.0×2.8 m, 0.25 m deep) and collecting vat (c. 0.85×1.40 m, c. 0.9 m deep; damaged by erosion) to the east, linked by a hewn channel. A cupmark (diam. 0.28 m, 0.15 m deep) is hewn alongside the treading floor. A cave (1.4 m high) accessed by three steps was hewn at the corners of the treading floor, but not completed. Near the collecting vat is a dressed block of hard limestone (1.00×1.20×1.35 m) into which a basin (diam. 0.58 m, 0.82 m deep) linked by a channel to an adjacent cupmark (0.18 m deep) were hewn—apparently a simple

188* oil press. A fragment of a crushing stone, probably originating in a nearby oil press, is incorporated in the stone fence west of the winepress. Near the winepress—remains of ancient quarries. On the northeastern slope of the hill—a collapsed burial cave. Illicit excavations were conducted in the area around the cave in an unsuccessful attempt to discover other caves. On the southeastern, western and northern slopes of the hill—agricultural terraces (c. 55 dunams) and cultivation plots delimited by stone fences partly built with large stones (0.8–1.2 m long) placed side by side. Finds. Pottery: Byzantine (scanty remains—a scatter) and Ottoman (orchards— agricultural activity). 246.2. Rock-hewn winepress and agricultural terraces (c. 12 dunams) on slope descending north, north of Nahal Lakhish (map ref. OIG 14116 10614, NIG 19116 60614). The winepress, hewn in a prominent rock outcrop, consists of a small treading floor (1.2×1.2 m) and round collecting vat (diam. 0.58 m). A hewn through-hole connects the collecting vat to the edge of the rock surface, apparently to facilitate the filling of jars. Finds. Byzantine pottery (numerous finds on the agricultural terraces—agricultural activity).

247. 1–5/7; 1–6/4 14190 10620 19190 60620 354 m asl Nahal Lakhish [156] 247.1. Cultivation plots delimited by stone fences, rock-hewn caves, a watchman’s hut, rock-hewn installations and a limekiln (c. 25 dunams) on rocky hill north of Nahal Lakhish. The stone fences (0.8 m wide) are preserved to a height of 0.8–1.2 m. Near the hilltop is a rock-hewn cave, its entrance lined with large stones and a dressed lintel. A corridor (3.2 m long) leads from the entrance to a finely cut chamber (4×6 m) with a plaster and straw mixture coating the walls in several places. Found inside the cave were containers made of coarse clay (1.3 m high, 0.5 m wide) equipped with an upper opening (0.20×0.28 m) and a narrow aperture (diam. 7 cm) at the base, apparently used for storing grain. On the northeastern part of the hill—a round watchman’s booth (diam. 4.55 m, 3.24 m high) built of fieldstones and dressed stones and cement mixed with potsherds sandwiched between them. Steps leading to the roof, built of large dressed stone slabs, are preserved on the northern side. On the roof several stone bases and stone columns that carried a superstructure. Next to the watchman’s hut are remains of an oval booth (2.4×3.2 m). Southeast of the watchman’s hut—a rock-hewn winepress, between stone fences, consisting of an irregularly-shaped treading floor (0.2 m deep) and a rectangular collecting vat (0.8×1.2 m, 0.6 m deep) linked by a channel. On the collecting vat’s walls are remains of thick plaster mixed with ground potsherds.

189* On the southwestern slope of the hill—remains of stone fences and a rock-hewn winepress (mostly destroyed). Further down the slope—a rock-hewn cave that served as a shepherd’s dwelling. On the southern slope of the hill are five rock-hewn burial caves, exposed by antiquities robbers. During a later period the easternmost cave was widened into a large chamber (3.5×5.0 m); a corridor (2.4 m long) leads to the cave. Another cave was used in a later phase as a dwelling and niches (0.7×0.8 m, 0.65 m deep) were cut in its walls; a decoration of diagonal lines was carved below the niches. On the saddle north of the hill (map ref. OIG 14191 10627, NIG 19191 60627)— remains of a limekiln (diam. 5 m, 1.5 m deep; filled with debris). In the western wall of the kiln is a channel (0.8 m wide) built of medium-sized fieldstones through which air flowed, fanning the flames during combustion. Finds. Pottery: Byzantine (numerous finds spread over c. 10 dunams—agricultural activity?) and Ottoman (sherds scattered in the cultivation plots over an area of c. 20 dunams—agricultural activity). 247.2. Remains of a burial cave, looted many years ago by antiquities robbers, on south slope of hill descending towards Nahal Lakhish (map ref. OIG 14188 10594, NIG 19188 60594). Cut into the lower portion of the cave’s facade is the entrance (0.5×0.6 m), leading to a chamber (3.2×3.6 m) with two burial kokhim, one in the eastern wall (0.68×0.84×2.20 m) and the other in the western wall (0.53×0.60×1.95 m). Several potsherds were gathered from the area close to the entrance. Finds. Byzantine pottery (a few sherds).

248. 1–6/5 14195 10652 19195 60652 370 m asl Nahal Lakhish [157] Five orchards enclosed by stone fences, a rock-hewn winepress and a burial cave (c. 18 dunams) on southern slope of spur, north of Nahal Lakhish. The orchards are situated one above the other on the slope. West of the orchards—remains of long walls preserved two to five courses high, apparently delimiting cultivation plots. West of the orchards—a rock-hewn winepress (partly covered by bushes). South of the orchards—a rock-hewn burial cave (c. 4×6 m), plundered by antiquities robbers. The cave entrance is blocked by collapse. Two burial kokhim were discerned in the wall opposite the entrance when peeking through the entrance. Numerous Byzantine potsherds were gathered from around the front of the cave. South of the burial cave—two basins (diam. 0.54 m) hewn in a rock outcrop. Nearby— a rock-hewn rectangular surface (4×6 m) overlaid with tamped earth, apparently a threshing floor. On the slopes of the spur—agricultural terraces (c. 24 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Byzantine (numerous finds among the installations and near the burial cave) and Ottoman (orchards—agricultural activity).

190* 249. 1–6/6 14156 10617 19156 60617 350 m asl Nahal Lakhish [158] Rock-hewn (burial?) cave on a large rock outcrop at foot of slope descending east, toward a tributary of Nahal Lakhish. The cave entrance faces east. The cave consists of a single chamber (2×3 m, 2.1 m high) with a kokh (0.25×0.30 m) in its northern wall.

250. 1–6/7 14185 10633 19185 60633 340 m asl Nahal Lakhish [159] Remains of four rock-hewn cisterns on slope descending west, toward a tributary of Nahal Lakhish. In 1984 the cisterns were sealed and today only depressions in the ground (1.5 m deep) mark their locations.

251. 1–6/8 14171 10682 19171 60682 420 m asl Nahal Lakhish [160] Dressed rock surface (12.8×18.5 m) sloping east, on which there are numerous cuttings, on southeast slope of hill, north of Nahal Lakhish: eleven cupmarks (diam. 0.3 m, average depth 0.2 m), seven small winepresses cut side by side and three basins (diam. 0.44 m) between them, several rectangular vats (0.5×0.6 m, 0.4 m deep) and a few steps with depressions in them where jars were probably placed. East of the rock surface—a rock-hewn bell-shaped cave (diam. 3.45 m, 2.35 m deep) in which a ﬁg tree grows. On the eastern slope of the hill—agricultural terraces (c. 27 dunams) whose walls are preserved to a height of two to ﬁve courses. On the saddle northeast of the site—a paved road; a section of the road running to the east is cut in the rock for a length of c. 10 m. The road connected Ed Dawāyima with Bet Guvrin, passing through adjacent cultivation plots. Also on the saddle are remains of walls preserved two to four courses high, some of which delimited farmland (c. 12 dunams).

252. 1–6/9, 11 14109 10655 19109 60655 357 m asl Nahal Lakhish [161] 252.1. Remains of a building and an adjacent limekiln on eastern slope of hill commanding an extensive area, north of Nahal Lakhish. Only segments of the building’s walls survive; apparently most of the stones were taken to construct the agricultural terraces and the fences surrounding the orchards. Around the limekiln (diam. 3.2 m, 2.0 m deep)—piles of gray debris. On the northeastern slope of the hill—remains of an orchard (25×90 m) enclosed by a fence that includes ancient building stones in its construction. North of the orchard— a rock-hewn winepress (mostly covered with soil). Fifteen meters north of the winepress—a rock-hewn rectangular pit (1.2×2.6 m, 0.75 m deep; partially blocked), possibly a burial cave entrance.

191* In the wadi north of the hill—additional agricultural terraces (c. 25 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Byzantine (numerous finds—a scatter), Early Islamic (scanty finds—a scatter) and Ottoman (remains of orchards—agricultural activity). 252.2. Installations, rock cuttings, orchards and agricultural terraces (c. 10 dunams) on slope descending southwest, next to a valley north of Nahal Lakhish (map ref. OIG 14110 10685, NIG 19110 60685). Among the installations: a rock-hewn winepress consisting of a treading floor (2.5×3.2 m, 0.37 m deep) and circular collecting vat (diam. 0.63 m; filled with stone clearance) to its west. North of the winepress—two basins (diam. 0.55 m) hewn in a rock outcrop that slopes south. Also north of the winepress, on a slope that descends south toward the valley—a quarry (2.7×4.0 m) and two hewn basins (diam. 0.38 m). Nearby—two hewn cupmarks (diam. 0.27 m). On the slopes close to the valley are walls built perpendicular to the wadi, some of which fenced in orchards. In the valley—agricultural terraces. Finds: Byzantine pottery (numerous sherds on the agricultural terraces—agricultural activity).

253. 1–6/10, 13 14143 10625 19143 60625 330 m asl Nahal Lakhish [162] 253.1. Orchards, agricultural terraces (c. 32 dunams), installations, a cistern, burial caves and a watchman’s hut in a wadi running west, toward Nahal Lakhish. The orchards are enclosed by fieldstone fences (c. 0.8 m wide) preserved 1.0–1.5 m high, apparently constructed of stones taken from the ruinous buildings in the vicinity. Some of the fences have an entrance surmounted by a dressed stone lintel. Unirrigated crops grow in the agricultural terraces, constructed in the middle of the wadi. North of the agricultural terraces—a rock-hewn winepress consisting of a treading floor (2.1×3.2 m) and collecting vat (0.9×1.4m, 0.5 m deep) to its west, linked by a channel. South of the winepress—two large hewn basins (diam. 0.86 m, 0.55 m deep) and a dressed rock surface. South of the basins—a rock-hewn cistern (currently blocked) with grooves worn into the rim around the opening (diam. 0.75 m) by the friction of ropes used to draw water. North of the winepress—three rectangular entrances to rock-hewn burial caves, plundered by antiquities robbers. One of the caves, which can be entered by crawling, consists of a chamber with a single arcosolium. East of the cave entrances— remains of a watchman’s hut (diam. 3.2 m). In the upper reaches of the wadi—two simple oil presses (bodedot) hewn in a rock outcrop: two channels (10 cm wide, 7 cm deep), each forming a circle (diam. 0.7 m), leading to two basins (diam. 0.6 m); a shallow channel circumscribes the rock outcrop. Finds. Pottery: Roman (scanty finds spread over c. 1 dunam—a scatter), Byzantine (numerous finds spread over c. 5 dunams in the area of the installations, probably related to agricultural activity) and Ottoman (orchards—agricultural activity).

192* 253.2. Three basins (diam. 0.55 m) hewn in a rock outcrop and agricultural terraces (c. 10 dunams) in the upper reaches of a wadi running west, toward Nahal Lakhish. Finds. Byzantine pottery (many sherds on the agricultural terraces—agricultural activity).

254. 1–6/14 14125 10676 19125 60676 360 m asl Nahal Lakhish [236] Remains of a building—the northern and western walls—on saddle north of Nahal Lakhish. The rest of the building is covered with piles of stones. A courtyard (c. 5×5 m) entered from the south is east of the building. The courtyard walls are of fieldstones, preserved two to five courses high. South of the building—a depression in the ground (collapsed cistern?). Finds. Pottery: Iron II (scanty finds, mostly jar rims—a scatter) and Byzantine (numerous finds in the building remains).

255. 1–6/15 14175 10610 19175 60610 335 m asl Nahal Lakhish [237] Agricultural terraces and remains of orchards (c. 12 dunams), and rock cuttings, at the foot of a hill north of Nahal Lakhish. Some of the cultivation plots were apparently tended by farmers from Ed Dawāyima (the location of Moshav Amazya) until the establishment of the state. Cultivation plots delimited by walls are visible; one of the walls extends from the hill down toward the wadi, passing over a large rock outcrop on which a winepress treading ﬂoor and two basins were hewn. Finds. Byzantine pottery (numerous sherds—agricultural activity).

256. 1–6/16 14120 10635 19120 60635 325 m asl Nahal Lakhish [238] Agricultural terraces (c. 10 dunams) on southeastern slope of hill, north of Nahal Lakhish. At the site—cultivation plots enclosed by stone fences, some of which are preserved to a height of two to ﬁve courses. Finds. Byzantine pottery (many sherds—agricultural activity).

257. 1–6/17 14135 10660 19135 60660 355 m asl Nahal Lakhish [239] Concentration of rock-hewn installations on rocky slope descending south, north of Nahal Lakhish: four basins (diam. 0.38–0.55 m, 0.12–0.18 m deep) and twelve cupmarks (diam. 0.15–0.20 m) cut into rock outcrops. On the upper reaches of the slope—two hewn surfaces, apparently the treading ﬂoors of winepresses. A channel extends south from the eastern surface (1.35×2.11 m). Hewn in the center of the western surface (2.77×2.80 m) is a square basin (0.55×0.57 m, 0.42 m deep).

193* 258. 2–6/1, 3 14260 10682 19260 60682 360 m asl H. ‘Ezra [1] Resm el ‘Adhrâ (S) Kh. el ‘Adara (M) 258.1. Settlement remains (c. 25 dunams) on southeastern slope of hill: remains of structures and walls, building foundations, rock-hewn caves, cisterns, remains of watchman’s huts and rock-hewn installations. The remains were damaged by the later construction of pens, courtyards, and fences and by illicit excavations. Remains of 16 buildings (dimensions of two of the structures of clear plan: 2.4×3.0 m, 3×4 m), whose walls are preserved two to three courses aboveground, were documented; illicit excavations exposed an additional three to six courses belowground. On the higher portion of the site is the corner of a large structure (walls 1.2 m wide), apparently a public building (church?), inside a ruinous pen. Among the building remains are seven rock-hewn cisterns. Staircases descend to the floors of two of the cisterns in the southern part of the site. The southernmost of the two has a cross carved on the staircase (length of the vertical arm 0.75 m) inside a circle (diam. c. 1 m) and a square (0.65×0.65 m) containing an illegible inscription below them. On a rock surface between the building remains—a large hewn winepress consisting of a treading floor and deep collecting vat to its south. Nearby—a cross (vertical arm 0.95 m long), carved on a rock. Many rock- hewn caves were documented in the area of the settlement, among them columbarium caves, a cave containing an oil press and caves joined by narrow passageways. In the upper part of the settlement (map ref. OIG 14250 10695, NIG 19250 60695)—several rock-hewn bell-shaped pits (diam. 4–5 m) similar to those located in the area of Bet Guvrin, with columbarium niches (some destroyed) hewn in the walls. Several crosses are carved in the walls of the eastern pit, particularly in the northeastern wall. West of these pits is a cruciform cave (length of the arms 3–4 m) with 68 well preserved columbarium niches cut in the walls. A well preserved orchard was documented in the upper portion of the site, surrounded by stone walls that include architectural elements (fragments of capitals, a column base and a piece of grayish white marble—a chancel screen?) in their construction. Below the settlement—a rock surface in which there are three hewn cupmarks (diam. 0.32 m, 0.1 m deep) and a stone basin (diam. 0.55 m, 4 cm deep) approached by a channel (1 m long). Northeast of the settlement—a well preserved rock-hewn winepress consisting of a square treading floor (4.55×4.65 m) and a cruciform collecting vat (length of its arms 2.75 and 2.84 m, max. depth 1.6 m) to its southeast. Hewn south of the winepress—a circular basin (diam. 0.55 m, 0.28 m deep) and a rectangular one (0.44×0.75 m, 0.15 m deep). East of the winepress—remains of a round watchman’s hut (diam. 4.1 m) built of stones taken from the ruins and preserved to a height of at least two stories. Inside the booth are remains of two staircases; one was destroyed, the other is well preserved. There was apparently a booth, which did not survive, on the roof.

194* On the southeastern slope of the hill (map ref. OIG 14248 10685, NIG 19248 60685)— remains of a rock-hewn cave (c. 5×6 m; ceiling collapsed), its entrance facing west. A narrow corridor leads from the cave to a meticulously hewn cruciform cave (length of arms c. 2.0–2.8 m) containing c. 320 hewn columbarium niches, some arched and some triangular. North of the cave—another rock-hewn columbarium cave whose entrance is located near a stone fence surrounding an orchard. A narrow passage (5 m long) runs from the cave entrance to a rectangular chamber from which an opening leads to a chamber containing columbarium niches, square (0.26×0.26 m), triangular (0.3×0.3×0.3 m) and gabled (0.28 m high). On the southern slope of the hill—a cave hewn in the chalk rock, its entrance facing southeast. Inside are remains of an oil press, including pressing installations and storage niches. Also on the southern slope is a cistern and adjacent trough, both rock- hewn (map ref. OIG 14250 10682, NIG 19250 60682). Nearby—the entrance to a rock- hewn cave comprising several chambers, one of which contains an oil press; several passages (some blocked) extend from this chamber. One of the passages leads to a rock- hewn bell-shaped cistern with a staircase; the cistern has openings to corridors hewn subsequent to the cistern’s use. On the southern slope—several rock-hewn burial caves that were plundered by antiquities robbers many years ago (presently blocked). On the slopes around the site—cultivation plots (c. 76 dunams) delimited by stone fences preserved to a height of 1.0–1.3 m; some of the fences have entrances surmounted with stone lintels that were apparently removed from the settlement ruins. A paved side road (c. 200 m long) flanked by stone walls (2.5–3.0 m wide; preserved 0.5 m high) ascends to the site from a saddle to the southwest. Finds. Pottery: Hellenistic (numerous finds spread over c. 25 dunams in the settlement remains, including many imported vessels), Roman and Byzantine (numerous finds in the settlement remains, including a lamp fragment and fragments of LRCIII bowls), Early Islamic (scanty finds spread over c. 10 dunams—a scatter), Mamluk (numerous finds in the settlement remains) and Ottoman (scanty finds and pens—temporary occupation). Conder and Kitchner 1881–1883, III:288; IAA Archives/Mandate (File 4). 258.2. Remains of a sheikh’s tomb (Esh Sh. Badawī) on saddle southeast of the settlement remains (map ref. OIG 14268 10673, NIG 19268 60673): a large mound of stones covering remains of a building, among them fragments of columns and column drums (diam. 0.68 m, 0.35 m high). Other stone mounds nearby may denote additional tombs. Large olive and carob trees grow at the site. According to Haj Salim from Kh. el Kom, villagers from the western Hevron Hills region made pilgrimages to the site in the hope that they be blessed with a rainy year. An ancient Roman road traverses the saddle, connecting Bet Guvrin with Beit ‘Awwā and continuing to the Hevron Hills (see Sites 11.1, 85, 86.2, 192, 261, 542, 548.2, 660, 786). Finds (in the vicinity of the tomb). Roman, Byzantine, Mamluk and Ottoman pottery.

195* 259. 2–6/2 14213 10673 19213 60673 380 m asl Rasm el Tāsa (M) Orchards, remains of a building, cisterns, installations and remains of a watchman’s hut (c. 10 dunams) on moderate slope descending south. The orchards (30×50 m, 40×60 m) are enclosed by stone fences (0.65 m wide) preserved to a height of 0.7 m. Between the fences remains of a building (farmhouse?) were observed; its stones had been dismantled, probably used in the construction of the fences. Recorded at the site were six to eight rock-hewn cisterns (some currently blocked). Near one of the cisterns was a stone column drum. East of the site—additional rock-hewn cisterns. Rock-cut channels on the slope probably conveyed runoff to the cisterns. Close to the top of the slope—remains of an oval watchman’s hut (3.7×5.5 m) preserved to a height of 1.35 m. On its roof are remains of a booth built of branches. West of the watchman’s hut—a dressed rock surface (3×5 m) sloping south, into which three basins and a winepress, to their south, are cut. The basins (diam. 0.55 m, 0.15 m deep) are hewn in a row 0.65 m apart. The winepress consists of a small shallow treading floor (0.84×1.60 m, 0.15 m deep) and round collecting vat (diam. 0.75 m, 0.4 m deep). East of the site, on a slope that descends to the southeast, are agricultural terraces (c. 28 dunams) and farming plots enclosed by stone fences. A large fragment of a marble column (1.24 m high) is incorporated in the stone fence of the lower plot. Finds. Pottery: Roman (scanty finds spread over c. 3 dunams—a scatter), Byzantine (numerous finds in the settlement remains) and Ottoman (orchards—agricultural activity).

260. 2–6/4, 9, 10, 12; 3–6/5 14290 10638 19290 60638 400 m asl H. Boser Kh. Bishir (S) Kh. Bishr (M) 260.1. Settlement remains (c. 40 dunams) on moderate slope descending west: remains of structures, including public buildings, cisterns, rock-hewn caves (some collapsed) and pens. Prior to the establishment of the state, shepherds from the village of Ed Dawāyima occupied the site during the grazing season. Illicit excavations have severely damaged the ruins in recent years; architectural elements have been stolen. Among the outstanding remains are those of a large building (23×23 m; church?) facing northeast constructed from large meticulously dressed stones; all of the building’s corners and the northern and southern walls (0.9–1.2 m wide) are preserved to a maximum height of 1.2 m. Two columns are inside the building (another decorated base was stolen from the site). In the western part of the building stand in situ two large stone doorjambs, apparently initially from another site. Many of the building’s stones were removed to construct pens in a later phase. South of the building—remains of another large, ﬁnely built structure (10×15 m) with broad foundations (c. 1.3 m). A wide entrance set in the eastern side of the building is ﬂanked on either side by stone doorjambs preserved in situ. In the building’s courtyard—

196* a rock-hewn cistern (c. 10 m deep) into which water drained from the building’s roof. North of the building are two more cisterns and close to them— five stone troughs (three of the troughs were stolen from the site following the survey). Remains of 12 smaller buildings (2.6×4.0 m, 3×4 m), simply constructed, were documented at the site. One of the buildings in the southern part of the site is preserved to a height of two to five courses. Illicit excavations uncovered a stone doorjamb and threshold in its western side. A large courtyard (4×6 m) containing a rock-hewn cistern (5.3 m deep) adjoins the eastern side of the building. Between the building remains are eight rock-hewn cisterns, some of them with a hewn staircase that leads to the floor; large rocks cap some of the cisterns’ mouths. In the southern part of the settlement—a cistern hewn to a great depth (exceeding 12 m, diam. c. 9 m); grooves are worn in its mouth by the friction of ropes used to draw water. In the southwestern part of the settlement a complex of four hewn bell-shaped caves was documented; these were originally cisterns that were negated in a later phase and joined together. Two narrow hewn passages in the eastern cave lead to other caves. One of the passages is blocked after a distance of c. 10 m and the other (25 m long) leads to three hewn halls (average size 3.5×5.0 m). Hewn in the walls of one of the halls are 155 columbarium niches, arranged in rows. Triangular recesses that accommodated ceramic lamps are carved into the walls of the passages and the halls. On the southern fringes of the settlement remains (map ref. OIG 14298 10627, NIG 19298 60627)—a rock-hewn columbarium cave, partly collapsed, comprising a rectangular chamber and a passage that extends from it to another chamber. West of the settlement remains—a large well-preserved rock-hewn cistern (c. 10 m deep, diam. at base 7.5 m; map ref. OIG 14283 10644, NIG 19283 60644), capped by a stone (diam. 1.4 m, 0.55 m thick) with a round central drawing hole (diam. 0.44 m) bearing grooves formed by the friction of ropes. Another opening in the cistern was probably for catching floodwaters. Remains of illegible carvings, possibly an Arabic inscription, were discerned on the southern wall. On the southern slope of the hill—a large rock-hewn winepress consisting of a treading floor (4.2×5.2 m) and collecting vat (mostly covered with soil) to its south. Nearby— another rock-hewn winepress, comprising a treading floor (2.0×2.4 m) and collecting vat (0.58×1.3 m) abutting its southern side. West of the winepresses—two basins (diam. 0.36 m, 0.28 m deep) and six cupmarks (diam. c. 0.24 m) hewn in a rock outcrop; this was probably an oil extraction installation. On the eastern slope of the hill—rock-hewn burial caves and small mounds of soil left behind by the looters. Around the settlement remains—agricultural terraces and cultivation plots delimited by stone fences (c. 145 dunams). Finds: Pottery: Roman and Byzantine (numerous finds in the settlement remains), Mamluk (scanty finds spread over c. 10 dunams—a scatter) and Ottoman (orchards and cultivation plots—agricultural activity). Conder and Kitchener 1881–1883, III:280; IAA Archives/Mandate (File 39).

197* 260.2. Winepress hewn in a rock surface on moderate slope of hill descending west, northwest of the settlement remains (map ref. OIG 14265 10654, NIG 19265 60654): a treading floor (2.15×2.25 m) and collecting vat (0.5×1.0 m, 0.4 m deep) to its west. Nearby—a circular rock-hewn basin (diam. 0.34 m; blocked with soil). Southwest of the winepress—a deserted orchard (c. 100×100 m) in which fig and olive trees still grow. Numerous masonry stones are incorporated in the construction of the stone fence surrounding the orchard. 260.3. Orchards and agricultural terraces (c. 35 dunams) on spur running south, southwest of the settlement remains (map ref. OIG 14258 10625, NIG 19258 60625). The orchards are enclosed by walls preserved two to five courses high. In the western portion of the orchards—three basins (diam. 0.48 m) hewn in a rock outcrop. Finds. Ottoman pottery (agricultural activity). 260.4. Rock-hewn winepress, a pool and orchards on spur running southwest, south of the settlement remains. The winepress consists of a treading floor (2.4×3.7 m, 0.44 m deep) and collecting vat (0.66×1.07 m, 0.67 m deep) to its south. East of the winepress—a rock-hewn pool (3.2×3.7 m, 0.42 m deep; filled with stone clearance). Near the installations—orchards enclosed by stone fences. In a valley to the west of the site—agricultural terraces (c. 35 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Byzantine (scanty finds—a scatter) and Ottoman (orchards and cultivation plots—agricultural activity). 260.5. Rock-hewn cistern (8.5 m deep; ceiling partly collapsed) with a hewn staircase (currently blocked) descending to the floor in the upper portion of a valley, southeast of the settlement remains (map ref. OIG 14307 10632, NIG 19307 60632).

261. 2–6/5 14256 10656 19256 60656 375 m asl Nahal Lakhish [166] Section of an ancient road (c. 1 km long) and milestones, adjacent to a wadi that extends south, toward Nahal Lakhish. The road (3.8–4.3 m wide; 5.1 m wide opposite the milestones), connecting Bet Guvrin to Dura, was paved during the Roman period and apparently continued to be used in Byzantine times. Later, an agricultural terrace was built alongside the road’s shoulder; milestones denoting the ﬁfth mile from Bet Guvrin (see Sites 11.1, 85, 86.2, 192, 258.2, 542, 548.2, 660, 786), four vertical and three horizontal, are incorporated into its construction. Standing in situ on the eastern side of the road are four eroded milestones (the ﬁrst 0.82 m high, diam. 0.62 m; the second 1.32 m high, diam. 0.6 m; the third 1.13 m high, diam. 0.73 m; and the fourth 0.9 m high, diam. 0.5 m). Fifteen meters north of the concentration of milestones—a cylindrical stone (1.4 m high, diam. 0.8 m) incorporated in a stone fence; another fallen milestone (height of base 0.5 m, height of column 1.65 m) was found recently 60 m to the north. Alongside the road are support walls. Sections of the road were hewn to

198* facilitate the movement of trafﬁc. The portion of the road running between Bet Guvrin and Dura was in active service during the Ottoman period. Finds. Roman and Byzantine pottery. Conder and Kitchener 1881–1883, III:282; Thomsen 1917:81; Roman Roads Near Bet Guvrin. HA 50 (1974): 16 (Hebrew); Dagan 1974:16; Roll and Dagan 1988.

262. 2–6/6 14261 10680 19261 60680 355 m asl Nahal Lakhish [167] Remains of an oil press on southeastern slope of hill, north of Nahal Lakhish. Remains of a building (6×6 m) constructed of large dressed stones were documented. Next to the building is a cylindrical stone (1.26 m long, diam. 0.5 m) and a grooved dressed stone (1.57 m long)—part of a pair of piers (betulot) that stood on either side of the pressing installation in the oil press. Fifteen meters west of the building remains is a large crushing basin (diam. 2.4 m, 0.67 m deep) made of hard limestone from the Hevron Hills.

263. 2–6/7, 11 14230 10675 19230 60675 375 m asl Nahal Lakhish [168] 263.1. Orchards (c. 35 dunams) and hewn installations on spur running southeast, north of Nahal Lakhish. The orchards (carob and olive trees) are arranged in a row on the slope of the spur, one below the other, and are delimited by stone fences (0.75 m wide) preserved 0.8–1.0 m high. On the southern slope of the spur is a winepress hewn in a rock outcrop sloping east (map ref. OIG 14230 10665, NIG 19230 60665): a treading floor (3.1×5.1 m, 0.44 m deep) and collecting vat (c. 1.78×2.68 m, depth till the soil covering the floor: 0.54 m) to its south. On the eastern part of the spur, inside a well- preserved orchard—four basins (diam. 0.65 m, 0.4 m deep) hewn in a row in a rock surface sloping east, connected by a hewn channel (0.13 m wide). Next to the lowermost basin—hewn depressions (diam. 0.25 m, 5 cm deep), probably for holding jars. Near the basins—a hewn step (0.35 m high). Finds. Pottery: Byzantine (numerous finds near the installations over an area of c. 5 dunams, probably related to agricultural activity) and Ottoman (sherds and orchards— agricultural activity). 263.2. Watchman’s hut, cave, remains of an oil press, rock cuttings and orchards delimited by stone fences (c. 30 dunams) on spur running southeast, north of Nahal Lakhish (map ref. OIG 14218 10648, NIG 19218 60648). The watchman’s hut (4.6×6.0 m) was built toward the top of the spur; the northern and eastern walls are preserved two to five courses high. To its east—a rock-hewn cave (3×6 m) apparently used as a dwelling. South of the cave is a cracked oil press crushing basin (diam. c. 1.77 m). Fragments of a stone weight, apparently belonging to an oil press, are incorporated in the stone fence around the western orchard. East of the orchards—three basins (diam. 0.39 m) and a cupmark (diam. 0.28 m) hewn in a rock outcrop. In the valley west of the spur—agricultural terraces (c. 50 dunams).

199* Finds. Pottery: Byzantine (numerous ﬁnds near the installations—agricultural activity[?]), Ottoman (remains of a watchman’s hut and orchards—agricultural activity).

264. 2–6/8 14220 10610 19220 60610 325 m asl Rub‘ el Matarīya & El Khudūr (M) Section of a paved road (600 m long; average width 4 m) ﬂanked by curbstones in valley running south, toward Nahal Lakhish. It branched off from the main (Roman) road (see above, Site 261) c. 300 m to the north and led to Ed Dawāyima. Finds. Ottoman pottery (scanty ﬁnds).

265. 2–6/13 14205 10695 19205 60695 410 m asl H. ‘Ezra [2] Remains of a building and a rock-hewn winepress on spur running south, west of H. ‘Ezra [1]. All that remains of the building (c. 4.2×4.8 m) is the southwestern corner, preserved to a height of one to three courses (thickness of walls c. 0.52 m). The entrance was apparently in the southern wall. To its north is a mound of stones covering structural remains that may be part of another room, also belonging to the structure. To their south—a winepress hewn in a rock outcrop (mostly covered by alluvium). Finds. Byzantine pottery (numerous ﬁnds in the building remains).

266. 2–6/14 14245 10640 19245 60640 340 m asl Nahal Lakhish [240] Agricultural terraces and cultivations plots enclosed by walls (c. 5 dunams) on slope descending west, north of Nahal Lakhish. A fragment of a cylindrical stone (0.72 m long, diam. 0.63 m) is incorporated in the southern wall of the cultivation plot, perhaps a fragment of one of the milestones documented on the ancient Roman road passing nearby (see above, Site 261). Finds: Byzantine pottery (scanty ﬁnds in the area of agricultural terraces—agricultural activity).

267. 2–6/15 14235 10612 19235 60612 340 m asl Nahal Lakhish [241] Section of a paved road (c. 350 m long; 4–6 m wide) ﬂanked by curbstones on spur running south, toward Nahal Lakhish. It passes between cultivation plots and may have been a branch of the Roman road (see above, Site 261).

268. 2–6/16 14295 10678 19295 60678 365 m asl H. Boser [9] Agricultural terraces (c. 15 dunams) retained by stone walls in wadi running north, north of H. Boser [1]. Finds. Byzantine pottery (a few sherds—agricultural activity).

200* 269. 2–6/17 14265 10608 19265 60608 340 m asl Nahal Lakhish [242] Agricultural terraces (c. 25 dunams) in wadi running south, toward Nahal Lakhish, spanning the breadth of the wadi bed.

270. 3–6/1, 2, 9, 10; 4–6/9 14394 10675 19394 60675 410 m asl H. Egoz [1] Kh. el Jôzeh (S) Kh. el Jauza; Kh. el Jūza; Kh. al Jauzeh (M) 270.1. Settlement remains (c. 25 dunams) on moderate spur running northwest— building remains, masonry walls, caves, installations and cisterns—severely damaged by illicit excavations. Several of the buildings (2.2×4.0 m, 4×6 m) are preserved one to four courses high. Illicit excavations conducted along some of the walls exposed two to four additional courses below the surface. In the upper portion of the site the corner of a building constructed of finely dressed stones was exposed (width of wall 1.4 m; probably its southwestern corner), preserved one to three courses high; around the building—scatters of roof-tile fragments. In a later phase pens for sheep, goat and cattle were built atop the ruins, utilizing dressed stones from the settlement. Many of the ceilings of the rock-hewn caves have collapsed, forming depressions in the ground. Hewn columbarium niches were observed in some of the caves. Hewn in a dressed rock surface sloping west is a simple oil press (bodeda): a hewn basin (diam. 0.6 m, 0.08 m deep) from which a channel leads to a collecting vat (diam. 0.2 m, 0.18 m deep). Amongst the building remains are ten rock-hewn cisterns. One cistern (7.5 m deep, diam. at floor level c. 12 m) has two openings, leading to two chambers; one opening is square and recessed to accommodate a closing stone and the other is circular and capped with a large rock. East of the building remains are three winepresses and five cupmarks (diam. 0.28 m, 0.14 m deep) hewn in a rock surface. The winepresses consist of a treading floor (average size 2.6×3.5 m) and collecting vat (average size 0.75×1.30 m, average diam. 0.75 m); the treading floor of the middle winepress is coated with a thick layer of plaster. East of the settlement remains (map ref. OIG 14407 10682, NIG 19407 60682)—a partially collapsed cistern (2.1 m deep, diam. 4.2 m) with a staircase descending to the floor and a mastic tree growing at its mouth. North of the cistern—remains of rock-hewn channels that fed the cistern. On the northwestern slope of the spur—a rock-hewn bell-shaped cistern (c. 6.3 m deep, diam. of floor c. 4.8 m; diam. of mouth 1.2 m) with a long neck (1.6 m deep). Recesses for placing hands and feet when climbing in and out are hewn in the walls. Hewn channels conveyed water into the cistern from the courtyards and the slope. South of the cistern—a circular basin (diam. 0.55 m, 0.35 m deep) hewn in a rock outcrop. Two meters above the basin—two ashlars (0.45×0.55×1.00 m), probably originating in the settlement remains.

201* On the northern slope of the spur—a rock-hewn cistern (mostly blocked) with a round mouth. Nearby—a meticulously hewn circular cave (5 m high) with approximately 200 square columbarium niches (0.15×0.20×0.20 m) hewn in its walls; the main entrance to the cave is blocked and it can be entered today via a side opening. On the northeastern slope of the spur—a rock-hewn burial cave (3.4×3.4 m), entered via the southeast wall; hewn in each of the other three walls are three burial kokhim (0.50×1.25 m) whose openings are surmounted by dressed cornices. Decorations— circles, semicircles, triangles and pyramids—are incised in the cave’s eastern wall. The cave was examined by G. Avni and U. Dahari. To the east and north are numerous small mounds made by tomb robbers during illicit excavations of the caves in the area; most of the caves are blocked with soil or have collapsed. On the southern slope of the spur—five cupmarks hewn in a sloping rock surface (diam. 0.25 m, 0.12 m deep) encompassed by a hewn channel (0.15 m wide, 8 cm deep). Isma‘il Suwiti of Beit ‘Awwā, who participated in the survey, says that this was a wool- dying installation. Southwest of the ruins—a rock-hewn bell-shaped well (6–7 m deep, diam. of floor 5 m; map ref. OIG 14380 10658, NIG 19380 60658). In the well’s mouth (diam. 0.92 m) are grooves, formed by the friction of ropes used to draw water. Four stone troughs and a stone oil press crushing basin (diam. 1.7 m, 0.52 m thick, depth of crushing surface 0.16 m) are adjacent to the well. To its east—remains of a structure (6×6 m) constructed of meticulously dressed stones preserved to a height of two to six courses (walls 0.6 m wide). The entrance was in the western wall. On the slopes of the spur—agricultural terraces (c. 55 dunams). Finds. Pottery: EBII–III (scanty finds spread over c. 5 dunams—a scatter), Early and Late Roman (in the settlement remains), Byzantine (numerous finds in the settlement remains) and Ottoman (sherds and pens—temporary occupation). Conder and Kitchener 1881–1883, III:281; Avni and Dahari 1985. 270.2. Ancient quarry (c. 2 dunams) next to a wadi running west, southwest of the ruin (map ref. OIG 14365 10655, NIG 19365 60655): negatives of detached masonry stones and architectural elements, among them lintels and column drums. At the site is an especially large detached cylindrical stone (diam. 0.94 m, 4.86 m long) with a groove (0.12 m wide, 8 cm deep) running its entire length; the stone is broken exactly midway, and may have been cut intentionally. Dressed stones (0.4×0.6×1.2 m), apparently prepared for delivery, are scattered around the site. East of the quarry—six large stone blocks arranged in a row, possibly placed there in preparation for dressing. Below the quarry are three hewn steps leading to a hewn rock surface; this may be an installation used for loading items from the quarry. Finds. Byzantine pottery (numerous sherds—a scatter). 270.3. Remains of a structure, winepress and basins on spur extending to the northwest, west of the settlement remains (map ref. OIG 14355 10694, NIG 19355 60694). Two

202* to three courses survive of the building (c. 4.2×6.3 m); the entrance (c. 0.84 m wide) was apparently in its southern wall. To its west—a courtyard (6×6 m) with a central depression (a collapsed cistern?). North of the building—a rock-hewn winepress including a treading floor (1.4×1.5 m) and collecting vat (0.5×0.7 m; filled with alluvium). South of the winepress—two hewn basins (diam. 0.4 m). In the valley south of the building remains—agricultural terraces (c. 12 dunams). Finds. Byzantine pottery (scanty finds in the building remains). 270.4. Rock-hewn winepress, basin and agricultural terraces (c. 10 dunams) on rocky spur that extends west, south of the settlement remains (map ref. OIG 14388 10640; NIG 19388 60640). The winepress consists of an oval treading floor (2.7×3.8 m) and a collecting vat (0.8×1.4 m, 0.44 m deep) to its west; north of the treading floor, c. 0.5 m above it—two hewn surfaces (c. 1×1 m). North of the winepress—a hewn basin (diam. 0.48 m). Finds. Byzantine pottery (several sherds—a scatter). 270.5. Burial cave and seven shaft tombs, hewn on spur running northwest, east of the settlement remains. The caves were dug illicitly by antiquities robbers. B. Zissu, A. Klein and N. Graicer, who documented the caves, attributed their use to Jewish residents of the settlement at H. Egoz in the latter part of the Second Temple period. Zissu 1999.

271. 3–6/3, 4, 6 14333 10653 19333 60653 410 m asl H. Boser [5] 271.1. Remains of a building (6×8 m) on hilltop west of the Hevron Hills, northeast of H. Boser. The walls (0.8–1.0 m wide), built of large stones, some dressed, are preserved one to three courses high. Around the building remains—two heaps of masonry stones, collapsed from the building; a stone lintel (c. 1.4 m long) was observed in the western heap. Southeast of the building remains—a rock-hewn cave (4.3×6.0 m, 2.4 m high) whose entrance, facing east, leads to an antechamber (ceiling collapsed). In the area between the building remains and the cave—dressed rock surfaces (3.1×4.2 m, 2.4×5.0 m) on which are hewn four shallow basins (diam. 0.43 m), two cupmarks (diam. c. 0.25 m) and a crescent-shaped surface. The dressed rock surfaces probably served as threshing floors. On the northern slope of the hill—a rock-hewn winepress consisting of a treading floor (2.1×2.4 m) and collecting vat (0.8×1.5 m, 0.63 m deep) to its north, linked by a channel. Below the winepress, hewn in a rock terrace—five conical cupmarks (diam. 0.27 m, 0.09 m deep), that probably held jars. Fifteen meters west of the winepress—a rectangular rock cutting (0.65×1.35 m, 0.25 m deep), possibly the beginning of a hewn tomb. On the eastern slope of the hill—agricultural terraces and cultivation plots delimited by stone fences (c. 25 dunams).

203* Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (scanty finds—a scatter), Iron II (scanty finds—a scatter), Roman and Byzantine (numerous finds in the building remains) and Mamluk (scanty finds, including painted sherds—a scatter). 271.2. Rock-hewn burial cave (inaccessible due to collapse) at top of northwestern slope of hill, northwest of the building remains (map ref. OIG 14325 10557, NIG 19325 60557), plundered by antiquities robbers. Finds. Byzantine pottery (fragments of bowls and jars—outside the cave). 271.3. Rock-hewn burial cave (inaccessible due to collapse) on northern slope of hill, north of the building remains (map ref. OIG 14328 10678, NIG 19328 60678), plundered by antiquities robbers. East of the cave—a rock-hewn cupmark (diam. 0.27 m, 0.14 m deep). On the slope (c. 25 dunams)—agricultural terraces and cultivation plots. The agricultural terrace walls are preserved three to five courses high. The cultivation plots are enclosed by stone fences; a fragment of a plain capital connected to a broken column (0.67 m long) is incorporated in the fence of the cultivation plot at the foot of the northern slope. Finds. Byzantine pottery (fragments of jugs and bowls—outside the cave).

272. 3–6/7, 8, 11 14375 10612 19375 60612 402 m asl Nahal Lakhish [170] 272.1. Cultivation plots delimited by stone fences and rock-hewn tombs on hill, from which a wadi extends to the southwest, toward Nahal Lakhish. A wall built of medium- sized ﬁeldstones on a north–south axis runs along the western part of the hill, enclosing a cultivation plot (145 m long, 0.6 m wide); the wall is preserved three to four courses high. On the western slope of the hill—a burial cave plundered by antiquities robbers. Nearby—pits, excavated by antiquities robbers in their search for additional caves. On the southern slope of the hill—another plundered cave (ceiling collapsed); only its entrance survives. Numerous Byzantine potsherds were collected outside the cave. On the slopes of the hill and in the wadi that extends to the west, south of the hill— agricultural terraces (c. 58 dunams). On the spur extending northwest from the hill—cultivation plots enclosed by stone fences. In the corner of the westernmost cultivation plot—a winepress and four cupmarks hewn in a dressed rock surface. The winepress consists of a treading ﬂoor (2.1×3.4 m) and collecting vat (0.8×1.4 m, 0.46 m deep), to the west. Two meters north of the winepress—four hewn cupmarks (diam. 0.28 m, 0.15 m deep) surrounded by a hewn channel (7 cm deep). A round stone column base (diam. 0.65 m, 0.36 m high) is incorporated in the stone fence of one of the plots (map ref. OIG 14341 10618, NIG 19341 60618). Finds. Byzantine pottery (numerous sherds—in front of the burial cave and in the cultivation plots).

204* 272.2. Agricultural terraces and cultivation plots delimited by stone walls (c. 25 dunams), as well as stone clearance heaps, on spur running southwest toward a tributary of Nahal Lakhish (map ref. OIG 14348 10614, NIG 19348 60614). 272.3. Agricultural terraces and cultivation plots enclosed by stone walls (c. 10 dunams) on spur running south, north of Nahal Lakhish.

273. 3–6/12 14352 10632 19352 60632 390 m asl H. Egoz [5] Cave openings (of tombs?) on saddle southwest of H. Egoz [1], plundered many years ago by antiquities robbers; the caves are currently blocked by alluvium. On the saddle—agricultural terraces (c. 20 dunams).

274. 3–6/13 14330 10695 19330 60695 350 m asl H. Egoz [6] Remains of orchard (c. 2 dunams) enclosed by a wall preserved three to ﬁve courses high on northern slope of hill, northwest of H. Egoz [1]. Finds. Ottoman pottery.

275. 3–6/14 14385 10603 19385 60603 390 m asl H. Egoz [7] Agricultural terraces and cultivation plots delimited by stone terraces (c. 15 dunams) on southern slope of hill, south of H. Egoz [1].

276. 4–6/1, 5, 8, 11 14476 10678 19476 60678 410 m asl Rasm ed Duwwār (M) [1] 276.1. Settlement remains (c. 23 dunams) on hill: building remains, cisterns, a pool, stone heaps, a rock-hewn winepress and cultivation plots. The northwestern building is well constructed and includes masonry stones with drafted margins; illicit digging along its walls exposed two to three stone courses below surface level. Among the building remains are three rock-hewn cisterns, two of which are capped with large rocks. In the eastern cistern—remains of a staircase whose bottom part has collapsed. On the eastern part of the hill are remains of a rock-hewn pool (1.5 m in width), mostly destroyed by illicit excavation; a stone heap covers its northern part. Two steps leading to the pool’s ﬂoor are visible below the heap. The pool is treated with two layers of grayish-white plaster (4 cm thick). Ashlars and fragments of a stone column were observed in the stone clearance heaps. On the hill—cultivation plots delimited by stone fences preserved c. 0.5 m high. The hilltop is circumscribed by a wall built of dressed stones and ﬁeldstones from which stone fences demarcating cultivation plots extend downward on the slopes. On the northern slope of the hill—a winepress, partly hidden by stone clearance piles, hewn in a large rock surface.

205* On the saddle southeast of the hill—agricultural terraces and stone fences (c. 45 dunams). South of the saddle—remains of a recently rehabilitated orchard in which fruit trees grow. Dressed stones are incorporated in the orchard’s fence; two large ashlar stones with drafted margins are included in the eastern side of the fence. North of the orchard—a round dressed rock surface (diam. c. 4 m), which, according to the residents of Idna, was used as a threshing floor. West of the hill, in a wadi running northwest—agricultural terraces. A well-preserved stone wall (0.75 m in width; 0.6 m in height) spans the breadth of the wadi slope. On the western slope of the hill—an ancient quarry. Nearby—four cupmarks (diam. 0.2 m, 0.12 m deep) hewn in a rock outcrop. Ten meters north of the cupmarks—a hewn rectangular entrance (presently blocked), possibly that of a burial tomb. Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (scanty finds spread over c. 5 dunams—a scatter), Iron II (scanty finds similar to those of Tel Lakhish Strata IV–III—a scatter), Hellenistic (a single fragment of an imported vessel—a scatter), Roman and Byzantine (numerous finds spread over c. 23 dunams in the settlement remains). 276.2. Winepress, burial cave, agricultural terraces and cultivation plots (c. 45 dunams) on saddle, southeast of the settlement remains (map ref. OIG 14490 10663, NIG 19490 60663). The winepress consists of a thickly plastered treading floor (3.2×4.3 m) and collecting vat (1.37×2.12 m; floor covered with stone clearance), linked by a channel (0.38 m long). The winepress is hewn in a fractured rock outcrop; use apparently ceased after the rock cracked. West of the winepress—a burial cave entrance; the cave was plundered by antiquities robbers. Today it is inaccessible due to collapse. Stone fences enclose the cultivation plots on the saddle; a fragment of a stone cylinder (diam. 0.55 m, 0.84 m long) is incorporated in one of the fences on the southern part of the saddle. 276.3. Remains of a building, winepress and burial cave in wadi west of the settlement remains (map ref. OIG 14454 10678, NIG 19454 60678). Today all that remains of the building (5×6 m) is a large mound of stones, some of them rough-hewn; only the northwestern corner is preserved to a height of one to two courses. North of the building—a rock-hewn winepress comprising a treading floor (2.3×2.5 m) and collecting vat (1.1×1.2 m). West of the building—an entrance to a hewn burial cave, plundered by antiquities robbers (presently blocked with soil). In the wadi and on the slope to its east—agricultural terraces (c. 60 dunams). Finds: Byzantine pottery (a few sherds in the building remains). 276.4. Hewn burial cave and agricultural terraces (c. 10 dunams) on spur running south, southeast of the settlement remains. The cave was plundered by antiquities robbers. Its entrance faces east and leads to a single chamber (c. 3×3 m) with hewn burial troughs on both of its sides. Finds. Byzantine pottery (scant finds spread over c. 2 dunams—a scatter).

206* 277. 4–6/2, 6, 7 14426 10648 19426 60648 452 m asl Giv‘at Egozit [1] Muntār el Jōza (M) 277.1. Settlement remains (c. 4 dunams) on lofty hill overlooking the western Hevron Hills: remains of a building, stone heaps, cisterns, caves, rock-hewn installations, a quarry and an ancient road. The building remains (presumed dimensions 5.4×6.5 m) were damaged when a road was paved nearby. Merely the northern wall (preserved length 4 m) and several segments of foundations survive of the building. There are several heaps of masonry stones. On the eastern part of the hill—seven stone mounds spread across an extensive area. Observed in the easternmost heap—a large threshold (1.64 m long) made of limestone not indigenous to the area. On the hilltop—several rock-hewn cisterns. One of them, located on the eastern part of the hill, is especially large (4.5 m deep) and surrounded by building remains. In a valley running north from the hill—another rock-hewn cistern (c. 3 m deep, diam. of mouth 0.7 m); a hewn channel conveys rainwater to it from the valley. A collapsed burial cave, plundered by antiquities robbers, was documented on the eastern slope of the hill; in front of the cave is soil debris, removed by the looters. On the western slope of the hill—several rock-hewn caves. About 130 m west of the hilltop— an opening (3.5×6.0 m) of a hewn cave that faces west; on the cave walls—traces of ancient rock engravings. Several niches in the cave walls were hewn by shepherds who used the cave in a later phase. On the southeastern part of the hill—two additional rock- hewn burial caves (partly collapsed); traces of chisel marks can be discerned on their walls. Midway on the southern slope—a rock-hewn winepress consisting of a treading ﬂoor (2.35×2.40 m) and collecting vat (ﬁlled with alluvium) to its west. Three meters south—two basins (diam. 0.44 m, 0.12 m deep), 0.68 m apart, hewn in a rock outcrop. A paved ancient road (2–3 m wide) that connected Ed Dawāyima and Idna, parts of which are delimited by curbstones and retaining walls, runs along the southern slope of the hill. On the southeastern slope of the hill—a well-preserved section of the road (map ref. OIG 14452 10643, NIG 19452 60643), bounded by a wall preserved two to three courses high; this wall apparently served as a support wall to hold back erosion of the slope. To the east the road runs between cultivation plots demarcated by walls. On the southwestern slope of the hill—a quarry (8×12 m). Nearby—a hewn basin (1.0×1.3 m, 0.22 m deep) surrounded by a hewn channel (0.14 m wide, 7 cm deep). While paving a road on the hill in 1966 a rock-hewn winepress and a building were damaged (map ref. OIG 14408 10636, NIG 19408 60636); the building’s stones are scattered on both sides of the road. On the hill—stone fences (c. 1 m wide) that delimit cultivation plots preserved to a height of several courses. On the slopes of the hill, particularly the eastern slope—agricultural terraces (c. 55 dunams).

207* The survey recovered a fragment of a clay figurine from the Persian period depicting a horse and rider (a Persian rider). Similar figurines have been discovered in excavations at most of the tells in the Shephelah, among them Tel Zafit (Tell es Safi; in excavations from 1899—Bliss and Macalister 1902, Pl. 70), Tel Lakhish (Tufnell 1953, Pl. 33), Tell Zipor (Negbi 1966:19–21), Tel ‘Erani (Ciasca 1963, Pl. XIX:3–4) and Tel Maresha (Erlich 2006). These figurines are primarily characteristic of the southern Judean Shephelah, although several have also been found at Tel Halif and Tel Be’er Sheva‘ (Stern 1973:165–170). The figurines may be indicators of a new ethnic population that settled in the region later referred to as Idumea (See Introduction, p. 40). Finds. Pottery: Persian (numerous finds spread over c. 15 dunams in the settlement remains), Roman (numerous finds spread over c. 10 dunams in the settlement remains) and Byzantine (numerous finds spread over c. 15 dunams in the settlement remains); a fragment of a clay figurine of a mounted rider from the Persian period. 277.2. Agricultural terraces and cultivation plots (c. 15 dunams) in wadi running north, north of the settlement remains. A cultivation plot on the eastern slope of the wadi is enclosed by a stone wall (c. 120 m long) preserved two to four courses high. On the western side of the wadi—two basins (diam. 0.49 m) hewn in a rock outcrop sloping east. 277.3. Rock-hewn winepress, basins and agricultural terraces (c. 15 dunams) in a broad wadi, east of the settlement remains on Giv‘at Egozit [1]. The winepress consists of a fractured treading floor (3.2×3.2 m) and collecting vat (0.6×1.0 m). East of the winepress—three hewn basins (diam. 0.38–0.50 m).

278. 4–6/3 14433 10601 19433 60601 420 m asl Giv‘at Egozit [2] Marāh Abū Jā‘id (M) Winepress, a basin and a depression hewn on slope descending east, toward a wadi. The winepress consists of a treading floor (2.4×3.2 m, 0.25 m deep) and collecting vat (filled with alluvium) to its west. Ten meters north of the winepress—a square basin (0.85×0.88 m, 0.45 m deep) and a shallow depression (diam. 0.28 m, 0.12 m deep) alongside it. Some 150 m northeast of the winepress—remains of a fieldstone fence, apparently enclosing a cultivation plot; only the north (125 m long, preserved height c. 1 m) and west walls (110 m long) survive. North of the fence is a tamped earth surface (diam. 6.8 m) circumscribed by fieldstones (threshing floor?). On the slopes—agricultural terraces and cultivation plots delimited by stone walls (c. 18 dunams). The agricultural terraces walls (0.8 m wide) dam the wadi; some are preserved to a height of three to four courses. Finds. Byzantine pottery (a few sherds—agricultural activity?).

208* 279. 4–6/4, 10 14455 10613 19455 60613 414 m asl Giv‘at Egozit [3] 279.1. Agricultural terraces (c. 60 dunams) on broad spur extending south, south of Giv‘at Egozit [1]. The walls are preserved to a height of two to four courses. The upper reaches of the spur are surrounded on the east, west and south by a wall that delimits cultivation plots. On the southern slope of the spur—a rock-hewn winepress consisting of a treading ﬂoor (2.4×3.1 m, 0.24 m deep) and collecting vat (ﬁlled with alluvium). On the western slope of the spur—a basin (diam. 0.6 m) and two cupmarks (diam. 0.2 m) hewn in a dressed rock surface (2.5×3.0 m). Finds. Byzantine pottery (numerous sherds spread over c. 10 dunams—agricultural activity?). 279.2. Agricultural terraces and cultivation plots (c. 25 dunams) in valley running north, southeast of Giv‘at Egozit [1]. Two stone weights, probably belonging to an oil press, are incorporated in a wall demarcating a cultivation plot on the eastern side of the valley. Nearby, to the north—an agricultural terrace; a column fragment (diam. 0.4 m, 0.52 m high) is incorporated in its wall.

280. 4–6/12 14462 10665 19462 60665 420 m asl Giv‘at Egozit [9] Rock-hewn winepress and agricultural terraces (c. 30 dunams) on northeastern slope of Giv‘at Egozit [1]. The winepress consists of a treading floor (2.52×2.80 m, 0.38 m deep) and collecting vat (filled with stone clearance and alluvium) to its east, linked by a channel; two basins (diam. 0.52 m) are cut in the treading floor. West of the winepress— agricultural terraces whose walls include ashlar stones in their construction; the walls may have been superposed on remains of a structure. Finds. Pottery: Iron II (scanty finds—a scatter), Hellenistic (scanty finds—a scatter) and Byzantine (numerous finds—agricultural activity).

281. 4–6/13 14410 10656 19410 60656 420 m asl Giv‘at Egozit [10] Burial cave at the top of a wadi running west from Giv‘at Egozit [1]. The dressed cave entrance (0.68×0.82 m) leads to a single burial chamber (2.75×3.17 m, 2.05 m high) with one kokh (0.84×0.90 m, 0.7 m deep) cut in its eastern wall. The cave does not appear to have been used.

282. 4–6/14 14455 10638 19455 60638 415 m asl Giv‘at Egozit [11] Agricultural terraces and cultivation plots (c. 5 dunams) on southeastern slope of Giv‘at Egozit [1]. Rough-hewn stones are incorporated in the cultivation plot walls.

209* 283. 5–6/1, 4, 5, 7, 8 14550 10674 19550 60674 430 m asl Kh. Rasm Nōfal (M) [1] 283.1. Settlement remains (c. 40 dunams) on hilltop: foundations and remains of buildings, cisterns, rock-hewn installations, caves and pens. Illicit excavations exposed foundations of buildings (2.3×3.1 m, 2.7×3.4 m), including those of a large building in the east of the site (3.5×5.6 m). Among the building’s remains are its northeastern corner, preserved 1.2 m high and the western side of the building, with a threshold bearing a carving, possibly of a cross. Around the building—six rock-hewn cisterns (two collapsed). A rock-hewn staircase leads to the floor of the western cistern. In the northwestern part of the building—a fragment of a large crushing basin belonging to an oil press (diam. c. 1.6 m, 0.35 m thick). In the southern part of the site—four basins (diam. c. 0.45 m, 0.2 m deep) hewn in a rock whose surface around the basins is dressed. In the area of the site— sheep and goat pens built of ancient masonry stones, in a later phase, by shepherds who resided at the site. On the northeastern slope of the hill—entrances to seven rock-hewn burial caves excavated by antiquities robbers; the caves are inaccessible due to collapse. East of the burial caves—a finely hewn burial-cave entrance surmounted by a dressed cornice (1.6 m wide, 2.1 m high). The cave itself was never completed. At the top of the western slope of the hill—a circular rock-hewn columbarium cave (ceiling collapsed; accessed by means of a rope). Square columbarium niches (0.16×0.17×0.20 m) are hewn in the walls. In a later phase several of the niches in the eastern wall were joined together to form a single recess (0.35×0.40×0.45 m) and two elongated niches (0.35×0.40×1.40 m) were hewn in the northern wall. At the top of the western slope of the hill—remains of a limekiln; around the kiln—ash debris, removed from the installation. On the western slope of the hill—agricultural terraces (c. 25 dunams) supported by walls, some of which are preserved to a height of two to four courses. Some 150 m from the site—two rock-hewn winepresses of identical dimensions: a treading floor (2.4×3.5 m) and collecting vat (0.8×2.0 m), linked by a channel (0.35 m long). Alongside each of the winepresses is a dressed rock surface (c. 2×3 m) bearing four hewn cupmarks (diam. 0.35 m, 0.17 m deep). Finds. Pottery: Hellenistic (numerous finds in the settlement remains) and Early Roman (scant finds—a scatter). 283.2. Remains of a building, a cave, cistern, winepress and agricultural terraces (c. 25 dunams) on northwestern slope of hill, the location of Kh. Rasm Nōfal [1] (map ref. OIG 14526 10692, NIG 19526 60692). Parts of the northern and western walls (0.6 m thick) of the building (6.2×6.8 m) survive to a height of one to four courses. Illicit excavations exposed the entrance to a rock-hewn burial cave near the southeastern corner of the building. A deep depression (diam. 7.4 m, 2.8 m deep), probably a collapsed cistern, was discerned west of the building. Some 25 m west of the building remains—a

210* stone doorjamb (1.6 m long) that served in secondary use to cover the cistern’s mouth. Northeast of the building remains—a rock-hewn winepress consisting of a treading ﬂoor (2.2×3.0 m) and collecting vat (0.8×1.5 m; blocked by soil debris). Finds. Byzantine pottery (a few sherds in the building remains). 283.3. Agricultural terraces (c. 40 dunams) in valley running southwest, southeast of Kh. Rasm Nōfal [1]. On either side of the valley—agricultural terrace walls built of rough-hewn stones. 283.4. Rock-hewn winepress and cave opening on northeastern slope of hill, the site of Kh. Rasm Nōfal [1]. The winepress consists of a treading ﬂoor (2.2×2.7 m) and round collecting vat (diam. 0.62 m; blocked with soil debris). East of the winepress—a cave opening (0.6×1.2 m), possibly leading to a burial cave. On the slope—agricultural terraces (c. 35 dunams). Finds. Byzantine pottery (a few sherds—a scatter). 283.5. Remains of a paved road (1–2 m wide) delimited on both sides by stones on saddle east of Kh. Rasm Nōfal [1], running east–west.. The road is hewn in several places to facilitate maneuverability. Next to the south side of the road—a rock outcrop in which four adjacent basins (diam. 0.47 m), three cupmarks (diam. 0.22 m) and a shallow pool (0.72×1.55 m, 0.18 m deep) are hewn. On the slope descending northeast from the saddle—agricultural terraces (c. 27 dunams).

284. 5–6/2 14520 10632 19520 60632 420 m asl Khallat Sa‘d (M) Stone fence (preserved height 0.8 m) delimiting a cultivation plot (100×140 m) and remains of a building on spur extending south, toward Wadi Idna. Previously the fence enclosed an ancient orchard in which seasonal crops are presently grown. The fence’s corners are meticulously constructed. Near the southeastern corner of the fence—a building corner preserved two to three courses high. West of the fence—remains of a quarry on a rock outcrop (3×4 m). At the southern foot of the spur—a rock-hewn winepress: a treading ﬂoor (2.1×3.0 m, 0.44 m deep) and collecting vat (covered with alluvium). East of the spur, in a wadi running south—a rock-hewn cistern (diam. of mouth 0.68 m, c. 2.3 m deep; partly blocked) and a rectangular basin (0.4×1.4 m) hewn next to it. On the slopes of the spur—agricultural terraces (c. 5 dunams). Finds. Byzantine pottery (numerous sherds inside the cultivation plot and in the building remains).

211* 285. 5–6/3, 6 14576 10608 19576 60608 425 m asl Khallat Ibrāhīm (M) [1] 285.1. Remains of two buildings, stone clearance heaps, rock cuttings, installations and a quarry (c. 5 dunams) on a lofty hill. The remains were damaged in recent generations when agricultural tracts were prepared for cultivation. Near the top of the hill—remains of a building (4×5 m) covered by stones. Numerous building stones were discerned in the stone clearance heaps on the hill. Lower down the slope— recently renovated stone fences (0.6 m wide, 0.6–0.8 m high), delimiting cultivation plots. North of the hilltop—stone clearance heaps and stone walls. Southeast of the hilltop, in a valley running south (map ref. OIG 14581 10592, NIG 19581 60592)—remains of a square building (5×5 m) of which a foundation of a wall and one course of stones survive. Several dressed stones with drafted margins are preserved in the building’s corners; the entrance was in the eastern wall. In the valley, below the building—a rock-hewn cave; stones were recently piled up in front of its entrance. Remains of a courtyard are east of the building; the corners and sections of the walls survive, as well as two stone lintels of an entranceway (c. 1.4 m wide) in the southern wall. Dressed masonry stones and potsherds dating the structure to the Hellenistic period (second century BCE) are scattered around the remains. Similarly dressed stones are incorporated in the stone fences on the southern slope of the hill. South of the building remains—rock cuttings. On the western slope of the hill—agricultural terraces. Toward the lower reaches of the western slope are two basins (diam. 0.44 m, 0.2 m deep) hewn in a rock surface; in the western end of the rock surface is a large X (length of arms 0.7 m, engraved to a depth of 8 cm). North of the rock surface—seven hewn cupmarks (average diam. 0.27 m, 0.18 m deep). Two hundred meters east of the hilltop (map ref. OIG 14582 10620, NIG 19582 60620)— a large winepress hewn in a rock outcrop, consisting of a treading floor (3.2×4.0 m, 0.35 m deep) and two collecting vats (0.85×1.40 m, 1.2 m deep) to its east, linked by a channel. The northern collecting vat bears traces of plaster. Two steps are hewn in the collecting vats. West of the winepress—three hewn basins (diam. 0.42 m). On the slopes of the hill—agricultural terraces (c. 25 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Iron II (numerous finds spread over c. 5 dunams similar to those of Tel Lakhish Stratum III—a scatter), Hellenistic (numerous sherds, including imported vessels, especially near the building remains), Roman (numerous finds in the building remains) and Byzantine (numerous finds, including LRCIII bowls, in the building remains). 285.2. Rock-hewn cave, basins and remains of a pen on western slope of hill (map ref. OIG 14542 10606, NIG 19542 60606). The cave (4.6×7.0 m, 2.6 m high), apparently initially used for burial, was later enlarged and served as a dwelling. The cave walls are black with soot. In the northern wall are three hewn recesses (0.38×0.44 m 0.55 m), in the eastern wall is a large hewn niche (0.57×0.64×2.55 m). Remains of burial niches

212* were observed in the cave’s ceiling. Ten meters northeast of the cave—three basins (diam. 0.38–0.48 m) hewn in a rock outcrop. West of the cave—remains of a ﬁeldstone pen (8×13 m). On the northern and western slopes of the hill—agricultural terraces (c. 35 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Byzantine (scanty ﬁnds—a scatter) and Ottoman (a cave dwelling and a pen—temporary occupation).

286. 5–6/9 14520 10610 19520 60610 400 m asl Kh. Rasm Nōfal (M) [6] Agricultural terraces (c. 12 dunams) on southern slope of spur, southwest of Kh. Rasm Nōfal [1]. In 1982 new terraces were constructed atop the ancient ones to resume cultivation.

287. 5–6/10 14595 10628 19595 60628 400 m asl Kh. Rasm Nōfal (M) [7] Rock-hewn cave (4×5 m, 2.4 m high) on wadi bank, southeast of Kh. Rasm Nōfal [1]. The original purpose of the cave is unclear; recently it was used as a dwelling by shepherds. Small recesses are hewn in the cave walls. Finds. Ottoman pottery.

288. 6–6/1 14608 10686 19608 60686 430 m asl Kh. en Nâkieh (S) Kh. en Nāqa (M) Settlement remains (c. 55 dunams) on slope descending northwest: building remains, an oil press, cisterns, caves, installations, agricultural terraces and pens. Numerous illicit excavations were conducted at the site. In the east portion of the site, the eastern and western corners of a large building (3.5×6.7 m) were exposed in an illicit excavation. A paved road leads to the building, apparently a public edifice. In the north part of the site are remains of several adjoining buildings; in one of them is a threshold of limestone originating from the Hevron Hills. Inside another building—a large piece of limestone (diam. 1.14 m, 0.55 m thick) with a square, central hole, and a fragment of a circular stone basin (diam. 1.6 m) close to it. In a collapsed cave next to the building is a fragment of a stone weight. The above elements are components of installations belonging to an oil press that was located inside or near the cave. Between the building remains—five rock-hewn cisterns; two of them have caved-in. A staircase in one of the cisterns leads to the floor; in a later phase the cistern was adapted by hewing and used for storage. Two rock-hewn caves with entrances facing south are located amongst the remains at the site. In the southern cave (4.3×6.0 m) are 44 hewn columbarium niches. In the northern wall of the cave, above a square recess (0.55×1.20×1.40 m)—a worn carving of a circle (diam. 0.55 m) circumscribing a cross and next to it a carving of the Greek letter α (alpha). The southern cave is filled with

213* collapse. Several masonry stones are scattered about the site. According to residents of Idna, stones from the ruins adjacent to the village were utilized in later construction in the village. Sections of a fieldstone wall (c. 2 m wide) surround the ruins to the south, east and west, apparently part of a defense wall. South of the site—eight entrances to hewn caves (for burial? filled with collapse) with small mounds of soil next to them left behind by the illicit digging in the past. In a later phase pens were built in the area of the ruins, incorporating ancient building stones in the walls. Two thresholds (c. 1.6 m long) are included in the walls of the northwestern pen. At the foot of the slope—a dressed rock surface in which a winepress (mostly covered with alluvium), two cupmarks (diam. 0.32 m, 0.15 m deep) and a square basin (0.35×0.45 m, 0.35 m deep) are hewn. North of the settlement remains—a rock-hewn winepress with a treading floor (2.1×3.2 m, 0.25 m deep) and collecting vat (0.6×1.4 m, 0.77 m deep) to its west. Next to the winepress—two hewn basins (diam. 0.44 m, 0.27 m deep). In a wadi west of the site—agricultural terraces (c. 35 dunams). On the slope west of the wadi—building remains (map ref. OIG 14600 10685, NIG 19600 60685); the building stones were consolidated into several clearance heaps and the area was used for agriculture. South of the site—a section of an ancient road (3.7 m wide) flanked by curbstones that connected ed Dawāyima to Idna. Part of the road was leveled by cutting to facilitate the movement of traffic along it. Finds. Pottery: Iron II (scanty finds, eighth century BCE, spread over c. 5 dunams—a scatter), Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine (numerous finds throughout the entire site) and Early Islamic (numerous finds in the settlement remains, including Abbasid-period bowls). Conder and Kitchener 1881–1883, III:360.

289. 6–6/2 14604 10646 19604 60646 440 m asl Khallat Ibrāhīm (M) [3] Orchard (c. 10 dunams) surrounded by fences incorporating ancient building stones and two fragments of a limestone column (each 0.6 m long) in their walls, on spur. According to the orchard’s owner, some years ago stones were brought to the site from Kh. en Nāqa for the construction of the fences around the orchard. South of the orchard—remains of walls that delineate cultivation plots. East of the orchard—a rock-hewn winepress (mostly covered with alluvium; width of treading ﬂoor—2.3 m). East of the orchard, in wadi running south—a large stone mound (2.4×5.0 m, 1.5 m high) possibly covering remains of a building.

214* Finds. Pottery: Byzantine (numerous ﬁnds—agricultural activity?) and Ottoman (orchard and cultivation plots—agricultural activity).

290. 6–6/3, 8 14650 10665 19650 60665 470 m asl Khallat Karama (M) 290.1. Remains of a building and stone fences on spur running south. The building remains are located at the top of the spur; two piles of building stones survive. The fences (0.6 m wide), preserved two to six courses high, cross the spur and descend toward Wadi Idna. At the foot of the southern slope of the spur—a winepress hewn in a rock outcrop, mostly covered by a stone clearance heap. On the slopes of the spur—agricultural terraces (c. 12 dunams). 290.2. Remains of a building, a rock-hewn cistern and a watchman’s hut(?) in a wadi that extends southeast (map ref. OIG 14646 10626, NIG 19646 60626). The building (c. 6.4×8.0 m) was documented on the northeast bank of the wadi; only the foundations survive. Illicit excavations were undertaken along their length; the entrance was probably in the southern wall. Stone clearance is piled on top of these remains. North of the building is a hewn cistern (2.7 m deep) whose ceiling is partially collapsed. West of the cistern is a mound of stones (diam. 5.43 m, 1.8 m high) delimited by a stone wall preserved to a height of three to four courses, apparently remains of a watchman’s hut. In the wadi and on the slopes descending to it—agricultural terraces (c. 35 dunams); some are currently under cultivation. Finds. Pottery: Iron II (numerous ﬁnds in the building remains), Byzantine (scant ﬁnds in the building remains) and Ottoman (watchman’s hut? agricultural activity?).

291. 6–6/4 14690 10656 19690 60656 420 m asl Khallat et Tufeiha (M) Stone fences (0.8 m wide) delimiting cultivation plots on slope descending southeast, toward Wadi Idna, preserved to a height of two to ﬁve courses. On the upper reaches of the slope, close to a fence corner, is a capped rock-hewn cistern (c. 4 m deep) and a mound of soil debris next to it that was removed from the cistern at the time it was cleaned. At the foot of the slope—two hewn basins (diam. 0.44 m, 0.3 m deep), 0.85 m apart, encircled by a hewn, oval-shaped channel (0.15 m wide, 7 cm deep).

292. 6–6/5 14690 10622 19690 60622 420 m asl Wadi Idna [1] Seven rock-hewn burial caves (plundered by antiquities robbers) and agricultural terraces enclosed by walls (c. 15 dunams) on slope of hill descending northwest, toward Wadi Idna (referred to by local inhabitants as Jebel Jenin Jis). Today only two of the

215* caves are accessible; the remainder is either collapsed or otherwise unapproachable. One of the caves is square (3.0×3.2 m) and arcosolia are hewn in three of its walls, at the base of which are rock-cut pits (0.55×1.80 m, 0.68 m deep) where the bones of the deceased were deposited. In the second cave, parts of which have collapsed, is a single arcosolium; fragments of ossuaries are scattered across the bottom of the cave. At the foot of the slope is a rock-hewn winepress most of which is covered by a low stone clearance heap. Finds. Byzantine pottery (around the cave openings—a burial site).

293. 6–6/6 14625 10606 19625 60606 420 m asl Wadi Idna [2] Remains of a building, stone fences and rock-hewn installations on slope of spur running south, toward Wadi Idna. Merely two corners 4.2 m apart survive of the structure; one of the corners is preserved two to three courses high. West of the building—fieldstone fences in which ancient building stones are incorporated. At the foot of the spur—a rock-hewn winepress consisting of a treading floor (2.4×3.2 m) and collecting vat (0.6×1.2 m; filled with alluvium) to its west. Some 2.5 m south of the collecting vat is a large basin (diam. 0.75 m, 0.37 m deep) from which a shallow channel (0.26 m long) leads to a small basin (diam. 0.36 m)—a simple oil press (bodeda). East of the site, in the wadi south of Wadi Idna—a cave entrance, hewn, blocked by fieldstones. On the upper reaches of the wadi is a fragment of a round stone basin (diam. 0.85 m, 0.55 m high) and another basin fragment, 100 m to the north. On the slopes of the spur—agricultural terraces (c. 10 dunams). Finds. Byzantine pottery (numerous sherds in the building remains).

294. 7–6/1, 7 14736 10666 19736 60666 453 m asl Jebel Sālih [1] 294.1. Settlement remains (c. 28 dunams) on hill, c. 1 km south of Idna [1], severely damaged by modern construction and cultivation; cisterns on the hilltop were ﬁlled with ancient masonry stones. Remains of several walls preserved to a height of two to four courses were documented at the site. Also noted west of the hilltop—two hewn cisterns, one of which was recently renovated, cleaned and incorporated in the courtyard of a modern building; near the cistern—a later pen (8×16 m). On the eastern part of the hilltop are stone clearance heaps containing numerous masonry stones. In the largest of the heaps are a column-base fragment and a fragment of a limestone column indigenous to the area of the Hevron Hills. On a saddle north of the hilltop—remains of a constructed path (1.2 m wide) ﬂanked by curbstones that led south from Idna, currently used by local farmers.

216* On the northern slope of the hill, near the saddle—a rock-cut columbarium cave (3×5 m) containing 52 hewn niches. A building was recently erected nearby and the cave was included in its courtyard. On the southern slope of the hill (map ref. OIG 14724 10644, NIG 19724 60644)— a rock hewn winepress consisting of a treading floor (1.5×3.2 m) and rectangular collecting vat (0.5×1.3 m) to its south; two hewn steps in the collecting vat lead to the floor. Four meters east of the winepress—two hewn cupmarks (diam. 0.24 m, 0.11 m deep) and five hewn basins (average diam. 0.38 m). On the slopes of the hill—agricultural terraces (c. 55 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (scanty finds spread over c. 5 dunams—a scatter), Iron II (numerous finds in the settlement remains, spread over c. 15 dunams similar to those of Tel Lakhish Stratum IV–II), Hellenistic (scanty finds—a scatter), Roman and Byzantine (numerous finds in the settlement remains) and Ottoman (sherds and pens—temporary occupation). The proposal to identify this site with the city of Zenan, mentioned in Joshua 15:37, is supported by the ceramic finds, the site’s location and perhaps even the similarity in the names. Dagan 1996:140. 294.2. Two rock-hewn burial caves, 12 m apart, on eastern slope of spur northeast of Jebel Sālih [1] (map ref. OIG 14763 10692, NIG 19763 60692), plundered by antiquities robbers many years ago. The facade of the southern cave has a narrow entrance (0.53×0.66 m) ornamented by a dressed, stepped frame (1.33×1.44 m) leading to a meticulously hewn chamber (3.47×3.86 m). Two burial kokhim (0.66×2.15 m, 0.62 m high) are hewn in the chamber’s western wall and a third kokh (c. 0.75 m long) is cut in the chamber’s northern wall. Fragments of jars, cooking pots, bowls and lamps from the Byzantine period are scattered on the cave floor. The northern cave (2.6×4.0 m) contains three burial kokhim in the western wall, opposite the entrance, one kokh in the northern wall and one kokh in the southern wall. Fragments of pottery vessels from the Early and Late Roman periods are scattered on the cave floor. A paved road (3–4 m wide) flanked on both sides by curbstones runs south from Idna, traversing the spur. Finds (in the burial caves). Roman and Byzantine pottery.

295. 7–6/2, 6; 8–6/5 14795 10650 19795 60650 480 m asl Khallat el Fūl (M) [1] 295.1. Remains of a wall, winepress, basins and cisterns on hill south of Idna [1]. The ﬁeldstone wall (c. 420 m long, 0.8 m wide) traverses the hill in a straight line from northeast to southwest; it is preserved ﬁve to eight courses high. Ancient dressed building stones are incorporated in the wall, especially midway. Perpendicular to the southwestern part of the wall is another wall, which encircles the western part of the

217* hill. There are no entryways in the walls, and apparently they delimited cultivation plots. On the southern slope of the hill—a rock-hewn winepress consisting of a treading floor (2.1×3.2 m) and collecting vat (filled with alluvium). West of the winepress—two hewn basins (diam. 0.37 m, 0.12 m deep) 0.58 m apart. On the northern slope of the hill—two hewn cisterns. The western cistern is renovated and fed by runoff from the slope. The eastern cistern is deep and it is impossible to descend to its bottom; adjacent to it is a hewn limestone trough (0.66×1.4 m, 0.35 deep). On the southwestern slope of the hill—agricultural terraces (c. 15 dunams) whose walls are preserved to a height of two to four courses. In 1988 development works prior to construction were conducted on the hill and most of the remains were destroyed. During this time a burial cave was exposed and plundered; a large heap of stones is piled at its entrance. Finds. Pottery: Iron II (scanty finds—a scatter), Roman (numerous finds—agricultural activity?) and Byzantine (near the burial cave). 295.2. Remains of a building, a cistern, a watchman’s hut(?), winepress and basins on southern slope of hill descending towards Wadi Idna (map ref. OIG 14788 10622, NIG 19788 60622). The foundations (c. 0.55 m wide) are all that survive of the building (5.6×7.3 m); two building stones are incorporated in the southeastern corner. Small stone clearance heaps are piled in the center of the remains. East of the building—a rock-hewn cistern capped with a rock. The owner of the cultivation plot, a resident of Idna, used the cistern until recently. Near the cistern—a curvilinear wall (diam. 5 m) built of rough-hewn stones, preserved two to four courses high, apparently part of a watchman’s hut. North of the building—a winepress hewn in a rock outcrop on which stone clearance was piled. Parts of the winepress’ treading floor, as well as two basins are visible. West of the winepress—four basins (average diam. 0.44 m) hewn in a prominent rock outcrop. On the southern slope of the hill and at its foot—agricultural terraces (c. 50 dunams), some recently renovated and in use today. Finds. Pottery: Iron II (scanty finds in the building remains and on the slope) and Ottoman (watchman’s hut? agricultural activity). 295.3. Remains of a building, a rock-hewn cave, cistern, rock cuttings and a pen on eastern slope of spur (map ref. OIG 14820 10660, NIG 19820 60660). Several walls and the southeastern corner of the building (c. 8×8 m) are preserved. Small stone clearance heaps are piled in the center of the building. Northeast of the building are structural remains (c. 5×6 m), apparently an enclosed courtyard built of a wall two stones wide and preserved one to two courses high. East of the building remains—a rock-hewn cave (3×4 m), apparently a burial cave converted into a shepherd’s dwelling. Numerous Iron Age potsherds were collected in the vicinity of the cave. Northeast of the building remains—a rock-hewn cistern (c. 3 m deep; mouth 0.64×0.80 m) closed with large fieldstones bearing grooves, formed by ropes used to draw water. West of the building

218* remains—four hewn basins (diam. c. 0.48 m) and two cupmarks (diam. 0.27 m) hewn in a prominent rock outcrop. Nearby—a fieldstone pen (12×16 m) preserved three to four courses high. Its entrance, in the southwestern wall, is flanked by stone doorjambs (1.2 m high). On the slopes of the spur—agricultural terraces (c. 45 dunams). Find: Pottery: Iron II (numerous finds spread over c. 3 dunams near the building remains, the cave and on the spur, for the most part similar to those of Tel Lakhish Strata IV–III, others similar to those of Tel Lakhish Strata II), Persian (numerous finds in the building remains), Byzantine (scanty finds—a scatter) and Ottoman (a pen and cave dwelling—temporary occupation).

296. 7–6/3 14715 10690 19715 60690 480 m asl Shi‘b ‘Awad (M) Straight stone wall oriented north–south, built of ﬁeldstones (360 m long, 0.8–1.0 m wide; preserved 0.55–1.30 m high), on top of spur. Several sections have collapsed. A fragment of a limestone capital (0.52 m high) is incorporated in the construction of the wall, 55 m north of the southern end; on the corner of the capital is a worn decoration and on its upper part is a square hole (7×8 cm). West of the spur—two rock-hewn burial caves plundered in the past by antiquities robbers. The eastern cave (collapsed) consists of a single hewn chamber (c. 3×3 m) and has an arcosolium in its northern wall. The western cave is blocked with collapse. Fragments of chalk ossuaries were discovered inside the cave entrance; a circular decoration was discerned on an ossuary’s lid. The owner of the land on which the caves are located stated that he sealed other burial caves in the vicinity. In the wadi bed east of the spur—agricultural terraces (c. 10 dunams). Finds. Roman and Byzantine pottery (numerous ﬁnds—agricultural activity?).

297. 7–6/4 14756 10640 19756 60640 440 m asl Wadi Idna [4] Building foundations and rock-hewn installations on spur running south, toward Wadi Idna. The building foundations are at the top of the spur; preserved among them is a wall (3 m long) and a corner. Apparently the building’s stones were used in the construction of the surrounding agricultural terraces. At the south foot of the spur—a rock-hewn winepress in a rock outcrop mostly covered by a stone clearance heap; only its corner is visible (0.55 m deep). East of the winepress—three basins (average diam. of 0.38 m, 0.4 m deep) hewn in a rock outcrop; the plan of the basins forms an equilateral triangle with 1.6 m between each basin. In the wadi east of the spur—a small mound of soil near the entrance of a rock-hewn burial cave (blocked by collapse), the leavings of illicit digging conducted there many years ago. According to the owner of the land on which the cave is located seven additional caves are in its vicinity; they were blocked when the area was prepared for

219* cultivation. An ancient road (2.7–3.6 m wide), partially paved and delimited on either side by curbstones, was recorded. The road linked the villages of Idna and Beit ‘Awwa. On the spur and in the valleys to its east and west—agricultural terraces (c. 42 dunams), some of them of recent construction. The terrace walls (0.8–1.0 m wide), 20-30 m apart, are preserved four to six courses high. Finds. Byzantine pottery (numerous ﬁnds in the building remains, including cooking pots, jars and LRCIII bowls).

298. 7–6/5 14730 10622 19730 60622 420 m asl Humrat es Sileimī (M) Rock-hewn cistern, a quarry and burial cave entrances on slope descending north, toward Wadi Idna. The cistern (3.5 m deep; currently not in use) was documented on the eastern part of the slope. Near the cistern—a building-stone quarry. Five burial cave entrances are situated on the lower part of the slope, below the cistern; they were exposed many years ago by antiquities robbers. The caves are blocked and inaccesible. On the slopes—agricultural terraces and cultivation plots (c. 35 dunams), mostly ruinous. On the western part of the slope some of the stone fences around the plots have been renovated and ancient rough-hewn stones are incorporated in their construction. Finds. Byzantine pottery (a few sherds spread over an area of c. 3 dunams—a scatter).

299. 7–6/8 14785 10610 19785 60610 440 m asl Jebel Sālih [3] Remains of an ancient road flanked by curbstones and a rock-hewn winepress in Wadi Idna, east of Jebel Sālih [1]. Large sections of the road, which linked Idna with Kh. Sūba, were destroyed by modern construction. Next to the southern side of the road is a large rock-hewn winepress consisting of a square treading floor (4.6×4.7 m, 0.52 m deep) and collecting vat (1.8×2.4 m), linked by a channel; in a later phase a cistern (c. 4 m deep) was hewn in the collecting vat. The treading floor is currently used to dry agricultural produce.

300. 7–6/9 14795 10680 19795 60680 440 m asl Jebel Sālih [4] Two rock-hewn burial caves in valley running southwest, along the fringes of Idna [1]. The caves are currently used for storage. Later hewing altered the original plan of the caves. Above the eastern cave entrance is a hewn cornice, most of which is preserved. Remnants of a hewn cornice were also discerned on the walls inside the cave. Remains of a hewn cornice are on the facade of the western cave and inside the cave, in the corner to the right of the entrance. The design of the cornices indicates that the caves date to Iron II.

220* 301. 7–6/10 14773 10653 19773 60653 440 m asl Jebel Sālih [5] Remains of four rock-hewn burial caves on slope descending west, east of Jebel Sālih [1]. Today the caves are located inside the courtyards of modern buildings and are used for storage. The original entrances (0.72×0.88 m) of two of the caves are preserved; dressed, stepped frames were carved around them. These caves were enlarged by hewing and their original plans cannot be determined. The other two caves, 40 m to the west, were joined together and their original plans too cannot be discerned.

302. 8–6/1, 6 14872 10617 19872 60617 430 m asl Wadi Idna [6] 302.1. Well (currently in use) next to a paved road in Wadi Idna. The capstone (diam. 1.6 m, 0.58 m thick) topping the well has a round central drawing-hole (diam. 0.66 m) with grooves worn in it from ropes used to draw water. The well contains water even at the end of the summer; according to residents of Suba, during a rainy year the well overflows into Wadi Idna. Around the well are four stone troughs. A wide (c. 2.5–3.5 m), paved main road flanked by curbstones passes through Wadi Idna, connecting Idna to Dura and Hevron. Water sources are located along the course of the road. The road is well-preserved; several other sections were documented (see Site 366.1). South of the well—a rock-hewn winepress consisting of a treading floor (2.1×3.2 m) and collecting vat (0.4×1.3 m, 0.65 m deep) with a hewn step to its north. Next to the winepress—four hewn cupmarks (diam. 0.27 m, 0.12 m deep). Northeast of the site—another winepress (map ref. OIG 14880 10632, NIG 19880 60632) covered by a stone clearance heap. Nearby—a hewn rock surface (diam. 6 m) delimited by large fieldstones (presently used as a threshing floor). 302.2. Agricultural terrace (c. 35 dunams) on spur extending southwest, toward Wadi Idna. The terraces’ walls were recently rehabilitated.

303. 8–6/3, 7 14860 10665 19860 60665 500 m asl Wadi Idna [7] 303.1. Remains of buildings (apparently ﬁve; the foundations and sections of walls survive), winepresses and a limekiln on spur extending southwest, toward Wadi Idna. The three eastern buildings are better preserved than the other two. Apparently the building stones were taken for use in the construction of agricultural terraces in the vicinity. On the eastern part of the spur—a mostly ruinous limekiln (diam. 3.2 m, 1 m deep), ﬁlled with debris, gray lime waste and earth. It seems the area around it was leveled when the ground was prepared for cultivation. On the slopes of the spur—agricultural terraces (c. 55 dunams). In 1986 a stone wall was built on the spur in a north–south direction for the purpose of delineating cultivation plots. Stones from the agricultural terrace walls were utilized in its construction.

221* In the valley east of the spur—an installation hewn in a rock surface consisting of two rectangular basins (one 0.8×1.2 m, 0.4 m deep; the other 0.72×1.00 m, 0.44 m deep), 0.85 m apart, surrounded by a channel (0.14 m wide, 0.18 m deep), and two cupmarks (diam. 0.25 m, 0.17 m deep) to the north. According to residents of Idna this was an installation for cleaning and dying wool. Finds. Pottery: Iron II (scanty finds from the eighth century BCE spread over c. 5 dunams similar to those of Tel Lakhish Stratum III—a scatter), Roman (scanty finds spread over c. 5 dunams—a scatter) and Byzantine (numerous finds). 303.2. Paved road and rock-hewn winepress next to Wadi Idna (map ref. OIG 14890 10618, NIG 19890 60618). The road (2–3 m wide), delimited on both sides by curbstones, connects Idna to Hevron (see Sites 220.7, 305.1, 307). The winepress, consisting of a treading floor (2.7×3.2 m) and collecting vat (0.75×0.85 m, 0.55 m deep), was documented alongside the road.

304. 8–6/4 14838 10605 19838 60605 500 m asl Idna [20] Agricultural terraces (c. 10 dunams) and a rock-hewn winepress on spur running northwest, south of Idna [1]. The agricultural terrace walls are well preserved; several of them were recently renovated. The winepress, at the top of the spur, has a round treading ﬂoor (diam. 2.4 m) and collecting vat (c. 0.55 m deep; ruinous) linked by a channel. A paved road that runs along the spur connects Idna to Kh. Humsa (Site 415.1).

305. 9–6/1, 6 14982 10668 19982 60668 539 m asl Wadi Idna [9] 305.1. Remains of buildings, stone clearance heaps, cisterns and rock-hewn installations (c. 13 dunams) on hill overlooking an extensive area north of Wadi Idna. Most of the remains of the buildings were destroyed after the survey in 1988, during the course of development work. The survey recorded remains of c. eight buildings (average dimensions: 2.7×3.5 m; average wall thickness: 0.5 m) preserved two to four courses high. On the western part of the hill—remains of another, larger building (3.5×5.3 m), of which one to two stone courses survive, with corners constructed of ashlar stones; the entrance is preserved in the western wall. North of the building—a courtyard (5.0×6.3 m) in which two slotted doorjambs were discovered, apparently parts of an oil press. On the southern slope of the hill is a ruinous rock-hewn cistern. West of the cistern—a depression in the ground (collapsed cistern?). On the saddle southwest of the hilltop—a rock-hewn winepress consisting of a treading ﬂoor (1.4×2.0 m, 0.25 m deep) and collecting vat (covered with alluvium). Near the winepress—a hewn installation (simple oil press—bodeda): a basin (diam. 0.44 m) and above it a square dressed surface (0.5×0.5 m) surrounded by a shallow channel, linking it with the basin, and another, deeper channel encircling the entire installation.

222* On the slopes of the hill—agricultural terraces (c. 17 dunams). A road running along the hill connected Idna to Dura and Hevron, and joins a lateral road that passed along the foot of the Hevron Hills (see Sites 220.7, 303.2, 307). Finds. Pottery: Iron II (scanty ﬁnds from the eighth century BCE similar to those from Tel Lakhish Stratum III—scattered over c. 5 dunams), Hellenistic (several fragments of imported vessels—a scatter), Roman and Byzantine (numerous ﬁnds in the building remains). 305.2. Rock-hewn burial cave on slope descending north, north of Wadi Idna, located in the midst of an agricultural area, discovered when the ground was being prepared for cultivation. Inside the cave—a single chamber (c. 3×3 m) with a kokh (0.64×0.66×1.80 m) hewn in its southern wall. Artifacts from the cave were looted several days after it was exposed.

306. 9–6/2, 5, 7 14940 10640 19940 60640 510 m asl Wadi Idna [10] 306.1. Remains of a building (farmhouse?), ruinous agricultural terraces (c. 8 dunams) and rock cuttings on hill north of Wadi Idna. Merely the northeastern corner of the dressed building survives (walls 0.8 m thick)—dressed cornerstones, some fairly large (0.4×0.6×1.0 m). The building’s stones were probably taken for the construction of terrace walls. A threshold (1.3 m long) cut from limestone indigenous to the Hevron Hills was incorporated in one of the agricultural terrace walls. On the eastern slope of the hill—two hewn basins (average diam. 0.32 m, 0.15 m deep). Nearby—three cupmarks (average diam. 0.15 m, 0.1 m deep) hewn in a rock surface. East of the cupmarks—another cupmark (diam. 0.23 m, 0.15 m deep) hewn in a rock outcrop sloping slightly east, approached by two channels (each c. 1 m long). In the valley west of the hill—agricultural terraces (c. 18 dunams). In the lower part of the valley are well preserved agricultural terraces whose walls (1.4 m wide) were carefully built headers-and-stretchers, some of them preserved four to six courses high. On saddle north of the hill—a rock-hewn winepress consisting of a treading floor (1.1×3.2 m, 0.33 m deep) and collecting vat (0.55×0.75 m; traces of plaster) linked by a channel (0.14 m wide). Some 25 m west of the winepress—a hewn cistern (c. 4 m deep; no longer in use). Finds. Pottery: Iron II (numerous finds similar to those from Tel Lakhish Strata IV–III). 306.2. Rock-hewn cave (5×6 m) with two kokhim in the northern wall, on slope descending toward Wadi Idna. The cave apparently first served for burial and later was adapted for use as a dwelling for shepherds or peasants. On the slope—agricultural terraces (c. 35 dunams). 306.3. Winepress, cistern, oil press and basins hewn on an elevated terrace on the south bank of Wadi Idna. The winepress, hewn in a large rock outcrop, consists of a treading

223* ﬂoor (3.55×4.37 m, 0.52 m deep) and collecting vat (0.8×1.6 m). In a later phase the collecting vat was enlarged, forming a cistern (c. 4 m deep); nearby is a heap of chalky material removed from the cistern at the time it was hewn. East of the winepress is a rock surface in which a crushing basin (diam. 2.17 m, 0.37 m deep) with a central perforation (0.26×0.28 m, 0.22 m deep) belonging to an oil press is hewn. The rock surface surrounding the basin is dressed in order to make it more easily accessible. Hewn in the rock outcrops around the winepress and the crushing basin—seven basins (diam. 0.35–0.55 m). On the slope descending north, toward Wadi Idna—agricultural terraces (c. 25 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Iron II and Byzantine (scanty ﬁnds near the installations—a scatter).

307. 9–6/3 14918 10678 19918 60678 510 m asl Wadi el Far‘a [6] Low stone heaps, stone walls and rock cuttings on a dressed rock surface (c. 0.25 dunam) near the side of a road leading to the Hevron Hills, on a ﬂat saddle south of Wadi el Far‘a. A step that apparently served as the foundation of a wall is hewn in the rock surface. Between the stone heaps—sections of stone walls that do not form a clear plan and the remains of two corners of a building. It seems that stones were dismantled from the buildings that once stood at the site and reused in later construction. Also hewn in the rock surface—six round (diam. 0.4 m, 0.1 m deep) and seven rectangular basins (0.4×1.2 m, 0.34×0.95, and others averaging 0.38×0.65 m, with an average depth of 0.2 m). Marks are carved in the surface, among them an ‘X’ (length of arms 0.52 m; depth of carving 7 cm). According to residents of Suba and Idna it was once dangerous to walk on the road unprotected in this area and the villagers carried stones as a means of defense. The stones were heaped near the road by passersby. In the past residents of villages in the vicinity of the site would gather here, generally during the middle of the month of Ramadan. Finds. Pottery: Byzantine, Early Islamic, Mamluk and Ottoman (scanty ﬁnds—a scatter).

308. 9–6/4, 8 14995 10622 19995 60622 525 m asl Suba; Kh. Sūba (M) [10] 308.1. Remains of buildings, agricultural terraces, quarries and a winepress (c. 10 dunams) on moderate slope of spur descending west, toward a valley (referred to as Beq‘at Suba by the local population). Meager remains of buildings were documented at the top of the slope. The agricultural terrace walls (c. 28 dunams) are mostly in ruins, apparently abandoned many years ago. Between the terraces—several quarries (4×8 m, 6×10 m). On the northern part of the slope—a rock-hewn winepress (mostly covered by alluvium; only part of the treading ﬂoor is visible).

224* At the foot of the slope—a tamped earth surface (diam. 6.8 m) delimited by fieldstones, apparently a threshing floor. On the southern slope of the spur—several blocked burial caves, looted many years ago. Finds. Byzantine pottery (numerous sherds on the slope and near the burial caves). 308.2. Winepress, basins and a rock surface hewn at the foot of the western slope of a spur. The winepress, hewn in a rock outcrop, consists of an oval treading floor (2.4×3.7 m) and collecting vat (diam. 0.72 m) to its west, linked by a channel. North of the winepress—three basins (diam. 0.42 m). West of the basins—a surface cut on a rock terrace (according to the landowner it was a threshing floor). On the slope—agricultural terraces (c. 35 dunams).

309. 9–6/9 14950 10632 19950 60632 575 m asl Suba; Kh. Sūba (M) [12] Rock-hewn winepress on rocky slope descending southeast, north of Suba [1]. The winepress comprises a treading floor (2.5×2.6 m, 0.42 m deep) and collecting vat (blocked with stones and alluvium), linked by a channel (0.28 m long); two basins (c. diam. 0.38 m) are hewn in the treading floor. West of the winepress—a fieldstone wall (3.7 m long, 0.52 m wide) preserved to a height of four to five courses. On the slope—small agricultural terraces (c. 15 dunams).

310. 9–6/10 14912 10662 19912 60662 515 m asl Suba; Kh. Sūba (M) [13] Remains of a building (6×8 m? parts of the western and eastern walls), probably partitioned into two rooms, at the top of a spur descending southwest, north of Suba [1]. West of the building—a hewn rectangular vat (2.0×3.5 m). On the northwest slope of the spur—agricultural terraces (c. 20 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Iron II (scanty ﬁnds—a scatter) and late Byzantine (numerous ﬁnds in the building remains).

311. 9–6/11 14910 10615 19910 60615 585 m asl Suba; Kh. Sūba (M) [14] Agricultural terraces (c. 18 dunams) on southwestern slope of spur, north of Suba [1]. Rough-hewn stones discerned in the terrace walls were probably dismantled from ancient buildings in the vicinity.

312. 9–6/12 14998 10648 19998 60648 570 m asl Suba; Kh. Sūba (M) [15] Rock-hewn burial cave on rocky slope descending northwest, north of Suba [1]. The upper section of the cave entrance is adorned with a cornice. Inside are two chambers, the

225* northern one square (4×4 m) and the southern one rectangular (2.5×3.6 m, 2.1 m high), which were connected in a later phase when the entrance was enlarged (1.4×1.7 m). In the eastern wall of the northern chamber—a hewn kokh large enough for two deceased. The later cuttings in the other walls of the northern chamber impede reconstruction of the original plan. The cave was used until recently as a pen.

313. 0–5/1, 6, 8; 0–4/9 14073 10504 19073 60504 325 m asl H. Migdal Gad [1] Kh. el Mejdeleh (S) Kh. el Majdala (M) 313.1. Remains of a settlement (c. 40 dunams) on spur south of Nahal Lakhish. At the foot of the spur, Nahal Lakhish changes direction, turning sharply to the north; this resulted in the creation of a broad, fertile valley. On the high portion of the site— remains of a square structure (c. 8×8 m; watchtower?) built of meticulously dressed ashlar stones with drafted margins, partitioned by interior walls. Some of the building’s walls were preserved to a height of two to four courses. The entrance was not preserved but we assume it was set in the western side. According to residents from Ed Dawāyima the building was known as El Burj prior to the establishment of the state. In its vicinity are 18 rock-hewn bell-shaped pits that served as stores for field crops (granaries; 2–3 m deep). These granaries were described by the surveyors of the British Survey (SWP). In the upper part of the site—four rock-hewn cisterns, two of them with staircases that lead to the floor. One of the cisterns, located 7 m east of the structure, has an Arabic inscription carved in the eastern wall. The inscription, barely legible, consists of four lines of five to six words each; the word Allah clearly appears in the first and last lines. According to Isma‘il Suwiti of Bet ‘Awwa who participated in the survey this inscription is a traditional blessing following the birth of a male child in a family with many daughters. Next to the mouth of one of the cisterns—a drainage system that conveyed water into it. Several years after the survey all of the cisterns on the spur were sealed by mechanical equipment. North of the square building—a complex of hewn ramified caves and cisterns connected by narrow, winding passages (mostly c. 0.63 m wide, c. 0.72 m high). Parts of the complex were very carefully dressed and there are signs of delicate stone-chiseling, lintels and vaults, similar to those found in the caves from the Hellenistic period near Tel Maresha. A circular stone (diam. 1.1 m, 0.52 m thick; rolling stone?) was discerned in one of the passages. In one of the caves in the complex are kokhim (0.30×0.44×0.64 m) hewn with a chiseling method that differs from that of the other caves, indicating that they were hewn in a later phase. An especially large cistern (7.4 m deep, floor diam. 5.8 m) whose walls are delicately hewn was also recorded. On the western slope of the spur—seven rock-hewn cisterns with large stones placed over the mouths and many entrances to rock-hewn caves. One of the caves (ceiling collapsed) served as a columbarium, with two chambers containing c. 22 niches.

226* Nearby, in four caves close by—remains of construction and later rock cuttings. In one of the caves on the slope—rock-cut storage niches and recesses for a beam, indicating that it ﬁrst housed an oil press. Benches are hewn the length of the eastern and southern walls. In the eastern wall of the cave (3.4×5.2 m) is a hewn opening leading to another chamber (2.1×3.1 m). A deep niche (2.40×0.75×0.88 m) hewn in the northern wall terminates in a small, bell-shaped pit (0.88 m deep, diam. at ﬂoor 0.9 m) whose opening (diam. 0.45 m) is circumscribed by a groove, to accommodate a closing stone. North of the cave—several hewn caves that served as dwellings for shepherds. On the northern and western slopes of the spur—twelve rock-hewn burial caves (those that had not collapsed were measured). One of the burial caves (partly collapsed) on the western slope, north of a high stone fence, consists of a single chamber (2.8×3.2 m) with two burial kokhim (2.3 m long) hewn in each of the northern, eastern and southern walls. On the northeastern slope of the spur—additional hewn caves (mostly blocked). Incorporated in a stone fence near the eastern cave—two column fragments cut from non-indigenous limestone (one of them: 0.86 m long, diam. 0.46 m). A fragment of a plain capital is included in a stone fence at the bottom of the slope and 2 m north of the fence is a column base (both initially documented by antiquities inspectors in the British Mandate period). Also on the northeastern slope—an ancient quarry (3×5 m) in which the negatives of removed stones are visible. On the eastern slope and on the saddle to the southeast of the top of the spur are rock- hewn burial caves and installations, and eight rock-hewn storage pits (granaries) similar to those documented on the high part of the site. Some 240 m southeast of the high part of the site—a well preserved rock-hewn burial cave with remains of nine burial kokhim, currently entered via an opening breached in a later phase. The cave’s ceiling is concave and delicately dressed. In a later phase some of the partitions between the kokhim were removed and the cave was adapted to accommodate an oil press; two pressing installations and hewn recesses for the placement of beams may be observed. In the last phase of the cave’s use it served as a store space and a pen; holes and hooks related to the diary industry, as well as storage recesses and a trough were hewn in the walls of the cave. North of the cave—a winepress and two basins (diam. 0.44 m, 0.16 m deep) hewn in a rock outcrop (map ref. OIG 14084 10494, NIG 19084 60494). Nearby, to the west and north of the cave—four rock-hewn cisterns (recently blocked). West of the cave—the entrance to a rock-hewn cave (collapsed), with hewn hooks and red- painted drawings discerned on its walls. Northeast of the site—remains of a Moslem cemetery (c. 40×40 m; map ref. OIG 14092 10510, NIG 19092 60510), consisting of small mounds of earth upon which building stones were placed, apparently the settlement’s cemetery during its last phase, in the Ottoman period. On the eastern side of the cemetery is a well (15 m deep, diam. 2.7 m) whose upper part is lined with eight courses of stone (to a depth of 2.4 m) and lower part is hewn in the chalk; some of the lining stones were taken from ancient

227* buildings at the site. In 1991 the well was sealed and the surrounding area was altered following earthmoving works. On the slopes of the spur are remains of walls and building foundations probably belonging to the last phase of settlement in the Ottoman period, when residents from Ed Dawāyima moved to the site. Also documented from this last phase—remains of stone walls, orchards and a road that runs up to the top of the spur. On the spur—agricultural terraces (c. 12 dunams). Finds. Pottery: EB II–III (scanty finds spread over c. 2 dunams—a scatter), Hellenistic (scanty finds spread over c. 5 dunams—a scatter), Roman (scanty finds spread over c. 1 dunam—a scatter), Byzantine (numerous finds in the settlement remains), Early Islamic fragments of bowls from the Abbasid period—a scatter), Mamluk (painted sherds from the thirteenth–fourtheenth centuries—a scatter) and Ottoman; Coin: Roman (Probus, 276–282 CE). The identification of the site with Migdal-gad (Joshua 15:37), proposed by C. Eligar in 1934, is not corroborated by the finds. The author suggests associating Migdal-gad with Ed Dawāyima (Site 318.1). Robinson and Smith 1856, II:55; Guérin 1868–1869, 2:362 (Kh. Medjdeleh); Conder and Kitchener 1881– 1883, III:284; Elliger 1934a:113, n. 1; Abel 1938, II:90, 387; IAA Archives/Mandate (File 135). 313.2. Ruinous building, west of the settlement remains (map ref. OIG 14048 10512, NIG 19048 60512; referred to by local villagers as Shi‘ab el Muhajjal). Only the foundations survive. Along the fringes of the site, located in an intensely cultivated agricultural area, are building stones that were probably unearthed after plowing and were moved aside. Crushed potsherds were found on a patch of soil stained light gray (c. 2 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Byzantine, Early Islamic and Ottoman (scanty finds—a scatter). 313.3. Winepress hewn in a rock outcrop on slope descending to the northeast, toward Nahal Lakhish: a treading floor (2.4×2.7 m) and collecting vat (filled with alluvium). 313.4. Well (Bir el Majdala; 16 m deep, diam. 2.4 m) at foot of spur, west of the settlement remains (map ref. OIG 14063 10495, NIG 19063 60495). In 1986 the well was blocked by residents of Moshav Amazya in order to prevent people or animals from falling into it. In the past, following a rainy winter, the well contained water.

314. 0–5/2 14010 10590 19010 60590 295 m asl Nahal Lakhish [173] Rock-hewn winepress and stone fences inside an abandoned orchard (c. 4 dunams) on the northern slope of a hill that descends toward Nahal Lakhish. The orchard is enclosed by stone fences (presently fruit trees grow inside). The winepress comprises a treading ﬂoor (1.2×2.4 m, 0.28 m deep) and adjacent collecting vat (blocked with stone clearance) linked by a hole drilled in the northwest corner of the treading ﬂoor. West of the winepress—a rock-hewn rock surface (2.5×4.0 m) that may have held grapes prior

228* to processing. Inside the orchard—stone fences, some collapsed and some preserved to a height of two to four courses. West of the orchard—two basins (diam. 0.32 m, 0.15 m deep) hewn in a rock surface; six cupmarks (diam. 0.14 m, 8 cm deep) are hewn around the northern basin. Finds. Pottery: Byzantine (scanty ﬁnds near the installations—agricultural activity?) and Ottoman (scanty ﬁnds—agricultural activity).

315. 0–5/3 14080 10590 19080 60590 343 m asl Nahal Lakhish [174] Orchards (150×150 m) delimited by stone fences (0.45 m wide, 1.0–1.2 m high; c. 25 dunams) and a hewn cave (2.5×3.0 m, 2.17 m high in the center) to the west on rocky hilltop north of Nahal Lakhish. An entryway ﬂanked by ancient doorjambs (1.47 m high) was preserved in one of the orchards. Apparently the cave last served as a dwelling for shepherds: storage niches, two shelves and two hooks for hanging items are hewn in the cave’s walls. A pen (c. 4×7 m) fronts the cave. On the saddle northeast of the hilltop—a rock-hewn winepress (today it is ruinous and covered with soil). East of the winepress—three cupmarks (diam. 0.20 m, 0.17 m deep) hewn in a dressed rock surface. On the western slope of the hill—orchards (c. 7 dunams; fruit trees grow in them). On the southern slope of the hill—a stone wall (260 m long) running from the top to the bottom of the hill, which probably delimited cultivation plots. In the wadi running south, east of the hill—agricultural terraces (c. 17 dunams), with walls preserved two to six courses high. Finds. Ottoman pottery (numerous sherds).

316. 0–5/4, 7 14062 10550 19062 60550 315 m asl Rasm el ‘Arūs (M) 316.1. Meager remains of buildings, caves, rock cuttings and orchards (c. 20 dunams) on low hill (most of them on the south slope) north of Nahal Lakhish. A large cattle shed currently stands on the hill; its construction destroyed most of the ruins. Among the building remains are wall sections, building corners, and scattered building stones and architectural elements. On the southern slope of the hill—rock-hewn caves (mostly blocked by large rocks). On the northwestern slope of the hill—two hewn basins (diam. 0.44 m, 0.13 m deep) in a dressed rock surface and a channel (c. 1 m long) extending from one of the basins to a rectangular vat (0.47×0.88 m, 0.55 m deep). West of the channel—a rock-hewn winepress (covered by clearance) consisting of a treading ﬂoor (c. 3.2×4.2 m) and collecting vat (blocked with alluvium). Large olive trees grow in the orchards, delimited by stone fences (today mostly collapsed). At the foot of the hill—an orchard (40×70 m) in which fruit trees grow, delimited by a stone fence preserved to a height of three to six courses.

229* Finds. Pottery: Iron II (scanty ﬁnds spread over c. 21 dunams—a scatter), Byzantine (numerous ﬁnds spread over c. 15 dunams—a scatter) and Ottoman (agricultural activity). 316.2. Wall (160 m long) built along a shallow wadi bed and agricultural terraces (c. 15 dunams) on slope descending east, toward Nahal Lakhish. The wall probably delineated cultivation plots.

317. 0–5/5 14025 10587 19025 60587 295 m asl Nahal Lakhish [175] Remains of an orchard (c. 2.5 dunams) on slope descending northeast, toward Nahal Lakhish, delimited by a stone fence preserved three to eight courses high. The area within the orchard is divided by stone walls into small tracts. To the west—a rock-hewn winepress. Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (scanty ﬁnds over area of 1 dunam—a scatter) and Ottoman.

318. 1–5/1, 6; 1–4/1, 5, 6, 7, 8; 2–4 /4, 5 14180 10500 19180 60500 350 m asl Amazya [1] Ed Dawaîmeh (S) Ed Dawāyima (M) [1] Ed Daweima; Dawaimeh (M) 318.1. Remains of an ancient settlement overlain with the remains of a large Arab village (c. 300 dunams) on ﬂat hill south of Nahal Lakhish, overlooking the central Shephelah and the western slopes of the Hevron Hills. A broad fertile valley cultivated for hundreds of years formed to the north, at the foot of the hill. The site is situated at an important crossroads (see Introduction, pp. 42*–43*). During the Ottoman period this was the second most important village, after Dura, in the Hevron district. Following the establishment of the state the village houses were destroyed and many caves were sealed. In 1978 a large poultry enclosure and a dairy barn belonging to nearby Moshav Amazya were built on the ruins; during the course of their construction dressed stones and parts of columns and capitals were exposed. Among the antiquities exposed on the hill: building foundations, stone walls, rock- hewn caves serving a variety of uses (62 caves served as dwellings in their last phase of use), an oil press, rock-hewn installations, seven bell-shaped granaries dug into the ground and lined with stones (average depth 1.6 m), 26 rock-hewn cisterns, a cemetery, numerous orchards, as well as building stones, capitals and column fragments, scattered on the ground. At the top of the hill, in the center of the deserted Arab village—a domed sheikh’s tomb (Esh Sheikh Salama; map ref. OIG 14190 10494, NIG 19190 60994) containing two rooms and a large courtyard to the west. The village school abutted the northern side of the tomb’s structure. Both the tomb and the school were built of

230* ancient building stones, including ashlars and stones with drafted margins. South of the hilltop (map ref. OIG 14193 10482, NIG 19193 60482)—a mosque and a minaret (c. 10 m high), on its south side. Today merely a large heap of stones remains of the mosque; several of the minaret’s stones are scattered on the hilltop. Two corners of a large building may also be remains of the mosque. According to various sources (Khalidi 1992) this was the site of a Sufi center (Al Tariqa a Qalwatiya) established by Sheikh Omar al Qalwati, who died in the village in 1397. The center’s building stood desolate until 1930, when it was renovated and converted for use as the main mosque of the village and the surrounding area. Northwest of the mosque stood a khan, of which a corner may be preserved; dressed stones scattered there were probably originally part of the khan. According to a veteran member of Moshav Amazya, ancient stones were taken for the moshav gardens from remains of a large building that once stood at the site. This is apparently the khan Robinson was referring to when (in 1838) he described “the ruinous citadel—El Burj”, which he visited together with the village sheikh. Near the khan is the village threshing floor—a dressed rock surface (diam. c. 16 m) delimited by a stone wall one to two courses high, the site of the regional Friday market (from 1944 on; Souk el Barin—the marketplace between the mountain and the plain). At the top of the hill and on its southern slope—numerous rock-hewn caves. One of the cave entrances is located near the dairy barn of Moshav Amazya (map ref. OIG 14174 10495, NIG 19174 60495). The cave has two halls; one of the halls (10×14 m, 4–5 m high) has four round stone supportive columns, left in place at the time the cave was cut. Pressing installations survive in the other hall (7×10 m). A small chamber (2.4×3.0 m) from which three tunnels extend was hewn in the eastern wall of the smaller hall. One of the tunnels leads to caves hewn on a lower level. The other two tunnels lead to the surface, terminating in a long vertical shaft with recesses cut in the walls to facilitate ascent and descent. Another cave (partly collapsed) to the north of this cave, at the top of the hill, has a barrel vault and is meticulously dressed. Inside—installations belonging to an oil press, among them a crushing stone (diam. 1.44 m, 0.55 m thick), crushing basin (diam. 1.55 m, 0.78 m thick), weights and other items; some of the components were taken by members of Moshav Amazya. On the northern slope of the hill, below the settlement remains—an orchard (30×45 m) enclosed by a stone fence that includes in its construction two columns (diam. 0.48 m, 1.2 m long) cut from limestone indigenous to the Hevron Hills (map ref. OIG 14183 10533, NIG 19183 60533). Inside the orchard—a rock-hewn cave that served as a dwelling and for storage; its entrance (4.2×7.3 m) faces north. West of the orchard—a heap of stones that includes a fragment of a plain capital and a stone (0.37×0.60×0.60 m) with a circle (diam. 0.4 m) carved in the center, probably a column base; apparently these elements belonged to a church that was situated at the site. East of the orchard—a large rock-hewn winepress consisting of a treading floor (4.5×6.2 m, 0.33 m deep) and bell-shaped collecting vat (2.3 m deep, diam. at base 3.1 m), linked by a channel (0.3 m wide). Nearby, to the east—another rock-hewn winepress (map ref. OIG 14171 10536,

231* NIG 19171 60536) consisting of a treading floor (3.44×4.38 m) and collecting vat (1.22×1.62 m; filled with soil). Near the winepress—three hewn basins (diam. 0.73 m) apparently used for grinding. The rock surface between the basins is dressed and was probably used to dry agricultural produce. North of the basins—a winepress hewn in a broken rock outcrop: a treading floor (2.2×2.4 m) and collecting vat (1.15×1.47 m; filled with soil). Nearby, to the west—a winepress hewn in a broken rock outcrop of unclear plan. Two cupmarks (diam. 0.28 m) and a basin (diam. 0.63 m) are hewn next to the winepress. Sixty meters south of the orchard, higher up the slope—a rock-hewn cave that last served as a dwelling. On the cave walls are remains of ancient rock cuttings, possibly of a gable and lintel. One hundred meters east of the orchard—two rock-hewn cisterns (c. 8 m deep) capped by rocks. North of the cisterns—a rock-hewn burial cave, in which a long corridor (0.8×1.7 m, 4.2 m long) leads to a hall (mostly collapsed); remains of several kokhim were discerned in the walls. At the foot of the northern slope of the hill—remains of the village cemetery (Ottoman period). Additional graves were noted east of the settlement ruins (an area 40×40 m). On the western slope of the hill—remains of a building and a rock-hewn cave with a courtyard; the cave was enlarged in the Ottoman period and a wall of ancient, dressed building stones was constructed around the courtyard. Near the courtyard—an installation for extracting olive oil hewn in a dressed stone (0.58×1.22 m): a surface (0.5×0.6 m) upon which the olive baskets were placed is circumscribed by a channel leading to a collecting vat (0.4×0.4 m, 0.32 m deep). Lying on the ground nearby—large stones, probably used as weights. On the eastern slope of the hill—remains of orchards (25×35 m, 50×50 m, 44×62 m; map ref. OIG 14198 10513, NIG 19198 60513), agricultural terraces, building remains, an ancient quarry (3×6 m), two cisterns, caves and rock cuttings. Two large ashlar stones (0.77×1.70 m) are incorporated in the stone fence of the uppermost orchard. Inside this orchard is a rock-hewn cave initially used for burial (kokhim survive); in a later phase it was enlarged: storage niches were cut in the walls and another chamber (2.4×.4.0 m) with benches for storage was hewn in the southern wall. Nearby are two hewn cisterns whose mouths are covered with barrels. Three wells dug in 1937 were documented near the settlement remains, on the bank of Nahal Lakhish. In the 1960s two of the wells were sealed and a pumping station was installed on the third. Finds. Pottery: Chalcolithic (scanty finds spread over c. 3 dunams—a scatter), Iron II (scanty finds from the ninth–eighth centuries BCE similar to those of Tel Lakhish Strata IV–II spread over c. 35 dunams in the settlement remains), Persian (scanty finds spread over c. 15 dunams—a scatter), Hellenistic (numerous finds spread over c. 45 dunams in the settlement remains), Roman and Byzantine (numerous remains, including imported vessels, spread over c. 50 dunams in the settlement remains), Early Islamic (numerous remains, including a lamp fragment dating to the transition to the tenth century CE, spread over c. 50 dunams in the settlement remains), Mamluk (scanty remains spread

232* over c. 15 dunams—a scatter) and Ottoman (numerous finds spread over c. 300 dunams in the settlement remains). Abel proposed identifying the site with biblical Bozkath (Joshua 15:39). The author, on the other hand, suggests an identification with Migdal-Gad (Joshua 15:37). Robinson and Smith 1856, II:55; Guérin 1868–1869, 2:342–343, 361 (Douaimeh); Conder and Kitchener 1881–1883, III:258; Van Kasteren 1889:24–27; Abel 1938 II:90; Khalidi 1992:213–216; Dagan 1996; IAA Archives/Mandate (File 44). 318.2. Pottery scatter (c. 5 dunams) on north bank of Nahal Lakhish (near the pumping station; map ref. OIG 14138 10546, NIG 19138 60546). Finds. Pottery: Chalcolithic, Byzantine and Ottoman (a few sherds). 318.3. Remains of a fieldstone building (c. 7×15 m), rock-hewn caves (mostly sealed), two rock-hewn cisterns and two basins (diam. 0.49 m) hewn in a rock outcrop on southeastern slope of hill, southeast of Ed Dawāyima [1] (map ref. OIG 14215 10488, NIG 19215 60488). Apparently the site was a suburb of Ed Dawāyima [1]. On the slope—stone fences enclosing cultivation plots. Finds. Pottery: Roman and Byzantine (scanty finds—a scatter), Mamluk (numerous decorated sherds) and Ottoman (scanty finds— building remains and cultivation plots). 318.4. Remains of orchards enclosed by stone fences preserved two to eight courses high (c. 20 dunams) and inside them hewn caves, two hewn cisterns and three winepresses on a spur southeast of Ed Dawāyima [1] (map ref. OIG 14225 10478, NIG 19225 60478). The winepresses are hewn in rock surfaces. The eastern winepress consists of a square treading floor (3.5×3.6 m) and round collecting vat (diam. 1.24 m, c. 0.57 m deep; filled with alluvium). The northeastern winepress has a treading floor (2.2×2.7, 0.44 m deep) and collecting vat (0.77×1.12 m; filled with stone clearance). The southern winepress consists of a treading floor (2.35×3.27 m) bearing traces of white mosaic paving and a collecting vat (covered with alluvium). Finds. Pottery: Byzantine (numerous finds—agricultural activity) and Ottoman (numerous finds—agricultural activity). 318.5. Cisterns, rock cuttings and remains of orchards delimited by stone fences on gentle spur, south of Ed Dawayima [1] (currently inside Moshav Amazya; map ref. OIG 14175 10460, NIG 19175 60460); the remains belong to Ed Dawayima. To the southwest, alongside the moshav houses, are three rock-hewn cisterns. The southern cistern is bell-shaped and a marble column (diam. 0.44 m, 0.85 m long) tops the mouth. West of the moshav entrance, in a field—a hewn rock surface (2.1×4.2 m) with a basin (diam. 0.44 m, 0.24 m deep) cut in its center. West of the rock surface lies a fragment of an oil press crushing stone (currently in the yard of a moshav house). A large dressed rock surface (100×150 m) divided by stone fences (presently inside the moshav) was used as a threshing floor. Today several structures are built on a portion of the surface. Finds. Pottery: Byzantine (numerous finds—a scatter), Early Islamic and Mamluk (scanty finds spread over c. 5 dunams—a scatter) and Ottoman (numerous finds).

233* 318.6. The cemetery (Byzantine and Ottoman periods?) of ancient Ed Dawayima [1] (currently inside Moshav Amazya; map ref. OIG 14195 10472, NIG 19195 60472). Three to four rock-hewn burial caves with steps leading to the floor were documented. Several stone heaps between the caves probably indicate Moslem tombs. In 1988, in the course of development works to enlarge the moshav, most of the area was covered with soil. 318.7. Four rock-hewn cisterns and a burial cave on slope descending south, close to the road leading to Moshav Amazya (map ref. OIG 14140 10476, NIG 19140 60476). Today the site is located inside a grove of young trees. Rocks cap the mouths of the two eastern cisterns and the mouths of the two western cisterns are sealed shut. The burial cave contains a single kokh; it was damaged when the road was paved. North of the cisterns—remains of a large building (map ref. OIG 14132 10500, NIG 19132 60500) constructed of carefully dressed stones; foundations and one corner survive (walls 0.85 m wide). These may be the remains of the school of Ed Dawayima and the surrounding villages. Finds. Ottoman pottery. 318.8. Remains of a hewn cave, orchard, winepress, basins and cupmarks on northeastern slope of the hill, southwest of Ed Dawayima [1] (map ref. OIG 14135 10469, NIG 19135 60469). Inside the cave a long corridor (4.2 m long, 1.2 m wide) leads to a chamber (c. 3×4 m) with two benches and four niches (c. 0.38×0.40 m) hewn in the walls. The cave apparently was first used for burial and in a later phase was expanded into a single large chamber. Twenty-five meters west of the cave is the orchard (c. 2 dunams) in which several fruit trees grow delimited by a stone wall preserved to a height of four to five courses. In the orchard are three basins (diam. 0.44 m, 0.30 m deep) and six cupmarks arranged in a row (diam. 0.25 m, average depth 0.13 m), hewn in a dressed rock surface (2.1×5.0 m). Nearby to the west, on the margins of the orchard—a rock-hewn winepress consisting of a treading floor (2.7×3.2 m) and collecting vat (0.5×1.5 m). Finds. Ottoman pottery. 318.9. Six cisterns (partly blocked with soil and debris) and basins hewn on a spur, west of Ed Dawayima [1] (map ref. OIG 14135 10492, NIG 19135 60492). The western cistern has a square mouth (0.55×0.58 m) in which grooves were worn by ropes used to draw water. The cisterns were probably used by the villagers of Ed Dawayima during the Ottoman period. North of the cisterns—two hewn basins (diam. 0.37 m) 0.65 m apart in a rock outcrop.

319. 1–5/2, 3, 5 14114 10595 19114 60595 356 m asl Rub‘ Awlād Khalīl (M) 319.1. Orchards delimited by stone fences, building remains and watchman’s huts, stone clearance heaps, rock-hewn installations, a cave and quarries on hill. The orchards’ fences (preserved four to six courses high) were built of stones dismantled from

234* buildings in the vicinity. Numerous fruit trees grow in the orchards. On the hilltop— remains of two buildings (one course of stones survives). A lintel is preserved in situ in the entrance on the northern side of the eastern building (3.1×5.0 m; walls c. 0.5 m wide). The northwestern corner of the western building survives (walls c. 1 m wide); based on the width of the walls we assume the structure served as a tower. Among the orchards are remains of five watchman’s huts. The well-preserved northern hut (4×4 m) stands 1.7 m high; remains of a staircase hug its eastern side. On the southern slope of the hill—a large orchard (30×130 m) delineated by fences (c. 0.65–0.85 m wide) that were built of worked stones (preserved to a height of c. 1 m). Inside the orchard— several large stone heaps, some of which consist of stone clearance and others, ruinous watchman’s huts. Three winepresses hewn in a rock outcrop were documented in the middle of the orchard. The northern winepress consists of a treading floor (1.0×2.1 m, 0.23 m deep) and round collecting vat (diam. 0.66 m, 0.5 m deep), linked by a shallow channel. The middle winepress consists of a treading floor (0.6×1.0 m, 0.3 m deep) and collecting vat (0.44×0.75 m, 0.45 m deep) to its east. The southern winepress comprises a treading floor (1.1×1.5 m, 0.12 m deep) and collecting vat (0.55×1.30 m, 0.65 m deep) to its southeast. Nearby to the southwest is a dressed rock surface (2.8×4.2 m) in which four cupmarks (diam. 0.23 m, average depth 0.15 m) are hewn. In the orchard on the eastern slope of the hill—a simple oil press, hewn in a jutting rock outcrop, consisting of a rectangular basin with channels leading from both of its sides to a square basin (0.55×0.55 m, 0.26 m deep); five hollows, probably for standing jars, are cut around the basin. To the north—a dressed rectangular surface (0.6×0.8 m) from which a curvilinear channel (0.14 m deep) leads to a basin, probably used to dry agricultural produce or to extract juice from fruit. On the western slope of the hill—a rock-hewn cave. Remains of delicate stone-chiseling visible on the northern wall of the cave indicate that this was a burial cave, subsequently enlarged and used as a dwelling for shepherds (3×6 m, 2.2 m high). Outside the cave, near the entrance—two hewn basins (diam. 0.44 m). At the foot of the slope is an orchard (40×100 m) marked by a stone fence preserved c. 1 m high (map ref. OIG 14109 10585, NIG 19109 60585). Inside the orchard is a large rock-hewn winepress consisting of a treading floor (3.5×3.8 m, 0.4 m deep) and collecting vat (1.4×2.1 m, 1.4 m deep) to its west. Near the winepress—two ancient quarries (1.5×2.5 m, 1.4×2.0 m). Some 23 m east of the quarries—two additional quarries (3×5 m, 3×7 m). Meager remains of buildings were also discerned inside the orchard; the stones were apparently dismantled for the construction of the orchard’s fences. Finds. Pottery: Byzantine (scanty finds spread over c.5 dunams—a scatter) and Ottoman (scanty finds—agricultural activity). 319.2. Four rock-hewn cisterns on spur descending south, toward Nahal Lakhish (map ref. OIG 14138 10573, NIG 19138 60573). Two of the cisterns’ openings (diam. c. 0.8 m) are capped; the other two have collapsed and appear as depressions in the ground.

235* 319.3. Rock-hewn cistern, winepress, pool and hewn basins in the upper reaches of a wadi running south, toward Nahal Lakhish. The cistern (c. 4 m deep; diam. of opening 1.4 m) is in the upper part of the site. To the east is the winepress, consisting of a treading floor (2.4×2.8 m, 0.3 m deep) and collecting vat (0.55×0.97 m; filled with stone clearance). South of the winepress—a shallow rock-hewn pool (2.3×2.7 m, 0.22 m deep) probably used to process or dry agricultural produce. Between the pool and the winepress are three hewn basins, two of them round (diam. of 0.4 m) and the third rectangular (0.27×0.55 m, 0.32 m deep). In the wadi bed—agricultural terraces (c. 18 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Hellenistic (scanty finds spread over c. 2 dunams—a scatter), Byzantine (scanty finds spread over c. 5 dunams—a scatter) and Ottoman (scanty finds— agricultural activity).

320. 1–5/4 14108 10565 19108 60565 325 m asl Nahal Lakhish [179] Remains of a farmstead(?) (c. 3 dunams) on spur running south, toward Nahal Lakhish: remains of buildings, cisterns, installations and caves. Below the farm—orchards (fruit and sycamore trees) and agricultural terraces (c. 15 dunams). Remains of a large building (8×10 m) constructed of dressed stones (walls c. 1 m wide; preserved four to six courses high) stand out prominently. Large dressed stones (c. 1.5 m long) are set in the corners and the doorjambs at the entrance are preserved in situ. Nearby—remains of three structures (2×4 m, 3×4 m, 3×5 m; merely one course survives); apparently the stones were taken for the construction of the orchards’ fences. On a terrace above the building remains—a rock-hewn cistern (6 m deep; diam. of mouth 0.8 m). Remains of a niche and a slot in the cistern’s mouth indicate that originally it accommodated a cover. Some 1.2 m east of the cistern—a hewn sedimentation vat (diam. 0.8 m, c. 1 m deep) linked by a broad channel to the cistern; today the vat walls are coated with cement. Near the prominent building is a large hewn cave, accessed via an entrance in the southern side, leading to a large central hall (8.27×10.3 m). The walls are treated with two layers of plaster: the bottom layer, an admixture of chalk, clay and straw, is coarse; the upper layer is fine and coated with white lime. Several containers (0.8 m wide, c. 1.6 m high) lining the hall’s walls, fashioned of unfired clay, were used for storing barley, wheat or flour; in the containers’ bottoms are openings (diam. 8 cm). Three hewn passages extend from the main hall, each leading to a separate chamber (the eastern chamber 3×4 m; the middle chamber 4.7×6.2 m, 2.1 m high; and the western chamber: diam. 5.1 m). Along the walls of the eastern chamber are three of these storage containers (two are broken); two storage niches were hewn in the chamber’s northern wall. The western chamber is partially collapsed. Below the cave is a rock-hewn winepress on a dressed rock surface: a treading floor (0.8×1.0 m, 0.48 m deep) and collecting vat (0.40×0.44 m, 0.65 m deep) to its south, linked by a channel. West of the winepress—four cupmarks (average diam. 0.28 m, 0.14 m deep) hewn in a rock surface. On the southeastern slope

236* of the spur—orchards enclosed by walls built in part with dressed stones. In the eastern wall of the lowest orchard is a large column fragment (1.4 m long) cut from limestone indigenous to the Hevron Hills. West of the orchards—two hewn basins (diam. 0.55 m, 0.28 m deep). A paved road (c. 2.5–3.0 m wide, 140 m long) that apparently branched off from the main road runs along the Nahal Lakhish streambed (see Site 230), passing between the orchards. Finds. Pottery: Byzantine (numerous ﬁnds—a farmstead?) and Ottoman (numerous ﬁnds—agricultural activity).

321. 2–5/1, 5 14220 10592 19220 60592 340 m asl Nahal Lakhish [183] 321.1. Winepress, basins, a quarry, building remains, orchards and agricultural terraces (c. 37 dunams) on moderate hill north of Nahal Lakhish. At the top of the hill—the orchard (100×150 m), delimited by a stone fence (two to five courses preserved). South of the orchard—remains of stone fences marking cultivation plots. On the southeastern slope—remains of a rock-hewn winepress: a treading floor (2.4×2.6 m) and collecting vat (blocked), linked by a channel. Near the winepress—two hewn basins (diam. 0.34 m). On the western slope—an ancient quarry (5×8 m). At the foot of the hill—remains of two buildings (the western building 3.4×4.0 m, the eastern building 2.7×4.2 m); merely the foundations survive (c. 0.6 m wide). Apparently the stones were taken for the construction of the stone fences. Finds. Pottery: Byzantine (scanty finds spread over c. 5 dunams—a scatter) and Ottoman (numerous finds—agricultural activity). 321.2. Rock-hewn cistern (3 m deep; partially blocked) on spur north of Nahal Lakhish (map ref. OIG 14255 10597, NIG 19255 60597). In the vicinity of the cistern—walls delimiting cultivation plots. Finds (near the cistern): Byzantine pottery.

322. 2–5/2 14242 10553 19242 60553 356 m asl Nahal Lakhish [184] Cultivation plots marked by stone fences (50×150 m, 100×150 m) and agricultural terraces (c. 45 dunams) on hill north of Nahal Lakhish. Finds. Pottery: Byzantine (scanty ﬁnds—a scatter) and Ottoman (scanty ﬁnds— agricultural activity).

323. 2–5/3 14272 10530 19272 60530 350 m asl Nahal Lakhish [185] Cultivation plots (c. 45 dunams) on southern slope of hill descending to Nahal Lakhish, one of them (125×250 m) enclosed by a stone fence (0.8 m wide, c. 1 m high). In the wadi east of the site—agricultural terraces (c.30 dunams).

237* Finds. Pottery: Byzantine (numerous ﬁnds—a scatter) and Ottoman (numerous ﬁnds— agricultural activity).

324. 2–5/4 14275 10590 19275 60590 360 m asl Nahal Lakhish [186] Remains of an orchard (100×120 m) on southern slope of spur north of Nahal Lakhish, marked by a ﬁeldstone fence; mainly the western and southern walls were preserved. Southwest of the orchard—two basins (diam. 0.38 m) hewn in a rock outcrop and linked by a channel (0.12 m wide, 9 cm deep). Finds. Ottoman pottery (a few sherds).

325. 3–5/1, 11, 12 14390 10565 19390 60565 350 m asl H. Dohan [1] Kh. Dahneh (S) Kh. Dāhina; Kh. Dihna (M) 325.1. Settlement remains (c. 25 dunams) on spur running south: building remains, cisterns, caves and agricultural terraces. In the nineteenth century pens and food- storage installations were constructed at the site by shepherds from the Hevron Hills. The buildings (2.5×3.0 m, 2.8×3.2 m, 3.4×4.1 m,), built of fieldstones with a rubble fill, are preserved two to four courses high; thresholds and lintels were preserved in some of the structures. The foundations were visible. Illicit excavations exposed several stone courses beneath the surface. Seven rock-hewn cisterns, some of them capped, were noted in the vicinity of the building remains. Two cisterns with a staircase descending to the floor have a tunnel hewn in a later phase leading to a chamber (collapsed). Among the remains at the site—rock-hewn caves (some of them collapsed) and a rock- hewn columbarium cave (4 m high, dimension of niches 0.17×0.20 m; ceiling partly collapsed); in one of the caves are elements of an oil press including cut recesses for the press beam, a crushing basin and fragments of weights (the crushing basin was stolen from the cave in 1985). In a later period troughs were hewn along the walls of the cave, and it was probably used as a sheepfold. On the southern slope of the spur—remains of a structure (8×8 m) built of dressed stones preserved to a maximum height of two courses, with its entrance in the eastern wall. Roof-tile fragments are scattered nearby. A marble chancel-screen fragment was found near the building, indicating that it was a church. To its west—wall segments, apparently parts of a large courtyard, and inside—a plastered rock-hewn cistern, with its capstone in place; the capstone has a groove around it, which accommodated a cover. West of the spur—a collapsed, rock-hewn cistern (c. 4.3 m deep, diam. at base c. 6 m; map ref. OIG 14381 10553, NIG 19381 60553). A hewn tunnel extends from the

238* northern wall of the cistern to a complex of rock-hewn subterranean chambers. Vertical openings (currently sealed) are hewn between the rooms. Part of the complex is blocked as a result of collapse. North of the cistern—another rock-hewn cistern (one can descend to the bottom by means of a rope). A short rock-hewn tunnel extends from the cistern wall to a columbarium cave (7×7 m, 2.8 m high). Some 340 columbarium niches are hewn in four square stone columns inside the cave. The cave opening is blocked. North of the building remains—two cupmarks (diam. 0.18 m), three round basins (average diam. 0.35 m, 0.26 m deep) and a square basin (0.50×0.55 m, 0.40 m deep) hewn in a rock surface. East of the top of the spur—a rock-hewn winepress consisting of a treading floor (1.3×2.0 m, 0.40 m deep) and collecting vat (filled with stone clearance) to its east. On the western slope of the spur—another rock-hewn winepress (mostly covered with soil debris); only part of the treading floor is visible. On the eastern slope of the spur—a road flanked on both sides by stone walls leading to a sheik’s tomb north of the site (see below, Site 328); fragments of limestone columns were discerned among the stones. On the southeastern slope of the spur— several burial caves, apparently illicitly excavated many years ago. Around the settlement remains—agricultural terraces and cultivation plots delimited by fences (c. 0.6 m wide; c. 140 dunams) preserved to a height of three to four courses. Near the fences on the southern slope of the spur—a stone wall (c. 400 m long) that marked a field road. In the valley west of the ruin—agricultural terraces. Finds: Pottery: Roman (numerous finds in the settlement remains), Byzantine (numerous finds in the settlement remains, including many fragments of late-Byzantine Egyptian Red Slip bowls), Early Islamic (scanty finds spread over c. 10 dunams—a scatter), Mamluk (numerous finds in the settlement remains) and Ottoman (scanty finds— temporary occupation). Conder and Kitchener 1881–1883, III:280; IAA Archives/Mandate (File 48). 325.2. Agricultural terraces (c. 30 dunams) in valley running west, north of H. Dohan [1]. Some of the terrace walls are preserved to a height of two to four courses. On slope descending south, toward the valley—a rock-hewn winepress: a treading floor (2.4×3.7 m, 0.33 m deep) and collecting vat (0.66×1.70 m; filled with alluvium) to its south; a large hewn basin (diam. 1.66 m, 0.22 m deep) was linked by a through-hole to the treading floor. 325.3. Cultivation plots delimited by stone fences (c. 40 dunams) on broad spur, west of H. Dohan [1]. Several of the plots are enclosed by stone fences (c. 0.7 m wide).

239* 326. 3–5/2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10 14319 10550 19319 60550 371 m asl H. Qazra [1] Kh. el Kŭsr (S) Kh. el Qasr (M) 326.1. Settlement remains (c. 30 dunams) on lofty hill north of Nahal Lakhish. Remains of the fortress (20×20 m), preserved to a height of three to five courses, dominate the site. Apparently the fortress walls were constructed on a slant. Southwest of the fortress—remains of a building (c. 4×5 m). Also at the site—numerous rock-hewn burial caves (some of them collapsed), among them columbarium caves, hiding refuges, burial caves and bell-shaped caves. Six of the caves were inspected during the course of the survey: (1) A collapsed rock-hewn cave in the center of the fortress. The concave entrance leads to a hewn chamber (2.0×3.2 m) from which three narrow tunnels extended (currently blocked with collapse). (2) A cruciform rock-hewn columbarium cave, 10 m east of the building remains. A round opening (diam. 1.4 m) is hewn in the middle of the cave’s ceiling. The cave’s original entrance (today blocked with soil) was hewn in the southern wall. (3) Two rock-hewn, bell-shaped cisterns southeast of the fortress; part of their ceilings have collapsed and as a result they are connected. An illegible Arabic inscription is carved in the north wall. (4) A bell-shaped, rock-hewn cistern (diam. at base c. 9 m, 5.3 m deep; collapsed) south of the building remains. Four semicircular recesses are hewn in the north wall. (5) A cruciform rock-hewn columbarium cave containing 415 niches c. 100 m south of the fortress. A square opening (1.3×1.4 m) is hewn in the center of the cave’s ceiling. Finds: Pottery: Early Roman (first century CE), Late Roman (third–fourth centuries CE), Byzantine and Early Islamic periods (numerous finds in the settlement remains). 326.2. Remains of a limekiln on the southern slope of the hill, the site of H. Qazra [1] (map ref. OIG 14308 10536, NIG 19308 60536). The kiln (diam. 4.6 m, c. 2 m deep) is surrounded by small mounds of soil. Nearby—scattered building stones and gray waste. 326.3. Rock-hewn burial cave on the southern slope of the hill (H. Qazra [1]) (map ref. OIG 14307 10534, NIG 19307 60534). The cave, looted by antiquities robbers, was excavated later by A. Kloner in 1984–1985. Kokhim are hewn in the cave walls and a roll stone that moves along a track was preserved at its entrance. The cave’s plan indicates that it probably was used in the first–second centuries CE. In a later phase, probably in the sixth–ninth centuries CE, it was adapted for use as a Christian chapel. Crosses and religious symbols and Arabic and Greek inscriptions were carved in the cave’s walls; “Saint Saluma” is mentioned in the inscriptions. Kloner 1982, 1990; Di Segni and Patrich 1990.

240* 326.4. Remains of a rock-hewn bell-shaped cistern (collapsed), on hill south of the settlement (map ref. OIG 14304 10561, NIG 19304 60561): a depression (diam. c. 10 m, 3–4 m deep) in the ground. 326.5. Rock-hewn cave (collapsed and blocked) on slope of spur, south of the settlement: a depression in the ground (4×5 m, 2-3 m deep) in which there is a concentration of dressed building stones, perhaps belonging to a building that once stood there, later dismantled when the area was prepared for cultivation. On the eastern side of the depression—signs of an illicit excavation. South of the cave—agricultural terraces (c. 20 dunams). 326.6. Remains of a limekiln in the upper reaches of a valley north of the settlement (map ref. OIG 14306 10565, NIG 19306 60565), surrounded by heaps of building stones prepared for ﬁring.

327. 3–5/3 14352 10530 19352 60530 378 m asl Rasm Dāhina; Rasm Dihna (M) Remains of a small settlement (c. 13 dunams) atop a spur extending south, toward Nahal Lakhish: building remains and walls, heaps of masonry stones, bell-shaped caves, hiding refuges, four cisterns and hewn installations. Remains of a large fieldstone-built structure (10×18 m), preserved two to four courses high, stand out prominently. South of the structure is a courtyard (40×50 m) built of fieldstones preserved to a height of three to four courses. On the southwestern slope of the spur—a rock-hewn winepress that consists of a treading floor (c. 2.2×2.6 m) and collecting vat (0.77×1.07 m); near the collecting vat are two basins (diam. 0.43 m). West of the basins—a hewn surface (0.66×1.85 m), apparently used to dry agricultural produce. Finds: Pottery: Iron II (scanty finds spread over c. 2 dunams—a scatter), Hellenistic (scant finds spread over c. 4 dunams—a scatter), Roman (numerous finds in the settlement remains) and Byzantine (numerous finds in the settlement remains). The author proposes identifying the site with biblical Dilean (Joshua 15:38), mentioned after Migdal-gad. Kloner 1987a; Dagan 1996.

328. 3–5/4 14395 10596 19395 60596 395 m asl Esh Sheikh Abū Jā‘id (M) Remains of a sheikh’s tomb, a burial cave, cisterns and an ancient quarry on saddle north of Nahal Lakhish. The structure was destroyed when a patrol road was paved; all that remains is a heap of dressed stones alongside the road. According to the villagers of Bet ‘Awwa the tomb was situated alongside the road connecting Dura to Bet Guvrin and Tell es Safi (Tel Zafit), and in the spring residents from Hevron, el Kom and Es Simiya would visit the site to conduct a sacrifice. North of the tomb—a rock-hewn burial cave, exposed during construction of the road. A single kokh (0.62×0.80×1.82 m) is hewn in the southern wall. Potsherds from the Roman and Byzantine periods were

241* collected from the cave ﬂoor. Near the burial cave and east of the patrol road—three rock- hewn cisterns (partially blocked) with square mouths. To the east—remains of a quarry (6×10 m); negatives of especially large stones that were removed were discerned. Finds. Pottery: Roman and Byzantine (burial cave), Mamluk and Ottoman (near the sheikh’s tomb).

329. 3–5/9 14320 10580 19320 60580 355 m asl H. Qazra [6] Agricultural terraces and cultivation plots (c. 80 dunams) delimited by fences (0.6 m wide) on spur running west, north of H. Qazra [1]. The fences, constructed of fieldstones interspersed with dressed stones, column fragments and a fragmentary capital, are preserved two to five courses high. To the east of the site—cultivation plots flanked by stone fences, a rock-hewn winepress and an ancient quarry. Finds. Pottery: Roman and Byzantine (scanty finds spread over c. 15 dunams—a scatter).

330. 4–5/1, 7 14480 10524 19480 60524 360 m asl Giv‘at Shofarit Rasm es Suffar (M) 330.1. Settlement remains (c. 15 dunams) on elongated spur extending west: remains of buildings, five rock-hewn caves and four rock-hewn cisterns. On the northern slope of the spur—remains of three buildings—foundations or a single course of stone survive. Around the remains of the eastern building is a stone wall (one course survives), that probably delimited a courtyard entered via the eastern wall. Next to remains of the western building—a rock-hewn cistern (mostly filled with debris). A rock-hewn channel (0.2 m wide) that conveyed runoff approaches the cistern from the top of the spur, stopping 2 m from its mouth. At the top of the spur—remains of five or six buildings (two of them c. 3×4 m). East of the site—remains of a wall (280 m long, 0.6 m wide) around a cultivation plot. On the northern slope of the spur—a rock-hewn winepress comprising a treading floor (2.5×3.0 m) and collecting vat (0.8×1.2 m; filled with soil), four cupmarks (diam. 0.27 m) and two hewn basins (diam. 0.47 m). On the southern slope of the spur—an ancient quarry (8×12 m). On all the slopes—agricultural terraces (c. 22 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Early and Late Roman (numerous finds in the settlement remains) and Byzantine (numerous finds in the settlement remains). Kochavi 1972:58. 330.2. Concentration of installations hewn in a rock outcrop on slope descending north, toward Wadi Idna. In the eastern part of the site—a rock-hewn winepress consisting of

242* a treading ﬂoor (1.5×2.0 m) and collecting vat (covered with alluvium). South of the winepress—a large crushing basin (diam. c. 2.1 m) broken into several pieces. West of the basin—seven basins (diam. 0.35–0.55 m) and ﬁve cupmarks (diam. c. 0.25 m) hewn in rock outcrops. On the slopes—agricultural terraces (c. 15 dunams). Finds. Byzantine pottery (agricultural activity).

331. 4–5/2 14486 10550 19486 60550 355 m asl Wadi Idna [13] Remains of a burial cave at foot of spur running northwest, toward Wadi Idna, near a paved road that runs the length of Wadi Idna. The cave entrance (0.88×1.80 m), facing northwest, leads to two round chambers, one behind the other. The forechamber (diam. 3.2 m) is carefully dressed, with a concave ceiling. An opening in the wall opposite the entrance leads to the rear chamber. Carved above it are palm fronds and a rectangular frame (0.3×0.7 m), part of which was intentionally removed from the walls; an inscription was probably set inside the frame. The rear chamber is carelessly hewn in comparison to the forechamber, and seems to have been hewn in a later period— perhaps by cutting into a burial kokh. Based on the ornamentation in the front chamber the cave was probably hewn in the Herodian period.

332. 4–5/3, 6 14423 10570 19423 60570 395 m asl Wadi Idna [14] 332.1. Cultivation plots enclosed by stone fences (90×110 m, 110×150 m, 80×230 m) and agricultural terraces, rock-hewn installations, ancient quarries and remains of a paved road on hill north of Wadi Idna. Dressed building stones are incorporated in the fences, particularly in the highest fence, on the hilltop. On the western slope of the hill—a rock-hewn winepress consisting of a treading floor (c. 2.4×3.0 m, 0.33 m deep) and small collecting vat (0.53×0.88 m); two hewn basins (diam. 0.48 m) are north of the winepress. On the eastern slope of the hill—two hewn basins (diam. 0.38 m). South of the basins—eleven cupmarks (average diam. 0.25 m), some of them conical, hewn in a large rock outcrop. A concentration of quarries was discerned at the foot of the southern slope. Nearby, to the west—a pit (0.6×1.1 m, and 0.6 m deep) hewn in the middle of a rock surface. A paved road running along the eastern part of the hill ascends from Wadi Idna and continues northwest, connecting the Bet Guvrin region with villages in the Hevron Hills, among them Dura and Hevron (see below, Site 339). The road is flanked on both sides by stone walls, some of which delineate cultivation plots. On the western slope of the hill—agricultural terraces (c. 45 dunams) built of especially large fieldstones, preserved to a height of five to six courses. On the southern slope of the hill—additional agricultural terraces (c. 15 dunams). Finds. Byzantine pottery (numerous sherds—agricultural activity?).

243* 332.2. Basin, pool and agricultural terraces (c. 20 dunams) in wadi running south, toward Wadi Idna. The basin (diam. 0.55 m, 0.36 m deep) is hewn in a sloping, dressed rock outcrop (2.4×3.5 m). North of the basin—a hewn oval pool (1.33×2.64 m; covered with alluvium). On the slope descending east toward the wadi—a ﬁeld road delimited on both sides by stone walls.

333. 4–5/4 14455 10564 19455 60564 385 m asl Wadi Idna [15] Foundations of a building (0.5 m wide; 3.2×4.3 m), installations, a burial cave and a stone wall on hill north of Wadi Idna. The building, on the hilltop, had its entrance in the southern side, with one of the doorjambs preserved in situ, mostly buried beneath the surface. It is covered with stone clearance. About 45 m to the southeast is a winepress hewn in a rock outcrop: a treading ﬂoor (2.6×3.2 m, 0.44 m deep) and collecting vat (0.4×0.8 m; ﬁlled with soil) connected by a channel. Next to the winepress—two hewn cupmarks (diam. 0.24 m, 0.14 m deep). At the foot of the southern slope of the hill—a rock-hewn burial cave (blocked by soil debris) exposed several years ago by antiquities robbers. On the eastern slope of the hill is a dressed rock outcrop (1.3×1.8 m) in which a round basin (diam. 0.67 m, 0.45 m deep) and an adjacent rectangular surface (0.23×0.40 m) are hewn. The top of the hill is enclosed by a stone wall (c. 340 m long; pen?) preserved two to three courses high, visible from the east, north and south. On the slopes of the hill, particularly the eastern slope—remains of agricultural terraces (c. 20 dunams). Finds. Byzantine pottery (numerous fragments of LRCIII ware near the building).

334. 4–5/5 14475 10584 19475 60584 370 m asl Wadi Idna [16] Remains of agricultural terraces (c. 60 dunams) preserved three to four courses high on spur extending southeast, toward Wadi Idna. In 1986 the renovation of some of the terraces on the upper reaches of the spur began. Finds. Byzantine pottery (a few sherds—a scatter).

335. 4–5/8 14460 10530 19460 60530 350 m asl Wadi Idna [34] Pottery scatter (c. 3 dunams) on south bank of Wadi Idna. Finds. Byzantine pottery (a few sherds).

244* 336. 4–5/9 14495 10594 19495 60594 350 m asl Wadi Idna [35] Stone clearance heaps (c. 1 dunam) containing rough-hewn building stones, on the fringes of a cultivated ﬁeld on slope of spur south of Wadi Idna. The building stones apparently originate in an ancient structure that was situated nearby.

337. 4–5/10 14420 10592 19420 60592 390 m asl Wadi Idna [36] Remains of a building, a stone heap, collapsed cistern, troughs, winepress and cultivation plots (c. 5 dunams) at foot of spur north of Wadi Idna. Only parts of the building’s northern and eastern walls survive. The stone heap is north of the building; apparently these stones were the original stones used in its construction. Northwest of the building—a depression in the ground (a collapsed cistern). Nearby—fragments of two hewn troughs. North of the collapsed cistern—a winepress hewn in a large rock outcrop: a treading floor (2.5×2.5 m, 0.42 m deep) and collecting vat (filled with alluvium) to its south. Near the building remains—cultivation plots delimited by fieldstone fences. Finds. Pottery: Persian (scanty finds—a scatter), Hellenistic (numerous finds in the building remains) and Byzantine (numerous finds in the building remains).

338. 4–5/11 14443 10512 19443 60512 350 m asl Wadi Idna [37] Agricultural terraces (c. 15 dunams) on spur running west, toward Wadi Idna.

339. 4–5/12 14446 10563 19446 60563 360 m asl Wadi Idna [45] Remains of five agricultural terraces (c. 25 dunams) preserved three to four courses high and a paved road in wadi running southeast, toward Wadi Idna. The road, running alongside the terraces, connects the Bet Guvrin region to the villages in the Hevron Hills, among them Dura and Hevron (see above, Site 332.1). East of the wadi—remains of quarries (4×6 m); chisel marks of the outlines of removed rectangular stones are visible. Two shallow rectangular surfaces (0.83×1.26 m, 8 cm deep) hewn in a nearby rock outcrop may have marked the contours of a burial cave that was slated for quarrying. Finds. Pottery: Byzantine (sparse finds—a scatter) and Early Islamic (scanty finds—a scatter).

340. 5–5/1 14530 10546 19530 60546 375 m asl Beit el Bân (S) Kh. Beit el Bān (M) Settlement remains constructed on built terraces (c. 85 dunams) on saddle and on north slope of spur descending toward Wadi Idna. Part of the site was destroyed by intensive

245* cultivation and the planting of fruit trees; according to the landowner ancient building stones were collected from the site and brought to villages in the vicinity for use in new construction. Remains of six or seven large buildings are preserved (dimensions of two of them: 5×5 m, 4.2×7.0 m) on the western part of the saddle. The walls (1.3 m wide; preserved three to four courses high) were of large fieldstones with ashlar stones incorporated in the lower courses at the corners. The entrance to the largest building is in the northern wall; a threshold stone (1.68 m long) lies on the ground close by. To the west—a winepress hewn in a rock outcrop and remains of about six more buildings. The winepress consists of a treading floor (3.4×4.0 m, 0.5 m deep) and collecting vat (mostly covered by a stone heap) to its north; near the winepress are three hewn basins (diam. 0.55 m) linked to the treading floor by channels. Nearby— an oil-press crushing stone. West and south of the winepress are four basins hewn in rock outcrops; one of them is large (diam .0.67 m, 0.32 m deep) and the others are small and shallow. Near the basins—a rock surface (2.7×3.5 m), a square basin (0.80×0.85 m, 0.24 m deep) and two cupmarks (diam. 0.23 m, 0.12 m deep) hewn next to it. Near the winepress—a rock-hewn bell-shaped columbarium cave (diam. at base 6.3 m, c. 7 m high) with 117 niches (average dimensions: 0.10×0.14×0.25 m) hewn in its walls. To its south—three rock-hewn bell-shaped caves (c. 6.5 m high) similar to the caves in the vicinity of Bet Guvrin. The westernmost cave can be entered by way of an opening breached when its southern wall collapsed. On the eastern wall are two carved circles (diam. 0.78 m), 0.45 m apart, and carved between them are the Greek letters alpha and delta. Scattered around the site—fragments of architectural elements, including columns, column bases, capitals, thresholds and lintels. Additional architectural elements are incorporated in the walls of agricultural terraces constructed in recent years at the site; some of these walls superposed on ancient walls that protruded above the surface. Between the agricultural terraces are stone clearance heaps. A Nabatean-style capital (upper dimensions: 0.5×0.5 m, diam. of base 0.36 m, height 0.5 m) similar to the capitals documented at Kh. el Muraq (see Volume 2, Site 483) was discerned in one of the heaps. A well (20 m deep; the local residents call it Be’irat Wadi Beit el Ban) is located at the foot of the spur, to the north; the property owner sealed off part of it in order to prevent access to flocks of sheep and goats. East of the settlement remains are 16 rock-hewn bell-shaped caves (average depth 6 m), some of them joined together and some collapsed. One hundred columbarium niches are hewn in the eastern cave. A sheepfold was built in the depression that formed when the two southern caves collapsed; apparently it was constructed utilizing stones taken from the settlement remains, among them ashlars with drafted margins, a broken threshold and a fragment of a marble column (diam. 0.55 m). East of the caves—remains of a structure (10.5×12.0 m; walls 1.5 m wide), with ashlar stones incorporated in the corners and the entrance in the western wall, preserved to a height of three to five

246* courses. North of the building—a rock-hewn cave that may have been related to it. Nearby—a rock-hewn winepress (mostly covered with alluvium). Finds. Pottery: Hellenistic (numerous finds spread over c. 45 dunams in the settlement remains), Early Roman (Herodian; numerous finds in the settlement remains), Roman (numerous finds in the settlement remains), Byzantine (numerous finds in the settlement remains, including LRCIII sherds) and Ottoman (numerous finds—temporary occupation). Guérin 1868–1869, 2:363 (Kh. Beit el-Ban), Conder and Kitchener 1881–1883, III:321; Kochavi 1972: 58–59.

341. 5–5/2, 3 14583 10552 19583 60552 380 m asl Kh. el Hamâm (S) Kh. Rasm el Hamām (M) [1] 341.1. Settlement remains (c. 10 dunams; called Rasm Abu Jehisha by local residents) on spur extending north toward Wadi Idna: building remains, cisterns, installations, rock cuttings, limekilns and rock-hewn caves, among them burial caves. Fertile tracts of farmland are located at the foot of the spur, to the north, on either side of Wadi Idna. At the top of the spur—remains of a building (5×7 m) preserved five to six courses high and dressed masonry stones scattered around it. Near the southwest side of the building are lintels and a threshold and a clearance heap of small fieldstones is piled on the remains. Also in this area—a wall (35 m long, c. 1.2 m wide) built mainly of dressed stones (several stones measure 0.35×0.65 m) and preserved three to four courses high; on the western side of the wall is a corner, partly covered by soil, apparently belonging to a large public building. Some 20 m to the south—remains of other buildings, exposed during the course of illicit excavations, one of them with its lintels and thresholds preserved in situ. Wall segments from additional structures were exposed by illicit excavations on the slopes of the spur. At the northwest foot of the spur—a large, rock-hewn, double bell-shaped cistern (6–7 m deep), apparently initially two separate cisterns that later, due to a crack or collapse, were joined together. The hewing method is different in each of the cisterns. The mouth of the northern cistern has two square hewn recesses (0.25×0.32 m, 0.17 m deep), apparently part of an apparatus for drawing water. Hewn tunnels (0.46×0.65 m) extend from the southern and eastern walls of the southern cistern, 2.4 m above the floor, and are blocked by collapse 2–3 m from their openings. Between the building remains and on the slopes are 15 rock-hewn cisterns, some blocked and others capped with stone slabs. One of the cisterns (4.2 m deep), on the southwestern slope, is still used by local shepherds. A hewn channel (12 m long) near the cistern drains the runoff from the slope. Before entering the cistern water passes through a hewn sedimentation pit connected to the cistern by means of a through-hole. Around the settlement are cultivation plots worked by farmers from Idna, enclosed by stone fences that include ancient building stones and fragments of architectural

247* elements in their construction. A stone doorjamb (1.58 m long) was observed in a stone fence in the southeast of the site and two fragments of a plain limestone capital were recorded in another stone fence surrounding an olive grove to the east of the spur. Near this fence—a rock outcrop in which four basins (average diam. 0.35 m, 0.2 m deep) and five cupmarks (diam. 0.24 m, 0.15 m deep), arranged in a row northeast of them, are hewn; three of the cupmarks are surrounded by a hewn channel (9 cm wide, 5 cm deep). On the northern slope of the spur—a limekiln (diam. 3.5 m, 2.6 m deep) and heaps of kiln waste and limestone blocks. Seven meters northeast of the kiln—a winepress hewn in a rock that slopes steeply to the north: a deep treading floor (2.7×3.1 m, c. 0.63 m deep) and collecting vat (0.66×1.30 m, 1.3 m deep) linked by a through- hole; three hewn steps in the collecting vat descend to its floor. Four meters west of the winepress—a simple, hewn oil press: two basins (diam. 0.42 m, 0.35 m deep), 1.4 m apart, encircled by a shallow channel (10 cm wide, 8 cm deep) that probably led to a collecting vat (apparently hidden by debris). Around 2.4 m north of the basins— remains of a wall (2.5 m long; one course survives) that probably also belonged to the installation. Twenty meters east of the winepress—a hewn pool currently filled with debris (2.5×3.5 m, presumed depth c. 1 m) that apparently drained runoff from the slope for irrigation of the fields. Southeast of the site are 12 rock-hewn burial caves (blocked by collapse) exposed in the past by illicit excavations. Byzantine potsherds were gathered in the vicinity of the caves. Numerous fragments of jars and bowls from the eighth century BCE (similar to the finds from Tel Lakhish Stratum III) were collected near the entrance of the easternmost cave. During the Ottoman period the area was settled by families from Idna, traces of which are visible on the northern and western slopes of the spur: remains of temporary structures, five pens (two of them: 5.3×8.0 m, 5.7×7.0 m) and a surface paved with ancient dressed building stones, which was probably the foundation of a silo. On the western slope of the spur—two buildings constructed of rough-hewn stones, exposed by antiquities robbers (map ref. OIG 14572 10546, NIG 19572 60546). One of the buildings (2.4×4.2 m), preserved four to five courses high, has corners built of dressed stones set one on top of the other. The threshold in the entrance (0.76 m wide) of the second building is preserved in situ. Fragments of a grinding installation made of basalt were recorded near the entrance. Between the structures—three rock-hewn cisterns, two of them blocked by debris; the third is currently used by local shepherds and farmers (diam. of mouth 0.6 m, approx. depth 6 m). Next to the cistern are two hewn troughs, one round (diam. 0.8 m, 0.45 m deep) and the other rectangular (0.37×1.10 m, 0.26 m deep). Also between the building remains—two limekilns (average diam. 3.5 m, 2.5 m deep) and heaps of gray kiln waste piled up around them. At the top of the spur, c. 50 m from the building remains—a rock-hewn cruciform columbarium cave (length of arms 6.3 m, 6.45 m; height of the cave 3.6 m), accessed through an opening in the

248* center of the ceiling (1.6×1.6 m). The four vaulted sections are well-hewn, with c. 60 concave niches (0.15×0.15–0.20×0.22 m) arranged in three to five rows in the walls of each section. West of the columbarium cave—a rock-hewn bell-shaped cistern (diam. of entrance 1.2 m, 4–5 m deep) that can be descended using a rope. On the northern wall of the cistern is an inscription in Arabic describing the cleaning of the cistern and the preparations made for water storage. In a valley west of the spur—agricultural terraces (c. 45 dunams). Some of the walls were renovated and the terraces are currently used by farmers from Idna. In the upper reaches of the valley are two agricultural terrace walls built on an east–west axis, one higher than the other. Ancient building stones and elements from an oil press were incorporated in the construction of the higher wall. The lower wall (1.8 m wide, preserved height 1.2 m) was constructed on top of a stone clearance heap and on the corner of a building. Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (scanty finds spread over c. 4 dunams—a scatter), Iron II (scanty finds spread over c. 5 dunams—a scatter; burial cave?), Hellenistic and Early Roman (Herodian; scanty finds—a scatter), Byzantine (numerous finds in the settlement remains, including many LRCIII sherds) and Ottoman (numerous finds, including pipe fragments from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries—temporary occupation). Guérin 1868-1869, 2:363–364 (Kh. el-Hamam); Conder and Kitchener 1881–1883, III:354; Kochavi 1972:59. 341.2. Well (diam. 2.1 m, c. 15 m deep) on high terrace south of Wadi Idna, east of the ruin (map ref. OIG 14566 10549, NIG 19566 60549); the upper part is lined with dressed stones and the lower part is quarried in the rock. Two large fieldstones set on the well’s mouth have square-cut recesses that were probably part of the pumping apparatus. Around the well—four troughs (0.6×1.0 average dimensions, 0.5 m deep) hewn in large stones. Eight meters north of the well—a reddish gray spot on the ground and numerous potsherds (in a cultivated field). According to the farmer who owns the land a building stood there until it was dismantled in 1975 and its stones taken for construction in Idna. Finds. Hellenistic and Byzantine pottery (a few sherds—a scatter).

342. 5–5/4, 7 14534 10578 19534 60578 380 m asl Wadi Idna [19] 342.1. Remains of a structure, limekiln, winepress and agricultural terraces, some of them ancient and others modern (c. 35 dunams), on southwestern slope of spur descending southwest, toward Wadi Idna. Most of the remains were damaged in 1968 when the area was prepared for cultivation. Only a corner of the building, constructed of rough-hewn stones (walls c. 0.6 m wide), was preserved. Nearby—a limekiln (ﬁlled with soil) and a heap of gray waste. Fifteen meters east of the limekiln—a winepress

249* hewn in a rock outcrop; only the treading ﬂoor is visible (1.8×2.4 meters, 0.35 m deep) and the collecting vat is probably hidden beneath a cultivation-plot fence. A stone fence around a cultivation plot on the upper portion of the spur includes a fragment of a stone cylinder (0.8 m long, diam. 0.45 m) in its construction. Also in this area are several large heaps of stone clearance containing large building stones and a lintel fragment (0.98 m long). Finds. Byzantine pottery (a few sherds—a scatter). 342.2. Rock-hewn winepress and agricultural terraces (c. 35 dunams) on spur running south, toward Wadi Idna (map ref. OIG 14568 10590, NIG 19568 60590), consisting of a treading ﬂoor (2.2×3.7 m, 0.44 m deep) and collecting vat (blocked by alluvium).

343. 5–5/5, 8 14570 10512 19570 60512 410 m asl Wadi Idna [20] Remains of a building, rock cuttings and burial caves on hill south of Wadi Idna. Many ancient remains were damaged when agricultural terraces and orchards were prepared in the area and by intensive cultivation in recent decades. Some of the remains were consolidated in heaps alongside the orchard fences. Many building stones, two large stone weights and architectural elements are included in the stone fences enclosing the orchards. The building remains (c. 4.2×6.0 m; walls 0.45 m wide) consist mainly of the southwestern corner, preserved two to three courses high with the entrance in the western wall, where a broken threshold is preserved in situ; a clearance heap of small stones partly covers the structure. Four meters to the west—a rock-hewn cistern (diam. 2.9 m, 1.6 m deep; partly blocked). Ten meters to the north—a prominent rock outcrop that slopes east. Hewn in the lower part are two basins (diam. 0.55 m, 0.34 m deep) 0.65 m apart linked by a shallow channel, and in the upper part are several shallow depressions and cupmarks (diam. 0.24 m, 0.15 m deep); this was probably a simple oil press. Several years ago illicit excavations conducted south of the rock outcrop exposed three burial caves. The western cave had two kokhim and two more kokhim may be covered by soil; Iron II pottery was collected outside the cave. The entrances of the other two caves are inaccessible (blocked by soil). Twenty-five meters southwest of the rock outcrop—the upper part of a hewn burial-cave facade; the lower part of this facade, including the cave entrance, is covered with soil debris. Finds. Pottery: Iron II (numerous finds spread over c. 5 dunams similar to those of Tell Lakhish Strata IV–III) and Byzantine (scanty finds—a scatter). 343.2. Remains of a building, cistern and installations on the upper portion of a spur, south of Wadi Idna (map ref. OIG 14590 10516, NIG 19590 60516). Merely the building’s southern wall (3.8 m long, two courses wide; preserved two to four courses high) and eastern wall (c. 2 m long; preserved height—one to two courses) survive. Next to the building—a rock-hewn cistern (diam. of opening 0.85 m, c. 3 m deep;

250* currently in use) with two troughs (0.42×0.80 m, 0.33 m deep) hewn in stone nearby. East of the building—two hewn basins (diam. 0.37–0.55 m). Ten meters south of the building—agricultural terraces with several ancient ashlars (c. 0.42×0.80 m) incorporated in their walls. On the slopes of the spur—agricultural terraces (currently under cultivation; c. 45 dunams); the lower sections include ancient rough-hewn stones. Finds. Pottery: Iron II (numerous ﬁnds spread over c. 1 dunam similar to those of Tel Lakhish Strata III–II) and Byzantine (scanty ﬁnds—a scatter).

344. 5–5/6 14536 10517 19536 60517 410 m asl Wadi Idna [21] Limekiln, winepress, rock cuttings, building remains, burial cave and stone clearance heaps on rocky hill overlooking an extensive area south of Wadi Idna. On the western part of the hill—a limekiln (diam. 3.8 m, 2.3 m deep) surrounded by piles of limestone blocks prepared for burning. South of the kiln—a rock-hewn winepress consisting of a treading floor (2.1×3.2 m; filled with alluvium) and to its west a collecting vat (1.3×2.1 m, 0.4 m deep; filled with alluvium) bearing traces of plaster, linked by a channel. Some 2.4 m north of the winepress—two cupmarks (diam. 0.28 m) and a basin (diam. 0.45 m, 0.42 m deep) hewn in a rock outcrop. A stone wall (3.8 m long, 0.7 m wide) at the edge of the outcrop, preserved four to five courses high, probably belongs to a building. Two meters east of the wall—the entrance to a collapsed, rock-hewn burial cave, plundered in the past. Iron II pottery was collected near the entrance. On the hill are 14 stone clearance heaps (diam. 3–4 m, 0.5-1.5 m high), several of them circled by a single course of stone (to prevent the stones from scattering). East of the hilltop—a pool (2.0×2.1 m, 1.4 m deep; reservoir?) hewn in a rock outcrop with two steps leading to the floor in the eastern wall. South of the pool—remains of a building— a corner and several building stones. Stone clearance, including dressed stones, partly covers the building. On the northern, western and eastern slopes of the hill—agricultural terraces (c. 22 dunams), some of them recently renovated and planted with olive trees. Finds. Pottery: Iron II (scanty finds similar to those of Tel Lakhish Strata IV–III—a scatter) and Byzantine (scanty finds—a scatter).

345. 5–5/11 14507 10590 19507 60590 370 m asl Wadi Idna [46] Winepress and two basins hewn at the foot of a spur north of Wadi Idna. The winepress consists of a treading floor (2.1×2.4 m, 0.44 m deep) and collecting vat (0.45×0.70 m; filled with alluvium) to its south. Ten meters west of the winepress—two basins (diam. 0.44 m, 0.27 m deep) in a large rock outcrop. West of the winepress a paved road (1.5–2.0 m wide) runs northwest from Wadi Idna, apparently a field road that connected the villages and the farming plots.

251* 346. 5–5/12 14540 10510 19540 60510 390 m asl Wadi Idna [47] Vertical cutting in the rock (2.3 m wide, 1.4 m high) on southeastern slope of hill descending toward a valley, probably the hewn facade of an incomplete burial cave. In the valley—agricultural terraces (c. 10 dunams).

347. 5–5/9 14518 10508 19518 60508 390 m asl Wadi Idna [43] Burial cave (used today as a storeroom) hewn on slope descending southwest toward Wadi Idna, in a cultivation plot (c. 4 dunams) delimited by a stone wall. The rectangular cave entrance (0.92×1.66 m) leads to a burial chamber (c. 3×4 m) with a single arcosolium in the western wall and three recesses for placement of lamps on either side.

348. 5–5/10 14595 10590 19595 60590 390 m asl Wadi Idna [44] Concentration of installations hewn in rock outcrops on southern slope of spur descending toward Wadi Idna, in area of recently prepared cultivation plots (c. 10 dunams): a winepress (covered by stone clearance), three basins (diam. 0.55–0.62 m), six cupmarks (average diam. 0.27 m) and a dressed threshing ﬂoor (7×7 m). Finds. Byzantine pottery (numerous ﬁnds—a scatter).

349. 6–5/1, 6, 7 14655 10530 19655 60530 425 m asl Kh. Aûsâtein (S) Kh. Qusātīn; Kh. el Qûsatîn (north) (M) [1] Kh. Ausât; Kh. Ausâtain (M – 1929) 349.1. Remains of a large settlement (c. 65 dunams) on hill: ruinous buildings, rock cuttings, installations, cisterns, hewn caves, among them burial caves, and an ancient road. The ancient remains were damaged by agricultural cultivation; building stones and architectural elements are piled up around the site, some of them reused in the construction of stone fences around cultivation plots in the area. In the center of the site—the corner of a large building of large fieldstones preserved to a height of two to three courses (walls 0.8 m wide). Near the building—four basins (diam. 0.5 m, 0.24 m deep) hewn in a rock outcrop partly covered by a stone clearance heap. On the southern and eastern slopes of the hill—five rock-hewn cisterns, some of them blocked by large fieldstones. On the northern slope of the hill—a cistern sealed with a metal lid. Around the cistern—a heap of material removed from the cistern when it was cleaned containing pottery from the Roman and Ottoman periods. Also on the northern slope of the hill—a simple oil press in a rock outcrop sloping to the north: two basins (diam. 0.43–0.55 m, 0.2 m deep) situated 1.1 m apart surrounded by a channel (0.1 m wide), and a rectangular basin

252* (0.55×1.60 m, 0.45 m deep) to the north. On the rock outcrop is a stone fence (0.85 m wide, 0.6 m high). To its south—three hewn cupmarks (diam. 0.28 m). On the western slope of the hill—a meticulously hewn and symmetric cruciform cave (the center is collapsed) with steps leading to the floor from the northeastern side. Two stone support columns were left in place in the eastern side of the cave by the hewers and 55 columbarium niches (average dimensions 0.27×0.30×0.32 m) are hewn in the eastern wall. Some 10 m to the east—a hewn burial-cave facade and courtyard (4.5×4.5 m) plundered by antiquities robbers, who discarded all of its contents outside. On the eastern slope of the hill—remains of a paved road (c. 160 m long, 3–4 m wide) flanked on both sides by curbstones; several road segments are paved with flagstones. This is a section of the main road that ran south from Idna before the modern Idna- Dahariya road was paved. In a valley east of the hill—agricultural terraces (c. 35 dunam); two large stone thresholds are incorporated in their walls. On the valley slope—a large stone pile (diam. c. 5 m, 2.5 m high; cairn?). At the foot of the northeastern slope of the hill—two large oak trees surrounded by a stone wall (1 m wide) preserved to a height of 1.4 m. Between the trees is a depression in the ground (a collapsed cistern?). According to residents of the area a local legend relates that messengers of the “King of Kings” resided in the shade of the trees and therefore it is forbidden to approach or touch them. West of the site—an agricultural area (300×400 m) and stone clearance heaps, probably cultivated in antiquity. Finds. Pottery: Hellenistic (scanty finds—a scatter), Roman and Byzantine (numerous finds in the settlement remains). Conder and Kitchener 1881–1883, III:348; IAA Archives/Mandate (File 155). 349.2. Rock-hewn winepress on western slope of hill, east of the settlement remains (map ref. OIG 14690 10520, NIG 19690 60520), consisting of a round treading floor (diam. 3.27 m, 0.44 m deep) in the center of which is a basin (diam. 0.44 m, 0.28 m deep) and a round collecting vat (diam. 0.83 m; mostly blocked by stone clearance) to its west. On the slope—agricultural terraces (c. 60 dunams). A fieldstone wall extends from the top of the slope to its bottom (c. 600 m long); it apparently delimited cultivation plots belonging to different villages. 349.3. Cistern, basins and a paved road in wadi running north, west of the ruins. On the west bank of the wadi—a rock-hewn cistern (diam. of mouth 0.7 m, 2–3 m deep) and heaps of brownish black clay, removed when the cistern was cleaned. West of the cistern—four basins (diam. 0.3–0.4 m) hewn in rock outcrops. The paved road (1–2 m wide), between the cisterns and the basins, linked Idna and Esh Sheikh Qusātīn (see Volume 2, Site 397.2). On both banks of the wadi—agricultural terraces (c. 45 dunams).

253* 350. 6–5/3 14652 10570 19652 60570 400 m asl Wadi Idna [24] Remains of a rock-hewn burial cave containing three kokhim (0.6×0.8 m) at foot of spur running southwest, east of Wadi Idna, damaged when the Idna–Bet ‘Awwa road was paved. Finds (in the vicinity of the cave). Hellenistic pottery.

351. 6–5/4, 5 14690 10590 19690 60590 430 m asl Wādī Rīsha [1] 351.1. Winepress, stone clearance heaps and agricultural terraces (c. 50 dunams) in valley running southwest. On the slope descending to the valley from the northwest—a winepress hewn in a rock outcrop inclining south, consisting of a treading floor (2.1×3.4 m, 0.26–0.44 m deep) and collecting vat (1.1×2.1 m, and 0.6 m deep) to its south, linked by a channel; three broad rock-cut steps in the western side of the collecting vat descend to the floor. North of the treading floor, on the upper portion of the rock outcrop—a hewn rectangular surface (1.1×2.0 m, 8 cm deep; a waiting area?) from which shallow channels extend to the treading floor. East of the treading floor are three cupmarks (diam. 0.2 m, 0.13 m deep) hewn in a row. East of the collecting vat—a hewn conical basin (rim diam. 0.58 m, base diam. 7 cm, 0.42 m deep). In the vicinity of the winepress are numerous stone clearance heaps. One of the heaps, east of the winepress, includes dressed stones, a fragmentary stone cylinder and a lintel fragment; this heap was apparently prepared for firing in a limekiln. The terrace walls are built of large fieldstones, some of them ancient. On both sides of the valley—deserted agricultural terraces (c. 45 dunams). On the southern slope of the valley, between the agricultural terraces—remains of a channel, partly built and partly hewn, that probably conveyed water to the terraces. Finds. Byzantine pottery (numerous sherds—agricultural activity?). 351.2. Burial cave, a quarry and agricultural terraces (c. 50 dunams) in wadi extending to the southwest (map ref. OIG 14690 10568, NIG 19690 60568). The cave, looted many years ago by antiquities robbers, has a hewn facade (1.12×2.55 m) from which a rock-cut opening (0.55×0.60 m) in the lower part leads to a single chamber (2.5×2.7 m) with a kokh (0.60×2.14 m, 0.73 m deep) hewn in its northeastern wall. West of the burial cave —an ancient quarry (8×14 m). Finds (in the vicinity of the cave). Byzantine pottery (numerous sherds).

352. 7–5/1, 10 14757 10503 19757 60503 425 m asl Bir Idgheim (M) [1] 352.1. Well (diam. 4.4 m; depth of water level 33.7 m) in chalk rock at the conﬂuence of Wadi Idgheim and Wadi Bet Maqdūm; the water is potable. The upper part of the well is lined with 36 courses of large stones, some of which may originate in an ancient

254* public building. Apparently over the years several courses were added to the top of the well. Deep notches several courses below the rim were worn by the ropes used to draw water when the wellhead was lower. The well contains water even during periods of drought. According to Isma‘il Suwiti of Bet ‘Awwa, who participated in the survey, in years of drought, when the other regional wells were dry, this well served as the area’s principal source of water. Today the well is sealed by a cement cover and the mouth is smaller. Around the well—three hewn troughs. 352.2. Cuttings in rock outcrops sloping west, on spur running southwest, east of Bir Idgheim [1], among then three hewn basins (diam. c. 0.42 m) 0.6 m apart, apparently used to dye wool, and two cupmarks (diam. 0.27 m) hewn in separate rock outcrops nearby. On the upper reaches of the spur—a rectangular basin (0.42×0.83 m) hewn in a rock outcrop, whose surface is dressed to slope toward the basin, apparently used for processing agricultural produce.

353. 7–5/2, 6, 7 14740 10592 19740 60592 470 m asl Wadi Idna [25] Humrat es Sileimī (M) 353.1. Remains of a building, cistern and winepress on hill east of Wadi Idna. All that survived of the building (c. 3.4×4.0 m) are remains of segments of the northern, western and eastern walls (one to two courses); only the eastern corner is preserved to a height of three courses. The walls (0.6 m wide) were built of two rows of stones, whose outer face was dressed. Near the building—a stone clearance heap containing ancient building stones and a large threshold (0.60×1.20 m), probably from the building. Around the structure are wall segments, delineating a large courtyard (11×12 m c.), and inside the courtyard are two stone clearance heaps; a rock-hewn cistern (diam. of opening 0.6 m; filled with debris); a depression in the ground (collapsed cistern?); a rock-hewn winepress, consisting of a treading floor (2.0×2.3 m; partly covered by one of the heaps) and collecting vat (1.0×1.1 m, 0.65 m deep; traces of plaster are visible) linked by a channel; and a square, dressed rock surface (3×3 m), apparently for drying agricultural produce. West of the hilltop, in the upper portion of Wadi Risha—agricultural terraces (c. 12 dunams), a rock-hewn cistern (currently blocked) and an orchard enclosed by a stone fence built of ancient dressed stones taken from a grand building. On the eastern and southern slopes of the hill—agricultural terraces and cultivation plots (c. 29 dunams; currently deserted). Finds. Pottery: Iron II (scanty finds spread over c. 5 dunams similar to those of Tel Lakhish Strata IV–III—a scatter) and Byzantine (numerous finds—a scatter). 353.2. Remains of a structure (c. 3.5×5.6 m), cave, winepress and cistern on southwestern slope of spur running west, toward Wadi Idna (map ref. OIG 14734 10560, NIG 19734 60560). Little survives of the building remains, which were damaged by agricultural cultivation: the southern wall (0.52 m wide), one to three courses high and a

255* small segment of the western wall, c. 2.1 m long. Some 36 m to the east—a hewn cave, looted by antiquities robbers. Today it is inaccessible (filled with soil), however, it was apparantly a burial cave. Fragments of pottery vessels from the Roman and Byzantine periods are scattered outside the cave. West of the building remains—a rock-hewn winepress comprising a treading floor (partly covered by alluvium) and collecting vat (0.7×1.5 m) to its south. Later, after the winepress was no longer used, a cistern (2.6 m deep; filled with stone clearance—it may be deeper) was hewn in the vat. On the slope—agricultural terraces (c. 55 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Iron II (numerous finds—a scatter), Roman (scanty finds near the building remains and the cave opening) and Byzantine (numerous finds in the building remains). 353.3. Three rock-hewn kokhim caves, entrances facing west, on slope descending west, toward a valley (map ref. OIG 14710 10590, NIG 19710 60590). Two of the caves (3×4 m, 1.96 m high; 3.7×5.2 m, 2.1 m high) are used today to store scrap iron. In the north wall of the western of the two caves is a large niche (1.70×2.60×2.85 m), probably initially two kokhim from the first phase of the burial cave that were enlarged. The cave floor is now covered with refuse and tamped earth; according to those now using the cave, its floor is flat and there is a hewn pit in its center. The third, eastern cave, currently used as a granary, has two hewn chambers (each one c. 3.5×3.5 m) and a simple cornice, hewn where the walls meet the ceiling. On both sides of the entrance in each of the chambers is a hewn arcosolium with two burial troughs (0.65×0.88×1.85 m); hewn in the floor of each chamber near the arcosolium is a rectangular pit (0.44×0.74 m, 0.6 m deep). Based on the cave’s plan it probably dates to Iron II. An ancient, large hewn basin (diam. 0.93 m, 0.48 m deep) was recorded in the courtyard of a modern house east of the cave.

354. 7–5/3, 9 14774 10578 19774 60578 440 m asl Wadi Idna [26] 354.1. Cistern (diam. of mouth 1.2 m, 4.2 m deep) hewn in the chalk rock in the upper reaches of a wadi running southwest, toward Wadi Idna. The cistern was recently cleaned and its mouth was made wider. In the wadi—agricultural terraces (c. 18 dunams; not currently in use). On slope descending southeast, west of the cistern—a circular rock cutting (diam. 1.4 m, 0.35 m deep), apparently the beginning of an oil press crushing stone that was never completed due to a crack in the rock. Nearby—an ancient quarry. 354.2. Rock-hewn bell-shaped cave (diam. of ﬂoor 4.2 m, 2.66 m high) at foot of spur running west, east of Wadi Idna. The cave has an opening in the ceiling (diam. 0.72 m) and another in its south side, from which a staircase descends to the ﬂoor. An illegible Arabic inscription is carved on the northern wall. Shepherds apparently resided in the cave in recent years.

256* In the area of the cave—agricultural terraces (c. 15 dunams). Finds. Ottoman pottery

355. 7–5/4 14785 10538 19785 60538 460 m asl Wadi Idna [27] Remains of a farmstead(?), cistern and limekiln on spur running west, east of Wadi Idna. On the slope—remains of a building (6.2×8.3 m; wall sections); the western and southern walls (0.65 m wide) are constructed of dressed stones. Nearby—wall segments; a long wall including many ancient masonry stones that runs from the top of the spur to the bottom; and a rock-hewn winepress consisting of a treading floor (2.3×3.2 m) and a channel extending north to a collecting vat (presently hidden by debris). On the upper reaches of the spur—a rock-hewn cistern (diam. of mouth 0.6 m, 2.4 m deep; filled with soil debris). At the top of the spur—a limekiln, dug into the ground (diam. 3.2 m, c. 1.6 m deep), and piles of gray kiln waste. East of the spur—remains of orchards (10 dunams; mostly deserted). A conduit leads to the lowest orchard. Finds. Pottery: Iron II (numerous finds—farmstead?) and Ottoman (scanty finds— agricultural activity).

356. 7–5/5, 8 14732 10512 19732 60512 450 m asl Khallat Beit Maqdūm (M) 356.1. Remains of buildings—wall segments of indeterminate plan (farmstead? c. 12 dunams), cisterns, installations, a stone heap, charcoal kiln, caves, limekiln and an ancient road on hill northeast of the ruins at Kh. Beit Maqdūm (See Volume 2, Site 405.1). In the eastern part of the site—the corner of a solid building (walls 1.2 m wide) constructed of large fieldstones (some of them 0.6×0.8×1.2 m). The buildings at the site were damaged by agricultural cultivation; stones were dismantled for burning in a limekiln. In the west of the site—three rock-hewn cisterns, two ruinous (diam. of mouths 0.6 m, 2–3 m deep) and the southern one renovated (diam. of mouth 0.85 m, 3–4 m deep) and used today by local shepherds. Fifteen meters to their north— a winepress hewn in a rock outcrop: a treading floor (2.1×3.4 m, 0.22 m deep) and collecting vat (0.6×1.1 m, 0.6 m deep) to its west, linked by a channel. Two meters south of the winepress—a hewn basin (0.55 m, 0.34 m deep). West of the building corner a stone fence (1.3 m wide, preserved 1.4 m high) delimits an oval plot (8×12 m), in which stand two large oak trees with a stone heap between them (marking a tomb?). Ten meters southwest of the heap—remains of a charcoal kiln in a hewn cave (3 m high); piles of charcoal surround the firing pit (0.8×1.4 m). A hewn rectangular kokh in the eastern wall of the cave indicates that it initially served for burial.

257* Forty meters west of the stone heap—a simple oil press hewn in a rock outcrop sloping west. Two channels lead from a hewn surface (1×1 m) on the high portion of the outcrop to two round basins (diam .0.36 m, 0.42 m). South of the basins—a large hewn rectangular vat (0.8×1.1 m, 0.55 m deep) with a small, shallow basin cut in its bottom. Hewn in the lower part of the outcrop—four shallow depressions (diam. 0.12 m, 8 cm deep). In the southern part of the site—a hewn burial cave whose mouth was enlarged in a later period when it was adapted for use as a pen. Nearby—four hewn caves (collapsed). West of the burial cave—remains of a limekiln (diam. 3.8 m, 2.5 m deep), heaps of gray waste and stones piled in anticipation of firing. A stone fence (two stone weights are included in its construction) traverses the site. West of the site is a cultivation plot (c. 2 dunams) enclosed by a meticulously built stone fence. On the slopes of the hill—agricultural terraces (c. 38 dunams). At the foot of the eastern slope of the hill—an orchard enclosed by a stone fence. Running through the orchard is an ancient paved road (3–4 m) that connected Idna and Bet ‘Awwa, delimited on both sides by curbstones. A depression in the ground nearby (diam. c. 7 m, 1.5–2.0 m deep) is apparently a collapsed cave (map ref. OIG 14740 10532, NIG 19740 60532). Nearby—many Iron II potsherds. Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (scanty finds—a scatter), Iron II (numerous finds— farmstead?), Roman and Byzantine (scanty finds—a scatter). 356.2. Agricultural terraces (c. 10 dunams) on northern slope of hill. In the lower area of the terraces—a hewn pit (1.3×2.7 m, 0.62 m deep) and a hewn channel (0.94 m long) to its east that does not lead to the pit.

357. 8–5/1, 3, 6, 7 14827 10533 19827 60533 480 m asl Kh. ed Deir (M) [1] 357.1. Settlement remains (c. 15 dunams) on low hill: remains of walls, stone clearance heaps, caves, a quarry, limekiln, ancient road and later pens. Illicit diggings were visible at the site. Agricultural cultivation damaged the remains; masonry stones were piled in heaps and some were used in the construction of fences. Later rock cuttings in four hewn caves altered their original plans. Hewn in the western cave are two rectangular kokhim (0.4×0.6 m) surmounted by a hewn, projecting gable. A stone lintel standing in the cave mouth apparently originates from a building at the site. On the eastern slope of the hill—large heaps of building stones, including column drums and a broken threshold, probably belonging to a large public building. Nearby—an ancient quarry and to its east a long hewn channel (5.2 m long, 0.23 m wide; a severance channel of a column or long threshold?). Nearby—hewn caves (plundered by antiquities robbers). On the western slope of the hill—cultivation plots delimited by stone fences built in part with large ancient building stones. A limekiln (diam. 3.6 m, c. 2.8 m deep) located between fences has a ventilation shaft preserved in its western wall.

258* On the southern slope of the hill— well-preserved agricultural terraces (c. 15 dunams) standing four to six courses high (1.2–1.4 m). On the southern edge of the site—a paved ancient road (3.5 m wide) running east–west, visible for c. 1.7 km, flanked by curbstones; flagstones survive (0.3×0.4 m) at several locations. Finds. Pottery: Roman and Byzantine (numerous finds in the settlement remains) and Ottoman (numerous finds—temporary occupation). Kochavi 1972:59. 357.2. Concentration of three meticulously hewn winepresses and three simple hewn oil presses on rock outcrops (c. 1 dunam) on saddle northeast of the settlement remains (map ref. OIG 14850 10540, NIG 19850 60540). The western winepress consists of a treading floor (2.4×2.8 m) and collecting vat (0.6×1.0 m, 0.75 m deep) with an adjacent round hewn basin (diam. 0.48 m, 0.22 m deep). The northern winepress has a treading floor (2.5×2.9 m, 0.34 m deep) and collecting vat (0.75 by 1.50 m; filled with soil) on which traces of plaster are visible. The eastern winepress includes a treading floor (2.6×2.6 m, 0.3 m deep) and plastered collecting vat (0.80×1.44 m, 0.4 m deep; filled with stone clearance). The oil presses, west of the winepresses, consist of a dressed surface (diam. 1.5 m, 0.35 m deep) with a central basin (diam. 0.45 m, 0.3 m deep); one of the oil presses has two basins hewn in the surface's center and a shallow channel running to each of them. A hewn depression in the western press apparently accommodated a beam. To the north is a dressed rock surface (4.2×5.7 m); a rectangular pool (1.4×2.5 m, 1.3 m deep) hewn at its edge has three steps leading to the floor. To its north—a rock surface (diam. 6.8 m) delimited by rough-hewn stones, apparently a threshing floor. Nearby, to the north—three basins (diam .0.42 m), two cupmarks (diam. 0.27 m, 0.15 m deep) and three circles (diam. 0.55 m) hewn in a rock surface (preliminary cuttings for three additional basins?). 357.3. Remains of a building, an ancient quarry and agricultural terraces on hill north of Kh. ed Deir [1]. Merely the lowest courses (walls 0.6 m wide) survive of the building (5.5×7.0 m); the entrance (0.94 m wide) was from the east. The structure is covered by a small pile of stone clearance. North of the building is the quarry (3.2×4.0 m). On the hill, especially its western slope—agricultural terraces (c. 50 dunams). 357.4. Two rock-hewn burial caves on south bank of wadi running north, north of Kh. ed Deir [1], looted many years ago by antiquities robbers. The western cave has a hewn facade (1.0×1.4 m) at the bottom of which is an entrance (0.5×0.5 m) leading to a single chamber. Each of the chamber’s eastern and southern walls contains two hewn kokhim (average dimensions: 0.6×2.0 m). On the cave floor—fragments of bowls and lamps from the Byzantine period. The eastern cave has collapsed and is inaccessible. Hewn in a large rock outcrop east of the burial caves—three basins (diam. c. 0.4 m). Finds. Byzantine pottery (numerous fragments of bowls and lamps).

259* 358. 8–5/2 14867 10537 19867 60537 536 m asl Khallat ‘Uthmān (M) Cultivation plots delimited by stone fences (c. 32 dunams) on hilltop overlooking the western foothills of the Hevron Hills and the Shephelah. On the eastern slope of the hill is a burial cave (entrance 0.65×1.30 m; looted by antiquities robbers) discovered in the course of cultivation. Roman pottery was collected from the area fronting the cave. Kochavi 1972:59.

359. 8–5/4, 9 14870 10510 19870 60510 510 m asl Kh. ed Deir (M) [3] 359.1. Five winepresses, installations, a pool and an ancient road on saddle southeast of Kh. ed Deir. The eastern winepress (1), hewn in a dressed rock surface, is the largest and best preserved. It consists of a sloping meticulously dressed treading floor (4×4 m, 0.45 m deep) from which a channel extends to a collecting vat (1.3×2.1 m, 1.1 m deep) with two cut steps. A pipe leads from this collecting vat to another collecting vat (1.00×1.57 m, 1.4 m deep) with a shallow depression hewn in one of its corners; the walls are coated with two layers of plaster. On the same rock outcrop, north of the winepress—two basins (diam. 0.35 m, 0.24 m deep) hewn in a dressed rock surface (1.0×1.5 m). The remaining winepresses (2–5) are simple and consist of a treading floor (2–1.0×1.3 m; 3–2.0×2.3 m, 0.34 m deep; 4–1.6×2.3 m; 5–1.5×1.5 m) and collecting vat (diam. 0.7–2.0 m, 0.55 m deep; 3–0.6×1.1 m, 0.85 m deep; 4–0.55×1.30 m; 5–0.6×0.6 m, 0.75 m deep). Five meters west of Winepress 5—a dressed rock surface (5.4×6.0 m) whose northern part is terraced, apparently a threshing floor (currently in use). West of Winepress 2—a rock surface containing three hewn basins (diam. 0.35 m), three cupmarks (diam. c. 0.2 m) to their south and a square basin (0.50×0.55 m, 0.45 m deep) between them. Five meters south of this rock surface—a round hewn pool (diam. 3.2 m, 1.3 m deep) with two rock-cut steps leading to the floor. On the saddle—an ancient road (4–5 m wide) running north–south, connecting Suba [1] to Kh. Hamsa [1], flanked by curbstones and paved in flagstones (0.3×0.4 m). Several sections north of the saddle were widened by hewing. 359.2. Meager remains of a building (3×4 m) on slope descending east, east of Kh. ed Deir [1]. To the south—a stone clearance heap that includes building stones. Nearby— ruins of other buildings destroyed by agricultural cultivation. Finds. Byzantine pottery (around the building remains).

360. 8–5/5, 8 14872 10570 19872 60570 520 m asl Kh. ed Deir (M) [4] 360.1. Orchard (c. 130×210 m), hewn installations and a cave on hill northeast of Kh. ed Deir [1]. The orchard, on the northern part of the hill, is surrounded by a stone fence (0.8–1.0 m wide) preserved three to ﬁve courses high in which rough-hewn stones and

260* a stone threshold (near the northeastern corner of the fence) are incorporated. Near the northwestern corner of the orchard—a depression in the ground (collapsed cistern?). Near the orchard—a dressed rock surface (2.4×3.8 m) sloping to the north. Two basins (average diam. 0.45 m, 0.35 m deep) are hewn in the upper part of the surface and another basin (diam. 0.6 m, 0.55 m deep) is hewn in the lower part; a shallow channel (8 cm wide) extends from it, encircles the upper basins and returns to the lower basin. On the lower part of the surface are two hewn cupmarks (diam. 0.27 m, 0.16 m deep). On the eastern part of the hill—a hewn cave (6.0×7.4 m, 2.4 m high) containing two niches (0.40×0.55×0.60 m), apparently originally a natural cave, enlarged for use as a dwelling or for storage. Numerous Iron II potsherds were gathered near the cave mouth. In two wadis running west from the hill—agricultural terraces (c. 45 dunams). On the slope of another wadi extending north from the hill—eight agricultural terraces (walls 1.2–1.5 m wide) preserved to a height of 0.8–1.0 m built in part of ancient dressed building stones. Finds. Pottery: Iron II (numerous ﬁnds spread over c. 5 dunams similar to those from Tel Lakhish Strata IV–III—a scatter) and Byzantine (scanty ﬁnds spread over c. 10 dunams—a scatter). 360.2. Crushing basin and basins on slope descending northeast, northeast of Kh. ed Deir [1]. The crushing basin (diam. 2.17 m; partly covered by alluvium), hewn in a large rock outcrop, has a central, square hewn mortise (0.2×0.2 m) and was originally part of an oil press. According to the landowner the basin was used for grinding sorghum and corn. North of the crushing basin—three hewn basins (diam. 0.38 m). On the slope—agricultural terraces (c. 42 dunams).

361. 8–5/10 14892 10510 19892 60510 500 m asl Kh. ed Deir (M) [9] Four basins hewn in a rock outcrop on slope descending east, east of Kh. ed Deir [1]. Three of the basins are round (diam. 0.37 m) and one is rectangular (0.44×1.12 m, 0.44 m deep). The villagers of Suba say that wool was washed in this installation.

362. 8–5/11 14812 10545 19812 60545 480 m asl Kh. ed Deir (M) [10] Rock-hewn burial cave facade with a rectangular entrance (mostly blocked by alluvium— inaccessible) on northwestern slope of hill (the location of Kh. ed Deir [1]).

363. 8–5/12 14852 10580 19852 60580 500 m asl Kh. ed Deir (M) [11] Cultivation plots (c.5 dunams) on spur running northwest, north of Kh. ed Deir [1], enclosed by stone fences that include building stones in their construction. The

261* stones were taken from buildings on the spur that were destroyed by agricultural cultivation. Finds. Iron II pottery (numerous sherds—a scatter).

364. 8–5/13 14880 10595 19880 60595 500 m asl Kh. ed Deir (M) [12] Remains of a building (14×17 m), winepress and cupmarks on spur extending north, northeast of Kh. ed Deir [1]. Only the foundations (0.8–1.0 m wide), built of rough- hewn stones, and the northwestern corner, of large ashlars, survive of the structure. There are meager remains of two walls, probably room partitions. Illicit excavations were conducted the length of the building’s walls. West of the building—a winepress hewn in a rock outcrop: a treading ﬂoor (3.5×4.5 m, and 0.44 m deep) with a central basin (diam. 0.63 m, 0.44 m deep) and a collecting vat (0.85×1.70 m, 0.55 m deep) with a basin in a corner. Alongside the winepress—three cupmarks (diam. 0.22 m) hewn in a large rock surface. Finds. Iron II pottery (numerous ﬁnds in the building remains, similar to those of Tel Lakhish Strata III–II).

365. 9–5/1, 2, 4, 7, 8 14932 10565 19932 60565 450 m asl Kh. Sûba (S) Suba; Kh. Sūba (M) [1] Kh. Sûbâ; Kh. Subâ (M) 365.1. Remains of an ancient settlement on spur running northwest, located near a crossroads (see Site 365.3) and surrounded by fertile ﬁelds. In 1950 a family from Idna settled here and today the ancient remains are visible among the village houses. The remains include ancient structures, rock-hewn cisterns and caves, heaps of ancient building stones and ancient building stones incorporated in the walls of modern buildings, some of them ruinous. Agricultural cultivation in the northeastern part of the site exposed stone walls, numerous building stones consolidated into heaps and potsherds. In the southeastern part of the site—a hewn cave containing three bell- shaped chambers; only the southern chamber (approx. diam. 4 m) survives. Ten meters east of the cave are two hewn caves currently used as sheepfolds; hewn corners and a niche (burial?) indicate that the caves were originally used for interment. In the wall of a ruinous building—an ancient stone lintel bearing a carved circle (diam. 0.37 m) and worn decoration, intentionally defaced (a cross?). Next to the two northernmost village houses—a heap of building stones and architectural elements, including fragments of columns and a column base, which, according to the villagers, were gathered from the ancient settlement. In the courtyard of one of the village houses is a large stone basin (diam. 1.4 m, 0.45 m deep) and in an adjacent courtyard—two carefully dressed crushing stones of hard limestone, belonging to an oil press; the villagers remarked that they were hewn in a quarry east of the settlement.

262* In the south of the site—a well (diam. 3.4 m, c. 8 m deep; map ref. OIG 14916 10551, NIG 19916 60551), the upper part dug into the soil and lined with six courses of stone and the lower part hewn in the chalk. The upper course of the stone lining includes large dressed limestone blocks, probably dismantled from a sizeable building; a large stone threshold (1.6 m long) with two parallel lines chiseled in it, apparently for decoration, is especially noteworthy. In the winter water overflows from the well into a channel to its south. Nearby are three hewn troughs and two troughs of cement. Finds. Pottery: Iron II (finds similar to those of Tel Lakhish Strata IV–III), Hellenistic, Early and Late Roman (scanty finds—a scatter), Byzantine (numerous finds in the settlement remains), Mamluk (numerous finds in the settlement remains) and Ottoman (numerous finds—temporary occupation). Conder and Kitchener 1881–1883, III:368; Kochavi 1972:59, IAA Archives/Mandate (File 178). 365.2. Two limekilns (average diam. 3.2 m, 1.5 m deep), a winepress and remains of a building on northwestern slope of hill, south of the settlement (map ref. OIG 14925 10535, NIG 19925 60535), located inside an oak grove (200×400 m) enclosed by a stone fence and barbed wire. The winepress, 15 m north of the limekilns, is hewn in a rock surface that slopes west, and consists of a treading floor (2.6×4.0 m) and collecting vat (currently blocked). On the higher portion of the site—remains of a structure, most of it dismantled for construction of the stone fence around the grove; merely the northwest corner survives—one course (wall 1.3 m wide). Finds. Byzantine pottery (a few sherds—a scatter). 365.3. Junction of two main roads in a broad fertile valley, west of the settlement. One of the roads proceeds north–south, at the foot of the western slopes of the Hevron Hills and the other runs east–west, connecting Hevron with Dura. 365.4. Remains of a paved road running from Suba [1] eastward to the Hevron Hills, and a rock-hewn cistern (2–3 m deep), at the foot of a slope descending north, east of the settlement. Several sections of the road were cut to facilitate passage. The cistern is used to this day. South of the road are four broad, hewn steps (2.7 m long, 1.8 m wide). West of the steps—a hewn rectangular basin (0.55×0.95 m). 365.5. Remains of a building, cistern and cave on hill east of the settlement. On the hilltop—a structure (7×7 m; walls 0.6 m wide) whose bottom courses are ancient, renovated in the Ottoman period by a family from Suba who used it as a dwelling during the grazing season. A stone adorned with a rosette is incorporated in the building’s eastern wall, which, according to the peasant who lives in the building, was taken from ancient Suba [1]. West of the building remains—a built courtyard or pen (8×12 m) preserved four to six courses high. North of the building—a cistern (currently dry). On the northern slope of the hill—a hewn cave (4×7 m) that was used by shepherds. Finds. Pottery: Iron II (scanty finds in the building remains), Byzantine (numerous finds in the building remains) and Ottoman (numerous finds—temporary occupation).

263* 366. 9–5/3, 6 14966 10505 19966 60505 609 m asl Suba; Kh. Sūba (M) [3] 366.1. Ancient road, stone heaps, rock carvings and remains of a building on hill south of Suba that provides a breathtaking view to the west. The road runs to the north of the hilltop, connecting Idna to Dura and joins another road that links the Hevron Hills with the Shephelah (see Site 302.1). On the hilltop are four stone heaps (diam. 2–3 m, 0.8– 1.0 m high). On the southern slope of the hill—a rectangular rock cutting (0.6×1.8 m, 0.45 m deep; a blocked shaft tomb?). On the western slope of the spur are remains of a structure (4.2×6.0 m; map ref. OIG 14935 10508, NIG 19935 60508): wall segments (0.8 m wide) preserved two to four courses high. Fifteen meters to the north—a hewn rock surface (3.1×4.6 m, 0.14 m deep) that may have been used to dry agricultural produce. Finds. Pottery: Byzantine and Early Islamic (scanty finds spread over c. 2 dunams—a scatter). 366.2. Rock-hewn winepress, quarry and rock cuttings on the western slope of the hill, south of Suba [1]. The winepress consists of a treading floor (1.7×2.0 m, 0.44 m deep) and collecting vat (0.47×0.93 m; filled with alluvium). North of the winepress—an ancient quarry (2×3 m). West of the winepress—two large hewn basins (diam. 0.68 m) and three cupmarks (diam. 0.25 m). South of the winepress—a hewn rock surface (1.4×2.7 m, 0.28 m deep). On the slope—agricultural terraces (10 dunams). Finds. Byzantine pottery (a few sherds—agricultural activity?).

367. 9–5/5 14970 10575 19970 60575 510 m asl Suba; Kh. Sūba (M) [5] Remains of an orchard, building, cistern, a hewn rock surface and a limekiln on western slope of hill east of Suba [1]. The orchard (100×100 m) is enclosed by a stone fence (1 m wide), some of the stones dressed, preserved 0.8–1.0 m high. In the lower part of the orchard—meager remains of a building adjacent to the southwestern side of the fence, covered by a stone clearance heap. Near the building remains—a rock-hewn cistern (diam. of mouth 1.1 m, observable depth 2.6 m). Near the cistern—a hewn rock surface (1.3×3.0 m), probably used to dry agricultural produce. Ten meters east of the orchard is a limekiln (diam. 3 m, 2.1 m deep) and a pile of limestone blocks prepared for ﬁring. Finds. Ottoman pottery.

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283* 2004 The Renewed Archaeological Excavations at Tel Lachish (1973–1994) (Tel Aviv University Institute of Archaeology Monograph Series 22). Tel Aviv. Van Kasteren J.P. 1889 Neuentdeckte Grabkammern. ZDPV:24–32. Vargon S. 1994 The Book of Micah; A Study and Commentary. Ramat Gan (Hebrew). Waisel Y., Pollak G. and Cohen Y. 1978 The Ecology of Vegetation of Israel. Tel Aviv (Hebrew). Weksler-Bdolah S. 2001 ‘Yad Binyamin’—a Hiding-Complex Site in the Western Judaean Foothills. In H. Eshel and B. Zissu eds. New Studies on the Bar Kokhba Revolt. Ramat Gan. Pp. 41–51 (Hebrew). Wilkinson J. 1981 Egeria’s Travels to The Holy Land (rev ed.). Jerusalem. Ya‘aqoby H. and Wolovelsky K. 1985 Underground Hiding Complex at the Chazan Ruins. Niqrot Zurim 11–12:67– 74 (Hebrew). Zangvil A. 1988 The Climate of the Southern Shefelah. In E. Stern and D. Urman eds. Man and Environment in the Southern Shefelah, Studies in Regional Geography and History. Giv‘atayim. Pp. 42–49 (Hebrew). Zertal A. 1996 The Manasseh Hill Country Survey. The Eastern Valleys and the Fringes of The Desert. Haifa (Hebrew). Zimhoni O. 1985 The Iron Age Pottery of Tel Eton and Its Relations to the Lachish, Tell Beit Mirsim and Arad Assemblages. Tel Aviv 12:63–90. 1990 Two Ceramic Assemblages from Lachish Levels III and II. Tel Aviv 17:3–52. Zissu B. 1999 Horbat Egoz. ESI 19:85*. 2001 Rural Settlement in the Judean Hills and Foothills from the Second Temple Period to the Bar Kokhba Revolt. Ph.D. diss. The Hebrew University. Jerusalem (Hebrew). Zissu B. and Ganor A. 1998 Horbat Horesh. ESI 18:100. Zohary D. 1953 Ancient Agriculture in the Central Negev. EI 2:94–97 (Hebrew). Zorn J.R. 1994 Estimating the Population Size of Ancient Settlements: Methods, Problems, Solutions and a Case Study. BASOR 295:31–48.

284* Maps of Periods and Installations

285* 286* MAP OF AMAZYA (109) VOLUME 2, THE SOUTHERN SECTOR

1* 2* ISRAEL ANTIQUITIES AUTHORITY

ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF ISRAEL

MAP OF AMAZYA (109) VOLUME 2, THE SOUTHERN SECTOR

YEHUDA DAGAN

3* Archaeological Survey of Israel Publications of the Israel Antiquities Authority

Editor-in-Chief: Zvi Gal

Series editors: Y. Kuris, Lori Lender

English translation: Don Glick

Cover: Kh. Deir Sāmit (Site 492), looking west. Cover photograph: Yehuda Dagan

Typesetting, layout and production: Margalit Hayosh Preparation of illustrations: Irina Berin Printing: Keterpress Enterprises, Jerusalem

ISBN 965–406–195–3 www.antiquities.org.il

4* Contents

List of Illustrations 7*–14* The Sites—the Southern Sector 15*–192* Hebrew Text 7–239

5* 6* List of Illustrations

Page Site/Fig. Description (Hebrew Text) 377. Plan of two winepresses on the lower reaches of the slope. 12 381. Plan of the six vats hewn in the rock surface (part of an oil press?). 14 388.1. Remains of the settlement, looking northeast. 18 388.2. Plan of the hewn installation on the northwest part of the hill. 18 388.3. Pottery, Intermediate Bronze: 1 jar; Iron IIB: 2 bowl; Iron IIC: 3 bowl; Roman: 4 bowl. 19 389.1. The site, looking east. 19 389.2. The building remains. 20 389.3. Pottery—bowls: 1–3 Iron IIB; 4 Persian; 5, 6 Hellenistic; 7 Byzantine. 21 390.1. The winepress complex: the eastern (A) and western (B) winepresses. 22 390.2. Pottery, Iron IIB: 1 krater; Hellenistic: 2 bowl; 3 jar. 23 391.1. Facade of the hewn cave. 24 391.2. Pottery, Iron II: 1 krater; 2 bowl; 3 jar. 24 393.1. The road segment, looking west. 25 396.1.1. Ancient building elements. 27 396.1.2. Ancient building elements. 27 396.1.3. Ancient architectural elements incorporated in the construction of a wall. 27 396.1.4. Building remains, looking southeast. 27 396.1.5. The cave entrance, surrounded by construction using ancient building stones. 28 396.1.6. Agricultural plots enclosed by stone walls. 28 396.1.7. Pottery, Iron II: 1, 2 bowls; 3 krater; 4–6 holemouth jars; 7 jar; Hellenistic: 8 krater; Roman: 9 bowl; 10 jar; Byzantine: 11–13 bowls; 14 krater; Late Roman–Early Byzantine: 15 jar. 29 396.2.1. Remains at the site, looking northeast. 30 396.2.2. Wall, constructed in part using ancient building stones. 30 396.3.1. The pottery kiln. 31 396.3.2. The kiln wall. 31 398.1.1. Aerial view of the site, looking east. 33 398.1.2. Pottery, EB II–III: 1 holemouth jar; 2 jar; Iron II: 3–8 bowls; 9–12 cooking pots; Iron IIB: 13, 14 pithoi; 15, 16 jars; 17 jug; Hellenistic: 18, 19 bowls. 34 399.1.1. Pottery, EB II–III: 1 holemouth jar; Iron IIB: 2–10 bowls. 36 399.1.2. Pottery, Iron IIB: 1, 2 bowls (Lakhish III); Iron IIC: 3, 4, 6–10 bowls; 5, 11, 12 kraters; Iron II: 13 pithos. 37

7* Page Site/Fig. Description (Hebrew Text) 407. The site, looking northeast. 40 415.1.1. The site, looking northeast. 43 415.1.2. The spur, looking west; in the background—‘Emeq Ha-Telem. 43 415.1.3. A cistern and rock-hewn installations. 44 415.1.4. The pen wall from a later period, incorporating ancient building stones in its construction. 44 415.2. The building remains on the spur, looking east. 45 415.3. The road that traverses the valley. 45 415.4. A segment of the road and its retaining wall. 46 416.4. The burial cave entrance. 47 434. Pottery, Intermediate Bronze: 1 jar base; Byzantine: 2, 3 bowls. 53 444.1. Pottery, Iron IIB: 1–4 bowls; Iron IIC: 5 bowl; Iron II: 6 jar; Persian: 7 bowl base; Early Islamic: 8 jug base. 56 449. Jar, Intermediate Bronze. 58 461.1.1. The site, looking southeast; in the background—the village of Kh. Beit ‘Awwa. 61 461.1.2. The winepress. 62 461.1.3. Pottery, EB II: 1 krater; Byzantine: 2, 3 bowls. 62 462. The site, looking west. 63 464. Pottery, Iron II: 1 holemouth jar; Byzantine: 2 bowl. 64 466.1. The limekiln on the outskirts of the site. 65 466.2. Pottery, Byzantine: 1 bowl; 2 krater. 65 467. Pottery, Intermediate Bronze: 1 jar base; 2 bowl base; Iron IIB: 3 bowl; 4 krater; Iron IIC: 5 cooking pot. 66 482.1.1. Aerial view of the site, looking east. 70 482.1.2. Bowl, Hellenistic. 71 483. Pottery, Hellenistic: 1 bowl; Roman: 2 cooking krater; 3–6 jars; Byzantine: 7 bowl; 8 jar; 9 krater; Early Islamic: 10 bowl; 11 krater. 72 484. Jar, Iron IIB. 73 485. Aerial view of the site. 74 492. Aerial view of the site, looking west. 76 493. The site, looking east. 77 498. The road on the western part of the hill. 79 500.1.1. The site and the road ascending to the Hevron Hills, looking east. 80 500.1.2. The road. 81 500.1.3. Winepress. 81 500.1.4. Winepress. 82 501.1. The site, looking south; in the background—the village of Kh. Deir Samit. 82

8* Page Site/Fig. Description (Hebrew Text) 501.2. Lithic ﬁnds, Chalcolithic: 1, 2 bifacial tools; 3 ﬂake and bladelet core. 83 501.3. Borer, Chalcolithic. 84 501.4. Pottery, Intermediate Bronze: 1, 2 bowl; 3, 4 cooking pots; 5, 6 jars; 7 jar base; 8, 9 cups; 10, 11 jars; Iron IIC: 12, 13 bowls; 14 oil- lamp fragment; Byzantine: 15 bowl. 84 502.1. The hewn tomb, looking south. 85 502.2. Pottery, Iron II: 1 bowl; Byzantine: 2 bowl. 85 503. View of the valley. 85 509. Krater, Iron II. 87 512.1. The site, looking north 88 512.2. Cistern and adjacent troughs. 88 512.3. The hewn pool east of the spring. 89 521.2. Bowls, Iron II. 91 523.1.1. The building corner in the settlement remains. 92 523.1.2. Ancient building elements near the structure in the center of the site. 92 523.1.3. The stone vat. 93 523.1.4. The stone drum capping the cistern. 93 523.1.5. Pottery, Late Hellenistic: 1 jar; Roman: 2 bowl; Byzantine: 3 jar base. 93 523.2. Pottery, Byzantine: 1–3 bowls; Early Islamic: 4 krater. 93 524. The stone pile heaped on the structure, looking east. 94 526.1.1. Aerial view of the site. 95 526.1.2. Pottery, Iron II: 1 bowl; Roman: 2 jug; Byzantine: 3 bowl; 4 krater; Mamluk: 5 bowl with interior glaze. 96 529. Pottery, MB II: 1 bowl; Byzantine: 2 krater. 97 541. Aerial view of the site, looking east. 100 548.1.1. The stone pile on the hilltop. 103 548.1.2. Pottery, Iron II: 1 bowl; 2 jar; Persian: 3 base of mortarium; Hellenistic: 4 bowl; Early Roman: 5 cooking pot; Byzantine: 6 bowl; 7 cooking pot. 104 548.2. Aerial view of the road, looking east. 104 549. Pottery, Iron I: 1 krater; Iron II: 2 bowl; Byzantine: 3 krater. 105 550. Bowls, Iron II. 105 556.1. Pottery, Chalcolithic: 1, 2 bowls; 3 small bowl; 4–7 kraters; 8, 9 holemouth jars; 10–12 jars. 108 556.2. Pottery, Chalcolithic: 1, 2 jars; 3 jar base; 4 base of bowl on stand; Intermediate Bronze: 5, 6 bowls; 7 holemouth jar; 8, 9 jars; 10 jar base; 11 jug fragment; 12, 13 cornet fragments; 14 , 15 lug handles; 16 ledge handle; Iron II: 17 bowl; 18 jar. 109

9* Page Site/Fig. Description (Hebrew Text) 557. Fragments of decorated and white-slipped jars, EB I. 110 558.1. The site, looking east. 110 558.2. The winepress. 111 558.3. Pottery, Intermediate Bronze: 1 bowl; 2 cooking pot; 3 decorated jar fragment; 4 jar; Iron II: 5 bowl; Byzantine: 6 bowl. 111 559.1. General view of the site. 112 559.2. Bowl, Byzantine. 112 560.1. Denticulated blade, Neolithic. 112 560.2. Pottery, Intermediate Bronze: 1–5 bowls; 6 jar; 7 jar base. 113 562. The cistern (photographed in 1982). 114 563.1. General view of the site, looking northeast. 114 563.2. Pottery, Intermediate Bronze: 1 decorated jar rim; 2 jar base; Iron II: 3, 5 bowls; 6 bowl base; 7 jar; Iron IIC: 4 bowl; Byzantine: 8 bowl; 9 jar. 115 565. Pottery, Intermediate Bronze: 1, 2 bowls; 3, 4 jars; 5 jar base; 6 jug base. 116 566.1. The northern winepress, looking northeast. 117 566.2. The western winepress, looking east. 117 571. Jars—1 Intermediate Bronze; 2, 3 Iron II. 118 572.1. The site, looking east. 119 572.2. Rock-hewn cave entrance that served as a shelter for shepherds. 119 572.3. Pottery, Intermediate Bronze: 1–8 bowls; 9 cooking pot; 10 holemouth jar; 11–18 jars; 19 jar fragment. 120 572.4. Pottery, Intermediate Bronze: 1, 2 jar fragments; 3 jar base; Iron IIB: 4, 5 bowls; 6 four-handled bowl; Iron IIC: 7, 8 bowls; Iron II: 9 krater; 10–12 jars; 13 jar handle carved with the Ancient Hebrew ;Hellenistic: 14, 15 bowls; 16 jar; Roman: 17–20 bowls ;(ת) letter X 21 cooking pot; 22–24 jars. 121 574.1. The winepress, looking south. 122 574.2. The winepress, looking south. 122 575.1. Stone pile, looking south. 124 575.2. The decorated marble slab fragment. 124 575.3. Pottery, Intermediate Bronze: 1 bowl; 2, 3 jars; 4, 5 jar bases; Iron II: 6 bowl; 7, 8 pithoi; 9 jar; Roman: 10–13 bowls; 14 cooking pot. 124 575.4. Pottery, Early Islamic: 1–3 bowls. 125 576.1. The site, looking east. 126 576.2. Entrance to a cave that served as a dwelling. 126 576.3. Pottery, Intermediate Bronze: 1 jar base; Iron II: 2–5 bowls; Iron IIC: 6 bowls; Roman: 7 cooking pot. 126 577. Pottery: Roman–Byzantine: 1 bowl; Byzantine: 2 bowl; 3 decorated bowl; 4 jar. 127

10* Page Site/Fig. Description (Hebrew Text) 630.1.1. General view of the site. 141 630.1.2. An entryway in the building. 142 630.1.3. Ancient building elements. 142 630.1.4. The oil press installation. 142 630.1.5. Pottery, Chalcolithic: 1 cup; Iron II: 2 bowl; 3 jug base; cooking jug; 5 jar; Byzantine: 6–8 bowls; 9 krater; Early Islamic: 10 cup. 143 631. Cooking pots, Iron IIC. 143 636. Pottery, Iron II: 1 bowl; Byzantine: 2 bowl; Early Islamic: 3 decorated bowl; 4 jar. 144 641.1. Pottery, Intermediate Bronze: 1 bowl; Iron II 2–4 bowls; 5 jar. 146 644.1. Ancient remains in the village of Kh. Beit ‘Awwa. 148 644.2. Ancient building stones in secondary use. 148 646.1. Pottery, Late Hellenistic–Early Roman: 1 bowl; Byzantine: 2 bowl; 3 jar. 149 647. Pottery, Iron II: 1 bowl base; Roman: 2 cooking pot; Byzantine: 3 bowl. 150 648. Pottery, Iron II: 1, 2 bowls; Iron IIC: 3 cooking pot; Byzantine: 4–6 bowls. 151 651.1. The village of Kh. Beit ‘Awwa, looking west. 152 651.2. Building foundations in the ancient core of the village of Kh. Beit ‘Awwa. 153 651.3. Pottery, Persian: 1 mortarium bowl base; Hellenistic: 2 bowl; Roman: 3–5 bowls; 6 jar; Byzantine: 7–9 bowls. 153 652. Ancient wall remains among the houses in Kh. Beit ‘Awwa. 154 654.1. Kraters, Early Islamic. 155 655.1. Rock-hewn oil press. 156 655.2.1. Later stone fence constructed on the remains of an ancient fence. 156 655.2.2. Stone block, in which an oil press installation was hewn, incorporated in the construction of a stone fence. 157 655.3. The burial cave entrance. 157 657.1. The site, looking west. 158 657.2. Pottery, Iron II: 1 bowl; 2 jar; Hellenistic: 3, 4 bowls; Roman: 5 jar; Byzantine: 6 krater. 159 663.1.1. Piles of ancient building stones. 161 663.1.2. Decorated body fragment, Intermediate Bronze. 162 663.2.1. The building remains and surrounding area, looking east. 162 663.2.2. Vats hewn in rock outcrops. 163 663.2.3. Pottery, Intermediate Bronze: 1, 2 bowls; 3 krater; 4–8 jars; Iron II: 9–13 bowls; 14 jar. 163 664.1. Pottery, Intermediate Bronze: 1 cup; Byzantine: 2 bowl; 3 pithos. 164 667.1. Winepress. 166

11* Page Site/Fig. Description (Hebrew Text) 667.2. Pottery, Intermediate Bronze: 1 jar handle; Iron II: 2 bowl; 3 bowl base; 4 jar; Roman: 5 jar. 167 668.2.1. The stone pile atop the building remains. 167 668.2.2. Pottery, Iron II: 1 bowl; 2 krater; 3 jar. 168 668.4.1. The stone pile. 168 668.4.2. Bowl, Intermediate Bronze. 168 668.5. Pottery, Intermediate Bronze: 1 jar; 2 jar body fragment. 169 669.1. The southeastern corner of the building. 169 669.2. One of the winepresses. 170 675.2.1. The road, ascending to the east. 172 675.2.2. The road, looking west. 173 676.1. Ancient buildings. 174 676.2. The rock-hewn cave entrance. 174 676.3. Pottery, Intermediate Bronze: 1 jar base; 2 krater; Byzantine: jar. 174 689.1. The site, looking west. 178 689.2. Rock-hewn vats. 179 689.3. Rock-hewn burial cave. 179 695.1. The site, looking east. 181 695.2. Remains of the farmstead. 181 695.3. Wall in one of the structures, looking northeast. 181 695.4. Oil press. 182 695.5. Pottery, Hellenistic: 1 bowl; Byzantine: 2, 3 bowls; 4 jar; Early Islamic: 5, 6 kraters; 7 jar. 182 699. General view of the site. 185 718. Pottery, Iron II: 1 krater; 2 jar base. 192 721. Jars, Iron II. 193 727. Pottery, Iron II: 1 krater; Byzantine: 2–4 bowls; 5, 6 cooking pots; Early Islamic: 7, 8 bowls. 195 728. Bowls—1 Byzantine; 2 Early Islamic. 195 729.1.1. The site, looking east. 197 729.1.2. Building remains, looking south. 197 729.1.3. Burial cave entrance. 197 729.1.4. Oil-press crushing basin. 197 729.1.5. Flake core, Chalcolithic. 197 729.1.6. Lithic finds, Chalcolithic: 1 scraper on flake; 2 fanscraper; 3 borer; 4 retouched blade; 5 sickle blade. 198 729.1.7. Lithic finds, Chalcolithic: 1 borer; 2 scraper. 199 729.1.8. Pottery and stone finds, Iron II: 1–3 bowls; 6–8 jars; Iron IIC: 4 bowl; 5 cooking pot; Persian: 9 mortarium base; 10 bowl; Byzantine: 11 bowl; Early Roman (Herodian): 12 stone cup base. 200 730. Pottery, Iron II: 1–5 bowls; 6 cooking pot. 201

12* Page Site/Fig. Description (Hebrew Text) 734. Jar, Iron II. 202 735.1. The site, looking south. 203 735.2. Remains of the sheikh’s tomb. 203 735.3. A corner of the sheikh’s tomb. 204 735.4. One of the winepresses at the foot of the hill. 204 735.5. Pottery, Intermediate Bronze: 1 jar; Iron II: 2–7 bowls; Iron IIB: 8–12: bowls; Persian: 13, 14 mortaria. 204 735.6. Pottery, Hellenistic: 1 bowl; Roman: 2 cooking-pot handle; Byzantine: 3 cooking pot; 4, 5 krater. 205 738. Pottery, Iron II: 1, 2 bowls; Byzantine: 3 krater. 206 739. Pottery, Intermediate Bronze: 1 jar; 2 intact juglet. 206 740. Pottery, Iron II: 1, 2 kraters; 3, 4 jars. 207 742. The cistern, looking east. 208 745.2. Pottery, Iron II: 1–3 bowls; Iron IIC: 4 bowl; 5, 6 cooking pots. 209 750.1. Aerial view of the site; in the background—the village of Kh. Beit ‘Awwa. 211 750.2. Structural remains. 211 750.3. One of the winepresses at the site. 212 750.4. Pottery, Iron II: 1–11 bowls; 12 krater. 212 750.5. Pottery, Iron IIC: 1 bowl; Byzantine: 2 bowl; 3 krater. 213 751. Holemouth jar, EB II. 213 755.1. Burial cave (plundered by antiquities robbers). 215 755.2. Rock-hewn vats. 215 755.3. Pottery, Iron II: 1, 2 bowls; 3, 4 jars; Hellenistic: 5 bowl; Byzantine: 6 bowl. 215 756. Pottery, Iron II: 1 bowl; 3 pithos; 4 jar; Iron IIC: 2 bowl; Late Byzantine–Early Islamic: 5 krater. 216 760. The cistern; in the background—‘Emeq Ha-Telem. 217 761.1. The building remains, looking west. 217 761.2. The southern wall in the building remains. 218 762. Pottery, Iron II: 1–3 bowls; 4 krater; Iron IIC: 5 cooking pot; Persian: 6 bowl; 7 bowl base; Byzantine: 8 bowl base; Early Islamic: 9 bowl. 219 764.1. The site, looking west. 220 764.2. Pottery, Iron II: 1–4 bowls; 5 krater; 6 cooking pot; Roman: 7 bowl; Byzantine: 8–10 bowls; 11 krater. 221 765.1. The site, looking west. 222 765.2. Aerial view of the site, looking northwest. 222 765.3. Building remains. 223 765.4. Rock outcrops and hewn installations. 223 765.5. Pottery, Iron II: 1, 2 jars; Persian: 3–5 mortaria. 223 766. Stone heap, looking north. 224

13* Page Site/Fig. Description (Hebrew Text) 769. Bowls—1 Neolithic(?); 2 Iron II; 3 Persian. 225 770. Pottery, Iron II: 1 jar; Early Islamic: 2 bowl. 226 771. Quarry in the side of the wadi bank, looking east. 226 774. The cistern. 227 775.1. Stone heap, looking north. 228 775.2. Pottery, Intermediate Bronze: 1, 2 jars; 3 jar base; 4 decorated body fragment of a jug. 228 776.1. The road, looking northeast. 228 776.2. The road, looking east. 229 783.1. The pen, looking east. 230 783.2. The stone cylinder. 231 784.1. Remains of the building. 231 784.2. The eastern wall in the building remains, looking west. 232 785. The cave, looking east. 232 795.1. The building remains, looking east. 235 795.2. Winepress. 235 805. The building remains, looking northeast. 237

14* The Sites—the Southern Sector

368. 0–4/1, 3, 8 14020 10450 19020 60450 350 m asl Kh. el Bîr (S) [1] Kh. el Bīr (M) [1] 368.1. Settlement remains (c. 65 dunams) on slope of north-facing spur: remains of buildings (3×5 m, 3.1×4.2 m; walls preserved five to eight courses high) and courtyards enclosed by stone fences. In the courtyards— rock-hewn caves and cisterns, and orchards (olive, carob, fig and pomegranate trees; tended by the villagers of Ed Dawāyima [1] until 1948). In the upper part of the site—a square building (6×6 m), its lower courses built of large rough-hewn stones; a large stone threshold is incorporated in its southern wall. There may have been a courtyard (6×8 m) abutting the northern side of the building. Construction of the fences disturbed the plan of the complex. On the north slope of the spur, near a large fig tree—a rock-hewn columbarium cave, cruciform in plan, accessed via an opening in the center (the middle of the cross). Some 60 rectangular niches (mostly 0.12×0.22 m, 0.22 m deep) are hewn in the cave’s walls. At the foot of the north slope—a watchman’s hut (3.5×4.0 m) built of large fieldstones; its walls are preserved four to six courses high. Stone fences that surround an orchard extend out from the building. Nearby—a rock-hewn cave, consisting of two round chambers. From the southern wall of the eastern chamber (diam. 4 m, 2.8 m high) a tunnel leads to another complex of chambers, some of which are blocked by collapse. At the foot of the west slope—several pits; fragments of two limestone columns (estimated length 1.4 m, diam. 0.5 m) were found in one of them. At the southwestern foot of the spur, near the corner of a stone fence—a leveled rock surface (1.3×2.4 m) and a rock-hewn installation (oil press?): two channels (each 0.8 m long, 0.1 m deep and 0.07 m wide) lead to a rectangular basin (0.34×0.55 m, 0.41 m deep); a small round hollow (diam. 0.08 m, 0.14 m deep) is cut in the south end of the rock surface. Finds. Pottery: Byzantine (numerous finds in the settlement remains), Mamluk (scanty finds, scattered over 10 dunams) and Ottoman (in the orchards and agricultural plots, related to agricultural activity). Conder and Kitchener 1881–1883, III:280. 368.2. Bir el ‘Id: a well in a valley running northwest (map ref. OIG 14037 10462, NIG 19037 60462), northeast of Kh. el Bîr. Other wells nearby were blocked by members of Moshav Amazya. Nearby to the east in a stone clearance heap are two hewn limestone troughs.

15* 368.3. Remains of a building (3×5 m)—the foundations and northwest corner—on a hilltop south of Kh. el Bîr (map ref. OIG 14020 10424, NIG 19020 60424; elevation 405.5 asl, overlooking the entire region). A later pen (6×8 m) abuts the building ruins. Surrounding the remains—a stone fence (0.45 m high, 0.8 m wide) and low stone clearance heaps. Also surveyed on the hilltop—a heap of building stones on a rock outcrop and rock cuttings. A large carob tree grows on the hill. Ten meters east of the building remains—a wall (7 m long, 1.3 m wide) built of two rows of stones filled with cleared stones. Finds. Pottery: Byzantine (scanty finds—a scatter) and Ottoman (scanty finds, and remains of pens—transient settlement).

369. 0– 4/2 14090 10486 19090 60486 336 m asl Nahal Lakhish [188] Settlement remains (c. 17 dunams) on hill south of Nahal Lakhish, southeast of H. Migdal Gad: several wall segments, large rock surfaces exposed by intensive soil erosion, three cisterns, rock-hewn caves (some used for burial), heaps of building stones and architectural elements. Stone fences enclosing orchards that were tended by the villagers of Ed Dawāyima surround the settlement. Most of the buildings were dismantled and their stones used in the construction of the fences, thus disturbing the plan. Northwest of the summit—a large rock-hewn cistern closed by a large capstone (1.7 m diam.). Nearby—another cistern covered by a pile of large stones. North of the settlement—a rock-cut kokhim cave. A cornice is carved above its entryway. In a later period the kokhim were destroyed in order to form a single chamber, and the cave’s entrance was also noticeably enlarged. Twelve meters to its north—another burial cave entrance, partially blocked. On the north slope—a deserted orchard of large olive trees (75×120 m), enclosed by a stone fence (1 m high). Inside the fenced area is a depression in the ground and scattered burnt chalk debris, apparently related to a limekiln, presently blocked. On the west slope—two rock-hewn cisterns; one is partially blocked and stones are piled on the mouth of the other. On the slope—an unﬁnished stone fence that probably was intended to surround the orchard. On the east slope—stone fences (preserved 1.2–1.5 m high, 0.6–1.0 m wide), enclosing deserted orchards. In one of the orchards is a rock-hewn cave (4.3×7.0 m, 2.1 m high) with remains of kokhim in its south wall. Apparently in a later period the burial installations were destroyed in order to prepare the cave for use as a shelter for shepherds. To the cave’s north—ﬁve rock-cut steps (0.8 m wide). At the foot of the slope, between stone fences built around orchards—remains of a road (3.5 m wide), visible for a distance of 600 m. On the slopes of the hill—agricultural terraces (c. 25 dunams).

16* Finds. Pottery: Byzantine (scanty ﬁnds, scattered over c. 5 dunams) and Mamluk (numerous ﬁnds in the area of the settlement); Agricultural activity: Ottoman (orchards and agricultural terraces).

370. 0– 4/6 14080 10428 19080 60428 340 m asl Qanān Abū et Tahīn (M) Ruinous building and remains of an orchard (5 dunams) in valley running northwest. Very little is left of the building and it seems the stones from its walls (fieldstones) were used in the construction of the orchard’s fence (15×20 m). Mainly the south and west parts of the fence are preserved (0.75 m wide, three to five courses high). Near the orchard—a rock-hewn cistern (diam. of mouth 1.1 m, 3 m deep) apparently fed by runoff diverted from the valley. Further up the valley and on the slope—six agricultural terraces (5 dunams), whose walls are preserved three to five courses high.

371. 0– 4/7 14068 10410 19068 60410 420 m asl Nahal Lakhish [189] Two basins (diam. of each 0.45 m) hewn in a rock outcrop on a hilltop overlooking an extensive area—most of the Nahal Lakhish drainage basin. On the east slope of the hill—remains of a limekiln (diam. 2.5 m, 1.5 m deep; ﬁlled with debris), protruding 2 m above the surface, surrounded by heaps of gray waste. Nearby, to the south—a pile of limestone blocks, apparently prepared for burning. Also in this area—three caves (average dimensions of openings 2.5×3.0 m), containing remains left behind by shepherds. A stone fence (1 m wide, 0.7 m high) runs 260 m across the spur that extends from the hill to the north. Finds. Pottery: Byzantine (scanty ﬁnds—scatters); Transient settlement: Ottoman (cave dwellings).

372. 0– 4/10 14062 10448 19062 60448 360 m asl Nahal Lakhish [191] Remains of stone fences, delimiting agricultural plots, on spur descending north to Nahal Lakhish. On the lower portion of the spur—an orchard (50×85 m) surrounded by a stone fence (1 m wide, 0.7 m high; sections of it have collapsed). A stone fence (0.6 m wide) traverses the orchard. West of the spur, in a valley running north—agricultural terraces (18 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Byzantine (scanty ﬁnds—scatters over 2 dunams); Agricultural activity: Ottoman (orchard and agricultural terraces).

17* 373. 1– 4/2 14120 10457 19120 60457 360 m asl Ed Dawāyima [2] Settlement remains (25 dunams)—building foundations, remains of orchards and stone fences, a limekiln, a winepress and caves (some used for burial), on hill southwest of Ed Dawāyima [1], surveyed in an area once covered by part of the village. Stone fences (some 0.8–1.0 m high, 0.5 m wide) delimit terraced plots of fruit trees, among them olive, almond and pomegranate. Ancient dressed building stones and architectural elements are incorporated in the terrace walls. A road (2.0–2.5 m wide) running for a distance of 500 m ascends the hill from the northwest. Stone fences align it on both sides. Midway up the slope another road branches off from it to the east, and continues for a distance of 400 m. On the east part of the hill—remains of a large building (an estate?); wall segments survive (0.75 m wide, 0.5 m high). Remains of a complex of rooms adjoin a courtyard (12 m wide)—a row of four rooms (average size 3.5×4.5 m) to its north and two or three rooms to its south (of dimensions similar to those in the north). No rooms survived along the west side of the courtyard, and only meager building remains survived along its east side. A large stone threshold lies 4 m east of the building (part of the entrance?). Some 25 m northwest of the building remains, in a deserted orchard (8×14 m)—a rock- hewn kokhim cave (3.2×5.0 m, height in center: 2.1 m), containing remains of a stone wall. Apparently during a later period the burial installations were destroyed and the cave was converted for use as a shepherd’s dwelling. Nearby—two cave entrances, partially blocked. Ten meters west of the caves—a rock-hewn cistern (3.5 m deep; mouth 0.76×0.80 m), capped with large dressed stones. North of the cistern, at the foot of the hill—three additional cisterns, their mouths blocked by earth and stones. Eighteen meters west of the cisterns, hewn on a rock surface (4.2×8.3 m)—a winepress: a treading floor (2.4×3.0 m, 0.34 m deep) and collecting vat (0.5×0.8 m 0.55 m deep) to its north, linked by a conduit. Nearby, on a rock outcrop—two round rock-hewn vats 0.58 m apart (diam. of each vat 0.47 m, each 0.3 m deep). On the north slope of the hill—building remains, including wall segments preserved to a height of 1.5–2.5 m, a stone arch and scanty remains of a substantial building. Close by—large, meticulously dressed building stones (0.6×1.1 m) incorporated in the retaining wall of an agricultural plot. In the wadi north of the hill—remains of a limekiln (diam. 3.5 m) filled with soil debris, and limestone blocks prepared for burning nearby. On the slopes of the hill—agricultural terraces (20 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Byzantine (numerous finds, probably related to agricultural activity) and Mamluk (scanty finds—a scatter); Agricultural activity: Ottoman (orchards and agricultural plots).

18* 374. 1– 4/3 14144 10400 19144 60400 407 m asl Amazya [2] Remains of a bell-shaped cave (reminiscent of the type found in the area of Bet Guvrin) and remains of a rock-hewn cistern on a hill to the north, 700 m SW of Moshav Amazya [1]. Both the cave and the cistern were damaged in modern times when two reservoirs were built on the hill (only the south wall of the cave survived; estimated depth of cistern 2–3 m, estimated diam. of ﬂoor: 4 m). East of the reservoirs—remains of orchards, mainly olive trees. In an orchard to the northeast of the reservoirs—a vat (0.6×0.6 m, 0.45 m deep) hewn in the center of a rock outcrop. Nearby, to the east—quarry remains, including severance channels for a large block (1.1×2.5 m). Finds. Pottery: Byzantine (scanty ﬁnds—a scatter); Agricultural activity: Ottoman (orchards).

375. 1– 4/4 14108 10414 19108 60414 330 m asl Wadi es Sumsum (M) Remains of a limekiln (diam. 3.2 m, 1.8 m deep) ﬁlled with soil debris, at the foot of the west slope of a spur, at the beginning of Wadi es Sumsum. Nearby, to the north—two cupmarks (diam. of each 0.24 m, 0.44 m apart) hewn in a rock outcrop.

376. 1– 4/9 14165 10418 19165 60418 375 m asl Amazya [7] Deserted orchards (55 dunams) delimited by stone fences, a road and remains of a building on slope descending east, southwest of Moshav Amazya [1]. The road, arriving from the east, passes between two plots and is flanked by stone fences (0.7–1.0 m high). On the upper reaches of the slope—a rectangular rock-hewn pool (2.1×3.7 m, depth 0.75 m; filled with alluvium) and two rock-hewn basins (diam. of each 0.45 m, 0.25 m deep), in a deserted orchard (12×22 m). On the south part of the slope—the south corner of a building (walls 0.65 m wide). The building’s stones were probably taken for use in the lime industry. Finds. Byzantine pottery (scanty finds—a scatter, over 5 dunams); Agricultural activity: Ottoman (orchards).

377. 1– 4/10 14150 10443 19150 60443 350 m asl Amazya [8] Deserted orchards (olive, almond, pomegranate and carob trees) delimited by stone fences on terraces, a road, rock-hewn installations and cisterns (spread over 40 dunams) on northern slope of hill, west of Moshav Amazya [1]. Dressed building stones, among them a marble column (diam. 0.35 m, 0.86 m high) set in the east orchard’s fence, are

19* incorporated in the construction of the terrace walls. Near this fence—two rock-hewn cupmarks (diam. of each 0.25 m). In the area of the deserted orchards—seven rock- hewn cisterns (some blocked, others covered by barbed wire). A road flanked by stone fences (1 m high) leads to the hill from the vicinity of the remains of the village of Ed Dawāyima. At the foot of the slope—two rock-hewn winepresses, 6 m apart, in front of the northwest corner of a stone fence surrounding a deserted orchard. The eastern winepress, on a rock outcrop, has a treading floor (2.1×2.4 m, 0.32 m deep) and a collecting vat (0.9×1.3 m, 0.65 m deep) to its north, linked by a channel (0.35 m long). Three basins (diam. of each 0.45 m, 0.25 m deep), 0.35 m apart, are 0.6 m north of the collecting vat. The western winepress, on a large rock outcrop, consists of a treading floor (2.8×3.1 m, 0.45 m deep) whose northwest corner is destroyed, and two vats. One of the vats (0.55×1.10 m, 1.5 m deep), near the northeast corner of the treading floor, is linked to it by a channel (0.25 m long). Two rock-cut steps lead down to the floor of the vat. The second collecting vat (the northwest corner is ruined, estimated dimensions 1×1 m; accumulated debris to a depth of 0.45 m), north of a sedimentation vat, is connected to it by a channel (0.44 m long, 0.28 m deep). Apparently in a later phase, a circular depression (diam. 0.85 m; blocked by alluvium) linked to a shallow channel (0.68 m long, 0.14 m wide) was hewn. Some 1.3 m west of the depression—four shallow rock-hewn basins (diam. of each 0.28 m, 0.14 m deep). Finds. Pottery: Byzantine (numerous finds near the installations, probably related to agricultural activity); Agricultural activity: Ottoman (orchards and agricultural terraces).

378. 1– 4/11 14190 10420 19190 60420 367 m asl Amazya [9] Remains of stone fences (45 dunams), a limekiln and three rock-hewn cisterns (barbed wire is spread over their mouths) to the limekiln’s north, on saddle south of Moshav Amazya [1]. The remains are covered with debris. On the west slope of the saddle—deserted orchards delimited by stone fences (average height 0.8 m, 0.65 m wide). In this area is a well built wall segment (2.4 m long, 1.2 m wide) of carefully dressed ashlars preserved three to six courses high (remains of a dismantled building?). Nearby, to the west—a cave entrance (ﬁlled with construction debris).

379. 1– 4/12 14130 10432 19130 60432 370 m asl Amazya [10] Deserted orchard (74×100 m) surrounded by a stone fence on slope descending west, west of Moshav Amazya [1], as well as a rock-hewn cistern with a round mouth (diam. 0.85 m) and a rock-hewn burial cave, to its south. The cave, a rectangular chamber (3.2×5.3 m) with remains of three kokhim in its east wall, is approached by a corridor (3.2 m long); it was subsequently converted for use as a dwelling.

20* Finds. Pottery: Byzantine (scanty ﬁnds—a scatter, and in the area of the burial cave); Temporary occupation and agricultural activity: Ottoman (cave dwelling, orchard).

380. 2– 4/1 14275 10455 19275 60455 350 m asl Amazya [11] Remains of a building, deserted orchards delimited by stone fences, collapsed caves, a limekiln, cisterns, a rock-cut winepress and installations hewn in rock outcrops (area of 25 dunams) on hill surrounded by fertile fields east of Moshav Amazya [1], south of Nahal Lakhish. On the hilltop—wall segments (0.6–0.8 m wide); in the southeast part of the remains is a building corner, which may belong to a farmhouse (estimated dimensions 14×16 m), with a central courtyard. On the northern slope—a deserted agricultural plot (90×110 m) surrounded by a stone fence, which includes dressed building stones in its walls. An entryway was noted in the west side of the fence. Dry agriculture (grains) was probably practiced in the lower part of the tract and fruit trees were planted in the upper part. Some 60 m northwest is another orchard (olive trees) in which there is a rock-hewn cave (its entrance is blocked). Near the cave—a rectangular vat (0.42×0.85 m, 0.35 m deep) and two basins (diam. of each 0.44 m, 0.15 m deep) hewn in a rock outcrop. On the western slope—deserted olive groves delimited by stone fences. Two large stone thresholds (each 1.55 m long) are incorporated in the southeast corner of one of the fences. A limekiln (diam. 3.4 m; filled with debris), its stokehole in the west side, is located in this area. Near the top of the hill, to the east—a rock-hewn winepress (mostly covered with alluvium). On a nearby rock surface (1.5×2.3 m) is a hewn installation (an oil press?): two basins (diam. of each 0.35 m, 0.2 m deep) and a channel (0.07 m wide, 0.1 m deep) that extends from the south basin. On the east slope—a rock-hewn cistern (3.5 m deep, diam. of mouth 0.8 m) and two adjacent troughs. Nearby—another cistern, blocked with alluvium. At the foot of the slope is a limekiln (diam. 3.8 m), mostly blocked with alluvium, surrounded by grayish- white kiln waste. On the south slope—a collapsed cave. On the slopes—agricultural terraces (35 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Iron II (scanty finds scattered over 4 dunams), Hellenistic (scanty finds scattered over 3 dunams), Roman (scanty finds scattered over 10 dunams) and Byzantine (numerous finds near the installations—scattered over 10 dunams, probably related to agricultural activity); Agricultural activity: Ottoman (orchards and agricultural terraces).

21* 381. 2– 4/2 14236 10450 19236 60450 340 m asl Amazya [12] Remains of buildings, deserted orchards, rock-hewn cisterns and installations (area of 100 dunams) on moderate slope descending east toward the Nahal Lakhish valley, east of Moshav Amazya and south of the remains of the village Ed Dawāyima [1]. Stone fences (some preserved four to seven courses high), demarcating terraced agricultural plots, cover the entire slope. On the south part of the slope—remains of buildings (c. 8×12 m, c. 10×14 m) partitioned into several rooms (units measuring 2.4×3.0 m, 2.5×3.5 m were discerned); the walls are preserved to a height of two to ﬁve courses. Remains of two watchman’s huts are in plots nearby. East of the building remains—two rock-hewn cisterns (diam. of each cistern mouth 0.65 m). Near the lower cistern—remains of two troughs and fragments of a third. On the north part of the slope, along the fringes of a deserted orchard, are three rock- hewn cisterns (barbed wire is spread over their openings). North of them is a rock-hewn installation (oil press?) that inclines toward the center of a rock surface (3.1×4.5 m): six basins arranged in two rows (average diam. 0.45 m, 0.24–0.45 m deep). Near them, to the east, close to the edge of the rock surface—two leveled surfaces (0.45×0.45 m each). Two hewn channels (each 0.14 m wide, 0.07 m deep) lead to the southeast basin; one begins at the east end of the rock surface and the other at its south end. It may be that other components of this installation are buried beneath a stone heap nearby, to the east. Superposed on the southwest corner of the surface are segments of stone walls (the north segment 1.2 m long, the east segment 0.86 m long and 0.4 m wide; a building corner?). A fragmentary stone weight is incorporated in one of them. Finds. Pottery: Byzantine (scanty ﬁnds scattered over 10 dunams); Agricultural activity: Ottoman (orchards and agricultural terraces).

382. 2– 4/3 14230 10410 19230 60410 350 m asl Amazya [13] Deserted orchards surrounded by stone fences, agricultural terraces, cisterns, rock- hewn caves and installations (20 dunams) on spur descending moderately to the east, southeast of Moshav Amazya [1]. Rough-hewn stones are incorporated in the terrace walls (four to six courses high). On the upper part of the spur is a rock-hewn agricultural installation hewn in a rock outcrop: four small basins (diam. 0.27–0.35 m, 0.18 m deep) and alongside them two large basins (diam. of each 1.4 m, 0.18 m deep). Nearby, to the north—two cisterns (covered with barbed wire), and to their west—the collapsed entrances to several caves (illicitly excavated). On the slope—agricultural terraces (35 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Byzantine (scanty ﬁnds—a scatter); Agricultural activity: Ottoman (orchards and agricultural plots).

22* 383. 3– 4/1 14310 10468 19310 60468 352 m asl Kh. Tût (S) Kh. Tūt (M) Remains of a settlement (20 dunams) on moderately sloping hill, near the south bank of Nahal Lakhish: building foundations and wall segments, building-stone heaps and later stone fences, rock-hewn caves and rock cuttings, pens and a rock-hewn winepress. Shepherds from the village of Ed Dawāyima [1] who stayed at the site probably built the pens. Illicit excavations were conducted on the hilltop and on its slopes. On the east part of the hill remains of a rectangular building (2.4×4.6 m) were exposed whose fieldstone walls are preserved to a height of three to four courses; the corners are reinforced with ashlar stones. Piles of building stones at the site were probably prepared for burning in limekilns. One limekiln (diam. 3.8 m, 2.1 m deep), on the west slope of the hill, is surrounded by small mounds of burnt waste. Nearby, to the south—a rock-hewn cistern (3 m deep). A ruinous limekiln was surveyed near the hilltop. Fifteen rock-hewn caves of different kinds were recorded on the hill and its slopes. Several of the burial caves on the southwest slope were plundered by antiquities robbers. Some of these caves have gabled kokhim hewn in the walls. Fragments of decorated ossuaries were scattered in front of the cave entrances. On the south slope of the hill—quarries and leveled rock surfaces (for treading grapes or threshing?). Two basins (diam. of each 0.48 m, 0.17 m deep) and seven cupmarks (average diam. 0.27 m) are hewn in one of the surfaces (2.1×4.2 m), sloping south. An underground hiding refuge (examined and documented by A. Kloner and Y. Zoran [1989]) was discovered here: a system of hewn tunnels and passageways beginning from a defunct rock-hewn cistern links underground chambers containing quarries, cisterns and an oil press. On the west slope—remains of a winepress, hewn in a rock surface sloping west: a plastered treading floor (3.8×4.2 m; crushed potsherds are mixed in the plaster) and a plastered collecting vat (1.2×2.5 m, 1.4 m deep) to its west. On the hilltop are six cisterns, one of them capped by a stone drum. Near the hilltop is a round pen (diam. 5 m) built around a cave entrance (cave dimensions 1.2×2.7 m, 4.5 m deep; two chambers). Nearby—a bell-shaped cistern; a staircase, hugging the walls, descends to the floor. Three additional rock-hewn cisterns are located to the northeast, near a large carob tree. One of them, bell-shaped (4 m deep, diam. of floor 5.4 m), was examined. On the northern slope—a rock-hewn cistern; several columbarium niches were hewn in its walls in a later phase. Finds. Pottery: Hellenistic (scanty finds in the caves), Roman (numerous finds, third century CE, in the settlement remains), Byzantine (numerous finds in the settlement

23* remains) and Early Islamic (scanty ﬁnds in the settlement, scattered over 10 dunams); Temporary occupation: Ottoman (pens, cave dwellings). Guérin 1869, 2:361 (Kh. Tout); Conder and Kitchener 1881–1883, III:287; Kloner and Zoran 1989:115–118.

384. 3– 4/2 14337 10463 19337 60463 353 m asl Nahal Lakhish [192] Remains of a limekiln (diam. 4.2 m, 3.4 m deep) and rock-hewn installations on rocky hill, south of Nahal Lakhish. Around the kiln remains—piles of burnt kiln waste. Nearby—a bell-shaped rock-hewn cistern (diam. of mouth 1.2 m, 4.35 m deep). To its east—an agricultural installation: a large, meticulously leveled rock surface (10×14 m) in which twelve cupmarks (diam. 0.18–0.24 m, mostly 0.15 m deep) are hewn. In the center of the surface are two round vats (diam. 0.62 m, 0.55 m deep) and two rectangular basins (each 0.6×1.0 m, 0.5 m deep).

385. 3– 4/3 14315 10430 19315 60430 351 m asl Nahal Lakhish [193] Wādī el Qurrām (M) Remains of a structure, a rock-hewn cistern and installations on rocky hill south of Nahal Lakhish. Wall segments (0.55 m wide) and the southeast corner of the building are preserved two to three courses high. To their west—a rock-hewn cistern (diam. of mouth 1.1 m; blocked with earth). Nearby, to the east—two basins (diam. 0.44 m, 0.20 m deep, 0.95 m apart) hewn in a rock outcrop. Twelve meters to the north are three hewn cupmarks (diam. 0.2 m) in a rock surface. On the south slope of the hill—a small quarry (1.6×2.5 m). At the foot of the hill, to the north and south—agricultural terraces (10 dunams). Finds. Byzantine pottery (numerous ﬁnds in the vicinity of the building remains).

386. 3– 4/4 14365 10415 19365 60415 378 m asl Nahal Lakhish [194] Remains of a limekiln and rock-hewn installations (6 dunams), including a winepress, on rocky hill south of Nahal Lakhish. The limekiln (diam. 3.5 m, 2.1 m deep), in the west part of the hill, is surrounded by heaps of burnt waste. Ten meters north of the kiln—a pile of stones, probably prepared for burning. Close to the start of a wadi running down the east slope of the hill—a winepress hewn in a rock outcrop, consisting of a treading ﬂoor (1.8×2.5 m, 0.44 m deep) and a collecting vat (0.65×1.30 m, 0.75 m deep) to its east linked by a channel (0.26 m long). Three hewn depressions (diam. of each 0.15 m), which probably served as jar stands, are near the collecting vat. On a leveled rock surface (0.85×1.40 m) on the south part of the hill—two hewn basins (diam. of each 0.55 m, 0.3 m deep) 0.35 m apart linked by a hewn channel (0.13 m wide, 0.07 m deep).

24* On the hill’s western slope—a stone clearance heap containing dressed building stones. Close by is a rock-hewn basin (0.65×0.69 m, 0.45 m deep) and a round basin, incompletely hewn. On the slopes of the hill and at its feet—agricultural terraces (40 dunams); the stone walls (several of them 150 m long) are preserved three to four courses high. Finds. Pottery: Roman (meager ﬁnds—a scatter) and Byzantine (numerous ﬁnds, probably related to the rock-hewn installations).

387. 3– 4/5 14388 10455 19388 60455 360 m asl Nahal Lakhish [195] Remains of a building(?), a winepress and a cistern on west slope of hill, south of Nahal Lakhish in an area of agricultural terraces (5 dunams). Rough-hewn stones are incorporated in the terraces’ walls and a fragment of a cistern capstone is incorporated in the construction of one of the terraces’ fences. On the upper part of the slope the corner of a building is visible below a later wall (of an agricultural terrace?). On the north part of the slope is the rock-hewn winepress, consisting of a treading floor (2.7×3.1 m) and a collecting vat, blocked with soil debris. A depression in the ground nearby is probably the location of a collapsed cistern. On the slopes—agricultural terraces (15 dunams); the walls (0.65 m wide) are preserved three to five stone courses high. Finds. Pottery: Iron II (scanty finds similar to those from Tel Lakhish Strata IV–III—a scatter), Roman and Byzantine (scanty finds in the vicinity of the building corner).

388. 4– 4/1 14470 10462 19470 60462 406 m asl Nahal Lakhish [196] Khallat ‘Ashbūr (M) Settlement remains (c. 17 dunams), on hill south of Nahal Lakhish, and agricultural terraces from a later period. Along the fringes of the agricultural plots are stone clearance heaps and installations hewn in rock outcrops. In 1985–1986 the ancient remains were removed and consolidated into piles and the hill was made ready for cultivation. At that time a stone fence (0.6–0.8 m wide, six to eight courses high) was constructed around the hill. Ancient building stones (some of them dressed) were used in the construction of the fences that delimit the agricultural plots and ancient architectural elements were also observed: fragments of thresholds, limestone columns (estimated length 1.2 m) and a simple capital. Concentrations of potsherds were unearthed in the course of cultivation (1984), chieﬂy in places where the ground is gray-colored, at the top of the hill. On the northwest part of the hill—an agricultural installation hewn in a rock surface: a large basin (diam. 1.4 m, 0.24 m deep) and 0.8 m to its west two smaller basins (diam. of each 0.44 m, 0.5 m deep; 0.6 m apart), linked by a channel (0.12 m wide). Twelve meters north of this installation is a leveled rock surface (4.5×5.5 m) with a basin (diam. 0.85 m) hewn in its center (apparently a threshing ﬂoor).

25* Six hewn basins (average diam. 0.49 m) and two cupmarks (diam. of each 0.22 m) are located on a large rock surface, on the east part of the hill. A rock-hewn cistern on the west part of the hill was renovated in 1987–1988: the soil debris inside it was removed and its mouth was covered with a lid. A channel, partly rock-hewn, partly built of stone, conveys runoff to the cistern. On the slopes of the hill—agricultural terraces (18 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (scanty finds scattered over 5 dunams), Iron IIB–C (scanty finds, a settlement), Roman and Byzantine (numerous finds in the settlement remains).

389. 4– 4/2 14450 10455 19450 60455 375 m asl Khallat ‘Ashbūr (M) Settlement remains (16 dunams) on rocky slope descending west: building foundations and building remains, cisterns, stone fences, rock-hewn caves and installations. Remains of several buildings were renovated and rebuilt at the beginning of the twentieth century; the plan and dimensions of the buildings are discernible (4×4 m, 3.5×4.4 m; a three-room complex was constructed in one of them). Building stones (including dressed stones and ashlars) and ancient architectural elements such as column drums and thresholds are incorporated in the walls of the renovated buildings (some of which stand to their full height). Rock-hewn caves were recorded beneath several of the buildings. A fragment of an oil-press crushing stone lies in one of the caves. In the southwest part of the site is a well-preserved building (4×5 m), ceiling included, with an arched entryway surmounted by a fragment of a limestone column drum (diam. 0.6 m) integrated in the wall. Below this structure is a rock-hewn cave consisting of several chambers (average dimensions 3×4 m, 2.5 m high). On the cave’s south wall is a rubbed out Arabic inscription (probably that of the landowner). In 1986 fruit trees were planted between the buildings and stone fences were built to delimit the orchards; the ancient remains are consolidated into piles. Also at the site—remains of several pens of fieldstones built at the end of the nineteenth century and dressed ancient building stones. Two restored rock-hewn cisterns are located among the buildings. One of the cisterns is deeper than the other; limestone shavings cleared from it by the hewers are piled around its opening. Another cistern with two troughs near its mouth is located east of the buildings. A channel that caught runoff from the east slope approaches a rock- hewn sedimentation pit (1.2×1.5 m, 1.4 m deep), linked to the cistern by another hewn channel (1.3 m long). In the northwest part of the site is a depression (6×7 m) in the ground, probably the location of a collapsed cave. Hewn on rock surfaces north of the ruins are two winepresses, 24 m apart. The eastern winepress comprises a treading floor (2.4×4.2 m, 0.35 m deep) with a basin in its center (0.45 m diam., 0.23 m deep) and a collecting vat (0.75×1.30 m; filled with alluvium)

26* to its south, linked by a hewn channel (0.25 m long). The western winepress consists of a treading floor (2.1×2.4 m, 0.44 m deep) and two collecting vats, one small and rather shallow (0.55×0.65 m, 0.45 m deep) and the other larger and deep (0.78×1.50 m, 1.47 m deep); a hewn channel (0.35 m long) links the floor to the first vat and another hewn channel (0.1 m wide, 0.2 m deep) links that vat to the larger collecting vat. Three basins (diam. of each 0.38 m, 0.46 m deep) are hewn alongside this winepress. In the wadi to the northwest of the ruins (map ref. OIG 14450 10463, NIG 19450 60463)— agricultural terraces (10 dunams) near a large carob tree in an area that has been under cultivation in recent decades; during this time antiquities robbers discovered burial caves in the course of illicit excavations (1975). Potsherds from Iron II and the Byzantine period are scattered around the caves. In the olive grove 35 m east of the burial caves are the scattered remains of a potter’s kiln: numerous fragments of pottery vessels (some of them melted by the heat of the kiln) and burnt waste. Finds. Pottery: Iron II (numerous finds similar to those from Tel Lakhish Strata III–II, in the settlement remains), Persian (numerous finds in the settlement remains), Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine (numerous finds in the settlement remains), Early Islamic (scanty finds, eighth century CE—a scatter) and Mamluk (scanty finds of decorated potsherds—a scatter); Temporary occupation: Ottoman (potsherds and pens).

390. 4– 4/3 14497 10412 19497 60412 380 m asl Qasr Firjās (M) [1] Qasr Khallat Yāsin (M) Remains of a square structure (10×10 m; stronghold?) and remains of two other buildings, cisterns, winepresses and rock-hewn installations on rocky spur running southwest, 500 m west of Kh. Frijās [1] (below, Site 396.1). On the spur—stone fences (0.6 m wide), probably built to demarcate agricultural plots. The fences, oriented west– east, are preserved to a height of three to five courses. The remains of the square structure dominate the ruins: the outer walls (0.8 m wide) are built of large dressed stones (some of them 1 m long) and the corners are constructed in headers-and-stretchers technique; the southeast corner is preserved four to five courses high. The foundations appear to be 1.1 m wide. Inside are scanty remains of walls (0.6 m wide) that partition the structure into four rooms (dimensions: 2×4 m, 3×3 m, 4×6 m). A doorway (0.6 m wide) stands in the northeast wall of the building. Nearby, to the south—remains of a rock-hewn pit, probably for storing water. To the west—remains of another building (10×10 m), not as well preserved; a stone wall (1 m wide) preserved three to five courses high runs between the building remains. The western structure is partitioned into three rooms. Below the remains—a rock-hewn pit (for storage?) consisting of two spaces. Agricultural installations are hewn in the rock outcrops that surround the remains. To the west, north and south of the eastern building are five rock-hewn winepresses. One of the winepresses to the west consists of

27* a treading floor (1×1 m, 0.2 m deep) and a collecting vat (0.6×0.6 m, 0.57 m deep) to its west, linked by a channel (0.25 m long). Seven meters north of the winepress are four basins (average diam. 0.47 m, most 0.3 m deep), hewn in a rock outcrop. Nearby to the east is another rock-hewn winepress: a treading floor (1.5×2.3 m) and a collecting vat to its west (filled with soil debris). Some 35 m northwest of the eastern building—another two winepresses (covered with soil debris and stone clearance heaps). Some 45 m south of the eastern building is a large, sophisticated winepress complex, well planned and meticulously hewn. It comprises two units, each consisting of a treading floor and a collecting vat, as well as holding surfaces for fruit prior to treading, a pool, vats and cupmarks, arranged in a row on an especially large, leveled rock surface. On the fringes of the complex—remains of a stone wall (0.5 m wide) that probably enclosed the entire complex. Chiefly the north and west portions of the wall survive (up to two courses). The Eastern Winepress (A). A large treading floor (4×4 m, 0.4 m deep) and a collecting vat (2.7×4.0 m, 0.82 m deep) to its south. In the southwest corner of the vat is a hewn depression (0.92 m deep) where must dregs were collected; four steps (0.6 m wide) hewn in its east wall descend to the floor. The east part of the collecting vat is blocked with stones. A channel (0.44 m long) links the treading floor to the collecting vat. An outlet (diam. 0.08 m) connects the southwest corner of the treading floor to the collecting vat of the western winepress (B). A plastered fieldstone-built wall (2 m long, 0.65 m wide) traverses the center of the treading floor. The construction of the wall most likely postdates the period to which the winepress is related. The Western Winepress (B). Hewn 0.62 m from the eastern winepress, it consists of a treading floor (3.8×4.0 m, 0.44 m deep) with a central basin (diam. 0.8 m, 0.34 m deep; hewn after the winepress was no longer in use?) and a collecting vat (1.2×3.6 m, 1.1 m deep). A channel (0.45 m long) links the southeast corner of the treading floor to the collecting vat. East of the eastern winepress is a square arrangement of four rock-hewn basins (average diam. 0.35 m, 0.15 m deep). Adjacent to the northeast basin is a simple oil press: a leveled surface circumscribed by a channel. South of the basins, 2.4 m from the winepress, are four cupmarks (average diam. 0.2 m, 0.12 m deep), hewn in a row. Some 1.6 m southeast of the eastern winepress’s collecting vat—a circular rock-hewn pool (diam. 1.63 m, 0.86 m deep; stones lie on its floor). West of the western winepress— two rock-cut oval surfaces 1.1 m apart (the north surface: 1.0×1.8 m, 0.15 m deep; the south surface: 1.0×1.6 m, 0.1 m deep). One meter south of the western winepress’s collecting vat—a rock-hewn basin between two cupmarks (diam. of the east cupmark 0.2 m, diam. of the west one 0.12 m, both 0.2 m deep; diam. of the basin 0.32 m, 0.35 m deep). A circular rock-hewn surface (diam. 1.1 m, 0.22 m deep) that probably held fruit prior to treading is 0.62 m to the south.

28* The site was apparently first occupied by an agricultural village. In the Hellenistic or Roman period a stronghold may have been built as part of a line of forts that defended the ascents to the Hevron Hills. In recent decades plots of land continue to be cultivated among the building remains and rock outcrops on the spur (25 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (scanty finds, mostly east of the building remains, scattered over 2 dunams), Iron II (scanty remains, scattered over 2 dunams), Hellenistic (scanty remains—a scatter), Early Roman and Byzantine (numerous finds, in the vicinity of the eastern building). Kochavi 1972:60; Tepper and Shahar 1987e:202–203.

391. 4– 4/4 14473 10450 19493 60450 398 m asl Nahal Lakhish [197] Remains of a farmstead(?) (3 dunams) on slope of rocky hill south of Nahal Lakhish, near agricultural lands east of Khallat ‘Ashbūr (above, Site 389): rock-hewn agricultural installations on large rock surfaces, a rock-hewn cave and a cistern. Also at the site is an abandoned structure (8×10 m) containing several rooms built more than one hundred years ago. Dressed ancient building stones, some with well drafted margins, are incorporated in the building’s walls and were also employed in the construction of a nearby pen (below). At the time the building was erected, a cistern was hewn nearby to the southwest (it holds water even today). Channels lead to the cistern, surrounded by mounds of limestone shavings removed in the course of hewing. Foundations of additional structures were discerned 12 m northeast of the building. Near the building is a rock-hewn cave; a pen (6×8 m) was built around the entrance using ancient masonry stones. A stone lintel (1.24 m long) surmounts the cave entrance (0.55 m wide) from which a staircase of six steps leads inside. The cave has three chambers (each chamber 3×4 m), each with 17 niches in the walls, totaling 52 niches that vary in size (average dimensions 0.21×0.35 m). Two larger niches (each 0.45×0.55 m, 0.34 m deep) are hewn in the walls of the east chamber. In recent decades the cave was apparently used as a sheepfold. In the vicinity of the building are stone clearance piles. Below a large stone pile 45 m northeast of the structure—building foundations (0.65 m wide). Some 55 m southwest of the building, in the vicinity of two large oak trees, is an oil press hewn in a rock outcrop: two basins (diam. of each 0.65 m, both 0.3 m deep) and an adjoining level surface, circumscribed by a channel. Nearby to the south is a stone fence built in 1984 using stones cleared from agricultural plots, including dressed building stones. On the east slope of the hill—agricultural terraces (55 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (scanty finds, scattered over 1 dunam), Iron II (numerous finds, eighth century BCE, including a fragment of a handle bearing a four- winged LMLK stamp), Hellenistic and Herodian (scanty finds, a scatter), Mamluk (a

29* scatter of polychrome potsherds, thirteenth–fourteenth centuries CE) and Ottoman (pens and potsherds—temporary occupation).

392. 4– 4/5 14430 10460 19430 60460 383 m asl Nahal Lakhish [198] Remains of buildings, installations hewn in rock outcrops and stone clearance heaps on a rocky spur sloping moderately southwest, to Nahal Lakhish. On the upper reaches of the spur, west of a large stone clearance heap (diam. 5 m, 1.8 m high)—two basins (diam. of each 0.45 m, both 0.2 m high) 1.32 m apart. Nearby to the west—four cupmarks (average diam. 0.27 m, each 0.16 m high) and farther west—12 stone clearance heaps. The stone clearance heaps are piled on rock outcrops on the top and slopes of the spur, as well as on the open spaces between them (area of 4 dunams). Some 230 m west of the large stone heap—remains of a building; the north and west walls are preserved (each wall 2.4 m long, 0.44 m wide). Building stones are scattered around the structure. In this area are scanty remains of additional structures, some of which lie underneath stone clearance heaps. On the spur—agricultural terraces (44 dunams) with dressed building stones incorporated in their walls. Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (scanty finds scattered over 1 dunam), Iron II (numerous finds scattered over 2 dunams) and Roman (numerous finds in the area of the building remains).

393. 4– 4/6, 9 14418 10455 19418 60455 395 m asl Nahal Lakhish [199] 393.1. Long section of a road (840 m, 2.8–3.2 m wide) on moderate spur running east–west, south of Nahal Lakhish, ﬂanked by curbstones (mainly one course, but occasionally two); over time cleared stones were piled up on both sides of the road and its shoulders were widened. The western section of the road has several broad steps hewn in the rock to facilitate passage on the descent. The road probably led from the village of Ed Dawāyima [1] to Qasr Firjās [1], and thence continued farther east. 393.2. Remains of agricultural terraces (25 dunams; walls preserved two to ﬁve courses high) on rocky slope descending west, toward Nahal Lakhish. Low walls that run from the top of the slope to the west apparently delimited agricultural plots. At the foot of the slope—four basins (diam. 0.44–0.63 m) hewn in a fractured rock surface.

394. 4– 4/7 14440 10435 19440 60435 380 m asl Nahal Lakhish [200] Remains of a building and wall segments, a cistern, a winepress, installations hewn in a rock surface and stone clearance heaps, on slope of rocky spur (rock outcrops are spread

30* over 2 dunams) descending west, toward Nahal Lakhish. The site’s plan is unclear due to prolonged cultivation; stone clearance heaps cover the building remains. On the northwest part of the spur—remains of a building (2.6×3.7 m); its entrance, facing south, is flanked by stone doorjambs (0.8 m high). In a stone clearance heap (diam. 4.3 m, 1 m high) on the eastern part of the spur— several building stones, arranged in two lines (remains of a structure?). On the top of the spur—a rock-hewn winepress: a large treading floor (5.7×6.2 m, 0.32 m deep) and collecting vat (1.28×2.56 m, 1.44 m deep) to its west, linked by a channel (0.25 m long). After the winepress ceased to be used a cistern (3.5 m deep) was hewn in the collecting vat. Some 25 m southeast of the winepress—rock-cuttings, in a leveled rock surface (3.2×4.2 m), sloping slightly to the west: seven cupmarks (average diam. 0.27 m, 0.15 m deep) and five basins (average diam. 0.4 m, average depth 0.27 m); one of them is cone-shaped (diam. of upper portion 0.58 m, diam. of lower part 0.12 m, 0.38 m deep). A channel links the two westernmost basins. The complex was apparently used for processing agricultural products. On the lower reaches of the spur—remains of agricultural terraces (68 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (scanty finds—a scatter) and Iron II (numerous finds, similar to those of Tel Lakhish Strata IV–III, in the building remains).

395. 4– 4/8, 10 14435 10475 19435 60475 385 m asl Nahal Lakhish [201] 395.1. Remains of five structures (2 dunams) on rocky spur descending northwest, toward Nahal Lakhish. The walls (0.45 m wide) of one of the buildings (5.23×5.47 m) are preserved three to four courses high and the entrance (0.76 m wide) is in the western wall. To the north—remains of agricultural terraces. Dressed building stones and a capital fragment are incorporated in the walls of one of the plots. North of the structural remains—traces of cuttings in a rock outcrop, apparently preceding the hewing of a winepress: outlines of a treading floor (2.3×4.3 m) and a collecting vat (1.2×2.0 m). On the north slope of the spur are three depressions: cisterns intentionally blocked up. On the spur—agricultural terraces (44 dunams). Finds. Byzantine pottery (numerous sherds). 395.2. Rock-hewn burial cave (currently blocked) on slope descending north, toward Nahal Lakhish. Antiquities robbers plundered the cave a long time ago. Near the cave—a wall (8 m long, 0.55 m wide). On the slope—agricultural terraces (10 dunams). Finds. Byzantine pottery (scanty finds near the cave entrance).

31* 396. 5– 4/1–8 14545 10425 19545 60425 400 m asl Kh. Firjās (M); Kh. Firjâs (M–List) [1] 396.1. Remains of a large settlement (35 dunams) on a hill overlooking a vast portion of the Judean Shephelah. The plan of the site is disturbed due to intense cultivation. Local villagers prepared agricultural terraces there in recent decades, utilizing ancient building stones from the settlement in the construction of the terrace walls, as well as for animal pens. A stone wall (1.2 m wide; a defense wall?), large parts of which are well preserved (three to five courses high), encompasses the hill. Evidence of illicit excavations is quite apparent in various parts of the site. This activity has exposed rock-hewn cisterns and cave entrances, remains of buildings and floors (on some of them potsherds are strewn), as well as walls, for example, in the northeast portion of the site, which incorporate ancient architectural elements, including limestone capitals and column fragments. In the southern portion of the site—remains of a building (3.2×4.0 m). The doorway, built of rough-hewn stones and surmounted by a stone lintel (1.3 m long), is preserved in its entirety. Beneath the building is a rock-hewn cave (2.4×4.3 m, 1.7 m high), partly blocked with alluvium. In the eastern part of the site—remains of a round building (a bathhouse?) with a concentration of ancient architectural elements around it: a round column (1.48 m long, diam. 0.65 m), column drums, fragments of a column and capitals, and numerous fragments of fired mud bricks. On the southern slope of the hill—rock-hewn caves: (1) The eastern cave is a single chamber (4.2×5.8 m, 2.1 m high) accessed by three hewn steps (1.5 m wide) from the entrance, which faces south. The ceiling is supported by two round columns (diam. of each column 0.54 m). In the north wall—the opening of a tunnel (0.55×0.74 m; blocked with earth). (2) This cave, 14 m west of Cave 1, is a single chamber, approached by a hewn corridor (4 m long). Traces of niches observed in the cave walls appear to have been intentionally destroyed. (3) The western cave is ‘L’-shaped (partially destroyed) with a narrow entrance. A central round column was left at the time of hewing to support the ceiling. On the northern slope of the hill—a rock-hewn cistern (3.6 m deep). Recently the soil debris that had accumulated in the cistern was removed and a channel that conveyed runoff to the cistern was renovated. Nearby are other cisterns, some of which are blocked with soil and others that have collapsed. The settlement is surrounded by agricultural terraces (130 dunams) that include dressed building stones, fragments of capitals and limestone columns in the construction of the walls. South of the settlement, on the lowermost terrace, the soil has a burnt brownish-red tinge and crushed potsherds are scattered about (remains of a potter’s workshop?).

32* Several rock-hewn burial caves (currently blocked) on the hill’s western and southern slopes were all plundered in the past by antiquities robbers. Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (numerous finds, spread over 25 dunams— settlement remains?), Iron II (numerous finds, similar to those of Tel Lakhish Strata IV–II—settlement remains), Persian and Hellenistic (numerous finds, including fragments of imported vessels, over an area of 25 dunams—settlement remains), Roman and Byzantine (numerous finds over an area of 35 dunams—settlement remains); Temporary occupation: Ottoman (settlement remains over an area of 10 dunams, pens). Conder and Kitchener 1881–1883, III:358. 396.2. Remains of buildings, stone clearance heaps and stone fences, delimiting agricultural plots (5 dunams), on moderate slope (map ref. OIG 14555 10442, NIG 19555 60442) of spur north of Kh. Firjās [1]. Dressed building stones (some quite large—0.7×0.8 m) are incorporated in the construction of the stone fences. The ancient remains were largely destroyed by recent agricultural activity. On one of the rock outcrops—two hewn basins (diam. 0.55 m each, 0.24 m deep; filled with soil debris). East of the basins is a rock-hewn winepress (mostly covered with soil debris) and a depression in the ground (a blocked cistern?). On the north slope of the spur—agricultural terraces (5–10 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (scanty finds—a scatter), Hellenistic and Roman (scanty finds, scattered over 1 dunam) and Byzantine (numerous finds, including roof- tile fragments, around the building remains). 396.3. Ruinous rock-hewn bell-shaped cave (3.5×5.6 m) on east side of saddle (map ref. OIG 14558 10434, NIG 19558 60434), east of Kh. Firjās [1]. The cave was destroyed in 1983 when agricultural plots were enlarged prior to planting fruit trees. A bell-shaped potter’s kiln (diam. 4 m, 2.4 m high), hewn in the chalk, was exposed nearby; the kiln walls are lined with hard limestone and the lining was treated with a layer of plaster. There are traces of soot on the kiln walls, coated in sections with brownish-red plaster. Many fragments of pottery vessels are scattered around the kiln. Finds. Byzantine pottery (scanty finds in the potter’s kiln). 396.4. Rock-hewn winepress and basins on spur running east (map ref. OIG 14590 10410; NIG 19590 60410), in an area of agricultural terraces. The winepress has a treading floor (2.66×3.27 m, 0.48 m deep) with a square central basin (0.48×0.48 m, 0.28 m deep) and a collecting vat (0.63×1.66 m; blocked by alluvium) to its east. North of the collecting vat is a shallow rock-cut surface (1.6×2.8 m, 0.18 m deep), where fruit was probably held prior to treading; a hewn channel links this surface to the treading floor. Northwest of the winepress on a fractured rock outcrop are three hewn basins (diam. 0.37–0.47 m). On the spur—agricultural terraces with ancient retaining walls. Several of the plots have been cultivated in recent decades and olive trees were planted in several of them.

33* 396.5. A single-chambered burial cave (3.28×3.64 m, 1.73 m high) on a rocky slope descending south, toward Wadi Idna, in an area of agricultural terraces (25 dunams). The cave, plundered by antiquities robbers a long time ago, has a hewn facade (1.2×1.5 m); the entrance (0.48×0.67 m) has a recessed two-stepped frame (0.12 m deep) around it. In the western and eastern walls of the cave are kokhim (each kokh 2.17 m long, 0.58 m wide, 0.55 m high); chalk sealing slabs were fractured by the antiquities robbers, who may also have carved two circles on each of the western and northern walls of the cave. Many fragments of Early Roman pottery vessels were found on the ﬂoor of the burial chamber. Five depressions with Roman-period pottery scattered around them were discerned on the slope; these may denote the location of additional burial caves. 396.6. Pottery scatter (1 dunam) on elevated terrace near the conﬂuence of two wadis (Nahal Lakhish and its tributary). Finds. Pottery: Iron II, Hellenistic and Byzantine. 396.7. Remains of an oil press, completely destroyed, at northwest foot of Kh. Firjās [1], scattered over the agricultural terraces that were prepared on the slope: two fragments of a basin (estimated diam. 2 m) and a stone weight with a central perforation. Another stone-weight fragment was found 100 m to the southwest. On the slopes—agricultural terraces (25 dunams). 396.8. Deserted orchard surrounded by stone fences on slope, northeast of Kh. Firjās [1] (recently replanted). A stone threshold (1.6 m long) is incorporated in the west side of the fence. West of the orchard—a cave entrance. On the slope—agricultural terraces (45 dunams).

397. 6–4/1, 6–5/2 14615 10492 19615 60492 425 m asl Kh. Qusātīn (M–Map); Kh. el Qûsatīn (M–List) [4] 397.1. Settlement remains (15 dunams) on south slope of spur, northwest of Kh. el Kaum [1]. Construction of agricultural terraces disturbed the site’s plan. The agricultural plots were built using stones taken from the ancient settlement and ancient architectural elements (including an ashlar stone and fragments of a column and a capital) were incorporated in the construction of the walls. Located among the plots are rock-hewn caves (subsequently used as shepherds’ dwellings); one of them is fronted by a pen (7×7 m). In the east part of the site—six rock-hewn cisterns; a box-like installation (0.65×0.65 m) was constructed at the mouths of two of the cisterns in order to lock them. At the foot of the slope, to the west—remains of buildings that were constructed in the 1940s utilizing ancient rough-hewn masonry stones. Several pens were surveyed nearby. On the slopes of the spur—agricultural terraces (55 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Roman and Byzantine (numerous finds in the settlement remains), Early Islamic (scanty finds—scattered over 4 dunams) and Mamluk (numerous finds— settlement remains?); Temporary occupation: Ottoman (animal pens, cave dwellings).

34* 397.2. Esh-Sheikh Qusātīn: a domed sheikh’s tomb, on the northeast fringes of Kh. Qusātīn [4]. The structure is surrounded by large oak trees (said to be 400–500 years old). The tomb (1.83×2.55 m, 1.16 m high) is built of ﬁeldstones and ancient masonry stones (in secondary use). Villagers from the western region of the Hevron Hills make pilgrimages to the tomb. Finds. Mamluk and Ottoman pottery.

398. 6– 4/2, 4, 5 14640 10445 19640 60445 452 m asl Kh. el Kôm (S) Kh. el Kaum (1929) [1] 398.1. Tell (25 dunams) at edge of spur descending west. The northern, southern and western slopes of the tell are quite steep, constituting a natural defense. There may have been a fosse on the east side of the tell (currently blocked up; residents of the area say the fosse was filled in when the settlement was enlarged at the end of the Ottoman period). From the beginning of the twentieth century families from the village of Dura settled on and around the tell where they founded a satellite settlement and began to cultivate the land in the wadis and valleys around the site; use was made of ancient cisterns and caves. Ancient building stones (some of them dressed) were removed from the tell for the construction of the villagers’ houses. From the 1970s on the village expanded, especially toward the east (reaching the village of Kh. Beit Maqdum), and hundreds of families currently reside there. Over the years agricultural cultivation and illicit excavations have caused damage to the ancient remains in and around the tell. Excavations were conducted on the tell and in the surrounding area by W.G. Dever (1967; the burial caves) and by J.S. Holladay (1970–1971; several other areas). Remains of an Iron II casemate wall, a gate flanked by two pillars and remains of a structure and a silo were exposed. Dozens of Iron Age tombs were uncovered to the south and west of the tell and salvage excavations were conducted in some of them following the discovery of Hebrew inscriptions related to the interred. On the east side of the tell (map ref. OIG 14578 10456, NIG 19578 60456; beyond the fosse?)—17 rock-hewn cisterns and caves (some of them were blocked in 1986). Broad rock-hewn steps lead to the floor of the southern cistern (similar to the cisterns in the area of Tel Maresha). On the cistern’s floor are numerous fragments of Hellenistic pottery vessels. At the foot of the north slope of the spur—agricultural installations: three basins (average diam. 0.47 m, 0.28 m deep) and twelve cupmarks (average diam. 0.17 m, depth 0.11 m) arranged in two rows. On the south slope—three burial caves, plundered by antiquities robbers many years ago (presently blocked by collapse). Around the caves’ entrances are many potsherds from Early Bronze III. On the slopes of the spur—agricultural terraces (120 dunams); ashlars and rough- hewn stones were used in the construction of the walls.

35* Finds. Pottery: Chalcolithic (scanty finds, scattered over 10 dunams), EB I–III (numerous finds—scatters and burial caves), Iron II (numerous finds, similar to those at Tel Lakhish Stratum IV–II—remains of a fortified city), Hellenistic (numerous finds— settlement remains), Roman (scanty finds—a scatter), Byzantine (numerous finds— settlement remains), Mamluk (scanty finds, scattered over 5 dunams) and Ottoman (finds, as well as structures and pens—temporary occupation). Guérin 1869, 2:343–344 (Kh. el-Koum); Conder and Kitchener 1881–1883, III:358; Probes in the Area of Hevron, HA 25 (1968):26–28; Dever 1969–1970, Dever 1971, 1992a and the bibliography therein, 1999; Kh. el Kaum, HA 39 (1971):24–25; Holladay 1971a, 1971b; Kochavi 1972:60; Geraty 1974. 398.2. Burial caves, a winepress, a rock-hewn bell-shaped cistern and agricultural terraces, on slope descending west, southwest of Kh. el Kaum [1]. The caves were plundered by antiquities robbers in the late 1960s. A dozen cave entrances were recorded (most were blocked). North of the burial caves—a rock-hewn winepress: a treading floor (2.33×3.12 m, 0.42 m deep) and a collecting vat (filled with soil debris). Near the winepress—a bell-shaped cistern (diam. of mouth 1.1 m, 4 m deep). On the slope—agricultural terraces (25 dunams); rough-hewn building stones are incorporated in the terrace walls. Finds. Pottery: Iron II (numerous finds in the vicinity of the caves—burial site) and Byzantine (scanty finds—a scatter). 398.3. Burial cave entrances on spur running west, south of Kh. el Kaum [1]. Some of the caves were blocked when the area was prepared for cultivation and others were filled with fertile soil and olive trees were planted in their openings. According to the landowner, antiquities robbers plundered the caves in the 1970s and found few artifacts. On the spur and in the wadi to its north—agricultural terraces (35 dunams). Finds. a few Byzantine potsherds (burial site?).

399. 6– 4/3, 6 14680 10460 19680 60460 425 m asl Kh. er Rasm (M) [1] 399.1. Settlement remains (25 dunams) on spur, between the villages Kh. el Kaum [1] and Kh. Beit Maqdum [1]: remains of a large building (8×14 m) and a courtyard (25×25 m), wall segments (0.5–0.7 m wide), cave entrances, rock-hewn cisterns and installations. On the north slope of the spur—remains of four structures: corners and wall segments (residents of the area dismantled the building stones for the construction of their homes). Nearby—four rock-hewn cisterns; the ceiling of one of them is collapsed. Around the mouth of the eastern cistern—four troughs (average dimensions 0.85×1.10 m). On the southern slope—three basins (average diam. 0.58 m, depth 0.37 m), hewn in a rock outcrop, and four cupmarks (average diam. 0.22 m, depth of 0.14 m) adjacent to a rock-cut surface (1.27×1.44, 0.28 m deep). On the lower reaches of the slope, among olive groves—a rock-hewn, bell-shaped cave (of the type found in the Bet

36* Guvrin region) whose hewing damaged an Iron Age burial cave. Nearby—another rock-hewn cave containing several chambers, and four rock-hewn basins and a winepress. The winepress consists of a treading floor (1.55×1.78 m, 0.37 m deep) and a collecting vat (filled with alluvium) to its south. On a leveled rock outcrop east of the winepress is a row of three rock-hewn basins (diam. 0.25–0.30 m, 0.15–0.25 m deep). On the slopes of the spur—agricultural terraces (60 dunams), some of them ancient and others constructed in recent decades. Finds. Pottery: EB II–III (numerous finds in the settlement remains), Iron II (numerous finds similar to those from Tel Lakhish Strata III–II in the settlement remains), Roman (numerous finds in the settlement remains) and Byzantine (numerous finds in the area of the installations—settlement remains); Temporary occupation: Ottoman (potsherds and pens). 399.2. Road (2 m wide) leading to Idna, basins hewn in rock outcrops and a winepress, on spur north of Kh. er Rasm [1]. On the eastern part of the spur are 37 basins (diam. 0.34–0.66 m, average depth 0.24 m) hewn in several adjacent rock outcrops. Some of the basins are hewn in two rows (six to a row). Near this concentration, to the north—two rock-hewn basins linked by a channel (0.55 m long). The area was apparently a center for processing agricultural products. South of the concentration of basins are 12 rock-hewn cupmarks (diam. 0.22–0.28 m). On the west part of the spur—a rock-hewn winepress: a treading floor (2.6×3.5 m) and a collecting vat (0.8×1.5 m), both filled with alluvium. On the spur and its slopes—agricultural terraces (35 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (scanty finds—a scatter), Iron II (scanty finds—a scatter) and Early Islamic (numerous finds—a scatter).

400. 6– 4/7 14658 10424 19658 60424 410 m asl Kh. el Kaum [4] Rock-hewn caves (originally c. 12?) and agricultural terraces on slope descending south, south of Kh. el Kaum [1]. The caves, apparently burial caves, underwent extensive alterations on the part of the villagers, who enlarged and connected the small chambers of neighboring caves to form large cavities. Currently there are five large caves used for storage and as a pen. In this area—agricultural plots and terraces (27 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Iron II (numerous finds—a scatter) and Byzantine (beginning of the period; numerous finds in the vicinity of the caves).

401. 6– 4/8 14650 10495 19650 60495 410 m asl Kh. el Kaum [5] Remains of a building (3.2×6.0 m) in wadi north of the village of Kh. el Kaum [1]: foundations (a double row of stones) surmounted by meager remains of walls built

37* of rough-hewn stones. The entrance (0.94 m wide) faces E; on the ground nearby are two stone lintels, which may have been part of the entrance. Building stones from the ancient structure were reused in the construction of the villagers’ houses. North of the building is a rock-hewn cistern (3.5 m deep) and four hewn troughs (each 0.9×1.2 m, 0.32 m deep). West of the cistern—a large rock-hewn basin (diam. 0.92 m, 0.38 m deep) with a central depression (diam. 0.32 m) that may have been used for processing (milling?) agricultural products. In the wadi—agricultural terraces (30 dunams); dressed stones, apparently taken from ancient buildings, are incorporated in the walls.

402. 6– 4/9 14604 10464 19604 60464 380 m asl Kh. el Kaum [6] Pottery scatters (1 dunam) in wadi, in the middle of an agricultural terrace complex, west of the village of Kh. el Kaum [1]. According to the village residents, stone clearance heaps in the area provided stones for construction in the village. Finds. Pottery: EB II–III and Iron II (scanty ﬁnds).

403. 6– 4/10 14606 10410 19606 60410 385 m asl Kh. el Kaum [7] Ancient road (250 m long, 1.8–2.4 m wide) ﬂanked by curbstones near Nahal Lakhish, southwest of Kh. el Kaum [1]. In the past the road linked the Hevron Hills with the village of Beit Jubrin, and it currently serves the villagers of Kh. el Kaum.

404. 6– 4/11 14695 10450 19695 60450 450 m asl Kh. el Kaum [8] Three rock-hewn caves on slope facing north, southeast of Kh. el Kaum [1]. Antiquities robbers plundered the caves many years ago, and later they were used for storage.

405. 7– 4/1, 7 14717 10484 19717 60484 425 m asl Beit Makdûm (S) Kh. Beit Maqdūm (M); Kh. Beit Maqdûm (M–List) [1] 405.1. Settlement remains (15 dunams) on low hill, destroyed during the course of intensive cultivation. Several families presently reside there in a village (100 dunams) where 20 buildings were recorded in a survey conducted in 1992. Incorporated in the walls of these buildings are rough-hewn stones, as well as ashlars, column fragments, stone lintels and thresholds. Beneath the buildings—caves that were used by the villagers before the houses were erected; in the caves are later rock cuttings, which altered their plans. In the valley north of the ruins—plundered burial caves. Many Iron II potsherds were gathered from around the cave entrances.

38* On the hill northeast of the ruin are two rock-hewn winepresses. The southern winepress: a treading floor (2.18×2.55 m) and collecting vat (0.75×1.35 m, 0.66 m deep); the northern winepress: a treading floor (1.50×2.66 m, 0.74 m deep) and collecting vat (0.74×1.35; filled with alluvium). Near the winepresses are four hewn basins (diam. of each 0.55 m, 0.29 m deep). On a rock outcrop on the east slope of the hill—seven rock- hewn cupmarks (average diam. 0.2 m). On a hill southeast of the ruin—remains of a structure (4.5×6.0 m): walls preserved two to three stone courses high. Nearby—a rock-hewn cave (4×6 m) and a cistern (4.5 m deep). North of the structure—a rock-hewn winepress, consisting of a treading floor (2.18×3.28 m) and collecting vat (filled with alluvium). Alongside the winepress are three hewn basins (diam. of each 0.38 m, 0.2 m deep) and two cupmarks (diam. of each 0.22 m). On the west slope of the hill—remains of an orchard. A fence of fieldstones surrounds the orchard remains; a fragment of an oil press crushing stone is incorporated in the fence. In the valley south of the ruin—remains of ancient walls on which stone clearance heaps are piled and agricultural terraces (75 dunams). On a rock outcrop in this area are three hewn cupmarks. Finds. Pottery: Iron II (numerous finds, similar to those from Tel Lakhish Strata III–II—in the settlement remains), Roman (scanty finds scattered over 5 dunams), Byzantine (numerous finds in the settlement remains), Early Islamic (numerous finds— settlement remains?) and Mamluk (numerous finds—settlement remains?); Temporary occupation: Ottoman (buildings, pens and cave dwellings). Conder and Kitchener 1881–1883, III:324; Abel 1938, II:378; Kochavi 1972:60 (Kh. Beit Makdus). 405.2. On a spur east of Kh. Beit Maqdum [1], in an area of agricultural plots (45 dunams)—four basins (diam. 0.30–0.48 m) hewn in a leveled rock outcrop inclining slightly to the north and seven cupmarks (average diam. 0.25 m) hewn in several rock outcrops nearby. On a sloping rock outcrop in the west part of the spur is a hewn, almost square surface (3.6×3.7 m, 0.52 m deep) with an incompletely hewn channel (0.27 m wide) in its west side (installation for drying agricultural products?). Finds. Byzantine pottery (scanty finds—a scatter).

406. 7– 4/2, 8, 9 14762 10445 19762 60445 491 m asl Jebel es Sa‘di [1] (M) 406.1. Structures from the last few generations whose walls include ancient rough-hewn building stones in their construction, on rocky hill east of Kh. el Kaum [1]. Nearby—a rock-hewn cistern. South of the western building—two basins (diam. of each 0.44 m), hewn in a large rock outcrop. In a valley running west—four burial caves, plundered by antiquities robbers. On the slopes of the hill—agricultural terraces (10 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Byzantine (scanty ﬁnds near the burial-cave entrances).

39* 406.2. Winepress hewn in a large rock outcrop on the bank of a wadi running west, west of Jebel es Sa‘di [1]: a treading floor (2.5×3.6 m, 0.48 m deep) and a collecting vat (0.63×1.30 m; filled with cleared stones). In the wadi—agricultural terraces (25 dunams). 406.3. Remains of a building (3×4 m), probably a shelter for shepherds, on slope descending west, east of Jebel es Sa‘di [1]. One to three stone courses survive of the walls. To the east—a pen (4×6 m) built of fieldstones. Finds. Ottoman pottery (scanty finds in the remains of the building and in the pen— temporary occupation).

407. 7– 4/3 14796 10418 19796 60418 450 m asl Wadi el Hammam [17] (M) Settlement remains (7 dunams) on rocky spur descending west (referred to by the local population as Kh. Qarqara). Much of the spur is surrounded by remains of a stone fence (two to four courses survive); apparently building stones from the settlement were used in its construction. Stone clearance heaps that include dressed building stones are piled on the structures still remaining at the site (the cleared area is under cultivation). On the lower reaches of the spur—a rock-hewn winepress (only its treading ﬂoor is visible: 1.6×2.5 m) and two vats (diam. of each 0.55 m). To their north is an especially large rock-hewn vat (diam. 1.58 m, 0.44 m deep) with a central depression (diam. 0.15 m, 0.16 m deep). South of the vat—a hewn concave surface (1.28×1.55 m) apparently used to dry agricultural products. On the slopes of the spur—agricultural terraces (15 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Byzantine (end of the period; in the settlement remains) and Early Islamic (numerous ﬁnds, eighth–ninth centuries CE, in the settlement remains).

408. 7– 4/4 14760 10470 19760 60470 450 m asl Jebel es Sa‘di [2] Ancient road (3–4 m wide) on slope of spur, running east–west from Kh. Humsa [1] (below, Site 415.1) to Kh. el Kaum [1] (above, Site 398.1). The eastern part of the road was destroyed when the modern road leading to Kh. Humsa [1] was paved; the western part, ﬂanked by curbstones, is visible for 500 m. Several portions of the road were cut to facilitate passage and remains of support walls at the sides of the road can be discerned. Residents of Kh. el Kaum [1] relate that the road led from the village of Ed Dawayima [1] to Hevron and was ﬁrst used 400 or 500 years ago.

409. 7– 4/5 14720 10445 19720 60445 450 m asl Jebel es Sa‘di [3] Remains of a stone circle (diam. 12 m; remains of a building?) on hill (currently on the southern fringes of Kh. Beit Maqdum [1]), constructed of large ﬁeldstones (0.8–0.9 m wide). The south and east sides of the circle are preserved two to three courses high

40* and sections are missing from its north and west sides. Rough-hewn building stones lie inside the circle. Nearby to the west are three rock-hewn cupmarks (diam. of each 0.27 m) and a rock-hewn basin (diam. 0.55 m). Other ancient remains on the hill were damaged by development works prior to construction. Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (numerous ﬁnds in the stone circle) and Iron II (scanty remains—a scatter).

410. 7– 4/6 14754 10410 19754 60410 472 m asl Jebel es Sa‘di [4] Concentration of rock-hewn agricultural installations (4 dunams) on low rocky hill south of Jebel es Sa‘di [1]: a winepress, basins, a pool(?) and a threshing floor—a leveled rock surface. The winepress consists of a treading floor (2.18×3.44 m, 0.28 m deep) and collecting vat (0.55×1.22 m; filled with alluvium). East of the winepress are three basins (diam. of each 0.38 m). Near the basins—a leveled rock outcrop (3.2×4.6 m), inclined to the south. On the slopes of the hill—agricultural terraces (14 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (scanty finds—a scatter), Iron II (scanty finds—a scatter) and Byzantine (numerous finds in the vicinity of the agricultural installations).

411. 7– 4/10 14790 10485 19790 60485 490 m asl Jebel es Sa‘di [10] Winepress hewn in a rock outcrop on the bank of a small wadi (a tributary of Wadi Idna), north of Jebel es Sa‘di [1]: a treading floor (1.47×1.83 m, 0.42 m deep) and collecting vat (0.68×1.10 m; filled with cleared stones) linked by a channel. Hewn in the treading floor—two unfinished basins (diam. of each 0.42 m). In the wadi—agricultural terraces (37 dunams).

412. 7– 4/11 14730 10462 19730 60462 480 m asl Kh. Beit Maqdûm [3] Rock-hewn pit (apparently a reservoir; presently filled with cleared stones) on slope of spur descending north, south of Kh. Beit Maqdum [1] in an area of agricultural plots (50 dunams). Rock debris removed when hewing surrounds the pit. Dressed building stones are incorporated in the walls of the agricultural plots. Finds. Pottery: Iron II (scanty finds—a scatter) and Byzantine (numerous finds—a scatter).

413. 7– 4/12 14718 10404 19718 60404 430 m asl Kh. el Muraq [2] Remains of a building (4×6 m; covered with cleared stones) and a courtyard (8×8 m), as well as a rock-hewn winepress and a cistern, on spur east of Kh. el Muraq [1] in area of agricultural plots (28 dunams). The building’s ﬁeldstone walls (average width 0.7 m)

41* are preserved 1 m high. The winepress (a stone wall stands on it) is to its east and the cistern (currently not in use), to its north. Finds. Pottery: Hellenistic (numerous ﬁnds, including a fragment of a Rhodian amphora handle, in the building), Byzantine and Ottoman (numerous ﬁnds in the building).

414. 7– 4/13 14736 10494 19736 60494 470 m asl Kh. Beit Maqdûm [4] Rock-hewn caves at foot of slope east of Kh. Beit Maqdum [1]. Three of the caves were apparently ﬁrst used for burial and later were converted into dwellings. Two of the caves were combined to form a single large chamber (currently used for storing hay and grains). All of the caves may have initially served for burial (Iron Age?), but were modiﬁed during later phases of their use.

415. 8– 4/1, 3, 8, 9 14865 10448 19865 60448 460 m asl Kh. Humsa (M) [1] 415.1. Remains of an ancient settlement (10 dunams) at foot of spur, on the fringes of a fertile valley in the Hevron foothills. Part of the site is currently inhabited—a village, many of whose structures were erected on ancient foundations, making secondary use of ancient masonry stones. In the middle of the built-up area—a rock-hewn cave (3.2×4.6 m) approached by ﬁve broad steps (1.55 m wide), which initially served for burial but was altered by later hewing. South of the eastern building are three more rock-hewn caves; two were used as tombs and the third’s purpose is unclear (its plan was altered). An ashlar stone bearing traces of a Greek inscription is incorporated in a corner of the south building. A large fragment of an oil press crushing basin and a stone weight lie east of the building. Stone fences around agricultural plots run west of the built-up area. Rough-hewn building stones and architectural elements, including a stone threshold, a column fragment, a capital and a column base, are incorporated in the fence walls. Farther west—a rock-hewn cistern (5 m deep) approached by a hewn channel that conveyed runoff to it from the slopes. Around the cistern are six troughs (average dimensions 0.74×1.12 m) hewn in large limestone blocks. In the cultivated area north of the village—extensive pottery scatters. Many masonry stones are piled up along the edge of this area. Near the village to the east, are rock-hewn agricultural installations, among them two winepresses. The northern winepress has a round treading floor (diam. 2.68 m, 0.44 m deep) and an almost square collecting vat (0.75×0.78 m, 0.55 m deep), the southern winepress consists of a treading floor (2.33×2.48 m, 0.37 m deep) and a collecting vat (1.06×1.78 m; filled with alluvium). Three more rock-hewn winepresses (filled with refuse) are located in the southeast part of the village. Hewn in rock surfaces east of the winepresses—five basins (average diam. 0.45 m) and seven cupmarks (average diam. 0.24 m); two of the cupmarks are linked by a channel (0.44 m

42* long). Numerous potsherds were gathered from among the village buildings and the surrounding area. Finds. Pottery: Hellenistic (scanty finds, scattered over 4 dunams), Herodian (scanty finds, scattered over 5 dunams), Roman and Byzantine (numerous finds in the settlement remains, spread over 15 dunams), Early Islamic (numerous finds—settlement remains?), Crusader (fragments of decorated vessels—a scatter), Mamluk (numerous finds—settlement remains?) and Ottoman (Gaza Ware in and around the pens—temporary occupation). Kochavi 1972:61. 415.2. South of the modern village, on the lower reaches of the spur (map ref. OIG 14864 10432, NIG 19864 60432)—two modern buildings constructed on ancient foundations, two caves, a winepress, basins, cupmarks, a threshing floor, an orchard and two cisterns. Ancient building stones are incorporated in the buildings’ walls. Nearby, to the south, are two rock-hewn caves (currently used for storage) whose original layout was altered by later cutting. In the south cave are three hewn steps. East of the caves is a rock-hewn winepress: a treading floor (2.66×3.58 m, 0.33 m deep) and collecting vat (0.95×1.75 m, 0.75 m deep). Next to it are two hewn basins (diam. of each 0.47 m) and 10 m to the east—another hewn basin. East of the buildings is a leveled rock surface (4.2×4.6 m; a threshing floor?) and four adjacent hewn cupmarks. East of the buildings—an ancient orchard (fig, pomegranate, almond and carob trees). North of the buildings—two rock-hewn cisterns and remains of a pen (6×8 m). Severance channels for quarrying building stones are visible on the rock outcrops on the spur. In a valley to the northeast—agricultural terraces (25 dunams); the walls include ancient rough-hewn building stones and fragments of architectural elements, including a limestone column (0.55 m long). Finds. Pottery: Byzantine (scanty finds in the vicinity of the building remains), Early Islamic (numerous finds in the area of the building remains) and Mamluk (scanty finds—a scatter); Temporary occupation: Ottoman (pen and an orchard). 415.3. Road (2–3 m wide), running the length of the valley from north to south (map ref. OIG 14885 10442, NIG 19885 60442), flanked by curbstones. Traces of the road can be seen for a distance of five kilometers. 415.4. Road (3–4 m wide; 400 m long), running from Kh. Humsa [1] to the Hevron Hills (map ref. OIG 14875 10440, NIG 19875 60440). Monoliths are positioned alongside the road, probably to mark the route. Sections of retaining walls survive on the road’s shoulders in several places; the rock was cut to facilitate passage at difficult locations.

416. 8– 4/2, 4, 5, 7 14815 10410 19815 60410 525 m asl Kh. Humsa [2] 416.1. Wall segments, rock-hewn agricultural installations, ten stone heaps and numerous pottery scatters (5 dunams) on hill west of Kh. Humsa [1], in the Hevron foothills (on

43* a British Mandate map the area is marked Shi‘b Jebel ‘Alili). Stone clearance heaps, containing ancient building stones, cover the hill. Fourteen basins (average diam. 0.35 m), eleven cupmarks (average diam. 0.21 m) and four conical cupmarks (rim diam. 0.25 m, lower diam. 0.10 m, 0.20 m deep) are hewn in rock outcrops. On the north slope of the hill is a rock-hewn winepress: a treading floor (1.8×2.5 m, 0.37 m deep) and collecting vat (0.66×1.40 m). In the wadi to the northeast and on the west foot of the hill—agricultural terraces (25 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (scanty finds, scattered over 1 dunam), Iron II (numerous finds, scattered over 5 dunams) and Ottoman (scanty finds—a scatter). 416.2. Structural remains, stone clearance heaps and rock-hewn agricultural installations (10 dunams) on rocky spur running north (map ref. OIG 14832 10432, NIG 19832 60432). The spur is enclosed by a stone fence (0.5 m high, 0.6 m wide), which probably demarcates property boundaries. Scanty building remains (five structures?) survive: wall segments, scattered building stones, fragments of a stone lintel and a stone doorjamb. Seventeen stone clearance heaps that include rough-hewn building stones were documented on the spur. Hewn in the rock outcrops—four basins (average diam. 0.4 m) and eight cupmarks (average diam. 0.27 m), two of them linked by a channel (0.48 m long). On the west part of the spur—a rectangular basin (0.88×1.27 m, 0.44 m deep) hewn in a rock surface that was cut to incline towards the basin. On the lower reaches of the spur is a (burial?) cave (inapproachable due to collapse). Numerous late Byzantine potsherds were gathered near the cave entrance. In the wadi west of the spur—agricultural terraces (15 dunams) that were recently renovated and planted with fruit trees. Finds. Byzantine pottery (numerous finds near the structural remains). 416.3. Remains of three buildings, rock-hewn agricultural installations and stone clearance heaps (15 dunams) on rocky spur descending northwest (map ref. OIG 14808 10430, NIG 19808 60430). Two of the buildings (each 3.7×5.0 m) are very well preserved. The walls (0.47 m wide) are built of rough-hewn stones with entrances (each 0.85 m wide) facing east. The third building, at the foot of the spur, is surmounted by a stone clearance heap. On the spur—agricultural plots (25×35 m, 40×40 m); on the edges of the plots are piles of building stones and architectural elements; additional structures were apparently destroyed by this activity. Near the two buildings are two rock-hewn basins (diam. of each 0.55 m, 0.32 m deep). On the southwest slope—five rock-hewn basins (average diam. 0.4 m) and a dozen cupmarks (average diam. 0.2 m). Fifteen meters west of the basins, hewn in the center of a rock outcrop—a large basin (diam. 1.55 m; 0.42 m deep in its center), apparently a pool or an agricultural installation. In the wadi to the west—agricultural terraces (25 dunams). Finds. Byzantine pottery (numerous finds in and around the building remains).

44* 416.4. Rock-hewn cave (3.2×4.7 m; map ref. OIG 14808 10418, NIG 19408 60418) on slope of hill (the site of Kh. Humsa). The cave entrance (1.12×1.68 m) faces west; the floor is covered with debris from collapse. The hewing technique for the west and north walls is different from that of the other walls: initially a broad chisel was used after which the walls were made meticulously smooth. Lamp niches, triangular in section, are hewn in the walls. Two niches (0.35×0.45 m each, 0.38 m deep) are hewn in the east wall. The west wall of the cave was ornamented with a wreath (0.48 m long), faintly visible, and the other walls may have been similarly decorated. In front of the cave entrance—remains of a pen (6×6 m) built of upright fieldstones. Apparently in the Intermediate Bronze Age the cave served as a dwelling, in the Roman period it was used for burial and in the Ottoman period, as a shelter for shepherds. Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (scanty finds—a scatter), Roman (fragments of a cooking pot and a bowl in the cave) and Ottoman (in the cave—temporary occupation).

417. 8– 4/10 14883 10463 19883 60463 500 m asl Kh. Humsa [10] Remains of a structure, surrounded by a stone fence (1 m high) that also delimits an orchard, at the foot of a spur descending from the Hevron Hills west, to a valley northeast of Kh. Humsa [1]. The structure was apparently constructed atop ancient foundations; ashlar stones with drafted margins are incorporated in the walls. Nearby—a rock-hewn cave (3×5 m) approached by ﬁve steps. Storage niches (average dimensions: 0.35×0.55 m) were discerned in the soot-covered walls of the cave. Another rock-hewn cave to the south of the building apparently served as a sheepfold. East of the remains—four hewn basins (diam. of each 0.44 m). East of the basins—remains of a quarry. Finds. Pottery: Byzantine (scanty ﬁnds in the building remains) and Ottoman (large quantities of Gaza Ware in the building remains).

418. 8– 4/11 14864 10494 19864 60494 500 m asl Kh. Humsa [11] Remains of three buildings (3.6×5.0 m, one or two courses), 50–60 m apart, caves and rock-hewn agricultural installations (2 dunams) on saddle north of Kh. Humsa [1]. Next to the remains of the south building is a rock-hewn cave whose ceiling collapsed. Four basins and six cupmarks are hewn between the buildings. Near the west building is a leveled rock outcrop (4×5 m; a threshing floor?). In the center of the saddle—a pen (6×8 m), built of rough-hewn stones. On the slopes of the saddle—agricultural terraces (10 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Roman (scanty finds—a scatter), Byzantine (numerous finds in and around the building remains) and Ottoman (in the pens—temporary occupation).

45* 419. 8– 4/12 14800 10470 19800 60470 470 m asl Dhahr Idgheim (M) Settlement remains (10 dunams) on low hill: scanty remains of buildings, lines of walls, rock-hewn agricultural installations, a limekiln, a charcoal kiln, rock-hewn caves, pens and agricultural terraces. A stone wall—probably demarcating agricultural tracts— traverses the hill. There were apparently 12 buildings at the site, though only remains of a few were discerned (4.4×5.5 m, 3.5×4.8 m; the walls survive one to three courses high). Stone clearance heaps cover many of the building remains. On the east part of the hill, ancient building stones are consolidated in large heaps, in preparation for cultivation. In the west part of the site is a limekiln (inner diam. 3.66 m; inside are fieldstones) surrounded by piles of grayish-white waste. On the north slope of the hill—two rock-hewn caves. The west cave apparently served as a sheepfold and a curvilinear stone fence (5 m diam.) fronts the entrance. In the east cave are three chambers that were used as dwellings by shepherds. On the south slope of the hill—remains of a charcoal kiln in a cave, whose entrance faces south. Charcoal waste is scattered in front of the cave entrance. Six hewn basins (diam. c. 0.55 m) and seven hewn cupmarks were recorded on rock outcrops in this area. On the slopes of the hill—agricultural terraces (10 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Roman (scanty finds scattered over 2 dunams), Byzantine (numerous finds in the settlement remains), Early Islamic (scanty finds scattered over 2 dunams) and Ottoman (scanty finds scattered over 5 dunams, and pens—temporary occupation).

420. 8– 4/13 14890 10492 19890 60492 530 m asl Kh. Humsa [17] Agricultural installations hewn in rock outcrops on spur, north of Kh. Humsa [1]: two winepresses, a leveled rock surface (3.7×3.8 m; threshing ﬂoor?), four basins (diam. of each 0.38 m) and two cupmarks (diam. of each 0.28 m). Stone clearance heaps cover the agricultural installations.

421. 8– 4/14 14820 10448 19820 60448 540 m asl Kh. Humsa [18] Rock-hewn burial cave (2.6×2.8 m) on slope of spur, west of Kh. Humsa [1]. Two steps lead to the cave entrance (0.6×0.9 m), which has a recessed frame. The cave was incompletely hewn.

422. 8– 4/15 14818 10478 19818 60478 460 m asl Kh. Humsa [19] Two adjacent rock-hewn burial caves on spur, northwest of Kh. Humsa [1]. The caves were subsequently combined to form a single chamber (currently used for storage). There are traces of carved frames around the cave entrances.

46* 423. 9– 4/1, 8, 9 14926 10434 19926 60434 600 m asl Wadi el Hammam [2] 423.1. Remains of pens, stone clearance heaps, a limekiln and a road, on a rocky hill and its slopes, east of Kh. Humsa [1]. Small plots of land between the rock outcrops are currently under cultivation. On the west slope of the hill—three large basins (diam. 0.64–0.84 m) hewn in a rock outcrop. On the north slope—stone clearance heaps. On the south slope—remains of a limekiln (inner diam. 4.2, up to 2 m deep). At the south foot of the hill is a road (2.0–2.5 m wide) flanked by large fieldstones that led from the Shephelah to Hevron. Several ruinous pens (average dimensions 7×8 m) were recorded on the hill. Finds. Pottery: Byzantine (scanty finds—a scatter); Temporary settlement: Ottoman (pens, road). 423.2. Rock-hewn burial cave (single chamber, 2.5×3.0 m) on rocky slope descending west, southeast of Kh. Humsa [1]. The cave entrance (0.84×1.20 m) is dressed. A single burial kokh is hewn in the south wall. The cave and the surrounding area were devoid of finds. 423.3. Remains of a building (4×4 m) on spur running north, east of Kh. Humsa [1]. Most of the stones from the building are concentrated in a pile, west of the remains. A doorway (0.73 m) was discerned in the south wall of the building. Among the stone clearance heaps on the north and west slopes of the spur are remains of quarries, four rock-hewn basins and three cupmarks. At the northwest foot of the spur—an oval pen (5×7 m), whose north and east walls are better preserved than the remaining walls and currently stand two to four courses high. On the north and west slopes of the spur—agricultural terraces (35 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Iron II (scanty finds—a scatter), Byzantine (numerous finds—a scatter) and Ottoman (finds, as well as remains of a building and pen—temporary occupation).

424. 9– 4/2, 6 14980 10482 19980 60482 550 m asl Suba; Kh. Sūba [8] 424.1. Two rock-hewn caves, a winepress and agricultural terraces in a wadi running west, southeast of Suba [1] (above, Site 365.1). The caves are hewn in the south bank of the wadi; one of them served as a shepherd’s dwelling. Remains of a fieldstone- built pen are visible around the entrance of the eastern cave. Rock-hewn steps that begin in the wadi bed ascend to the entrance of the western cave. East of the caves—a simple rock-hewn winepress, consisting of a treading floor (1.4×2.7 m) and collecting vat (0.55×0.55 m; filled with alluvium). In the wadi and on the slopes descending toward it—agricultural terraces (10 dunams).

47* Finds. Ottoman pottery (scanty finds, as well as dwelling caves and pens—temporary occupation). 424.2. Remains of a collapsed building (3.4×4.2 m) surrounded by building stones on rocky spur running west, east of Kh. Humsa [1]. Some 25 m north of the remains—a lintel (0.73 m long) of hard limestone. East of the remains—a rock-hewn basin (diam. 0.38 m, 0.42 m deep). South of the remains—three rock-hewn basins (average diam. 0.4 m), two cupmarks (diam. of each 0.27 m) and a rectangular surface (0.44×0.94 m, 0.12 m deep). West of the remains—small plots (5 dunams in all), cultivated in the past. Hewn in the rock outcrops on the spur—agricultural installations. Finds. Pottery: Byzantine (scanty finds—a scatter) and Ottoman (scanty finds, building remains—temporary occupation).

425. 9– 4/3, 7 14910 10485 19910 60485 500 m asl Kh. Humsa [12] 425.1. Remains of a building (5.5×8.0 m), a courtyard, a pen and basins on a rocky spur running northwest, northeast of Kh. Humsa [1]. The walls, dry built of rough- hewn stones, are preserved two to three courses high (the east and south walls are better preserved than the others). To the building’s north—a courtyard (4×8 m) built of fieldstones, with a central depression (remains of a cistern?). Two rock-hewn basins (diam. of each 0.44 m) are in the east portion of the courtyard. Fifty meters north of the building remains—a cave blocked with stone collapse. On the side of the entrance—a pen (7×7 m) built of upright fieldstones (0.6–0.9 m high). Finds. Pottery: Byzantine (scanty finds in the remains of the building) and Ottoman (scanty finds in the remains of the building, a pen). 425.2. Rock-hewn winepress on rocky spur descending northwest, northeast of Kh. Humsa [1]: a treading floor (2.23×3.17 m) whose north part is hewn to a depth of 0.62 m) and collecting vat (0.7×1.1 m), linked by a hewn channel (0.42 m long, 0.18 m wide). On the slope—agricultural terraces (15 dunams).

426. 9– 4/4, 5 14980 10412 19980 60412 550 m asl Wadi el Hammam [3] 426.1. Rock-hewn burial cave on northern slope of rocky spur north of Wadi el Hammam, plundered by antiquities robbers. The lower part of the cave’s facade, including the entrance (0.74×1.50 m), is buried beneath erosion. North of the cave is a shallow rock-hewn basin (diam. 0.44 m, 0.12 m deep) and to its north is a cut depression (1.34×2.14 m; ﬁlled with alluvium). Nearby—two channels that apparently conveyed runoff from the slope to the depression (a pool?). Finds. Byzantine pottery (scanty ﬁnds in the vicinity of the cave).

48* 426.2. Large stone heap (remains of a building?)—rough-hewn building stones, a fragmentary stone threshold and several fragments of ashlars with drafted margins— on a raised terrace in a wadi running north, north of Wadi el Hammam. Nearby, to the west—a rock-hewn winepress and three rock-hewn basins (diam. of each 0.48 m). In the wadi—agricultural terraces (17 dunams). Finds. Byzantine pottery (numerous ﬁnds in the stone heap).

427. 9– 4/10 14998 10445 19998 60445 740 m asl Kh. Humsa [20] Road (1–2 m wide), a rock-hewn winepress and a stone circle on spur running west from the Hevron Hills, east of Kh. Humsa [1]. The road, flanked by curbstones, reaches the outskirts of Hevron. Near the roadside—a winepress: a treading floor (2.2×2.8 m) and collecting vat (filled with stones and erosion), and close to it—a circle of large fieldstones (diam. 6.3 m; one to two courses high). Finds. Byzantine pottery (numerous finds—a scatter).

428. 9– 4/11 14960 10430 19960 60430 660 m asl Kh. Humsa [21] Cave entrance on slope, east of Kh. Humsa [1]. The cave apparently collapsed; only the entrance survived. In front of the entrance—two stone troughs.

429. 9– 4/12 14940 10460 19940 60460 540 m asl Kh. Humsa [22] Rock-hewn cave on slope descending to wadi east of Kh. Humsa [1]: a single chamber (3×4 m, 2 m high), apparently used by shepherds.

430. 9– 4/13 14993 10492 19993 60492 500 m asl Kh. Humsa [23] Road segment (170 long) on slopes and in a wadi, east of Kh. Humsa [1]. The road begins at Suba [1] (above, Site 365.1) and runs to the Hevron Hills. Curbstones ﬂank the sides of the road and in several places the rock is cut to facilitate passage.

431. 0– 3/1 14095 10325 19095 60325 390 m asl Giv‘at ‘Uqzar [2] Agricultural terraces (10 dunams) delimited by ﬁeldstone walls, a cistern (3 m deep; ceiling collapsed) and a cave at the foot of a spur running west, northeast of Giv‘at ‘Uqzar [1]. Near the cistern—two rock-hewn basins (diam. of each 0.44 m). South of the spur—a cave (plundered by antiquities robbers). Finds. Pottery: Byzantine (scattered over 3 dunams near the agricultural terraces) and Ottoman (scanty ﬁnds scattered over 5 dunams).

49* 432. 0– 3/2 14078 10310 19078 60310 310 m asl Giv‘at ‘Uqzar [3] Remains of a limekiln (inner diam. 3.28 m)—a light-colored area visible on the ground—in valley facing north, northeast of Giv‘at ‘Uqzar [1]. The kiln was blocked when the road leading to H. Hazzan (below, Site 526.1) was paved.

433. 0– 3/3 14033 10321 19033 60321 365 m asl Giv‘at ‘Uqzar [4] Remains of a limekiln surrounded by whitish-gray waste in wadi running northwest, north of Giv‘at ‘Uqzar [1]. Nearby, to north—a large rock-hewn basin (diam. 0.75 m, 0.42 m deep). A ﬁeldstone wall that apparently marks boundaries between agricultural plots traverses the spur east of the wadi.

434. 0– 3/4 14050 10305 19050 60305 365 m asl Giv‘at ‘Uqzar [5] Remains of structures (4 dunams; farmstead?) on spur on Giv‘at ‘Uqzar [1]. The walls (0.6–0.8 m wide) of the largest structure (7×9 m) are preserved to a height of two to three courses; some of its segments survive merely to their foundations. The northeast and southeast corners are better preserved than the rest of the building. Around the remains—stone heaps (covering remains of additional structures?), and to the east—remains of two more buildings. Northeast of the largest structure—a rock-hewn winepress, consisting of a treading floor (2.18×2.55 m) and collecting vat (0.85×1.25 m; filled with alluvium); four rock-hewn basins (average diam. 0.48 m) are nearby. North of the basins is a rock-hewn rectangular pool (1.62×2.55 m, 0.68 m deep) with two steps leading to the floor and an oil press consisting of an oval crushing surface (0.43×0.85 m, 0.28 m deep) in a rock outcrop sloping toward a basin (diam. 0.55 m); a channel connects them. To south—agricultural terraces (15 dunams; today a forested area). Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (scanty finds, scattered over 1 dunam), Roman (numerous finds, second–third centuries CE, in the area of the structures) and Byzantine (numerous finds, including fragments of LRC III–X bowls, in the area of the structures).

435. 0– 3/5 14075 10337 19075 60337 375 m asl Giv‘at ‘Uqzar [6] Remains of a limekiln (diam. 4.68 m) dug in the ground, reinforced with stone masonry on its west side, on slope descending west, northeast of Giv‘at ‘Uqzar [1]. Around the limekiln—building stones prepared for burning and heaps of light gray-colored waste.

50* 436. 0– 3/6 14070 10383 19070 60383 385 m asl Giv‘at ‘Uqzar [7] Twenty-five stone clearance heaps spread over 4 dunams on south slope of hill, north of Giv‘at ‘Uqzar [1]. Several of the heaps are large (diam. 4–5 m) but most are small (diam. 2–3 m). Nearby—two winepresses hewn in rock outcrops. On the west part of the slope—a quarry (4×6 m). Finds. Pottery: EB II–III (scanty finds scattered over 2 dunams), Iron II (scanty finds— a scatter) and Byzantine (numerous finds—a scatter).

437. 0– 3/7 14025 10348 19025 60348 345 m asl Giv‘at ‘Uqzar [8] Remains of an orchard and stone fences (4 dunams) at the foot of a slope, north of Giv‘at ‘Uqzar [1]. The fences, preserved to a height of two to four courses, delimit agricultural plots. East of the fences—a cistern (partly collapsed) and a basin (diam. 0.55 m). Finds. Pottery: Byzantine (scanty ﬁnds—a scatter); Agricultural activity: Ottoman (orchard and agricultural plots).

438. 0– 3/8 14025 10384 19025 60384 368 m asl Giv‘at ‘Uqzar [9] Extensive pottery scatter on saddle north of Giv‘at ‘Uqzar [1], in the vicinity of an agricultural plot (60×100 m) delimited by a ﬁeldstone fence. In this area—four basins (diam. of each 0.37 m) hewn in a large rock outcrop. On slopes descending toward the saddle—agricultural terraces (10 dunams). Finds. Byzantine pottery (numerous ﬁnds—a scatter).

439. 0– 3/9 14010 10323 19010 60323 390 m asl Giv‘at ‘Uqzar [10] Agricultural terraces and stone walls delimiting agricultural plots (15 dunams) on slope descending north (area of natural vegetation), north of Giv‘at ‘Uqzar [1]. On the lower reaches of the slope—a rock-hewn cave (collapsed) with two entrances; the drafted eastern entrance includes a cornice. Finds. Byzantine pottery (numerous ﬁnds in the vicinity of the agricultural terraces— agricultural activity).

440. 1– 3/1, 11 14197 10394 19197 60394 385 m asl Amazya [16] 440.1. Remains of orchards and agricultural plots delimited by stone fences (10 dunams), two cisterns, a limekiln (inner diam. 4.26 m), rock-hewn agricultural installations and a road on a hill south of Moshav Amazya [1]. Four cupmarks were recorded at various locations on the hill. The cisterns are near a large carob tree; the western cistern is

51* capped with a large stone and construction remains (0.8×0.8 m) top the mouth of the eastern cistern. On the north slope of the hill—three basins (diam. of each 0.4 m) hewn in a stepped rock outcrop descending north. On the lowest step is a rock-hewn winepress: a treading floor (2.16×3.27 m, 0.3 m deep) and collecting vat (1.07×2.15 m, 1.77 m deep) with an incomplete niche (0.70×1 m, 0.57 m deep) in its south wall. Five more rock-hewn basins are located on the south and west slopes of the hill. On the south slope—an oval rock-cutting (1.47×2.33 m, 0.44 m deep; pool?). On the west slope—a road running south, toward Nahal Adorayim. Stone walls marking agricultural plots are built on both sides of the road. Finds. Pottery: Byzantine (numerous finds, probably related to agricultural activity) and Mamluk (scanty finds—a scatter); Agricultural activity: Ottoman (orchard and agricultural plots). 440.2. Agricultural plots and deserted orchards surrounded by stone fences (40 dunams) from the Ottoman period on slope descending west, south of Moshav Amazya [1]. In the north part of this area—a rock-hewn cistern (diam. of mouth 0.64 m, 3.5 m deep) and fragments of two stone troughs, lying nearby. At the foot of the slope—a rock-hewn winepress, consisting of a treading floor (3.2×3.6 m, 0.3 m deep) and collecting vat (a wall delimiting the orchard from the west surmounts the vat).

441. 1– 3/2 14190 10325 19190 60325 395 m asl Amazya [17] Agricultural terraces (10 dunams) at foot of rocky spur descending moderately to the northwest, south of Moshav Amazya [1]. On the upper reaches of the spur—two basins (diam. of each 0.38 m) and two cupmarks (diam. of each 0.22 m) hewn in a rock outcrop. Finds. Byzantine pottery (numerous ﬁnds in area of agricultural terraces— agricultural activity).

442. 1– 3/3 14195 10343 19195 60343 360 m asl Amazya [18] Remains of a limekiln (inner diam. 4.5 m), dug to a depth of 2 m, in bank of wadi running northeast, south of Moshav Amazya [1]. The stokehole was on the west side. Waste heaps surround the remains.

443. 1– 3/4 14120 10332 19120 60332 417 m asl Shi‘b Raiyān (M) [1] Stone walls delimiting agricultural plots (6 dunams), a dozen stone heaps and rock- hewn agricultural installations on rocky hill, south of Moshav Amazya [1]. The hill is

52* surrounded by a stone fence enclosing an agricultural plot. Rough-hewn stones were discerned in the stone clearance heaps on the rock outcrops. On the west slope—three rock-hewn basins (diam. of each 0.46 m). On the south slope—two rock-hewn cupmarks (diam. of each 0.28 m) and a small oil press (bodeda): a round surface (diam. 0.68 m, 0.44 m deep) that drains into a vat (diam. 0.37 m). Two depressions (diam. of each 0.11 m), apparently for the placement of jars, are hewn alongside the vat. On a spur running to the east from the hill—remains of agricultural terraces surrounded by a stone fence (100×230 m). Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (scanty finds scattered over 1 dunam), Byzantine (numerous finds, probably related to agricultural activity) and Mamluk (numerous finds—a scatter); Agricultural activity: Ottoman (orchards and cultivation plots).

444. 1– 3/5, 6 14110 10315 19110 60315 405 m asl Shi‘b Raiyān [3] 444.1. Remains of four buildings, including the foundations of a large structure (8×12 m) partitioned into two units of similar size, on moderate slope descending west, in an area of agricultural terraces and agricultural plots delimited by stone fences (7 dunams; a farmstead?). Remains of three more buildings were recorded in different locations on the slope. Most of the remains are concentrated in heaps. Also at the site: building foundations, stone clearance heaps (including rough-hewn masonry stones), caves, winepresses and agricultural installations. A rock-hewn cave (7×13 m), in which a large fig tree grows, is in a wadi running west; the cave’s ceiling collapsed. Nearby—openings of two other caves and a rock- hewn winepress, consisting of a treading floor (2.55×3.15 m) and collecting vat (1.14×1.88 m; filled with alluvium). Near the winepress—a rock-hewn cave, used as a shelter by shepherds, and building foundations (10×10 m; width of foundations 0.8–0.9 m). Nearby, to south, are four basins (diam. of each 0.38–0.55 m) hewn in rock outcrops. In this area, hewn in rock outcrops —three winepresses. At the foot of the slope, hewn in a rock outcrop sloping west—a simple oil press: two channels (0.68 m long) linked to a vat (diam. 0.47 m). On the slopes descending to the wadi—agricultural terraces (20 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Iron II (numerous finds, similar to those from Tel Lakhish Stratum III, in the area of the buildings), Persian (scanty finds—a scatter), Herodian (scanty finds—a scatter; including a stone cup), Early Roman (numerous finds in the area of the buildings), Byzantine and Early Islamic (scanty finds—scatters). 444.2. Remains of a limekiln (outer diam. 5 m, 3 m deep) on slope facing south, northeast of the buildings (map ref. OIG 14122 10320, NIG 19122 60320). The kiln was dug into the ground and reinforced on three sides by fieldstones. Stone clearance heaps surround the kiln. The foundations of a building are visible nearby.

53* Finds. Pottery: Iron II (numerous finds, including a LMLK handle, similar to those from Tel Lakhish Stratum III—a scatter), Roman (numerous finds—a scatter) and Byzantine (scanty finds—a scatter).

445. 1– 3/7–10 14170 10387 19170 60387 394 m asl Amazya [19] 445.1. Square compound (100×100 m; remains of a farmstead?) on hill, southwest of Moshav Amazya [1]. The compound is surrounded by remains of a fence: two rows of rough-hewn stones and a fill of small fieldstones (1 m wide), preserved three to four courses high. Inside the enclosed area are several large stone clearance heaps (the largest among them: 7×8 m), possibly piled on top of building remains. In the south part of the compound—a pen constructed of building stones taken from these structures. West of the compound—remains of a building (4.2×5.5 m). The walls are preserved to a height of two to four courses; several monoliths (1 m high) were discerned amongst the masonry stones. The building’s entrance was probably in the east wall. On the north slope of the hill are six rock-hewn basins (average diam. 0.4 m) and seven cupmarks. On the east slope—three round, shallow rock-hewn pools (diam. of each 2.16 m), two of them connected by a perforation in the rock. The pools may have been used for processing agricultural products or skins. Finds. Pottery: Roman and Byzantine (numerous finds in the compound); Temporary occupation: Ottoman (pen). 445.2. Rock-hewn cistern, orchard and agricultural terraces in wadi running west (map ref. OIG 14105 10366, NIG 19105 60366). The cistern (3 m deep), hewn in the south bank of the wadi, is approached by a channel that conveyed runoff from the slope. In the wadi to the east—seven agricultural terraces (10 dunams). Finds. Ottoman pottery (and an orchard). 445.3. Ruinous limekiln on slope descending north (map ref. OIG 14120 10364, NIG 19120 60364), surrounded by masonry stones and piles of waste. 445.4. Road on slope (map ref. OIG 14138 10382, NIG 19138 60382) running north–south for one kilometer flanked by supportive walls (two to four courses high) or curbstones. The road can be seen intermittently farther south, until Tel ‘Iton (below, Site 743).

446. 2– 3/1, 2 14275 10395 19275 60395 350 m asl H. Avraq [1] Kh. Abraka (S) Kh. Abraqa (M) Settlement remains (15 dunams)—foundations of buildings covered by stone heaps— on a hill and its slopes, along the fringes of a valley that drains into Nahal Lakhish, east of Moshav Amazya [1]. On the hilltop—a pen built of rough-hewn stones. More

54* stone clearance heaps were recorded on the slopes of the hill descending to the west and north. On the east slope—remains of a building (5×6 m) and two rock-hewn bell-shaped caves (similar to those found in the Bet Guvrin area). Four bell-shaped cisterns (ceilings collapsed) were also documented in this area; they may have been hewn after the settlement was abandoned. Seven burial cave entrances are located at the foot of the slope (the caves were plundered a long time ago). In the north part of the settlement are rock-hewn installations: simple oil presses—two circles (diam. 1.2 m) hewn in a leveled rock outcrop and three adjoining basins; a winepress, consisting of a treading floor (2.1×2.6 m) and collecting vat (0.7×1.4 m; filled with alluvium); and two rock-hewn cisterns, near the winepress (filled with alluvium). Arabic letters are carved in several of the rock outcrops, probably to designate the boundaries of Ottoman-period agricultural plots (by villagers from Ed Dawāyima [1]). Finds. Roman and Byzantine pottery (numerous finds in the settlement remains); Temporary occupation: Ottoman (pens and agricultural plots). Conder and Kitchener 1881–1883, III:278. 446.2. Remains of a limekiln (inner diam. 4.27 m) in a valley 300 m south of H. Avraq. Fieldstones rest on the kiln floor.

447. 2– 3/3 14214 10311 19214 60311 385 m asl H. Avraq [3] Pit, hewn in the chalk rock (4×10 m, 6 m deep) at the beginning of a wadi running northwest, southwest of H. Avraq [1]. It may have originally been two pits that collapsed and were subsequently converted into a shelter for shepherds and their ﬂocks. Hewn recesses in the wall are probably for anchoring hooks to suspend open-sided shelters; several Arabic letters are carved in the walls.

448. 2– 3/4 14248 10300 19248 60300 380 m asl H. Avraq [4] Remains of a limekiln (diam. 4.55 m, 2.7 m deep) near the south bank of a wadi (15 m above the wadi bed), south of H. Avraq [1]. Traces of plaster are visible on the walls. Around the kiln—ﬁeldstones, prepared for burning, and waste heaps. On the slope descending to the wadi—agricultural terraces (25 dunams). On the north bank of the wadi—agricultural terraces (12 dunams) enclosed by a ﬁeldstone wall.

449. 2– 3/5 14225 10326 19225 60326 400 m asl H. Avraq [5] Wall segment, stone clearance heaps and piles of masonry stones, blocked caves, remains of pens and rock-hewn basins (5 dunams) on hill south of H. Avraq [1].

55* Clearing and preparation of the area for cultivation damaged the ancient remains. Scattered ancient building stones on the hill were used in the construction of the pens. On the west slope—two blocked caves (apparently used as reservoirs); lying nearby is a fragment of a stone trough. On the north slope—a rock-hewn winepress: a treading floor (2×3 m) and collecting vat (1.5 m long; partly filled with alluvium). Near the winepress—three rock-hewn basins (average diam. 0.47 m) and seven cupmarks (diam. of each 0.24 m). On the east slope are two rock-hewn caves (each 3×4 m), which apparently served as shelters for shepherds. Nearby—entrances of three burial caves (illicitly excavated). On the south slope—remains of two bell-shaped caves (probably the same type as those in the region of Bet Guvrin). On the north slope—agricultural terraces (55 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (scanty finds scattered over 1 dunam), Roman (scanty finds scattered over 3 dunams), Byzantine (scanty finds scattered over 5 dunams), Mamluk (scanty finds, including decorated sherds, scattered over 2 dunams) and Ottoman (numerous finds, as well as pens—temporary occupation).

450. 2– 3/6 14290 10322 19290 60322 350 m asl H. Avraq [6] Rock-hewn winepress and two basins on moderate slope descending east, south of H. Avraq [1]. The winepress consists of a treading floor (2.3×2.7, 0.28 m deep) and collecting vat (0.8×1.2 m; partly filled with alluvium) cut into the eastern part of the floor. The basins (diam. of each 0.42 m) are located south of the winepress.

451. 2– 3/7 14235 10355 19235 60355 355 m asl H. Avraq [7] Agricultural terraces (10 dunams) spanning a wadi running north, southwest of H. Avraq [1]. On slope descending to the wadi from the east—two rock-hewn basins (diam. of each 0.44 m) and a cupmark (diam. 0.27 m). Nearby—quarry remains. Finds. Pottery: Byzantine (numerous ﬁnds in area of agricultural terraces, probably related to agricultural activity) and Early Islamic (scanty ﬁnds—a scatter).

452. 2– 3/8 14215 10385 19215 60385 365 m asl Amazya [24] Deserted orchards (10 dunams) surrounded by stone walls from the Ottoman period (some of them built with rough-hewn stones) on slope descending east, south of Moshav Amazya [1]. In the north orchard—a rock-hewn cave (5×7 m) with two kokhim (each kokh 0.6×1.5 m, 0.84 m deep) in its walls. A circle (diam. 0.35 m) is carved above the north kokh.

56* 453. 2– 3/9 14260 10365 19260 60365 375 m asl H. Avraq [8] Agricultural plots (50 dunams) and a road on moderate slope, south of H. Avraq [1]. Remains of boundary walls are visible between the agricultural plots.

454. 2– 3/10 14245 10385 19245 60385 340 m asl H. Avraq [9] Agricultural terraces (20 dunams) in valley west of H. Avraq [1]. On the fringes of the cultivated area—a hewn pit (probably a reservoir; mostly blocked with debris).

455. 3– 3/1 14382 10333 19382 60333 414 m asl Sheqef [11] Wall segments, scatters of a scanty number of building stones, a quarry, a winepress, caves, cisterns and agricultural terraces (10 dunams) on a rocky hill and its fringes, north of Moshav Sheqef [1]. Most of the building stones at the site were apparently collected for burning in a limekiln, whose remains were located nearby (below, Site 457). Traces of severance channels of detached stones are visible in the quarry (4×7 m). East of the quarry—meager remains of a winepress: part of a treading ﬂoor and an adjacent hewn basin. On the slopes of the hill—entrances to three caves (two of them blocked) and a collapsed cave. On the west slope—a cistern (damaged). To the southeast and northeast of the hill—agricultural terraces (25 dunams). Finds. Byzantine pottery (scanty ﬁnds—a scatter).

456. 3– 3/2 14312 10392 19312 60392 340 m asl Jūrat Ghariba (M) Rock-hewn installations on slope of rocky spur, northwest of Moshav Sheqef [1]: three basins (diam. of each 0.38 m) and a cupmark (diam. 0.27 m, 0.18 m deep) to the south; a leveled, concave rock surface (1.15×1.66 m) near the cupmark; and remains of a simple oil press, 5 m east of the surface: a round surface (diam. 0.87 m) sloping slightly toward a ﬂat basin (diam. 0.42 m, 0.12 m deep) with a central depression (diam. 0.15 m, 0.11 m deep). The villagers of Ed Dawayima [1] relate that in the past a large reservoir in this area caught all of the water that ﬂowed in a nearby wadi.

457. 3– 3/3 14368 10328 19368 60328 380 m asl Sheqef [2] Remains of a limekiln (4.2 m diam.) on bank of wadi running southwest, north of Moshav Sheqef [1]. Around the kiln remains—piles of grayish-black waste. In the wadis running to the west—agricultural terraces (4 dunams).

57* 458. 3– 3/4 14320 10315 19320 60315 360 m asl Sheqef [3] Rock-hewn winepress on slope of spur, near the road leading to Moshav Sheqef [1]: a treading floor (mostly destroyed by agricultural cultivation) and collecting vat (filled with alluvium). Scattered white tesserae were probably used to pave the treading floor. Northwest of the winepress—two rock-hewn basins (diam. of each 0.44 m; 0.36 m apart). Finds. Late Byzantine pottery (numerous finds—a scatter).

459. 3– 3/5 14393 10387 19393 60387 370 m asl Sheqef [4] Remains of a building—mostly foundations (4×6 m), a wall segment and a courtyard (4×4 m)—and agricultural terraces on slope facing northeast, north of Moshav Sheqef [1]. To north—two rock-hewn basins (diam. of each 0.55 m, 0.38 m). In the valley to the south—agricultural terraces (16 dunams), their walls apparently constructed of building stones taken from the structure. Finds. Pottery: Iron II and Byzantine—scanty ﬁnds (in and around the building remains).

460. 3– 3/6 14320 10360 19320 60360 350 m asl Sheqef [5] Remains of rock-hewn agricultural installations (2 dunams) on rocky slope (currently alongside the road that runs to Moshav Sheqef [1]): six basins (average diam. 0.38 m) in rock outcrops; a simple oil press to their east, consisting of a leveled oval surface (0.85×1.20 m, 0.12 m deep) that drains into a shallow basin (diam. 0.38 m); and to its south a row of three cupmarks (diam. 0.22 m), circumscribed by a hewn channel (1.22 m diam.).

461. 4– 3/1, 5 14463 10346 19463 60346 380 m asl Kh. Beit Bâár (S) Kh. Beit Bā‘ir (M–Map); Kh. Beit Bâ‘ir (M–List) [1] 461.1. Settlement remains (25 dunams) on moderate slope of hill descending west, on the fringes of a fertile valley—part of a strip of longitudinal valleys at the foot of the Hevron Hills. In several sources, among them documents from the British Mandate period, the site is mentioned as Kh. Beit Bā‘ir esh Sharqiya. Prolonged cultivation (including olive trees) damaged the settlement’s plan. Peasants lived in the ruins during the harvest season until the end of the nineteenth century (as described by V. Guérin). At the site—agricultural terraces whose walls are built on ancient foundations. Wall remains (12 m long) built of ashlar stones with drafted margins were recorded on the upper part of the site; an agricultural terrace wall surmounts the remains of the ancient wall. In this part of the site are ﬁve basins (average diam. 0.3–0.4 m), hewn

58* in rock outcrops. One of the basins is oval-shaped (0.37×0.85 m). Near the basins—a leveled rock surface (2.18×3.28 m; threshing floor?), sloping west. In the center of the site—two depressions (collapsed caves?) around which sheep and goat pens are built. Fourteen cupmarks (average diam. 0.20 m) are hewn in the rock outcrops among the agricultural plots. In the northeast part of the site—two caves (each 3×5 m), which served as shelters for shepherds, and two rock-hewn burial caves (entrances blocked with alluvium) to their east. In the south part of the site—agricultural terrace walls; a fragment of a limestone column (0.73 m long, diam. 0.44 m) is incorporated in one of them. Nearby—fragments of two stone weights belonging to an oil press and a fragment of a crushing basin. On the lower reaches of the slope—remains of two cisterns, covered by large stones to prevent accidental falls, and two more cisterns, 50 m to the south. The south cistern (6 m deep) is covered by a capstone (diam. 1.84 m, 0.47 m high) with a central drawing hole (0.44×0.48 m). North of the settlement—another cistern (6 m deep), at the edge of an agricultural plot (referred to as Nab‘a Baqa‘ ed Dudin by local residents). At the foot of the hill—a winepress hewn in a rock outcrop: a treading floor (3.5×3.8 m) and collecting vat (filled with alluvium). On the slopes of the spur and in the valley—agricultural terraces (5 dunams). Finds. Pottery: EB I–III (scanty finds—a scatter), Hellenistic (scanty finds—a scatter), Early Roman and Byzantine (numerous sherds, of LRC III–X, in the settlement remains), Early Islamic (scanty finds—a scatter) and Mamluk (scanty finds, decorated vessel sherds—a scatter); Pens: Ottoman (temporary occupation). Guérin 1869, 2:360–361 (Kh. Beit-Baher); Conder and Kitchener 1881–1883, III:351; Kochavi 1972:61. 461.2. Stone pile (diam. 4.7 m; cairn?) on hill, southeast of the settlement. To the east— a large rock-hewn basin (diam. 0.83 m, 0.44 m deep), and two rock-hewn cupmarks.

462. 4– 3/2 14440 10353 19440 60353 370 m asl Kh. Beit Bā‘ir [2] Settlement remains (12 dunams) on rocky slope descending east, on the fringes of a fertile valley west of Kh. Beit Bā‘ir [1] (above, Site 461.1). Prolonged cultivation damaged the settlement’s plan and building stones were removed from the site. Also at the site—remains of two collapsed caves. Another cave (3×4 m) to their north has a hewn niche (1×1 m, 0.74 m deep) in the north wall; it was used as a shelter by shepherds. A large carob tree (said to be 150 years old) grows near the cave. Nearby are two rock-hewn installations: a winepress (ﬁlled with alluvium), three basins (diam. of each 0.39 m) and a simple oil press (bodeda). Large rock outcrops were recorded in the south part of the site. Scattered building stones are in this area; the stones were apparently used to build the agricultural terrace walls.

59* In the north part of the site—three rock-hewn cisterns (dry). Five basins (diam. 0.35–0.40 m) and two cupmarks (diam. of each 0.2 m) are hewn in the rock outcrops in this area. On the upper reaches of the hill is a round rock-cut surface (diam. 4.7 m; filled with alluvium), which may have been used for processing agricultural products. In the valley to the north—agricultural terraces (10 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Iron II (scanty finds, scattered over 5 dunams), Byzantine (numerous finds in the settlement remains) and Early Islamic (scanty finds, scattered over 5 dunams); Temporary occupation and agricultural activity: Ottoman.

463. 4– 3/3 14434 10386 19434 60386 360 m asl Kh. Beit Bā‘ir [3] Rock-hewn burial caves at foot of hill north of Kh. Beit Bā‘ir [1]. The caves were plundered by antiquities robbers (as recently as 1995); fragments of chalk sealing slabs were found lying near the cave entrances, as well as piles of soil debris and sherds. Entry into the caves is difﬁcult due to collapse or accumulations of alluvium. Several caves are accessed via a shaft (2–3 m deep) that leads to a chamber (2×3 m) with kokhim in its walls. In the north part of the site—a large burial cave (4×4 m) with openings to passageways hewn in the east and south walls that lead to further burial chambers. Finds. Roman and Byzantine pottery.

464. 4– 3/4 14450 10336 19450 60336 380 m asl Kh. Beit Bā‘ir [4] Pottery scatters on slope (5 dunams; currently planted with olive trees), south of Kh. Beit Bā‘ir [1]. Ancient building stones were heaped at the edges of the agricultural plots during cultivation. Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (scanty finds, scattered over 1 dunam), Iron II (scanty finds, scattered over 5 dunams), Roman and Byzantine (numerous finds— scatters).

465. 4– 3/6 14460 10340 19460 60340 375 m asl ‘Beqa‘at Beit Bā‘ir’ Fertile valley (150 dunams; named ‘Beqa‘at Beit Bā‘ir and Humrat Dudin by local residents, after a family from Dura who farmed in the valley) east of Moshav Sheqef [1]. Dressed building stones and ancient architectural elements are incorporated in the low walls that divide the valley into small plots. The boundaries of one of the plots in the north of the valley are marked with ancient architectural elements embedded in the ground, including stone thresholds, column fragments, a lintel and a fragment of a decorated cornice.

60* 466. 4– 3/7 14442 10393 19442 60393 380 m asl Kh. Beit Bā‘ir [6] Remains of a farmstead(?) (4 dunams) on rocky slope descending southwest, north of Kh. Beit Bā‘ir [1]. Most of the remains from the ancient buildings were concentrated in ten large heaps of building stones and architectural elements, including fragments of stone thresholds and two limestone columns, four column drums and a large doorjamb, when the area was prepared for cultivation. Four basins (the easternmost is the largest: diam. 0.96 m, 0.44 m deep) are hewn in rock outcrops and scattered around the site are twelve cupmarks (diam. 0.18–0.20 m). Hewn in a rock outcrop (2.18×3.24 m) in the north part of the site—a simple oil press (bodeda): two almost round surfaces, (diam. of each 0.75 m, 0.24 m deep), and a channel, linking each surface to a basin (diam. of each basin 0.44 m, 0.37 m deep). Several adjacent hewn depressions (diam. of each 0.12 m) were apparently intended to hold jars. Three winepresses hewn in rock outcrops were also surveyed in this area. One of them is partly covered with a stone clearance heap. On the northeast part of the spur—a rectangular installation (for drying agricultural products? 3.68×4.38, 0.74 m deep) with a central hewn basin (diam. 0.52 m). On the west part of the spur—two depressions in the ground (collapsed caves?). At the south foot of the spur—a rock-hewn cistern, capped with a large rock. On the upper part of the spur—stone fences, incorporating ancient dressed building stones, that delimit agricultural plots. To the north and south—agricultural terraces (28 dunams). At the edge of the site (map ref. OIG 14448 10397, NIG 19448 60397)—a limekiln (inner diam. 3.87 m, 2.55 m deep), partly rock-hewn (the lower portion) and partly built of large fieldstones. Just to the west of the limekiln are remains of a channel that conveyed air into the kiln. Building stones prepared for burning lie nearby. Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (scanty finds scattered over 2 dunams), Iron IIA–B (numerous finds, including a fragment of a LMLK handle), Iron IIC (scanty finds) and Late Roman and Byzantine (numerous finds).

467. 4– 3/8 14460 10390 19460 60390 380 m asl Sheqef [6] Building remains, stone clearance heaps and rock-hewn agricultural installations (4 dunams) on a spur north of Moshav Sheqef [1] on which there are large rock outcrops and numerous potsherds scattered between them. On the upper reaches of the spur—remains of a building, consisting mostly of its southeast corner and part of the north wall. Nearby—a large stone heap (diam. 7 m, 1 m high). Atop the spur—a dozen stone clearance heaps that include ancient building stones, six basins (average diam. 0.48 m) hewn in rock outcrops and four cupmarks (average diam. 0.20 m). On the north part of the spur—two rock-hewn winepresses. The east press has a treading ﬂoor (2.18×3.28 m) bearing traces of plaster (the bedding of a mosaic

61* pavement?) and a collecting vat (1.00×1.44 m, 0.69 m deep). The west winepress is mostly filled with alluvium. On the lower reaches of the spur—a simple rock-hewn oil press (bodeda). Nearby—a quarry (2.55×4.28 m). In the valley to the east—agricultural terraces (14 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (numerous finds spread over 4 dunams—in the building remains), Iron II (finds similar to those of Tel Lakhish Strata IV–II—in the building remains), Hellenistic and Early Roman (scanty finds scattered over 2 dunams).

468. 4– 3/9 14410 10350 19410 60350 395 m asl Sheqef [7] Rock-hewn agricultural installations (on 4 dunams) on a spur northeast of Moshav Sheqef [1]—a winepress hewn in a large rock outcrop, consisting of a treading floor (2×3 m) and collecting vat (0.7×1.0 m; filled with alluvium); two basins (diam. of each 0.44 m) 25 m east of the winepress; a basin (diam. 0.52 m) and two cupmarks (diam. of each 0.26 m) in a rock outcrop on the east part of the spur; and a bell-shaped cistern (2.7 m deep) whose mouth is blocked by a fragment of an oil-press crushing stone. A large carob tree grows near the cistern. Surrounding the spur—agricultural terraces (10 dunams) and stone walls that delimit agricultural plots. Finds. Byzantine pottery (numerous finds, apparently related to agricultural activity).

469. 4– 3/10 14414 10380 19414 60380 375 m asl Sheqef [8] Installations hewn in rock outcrops, wall segments and numerous pottery scatters (5 dunams) on spur north of Moshav Sheqef [1], in an area of agricultural terraces (10 dunams): four basins (diam. of each 0.47 m); two basins linked by a channel (0.74 m long) on a leveled surface; and fourteen cupmarks. On the north part of the spur—sections of stone walls. At the east foot of the spur—agricultural terraces, partly built with rough-hewn stones. Finds. Pottery: EB II–III (scanty finds scattered over 2 dunams), Iron II (numerous finds scattered over 4 dunams), Hellenistic (scanty finds scattered over 2 dunams) and Byzantine (numerous finds, apparently related to agricultural activity).

470. 4– 3/11 14490 10308 19490 60308 405 m asl Sheqef [9] Remains of buildings, cisterns and rock-hewn installations (8 dunams) on hill east of Moshav Sheqef. The cultivation and planting of olive trees damaged the site and disturbed its plan. Some of the ancient buildings were dismantled and their stones were concentrated in heaps, mostly on rock outcrops, or were used in the construction of stone

62* fences delimiting agricultural plots, some of which are terraced (25 dunams). Scanty remains of ancient structures— foundations of three units (each 4×5 m)—were found in rocky areas (not cultivated). Hewn installations were observed on rock outcrops (underneath stone heaps): two winepresses, four basins and eleven cupmarks. Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (numerous finds in the building remains), Iron II (numerous finds similar to those of Tel Lakhish Strata IV–III—in the building remains) and Byzantine (scanty finds—a scatter).

471. 4– 3/12 14495 10376 19495 60376 385 m asl Sheqef [10] Rock-hewn winepress and two basins on slope descending west, northeast of Moshav Sheqef. The winepress consists of a large treading ﬂoor (3.22×4.28 m) and double collecting vat (each 1.0×1.6 m); a channel links the ﬂoor to the northern collecting vat and a perforation (diam. 0.08 m) 0.38 m below the rim of this vat connects it to the other vat. Ten meters east of the winepress are the hewn basins (diam. of each 0.49 m). On the upper part of the slope—a wall segment (4.66 m long, 0.85 m wide; remains of a building?).

472. 5– 3/1 14530 10315 19530 60315 400 m asl Jebel el Qa‘aqir [2] Remains of a small settlement (6 dunams), on spur on Jebel el Qa‘aqir running northwest. In recent decades agricultural plots enclosed by stone fences were prepared and olive trees were planted in this area (25 dunams). Some of the fences were rebuilt and renovated, making use of ancient building stones. The majority of the settlement remains consist of foundation courses of buildings (a double row of ﬁeldstones; mostly 0.65 m wide). Among them are two large structures (each 6.5×8.0 m) both of them divided into two rooms. A round courtyard abuts the remains of the western building. Remains of other structures (one of them 5×6 m) were discerned at the edge of the eastern agricultural plot. Nearby to the south are three rock-hewn basins (average diam. 0.55 m) and two cupmarks (diam. of each 0.25 m). Also in this area is a rock-hewn winepress (partly covered by a stone pile) and four conical cupmarks (average diam. of rim 0.26 m, diam. at bottom 0.05 m) in a rock outcrop nearby. These cupmarks differ from the other cupmarks at the site. On the north part of the spur—a quarry and two rock-hewn cupmarks, nearby. Close to them are wall segments, built on leveled rock outcrops (some of these walls were apparently dismantled and their stones were used in the construction of the fences surrounding the agricultural plots). On the southeast portion of the spur—three rock-hewn burial caves (illicitly excavated); Roman and Byzantine potsherds are scattered around their entrances. In the west part of the settlement—remains of a collapsed caved and a pen, constructed around it.

63* Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (numerous ﬁnds in the settlement and burial caves from this period), Hellenistic (scanty remains scattered over 1 dunam) and Byzantine (scanty remains scattered over 2 dunams); Agricultural activity: Ottoman (pen).

473. 5– 3/2 14536 10366 19536 60366 375 m asl Jebel el Qa‘aqir [3] Remains of buildings and rock-hewn installations on the fringes of ‘Beqa‘at Beit Bā‘ir’, northwest of Jebel el Qa‘aqir [1]. The north corner and part of the south wall are visible in the remains of one of the buildings (4.5×5.8 m). The walls (0.55 m wide) are built of two rows of rough-hewn stones and a ﬁll of small ﬁeldstones. Southeast of this structure—remains of a round structure (outer diam. 6.38 m) whose walls are built of two rows of stones. On the west the wall is preserved to a height of 0.65 m. No entryway was discerned. East of the round structure—four basins (average diam 0.47 m) hewn in rock outcrops and north of the structure, in a leveled outcrop, are remains are two conical cupmarks (diam. of each 0.27 m). Nearby—a simple rock-hewn oil press (bodeda): a crushing surface (diam. 0.63 m, 0.12 m deep) that drains into a basin (diam. 0.44 m, 0.21 m deep) with a depression (diam. 0.11 m) for collecting the oil on its bottom. East of the building remains—a depression (diam. 11 m) in the ground (collapsed cave?). Finds. Intermediate Bronze and Byzantine—many potsherds.

474. 5– 3/3 14580 10372 19580 60372 375 m asl Jebel el Qa‘aqir [4] Rock-hewn installations (6 dunams) on spur running northwest from Jebel el Qa‘aqir. On the upper reaches of the spur—a winepress: a treading ﬂoor (2.1×3.2 m) partly covered by a wall delimiting an agricultural plot, and a collecting vat ﬁlled with alluvium. North of the winepress—two adjacent basins (diam. of each 0.44 m). On the lower reaches of the spur—a simple oil press (bodeda) and three basins (diam. 0.38–0.66 m). On a leveled rock outcrop—a cluster of seven hewn cupmarks varying in diameter and a concave rock surface (2.7×3.5 m) that was probably used to dry agricultural products, to their south. On the slopes of the spur—agricultural terraces (10 dunams).

475. 5– 3/4 14560 10348 19560 60348 435 m asl Jebel el Qa‘aqir [5] Remains of buildings, rock-hewn installations, a cistern and burial caves on spur running northwest from Jebel el Qa‘aqir. Ancient building stones from the site were incorporated in fences constructed around agricultural plots when the area was prepared for cultivation. Several fences are built on ancient foundations. On the upper part of the spur—remains of a structure (4×6 m): wall segments (0.65 m wide) constructed

64* of two rows of stones and a fill of small fieldstones. A large stone threshold (1.27 m long) is incorporated in a stone fence east of these remains. The ground color in and around the structure is darker than that of the natural ground, probably the result of the disintegration of the mortar bricks used in the building’s construction. Nearby to the west are remains of another two buildings, similarly constructed. To their east are four basins (average diam. 0.48 m) hewn in a dressed rock outcrop. To the southeast, on the edge of an olive grove, are two additional basins. On the east slope of the spur—a winepress, comprising a treading floor (2.5×3.5 m) and collecting vat (0.66×1.27 m; filled with alluvium), and a cistern (3.5 m deep) approached by a channel that drained into it runoff from the slope. Later repairs were observed in this cistern (currently in use). In a valley southwest of the spur are four vertical shafts—most probably the openings of hewn tombs dating to the Intermediate Bronze Age. Fragments of pottery vessels removed from the tombs by antiquities robbers were found. In the valleys to the west and east of the spur—agricultural terraces (30 dunams); rough-hewn building stones are incorporated in their walls. Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (numerous finds scattered over 6 dunams in and around the structures), Iron II (finds similar to those from Tel Lakhish Strata IV–III—in and around the structures), Byzantine (scanty remains—a scatter) and Early Islamic (scanty remains scattered over 2 dunams).

476. 5– 3/5 14585 10395 19585 60395 420 m asl Jebel el Qa‘aqir [6] Remains of five or six buildings (on 5 dunams) and stone heaps that include building stones on spur running north from Jebel el Qa‘aqir. Hewn in rock outcrops—three basins (diam. of each 0.53 m) and two cupmarks (diam. of each 0.28 m). On the north slope of the spur—a cave whose ceiling is collapsed (accessible today for a length of 3 m from its entrance). On the slopes—agricultural terraces (30 dunams) whose walls incorporate dressed, ancient building stones in their construction and in that of the stone fences delimiting the plots. Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (numerous finds in and around the buildings), Iron II (scanty finds—a scatter) and Byzantine (scanty finds—a scatter).

477. 5– 3/6 14585 10345 19585 60345 460 m asl Jebel el Qa‘aqir [16] Stone clearance heaps, including rough-hewn building stones, at the edge of the cultivated area on slope of spur northwest of Jebel el Qa‘aqir [1]. In the area of the agricultural plots extending to the west are scatters of numerous potsherds. Finds. Byzantine pottery (numerous ﬁnds—scatters).

65* 478. 5– 3/7 14532 10382 19532 60382 420 m asl Qasr Firjās [2] Agricultural plot (2 dunams) delimited by a stone fence southeast of Qasr Firjās [1]. Rough-hewn stones and fragments of stone columns are incorporated in the construction of the fence.

479. 5– 3/8 14562 10315 19562 60315 410 m asl Jebel el Qa‘aqir [17] Rock-hewn burial(?) cave (blocked by soil debris) near the upper reaches of a valley, west of Jebel el Qa‘aqir [1].

480. 5– 3/9 14562 10392 19562 60392 430 m asl Qasr Firjās [3] Long wall (550 m long, 0.4–0.6 m wide, up to ﬁve courses high) on slopes southeast of Qasr Firjās [1]; it apparently designates the boundary between agricultural plots belonging to neighboring villages in the area.

481. 5– 3/10 14594 10316 19594 60316 430 m asl Jebel el Qa‘aqir [18] Large cave (5.0×6.4 m) on slope west of Jebel el Qa‘aqir [1]. Storage and lamp niches (mostly 0.5×0.6 m) are hewn in the walls. The cave served as a shelter for shepherds until several decades ago.

482. 6– 3/1, 4, 6 14668 10360 19668 60360 400 m asl Kh. es Simieh (S) [1] Kh. Sīmiyā (M–Map); Kh. es Sîmiyâ (M–List); Kh. al Simia (M–1929) [1] 482.1. Remains of an ancient settlement (30 dunams) on lower reaches of spur, inside an Arab village. Agricultural plots were prepared in the valley running to the west, at the foot of the spur. The site was reoccupied at the beginning of the twentieth century by shepherds and villagers from Dura, who settled near the agricultural plots and renovated the ruinous buildings. In recent decades new buildings were constructed at the site (east of the ancient settlement) and use of the ancient buildings ceased. Ancient architectural elements are incorporated in the walls of the new buildings. A dozen rock-hewn cisterns (some of them in use until recently) were counted between them. Below several of the buildings are rock-hewn caves (pens were built in some of them). In the southwest part of the site—a long stone lintel (0.55×3.70 m), incorporated in the wall of a building, bearing an illegible inscription within a rectangular frame (tabula ansata). On the ground nearby—fragments of two stone weights and an oil-press crushing basin. Finds. Pottery: Iron II (scanty finds—a scatter), Hellenistic (numerous finds in the settlement remains), Roman (scanty finds—a scatter), Byzantine and Early Islamic

66* (numerous ﬁnds in the settlement remains) and Mamluk (scanty ﬁnds—a scatter); Temporary occupation: Ottoman (reuse of rock-hewn caves, pens). Guérin 1869, 2:344 (Kh. Simia); Conder and Kitchener 1881–1883, III:367; Kochavi 1972:61 (Kh. es- Sumayeh). 482.2. ‘Mugharat ‘Ein Simiya’: a rectangular, rock-hewn cave (4×8 m; partially collapsed) on a slope, on the southeast side of the village of Kh. es Simiya [1]. According to the villagers the cave served as a reservoir. 482.3. Baiyarat Wadi es Simiya (Bir es Simiya): a rock-hewn well (25 m deep, diam. 4 m) on the slope of a valley north of Kh. es Simiya [1], near the road leading to Kh. el Murak (below, Site 483). A superstructure was constructed over the well several generations ago. Eight stone courses, lining the neck of the well, are visible; grooves in the top course were made by the friction of ropes, used when drawing water. The well, surrounded by six stone troughs, may have been surmounted by a ‘Persian-wheel’ (saqiye) pump. North of the well—foundations of a building (5×8 m) that local residents say are the remains of a khan. Fifty meters east of the well—a large bell-shaped cave hewn in chalk rock; the northwest wall collapsed. Traces of quarry marks are visible on the cave walls.

483. 6– 3/2 14668 10360 19668 60360 425 m asl Kh. el Mûrak (S) [1] Kh. el Muraq (M–Map); Kh. el Mûraq (M–List) [1] Settlement remains (40 dunams) on spur running west (currently a built-up and inhabited area). The ancient remains are visible in the western portion of the modern settlement, which dates to the early nineteenth century: farmers and shepherds renovated and inhabited ancient buildings (including the construction of new roofs). With the expansion of the settlement eastward new structures were built, making use of the ancient building stones and architectural elements—decorated lintels, column drums and stone thresholds. Beneath the ancient buildings are numerous rock-hewn caves and cisterns— apparently each building had below it a cave and several cisterns. The caves have hewn supportive pillars, as well as remains of stone partitions, and hewn storage niches in the walls. On the north and south slopes of the spur—six basins (average diam. 0.47 m) and a dozen cupmarks (average diam. 0.23 m), hewn in rock outcrops. Salvage excavations (E. Damati 1969, 1977, 1978) conducted subsequent to plundering by antiquities robbers in the upper part of the ancient village exposed remains of a large fortiﬁed structure (37×41 m) surrounded by thick walls. A complex of rooms was built the length of these walls, on the perimeter of a central courtyard around which were columns, standing on pedestals. The compound’s south wall was exposed for a distance of 30 m and surmounting it were remains of Ottoman-period buildings. The east wall

67* of the compound was unearthed for its entire length (37 m), to a height of 2.5 m. The foundations (6 m long), as well as a tower (over which the Arab villagers erected a building), were exposed on the west side. Many ancient architectural elements were found inside the compound, among them capitals, column and pillar bases, capitals, cornices and a sun dial. Among the finds were stone and pottery vessels (including bowl fragments), cups and measuring utensils. The excavator of the compound called it ‘Halqiya’s Palace’, in light of the discovery of a Greek inscription mentioning the name Halqiya Ben Shimon; in his opinion this was a fortified palace belonging to one of the village elders from among the wealthy residents of Edom during the Second Temple period. Two phases were observed in the building remains: the first was from the time of its construction in the later part of the first century BCE until the start of the Great Revolt in 66 CE; the second lasted a short time, probably until 68 CE, when Vespasian embarked on his campaign to Edom during which time the settlement and the building may have been destroyed. During the second phase rooms were added to the complex (the building style differs from that of the first structure) and a drainage system was installed. A hiding refuge was discovered below the building remains (it was not possible to provide a date). Finds. Pottery: Hellenistic, Herodian, Early Roman, Late Roman, Byzantine and Early Islamic (numerous finds from these periods in the settlement remains), and Mamluk (scanty finds—remains of temporary settlement?); Temporary settlement: Ottoman (temporary structures, pens, cave dwellings). Guerin 1869, 2:344 (Kh. el-Merak); Conder and Kitchener 1881–1883, III:360; Kh. el-Murak, HA 33 (1970):5–6, 67–68, HA 67–68 (1978):51–52; Kochavi 1972:60; Damati 1977, 1982; Tepper and Shahar 1987f.

484. 6– 3/3 14624 10315 19624 60315 473 m asl Jebel el Qa‘aqir [1] Burial caves and rock-hewn installations on Jebel el Qa‘aqir southwest of Kh. Simiya [1] in an area of relatively recent agricultural terraces, stone fences and orchards (currently deserted). Excavations conducted at the site (W.G. Dever, 1967, 1968, 1971) uncovered eight cemeteries, a dozen cairns surrounded by stone walls and a dozen caves in which were found settlement remains dating to the Intermediate Bronze Age. Additional rock-hewn tombs were documented on the southern and western slopes. The excavations began in Cemetery B, which antiquities robbers had plundered extensively. This cemetery extends across the south slope of Jebel el Qa‘aqir, reaching its foot; 59 tombs were exposed, most of them situated at the foot of the slope. At the same time excavations were conducted in other cemeteries (Areas A, D, E) and in other rock- hewn tombs, located in rock shelters. Thirty-eight tombs were exposed that had not been plundered, as well as 41 tombs, some of which had been disturbed in the past. The excavator is of the opinion that differences in the tombs’ plans and the nature of the interred funerary offerings attest to the existence at the site of several tribal groups.

68* Settlement remains dating to the time of the tombs were discovered on the upper reaches of the slope and on the top of the ridge. This portion of the site was not completely excavated and the finds discovered there were for the most part meager. Excavations were conducted in several dwelling caves; almost 1,900 pottery vessels were discovered in one of them (Cave G23). Remains of a potter’s kiln were exposed on the east slope. The excavator believes the site was occupied during the summer months by pastoral nomads who wandered between the area of the southern Hevron Hills and the Negev Highlands—a region where remains of large villages of shepherds from this period have been documented (e.g., the settlement at H. Be’er Resisim). Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (in the dwelling caves, in building remains and rock-hewn tombs), Iron II, Hellenistic and Early Roman (scanty finds—scatters— from the three periods), and Byzantine (numerous finds in the settlement remains); Agricultural activity: Ottoman (agricultural plots). Probes in the Area of Hevron, HA 25 (1968):26–28; Jebel Qa‘aqir, HA 39 (1971):26; Dever 1969, 1971, 1972, 1981, 1993 and bibliography cited therein; Gitin 1975; Smith 1982.

485. 6– 3/5 14650 10310 19650 60310 440 m asl Jebel el Qa‘aqir [8] Ancient settlement remains (15 dunams) on hill on Jebel el Qa‘aqir, severely damaged by the preparation of agricultural plots and the planting of olive groves. Stone fences, incorporating numerous ancient building stones, enclose the plots, in which rock-hewn caves are located. Four caves served as shepherds’ dwellings and two others with niches hewn in the walls contained Intermediate Bronze potsherds and bones. On the east slope of the hill—two additional rock-hewn caves (blocked with alluvium). On the south slope—two burial caves and nearby, in an olive grove—a fieldstone fence constructed on an ancient wall (three courses high; 0.75 m wide). On the west slope are three basins (average diam. 0.48 m) and seven cupmarks (average diam. 0.27 m) hewn in rock outcrops. On the slopes of the hill—agricultural terraces (25 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (numerous finds in the settlement remains), Iron IIB–C (scanty finds scattered over 5 dunams), Byzantine and Mamluk (scanty finds— scatters); Agricultural activity: Ottoman (agricultural plots).

486. 6– 3/7 14622 10353 19622 60353 415 m asl Jebel el Qa‘aqir [9] Rock-hewn installations on a spur running northeast, north of Jebel el Qa‘aqir [1], including six basins (average diam. 0.48 m) and two cupmarks (diam. of each 0.28 m). On the east portion of the spur—a rock-hewn winepress consisting of a treading ﬂoor (2.8×3.5 m) and collecting vat (0.8×1.5 m, 0.44 m deep). South of the winepress— remains of a rock-hewn oil press. On the upper part of the spur are agricultural plots

69* delimited by stones fences (25 dunams). Dense pottery scatters were recorded; there may have been building remains at the site that were completely destroyed when the area was prepared for cultivation. Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (numerous ﬁnds—scatters) and Byzantine (ﬁnds and rock-hewn installations); Agricultural activity: Ottoman (agricultural plots).

487. 6– 3/8 14690 10315 19690 60315 450 m asl Jebel el Qa‘aqir [10] Four rock-hewn burial caves on hill, east of Jebel el Qa‘aqir [1]. In recent decades buildings were constructed above the caves, which were converted for use as store spaces. Finds. Roman pottery (scanty ﬁnds in the vicinity of the burial caves).

488. 6– 3/9 14610 10380 19610 60380 400 m asl Jebel el Qa‘aqir [11] Ancient building remains, a quarry, caves, rock-hewn installations and numerous potsherds on spur running northeast from Jebel el Qa‘aqir. The buildings were disturbed by preparation of the area for cultivation; wall segments belonging to three or four structures survive (20 apart), and there are several piles of building stones. On the lower reaches of the spur—remains of two additional buildings (each 3×5 m); a courtyard abuts the east side of the eastern building. Four rock-hewn basins (average diam. 0.45 m) and eight cupmarks (average diam. 0.26 m) were surveyed on the rock outcrops on the spur. On the upper part of the spur—a building-stone quarry (2×4 m). On the west slope of the spur—two rock-hewn caves (each 2.7×4.0 m). Two storage niches (each 0.38×0.44 m) are hewn in the walls of the south cave and a fixture was installed for hanging sacks. The chamber in the north cave is partitioned into two by a fieldstone wall. On the slopes—agricultural terraces and plots (30 dunams) enclosed by stone fences. Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (numerous finds in and around the building remains), Iron II (scanty finds—a scatter) and Byzantine (scatters in the area of the terraces, probably related to agricultural activity); Agricultural activity: Ottoman (agricultural plots, orchards).

489. 6– 3/10 14648 10338 19648 60338 400 m asl Jebel el Qa‘aqir [10] Remains of a settlement (10 dunams) on spur running east from Jebel el Qa‘aqir [1], damaged by agricultural plots enclosed by stone fences (rough-hewn building stones were incorporated in the fences). In the east part of the site—remains of two structures (each 4×5 m). On the north slope of the spur—four basins (diam. mostly 0.5 m) and a dozen cupmarks (average diam. 0.27 m) hewn in rock outcrops.

70* On the east slope—four rock-hewn burial caves; the cave entrances resemble deep recesses (c. 2.5 m deep) and lead to a chamber (3×4 m). Intermediate Bronze pottery is scattered in the vicinity of the cave entrances. On the slopes of the spur—agricultural terraces (35 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (numerous finds in the settlement remains and in the burial caves, Iron II (scanty finds scattered over 3 dunams) and Byzantine (scanty finds—a scatter); Agricultural activity: Mamluk(?) and Ottoman (agricultural plots).

490. 6– 3/11 14664 10384 19664 60384 410 m asl Kh. Sīmiyā [2] Remains of a structure (covered by a stone clearance heap) on spur north of Kh. Simiya [1], occupied until a few decades ago. East of the building—a hewn cistern.

491. 6– 3/12 14622 10392 19622 60392 410 m asl Kh. Sīmiyā [3] Rock-hewn winepress on slope of spur northwest of Kh. Simiya [1], in an area of agricultural plots (20 dunams): a plastered treading ﬂoor (2.7×3.2 m, 0.44 m deep) and a collecting vat (0.62×0.98 m, 1.4 m deep), connected by a perforation in the north wall of the ﬂoor. A cistern (incomplete) was later hewn in the collecting vat.

492. 7– 3/1 14750 10340 19750 60340 440 m asl Kh. Deir Sâmat (S) [1] Kh. Deir Sāmit (M–Map); Kh. Deir Sâmit (M–List) [1] Ancient settlement remains (50 dunams) on a hill west of ‘Emeq Ha-Telem (‘the Furrow Valley’), north of Wadi Qura, the site of an Arab village that was founded in the second half of the nineteenth century (the village expanded to the spur running west, and new construction almost entirely eradicated the ancient remains). Sections of ancient structures were observed between the village buildings and in the courtyards; 27 cisterns were counted (some of them currently in use). Ancient building stones and architectural elements are incorporated in the construction of the stone fences and the walls of the village houses. Beneath several of the buildings and courtyards at the top of the hill and on the south slope are bell-shaped caves. In the southeast part of the village are remains of a building whose foundations and southern and eastern walls (7 m and 4.2 m long respectively) are built of ashlar stones with drafted margins. In the Ottoman period (sixteenth century on) the site was re-inhabited on a temporary basis. Ascribed to this period are the pens on the hill and the caves, hewn in earlier periods (initially used for burial). On the northeast slope of the hill—two rock-hewn winepresses (one of them currently used for drying agricultural products). At the foot of the hill—leveled rock outcrops (threshing ﬂoors?).

71* In the valley running from the center of the village to the southwest—six rock-hewn burial caves (their contents removed by the villagers). One of the caves, in the courtyard of a house, has six hewn kokhim—two in each of the walls with the exception of the entrance wall; carved in the north wall above the kokhim is a plaited wreath bearing traces of red paint. Hellenistic pottery is scattered in front of the cave entrance. Most of the pottery was retrieved from the hill’s northeast slope. Finds. Pottery: Hellenistic (scanty finds—a scatter, and also a burial cave from this period), Roman and Byzantine (scanty finds—a scatter), Early Islamic (numerous finds—remains of temporary occupation) and Mamluk (scanty finds—a scatter); Temporary occupation: Ottoman (pens, reuse of the caves). Guérin 1869, 2:344–345 (Kh. Deir Samit); Conder and Kitchener 1881–1883, III:353; Kochavi 1972:61.

493. 7– 3/2 14782 10370 19782 60370 517 m asl Kh. Deir Sāmit [2] Settlement remains (15 dunams) on hill north of the village of Deir Samit, west of a fertile valley. The south part of the hill was prepared for cultivation; the other portions are covered by large rock outcrops. On the northern slope—remains of seven buildings on leveled natural terraces. Several of the structures are rectangular (3.2×4.0 m, 3.6×5.2 m, 4×6 m); their walls are preserved to a height of two to four courses. A stone threshold and stone doorjambs (1.5 m high) are preserved in situ in one of the structures. Among the remains are three rock-hewn cisterns (one of them is currently in use); four additional cisterns are located on the west slope. Apparently remains of three structures on the eastern slope were dismantled and the building stones consolidated into heaps while preparing the area for cultivation. On the northern slope of the hill—four rock-hewn caves, apparently initially used for burial and in later periods as shelters by shepherds and their flocks. Numerous Intermediate Bronze potsherds are scattered in front of the entrance of the north cave. A survey conducted in the winter of 1984, when the south slope of the hill was prepared for cultivation, recorded five winepresses, remains of three buildings, two simple oil presses (bodedot) and three burial caves (of the shaft-tomb type: a shaft 1.8 m deep leads to the burial chamber). On the eastern slope—rock-hewn agricultural installations, among them seven winepresses, one of them consisting of a large treading floor (5.2×6.0 m) and a square collecting vat (2×2 m). South of this winepress is a rock-hewn oil press: a crushing basin (diam. 0.82 m) and collecting vat (diam. 0.44 m, 0.32 m deep). On the rock outcrops along the fringes of the hill, especially on the east slope, are 17 basins (diam. 0.40–0.66 m) and 14 cupmarks (average diam. 0.25 m). On rock outcrops on the summit of the hill—leveled surfaces (some of them concave), which apparently served for drying agricultural products. Nearby—a small building-stone quarry (2×3 m). In recent decades three cisterns were hewn on the west slope.

72* Local residents say that several large carob trees on the hill mark the graves of dervishes. On the slopes of the hill—agricultural terraces (25 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (numerous finds in the settlement remains, and burial caves of this period), Iron II (numerous finds similar to those of Tel Lakhish Stratum III, in the settlement remains), Late Roman (numerous finds in the settlement remains), Early Islamic and Mamluk (scanty finds—scatters); Temporary occupation: Ottoman (use of the caves).

494. 7– 3/3 14760 10388 19760 60388 475 m asl Kh. Deir Sāmit [3] Remains of three structures, rock-hewn installations and agricultural plots (10 dunams) on spur running north, north of Kh. Deir Samit [1]. Among the remains—a large building (8×12 m, farmhouse?); the northeastern and southeastern corners are visible (stone clearance heaps cover the rest of the structure). Nearby, to the west—meager remains of two small buildings (each 3.8×5.0 m). Nearby—a road (a wall segment from remains of one of the structures serves as a foundation for a wall built on the road’s shoulder). Near the large building are two rock-hewn winepresses. The eastern winepress consists of a treading floor (2.17×3.20 m, 0.54 m deep) and collecting vat (0.6×1.4 m; filled with alluvium). Near the southern winepress—a simple rock-hewn oil press (bodeda): a round crushing surface (diam. 0.68 m) circumscribed by a channel that slopes to a collecting basin (diam. 0.48 m). Six basins (average diam. 0.48 m) and three cupmarks (average diam. 0.27 m) are hewn in rock outcrops at the site. On the spur—agricultural terraces and deserted orchards (25 dunams) enclosed by stone fences. Finds. Pottery: Iron II and Byzantine (numerous finds from both periods in and around the building remains); Agricultural activity: Ottoman (agricultural plots, orchards).

495. 7– 3/4 14728 10388 19728 60388 450 m asl Kh. Deir Sāmit [4] Three rock-hewn burial caves (collapsed) in a valley running to the southwest, northwest of Kh. Deir Samit [1], plundered by antiquities robbers in the past. In the lower reaches of the valley—two cisterns (one is currently in use).

496. 7– 3/5 14720 10312 19720 60312 425 m asl Kh. Deir Sāmit [5] Five rock-hewn caves, cisterns and installations on slope (5 dunams) south of Kh. Deir Samit [1], in an area of agricultural terraces (18 dunams) built in part with ancient building stones. The caves were apparently initially used for burial and in a later period served as shelters for shepherds. Later quarrying marks and signs of alterations are visible; two neighboring caves were joined to form a single chamber. Remains of arcosolia were discerned in the south wall of the western cave.

73* Also at the site—a rock-hewn winepress (stone clearance heaps cover it; a collecting vat and part of a treading floor were noted) and three basins (diam. largely 0.48 m, 0.28 m deep) hewn in a rock outcrop. Hewn in a rock outcrop east of the winepress— two simple oil presses (bodedot). On the lower reaches of the slope—three rock-hewn cisterns. Finds. Pottery: Iron II (scanty finds—a scatter) and Byzantine (numerous finds, probably related to agricultural activity); Agricultural activity: Ottoman (agricultural plots, use of the caves).

497. 7– 3/6 14790 10305 19790 60305 450 m asl Kh. Deir Sāmit [6] Scanty remains of a deserted orchard (1 dunam), a cistern and a winepress on slope descending west, east of Kh. Deir Sāmit [1]. Recent construction by the villagers of Deir Sāmit in recent decades in the area of the orchard disturbed the remains. Nearby, to the orchard’s south—a rock-hewn cistern (4 m deep) and three hewn troughs. Seventeen meters east of the cistern—a winepress and a rock-hewn basin (diam. 0.63 m). Finds. Pottery: Byzantine (scanty ﬁnds—a scatter) and Ottoman (scanty ﬁnds and an orchard).

498. 8– 3/1 14880 10355 19880 60355 581 m asl Wadi el Hammām [1] Large stone heap, rock-hewn basins, a cave, agricultural plots and stone fences (10 dunams) on rocky hill on the lower western portion of the Hevron Hills, southwest of Wadi el Hammām. The stone heap (diam. 8 m) covers part of a rock outcrop, hiding several hewn basins (three are visible, average diam. 0.44 m). A number of building stones can be distinguished in the stone heap (remains of a watch tower guarding a road?). On the north slope are two additional rock-hewn basins (diam. of each 0.52 m, 0.29 m deep). Nearby—a cave (3×5 m) whose opening faces north (used as a shelter by shepherds). On the western slope of the hill—agricultural plots (35 dunams) enclosed by stone fences. A road (3–4 m wide) demarcated by fieldstone walls runs out from the hill. According to the villagers this is one of the roads that led to Dura. Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (scanty finds scattered over 2 dunams) and Byzantine (scanty finds—scatters); Agricultural activity: Ottoman (agricultural plots, use of a cave, a road).

499. 8– 3/2 14880 10314 19880 60314 600 m asl Wadi Qura [1] Rock-hewn installations—a winepress, ﬁve basins and seven cupmarks—and stone clearance heaps (3 dunams), on hill on the lower western part of the Hevron Hills, northeast of Wadi Qura (referred to by Arab villagers as Qurnat Umm Harb). The

74* winepress, hewn in a rock outcrop (3.5×3.8 m), consists of an oval treading floor (1.5×2.3 m) and round collecting vat (diam. 0.63 m; filled with alluvium). South of the winepress are the basins (average diam. 0.48 m) and the cupmarks (average diam. 0.28 m), to their west, in rock outcrops. On the hill—stone fences, enclosing agricultural plots. On the northern slope of the hill—agricultural terraces (45 dunams). East of them—a large leveled rock outcrop (6×8 m) that served as a threshing floor. Nearby, on rock outcrops—five cupmarks (average diam. 0.24 m). Finds. Pottery: Roman and Byzantine (scanty finds—scatters); Agricultural activity: Ottoman (agricultural plots).

500. 8– 3/3, 7 14834 10394 19834 60394 475 m asl Jebel es Sa‘di [7] 500.1. Remains of a structure (6×10 m; farmhouse?) and four additional buildings, six winepresses and other rock-hewn installations (5 dunams) on a saddle south of Wadi el Hammām. The site is located at a road junction; one road runs from north to south, through ‘Emeq Ha-Telem (‘the Furrow Valley’), and the other runs from east to west from Kh. Deir Samit [1] to Dura. Some of the ancient remains were damaged by agricultural cultivation. Discerned in the remains of the farmhouse were wall sections (0.65 m wide) built of two rows of large fieldstones, a doorway (0.95 m wide) facing west and a wall that partitioned the structure in two. East of the farmhouse—a rock-hewn winepress consisting of a treading floor (2.17×2.33 m) and collecting vat (0.95×2.00 m, 0.55 m deep) linked by a channel (0.4 m long). A round surface (diam. 2 m, 0.12 m deep) that slopes towards the vat and a concave surface (diam. 1 m), both west of the winepress, probably held fruit prior to treading. North of the farmhouse—remains of two smaller buildings (each 4×4 m) on leveled rock surfaces, wall lines and a building corner. South of the road (below, 500.2)—remains of two more buildings, one of them (4.2×6.0 m) with walls (0.6 m wide) preserved two to four courses high, and a doorway that faces north. Nearby, to east—remains of a structure (wall segments and a heap of rough-hewn building stones). In this area—a rock-hewn winepress: a treading floor (3.2×4.0 m) and collecting vat (1.0×2.6 m). East of the saddle and to its north are four more rock-hewn winepresses. On the east part of the saddle are two rock-hewn basins (diam. of each 0.48 m, 0.38 m deep) linked by a channel (0.35 m long, 0.06 m deep) and on the north part—six cupmarks (average diam. 0.25 m). A stone fence encloses an orchard south of one of the roads; fragments of an oil-press crushing basin and crushing stone were incorporated in its construction. In the orchard— two rock-hewn cisterns. On the north part of the saddle—another rock-hewn cistern. Finds. Numerous Chalcolithic flint implements (a scatter, including an axe, pounder and arrowhead); Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (scanty finds—scatters), Iron II (numerous

75* finds similar to those of Tel Lakhish Stratum III—in the building remains), Late Roman, Byzantine and Mamluk (scanty finds—scatters—from these periods); Agricultural activity: Ottoman (the road, agricultural plots). 500.2. South of the farmhouse a road flanked by large fieldstones ascends east to the Hevron Hills (see above, Site 498). Sections of the road were improved by leveling or cutting steps in the rock. Of note is a well preserved section (3.8 m wide; map ref. OIG 14830 10380, NIG 19830 60380) that was leveled for a distance of 35 m.

501. 8–3/4 14805 10366 19805 60366 475 m asl Kh. Deir Sāmit [7] Remains of a settlement damaged by agricultural cultivation (olive groves, 5 dunams) and scatters of large quantities of pottery on a saddle northeast of Deir Samit [1]. Building stones are heaped along the fringes of the agricultural plots, and some of them were used in the construction of the fences enclosing the plots. Rough-hewn building stones, thresholds, stone lintels and column fragments are also incorporated in the fence around the olive grove. Hewn in the rock outcrops west of the grove are seven basins (diam. c. 0.47 m) and near them farther to the west are twelve oval and conical cupmarks (of different sizes). Finds. Flint implements, fragments of basalt bowls, many potsherds and other finds (including two axes)—Chalcolithic (in the settlement remains); Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (scanty finds—a scatter), Iron II (numerous finds, similar to those of Tel Lakhish Strata IV–II—in the settlement remains), Roman (scanty finds—a scatter) and Byzantine (numerous fragments of LRC III-type vessels in the settlement remains).

502. 8–3/5 14810 10390 19810 60390 475 m asl Jebel es Sa‘di [8] Quarry and rock-hewn installations (including winepresses, basins and cupmarks; 2 dunams) on north part of saddle, south of Jebel es Sa‘di [1] in an area of orchards (some of them deserted). Traces of plundering by antiquities robbers are apparent. On the saddle—c. 10 stone heaps and a renovated rock-hewn cistern (5 m deep; new plaster was applied on the ancient layer). Near the cistern—a rock-hewn trough (0.55×1.40 m) and a rock-hewn tomb (0.91×2.40 m; the south portion is covered with a stone slab). In a later period the tomb was converted for use as a winepress collecting vat; to its east is the hewn treading ﬂoor, linked to the vat (formerly the tomb) by a perforation. Close by to the east is a rock-hewn cave (3.7×6.0 m) fronted by a wall of dressed stones. Near the cave—a rock-hewn winepress (mostly covered with alluvium and soil debris). On the rock outcrops—six hewn basins (average diam. 0.40 m) and eight cupmarks (average diam. 0.25 m).

76* Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (scanty finds—a scatter), Iron II (scanty finds, similar to those of Tel Lakhish Strata III–II—a scatter), Roman and Byzantine (scanty finds—scatters); Temporary occupation: Ottoman (use of the cave).

503. 8–3/6 14826 10356 19826 60356 470 m asl ‘Beqa‘at es Sa‘di’ Pottery scatters (2 dunams) in the midst of a fertile valley (160 dunams), in which agricultural plots were prepared in recent decades. Ancient building stones are incorporated in the walls of a stone fence delimiting an olive grove in the center of the valley. Finds. a few Chalcolithic potsherds.

504. 8– 3/8 14838 10316 19838 60316 500 m asl Wadi Qura [2] Rock-hewn installations and agricultural terraces on a precipitous slope facing north, toward Wadi Qura. Most of the terraces (10 dunams; filled with fertile soil brought from the wadi bed) were prepared at the foot of the slope. Additional agricultural terraces (45 dunams) on the slope are not currently under cultivation. A road flanked with large fieldstones passes near the wadi bank. On the upper reaches of the slope—two simple rock-hewn oil presses (bodedot) and a winepress consisting of an oval treading floor (2.6×4.0 m) that slopes slightly north, to a collecting vat (0.63×1.55 m). Seven meters west of the winepress is a rock-hewn pool (2.55×3.28 m, 0.44 m deep) that local residents say was used for processing sheep- and goat-skins and for dying wool. Three hewn steps (1.55 m wide) ascend to the area of the pool. East of the winepress—five rock-hewn basins (diam. 0.47–0.60 m). Near the basins—a charcoal installation in a small cave (2×3 m); ash and waste from charcoal manufacture are scattered around the cave opening.

505. 8– 3/9 14878 10384 19878 60384 500 m asl Wadi el Hammām [5] Remains of a building (4.3×6.0 m; the east and part of the west wall) adjoined by a courtyard (3.2×4.0 m) on the north side, on a rocky slope descending west toward Wadi el Hammām. Stone fences enclosing agricultural plots were constructed with building stones taken from these remains. A depression in the ground nearby to the south (a blocked cistern?) is approached by a channel (for diversion of runoff) on the slope. Finds. Byzantine pottery (many sherds).

506. 8– 3/10 14860 10340 19860 60340 500 m asl Wadi Qura [3] Pen for sheep and goats (6×8 m; occasionally used today) on rocky slope descending west, toward the outlet of Wadi Qura into Beqa‘at es Sa‘di. Near the pen—a rock-hewn

77* cave (3×5 m), apparently an ancient burial cave that in a later period was enlarged and used as a shelter by shepherds. South of the pen are two basins (diam. of each 0.73 m), hewn in a rock surface and surrounded by a ﬁeldstone wall (2.5×3.0 m). On the slope—remains of agricultural terraces (10 dunams).

507. 8– 3/11 14810 10315 19810 60315 480 m asl Wadi Qura [7] Rock-hewn cistern and a nearby cave in the area of an orchard (80×114 m) on a slope descending west to Wadi Qura. The cistern (5 m deep), in the east part of the orchard, is approached by two channels that diverted runoff from the slope.

508. 8– 3/12 14858 10315 19858 60315 500 m asl Wadi Qura [8] Road segment on slope descending northeast toward Wadi Qura. The road, which ascends to the Hevron Hills, is visible for 140 m. Curbstones ﬂank both sides and steps are hewn in two segments.

509. 9– 3/1 14906 10390 19906 60390 600 m asl Wadi el Hammām [6] Remains of a round structure (diam. 7 m; guard tower?) on a rocky hill on the lower western reaches of the Hevron Hills, north of Wadi el Hammām. The dry-built walls are preserved to a maximum height of 0.8 m. The entrance (1 m wide) faces east. Nearby—two basins (diam. of each 0.44 m) hewn in a rock outcrop. Finds. Pottery: Iron IIA–B and Roman (scanty ﬁnds from these periods) and Byzantine (numerous ﬁnds).

510. 9– 3/2 14948 10384 19948 60384 630 m asl Wadi el Hammām [7] Large cairn (diam. 7 m) surrounded by several stone heaps (diam. 2–3 m) on rocky hill north of Wadi el Hammām, commanding an extensive view—particularly of the Shephelah to the west. North of the cairn—several wall segments. On a leveled rock outcrop on the north slope of the hill—a rock-hewn basin (diam. 0.63 m). Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (numerous ﬁnds; related to a tomb?), Iron II and Byzantine (scanty ﬁnds—scatters—from both these periods).

511. 9– 3/4 14903 10327 19903 60327 600 m asl Wadi el Hammām [9] Remains of buildings, a limekiln and stone clearance heaps (3 dunams) on spur descending west, south of Wadi el Hammām. A building (3.7×5.6 m), preserved in its entirety, most likely dates to the Ottoman period; to its west are meager remains of several ancient structures (their building stones are consolidated into heaps). Nearby—

78* three rock-hewn cisterns. North of the structure is a limekiln (inner diam. 3.8 m, 2.2 m deep) with a stokehole in its west wall. To the north and east—agricultural plots (10 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Roman and Byzantine (scanty remains—scatters); Temporary occupation in the Ottoman period (building, agricultural plots).

512. 9– 3/5 14930 10324 19930 60324 630 m asl Wadi el Hammām [10] Settlement remains (15 dunams) on rocky slope descending west, south of Wadi el Hammām. In recent decades eight buildings were constructed at the site, some of them on the foundations of ancient structures, incorporating ancient building stones in the walls. Amongst the remains—four rock-hewn cisterns (small locking fixtures were installed on the mouths of two of them). In the surrounding area—a deserted orchard and agricultural terraces (20 dunams). Some 120 m to the east, at the top of the slope—a spring (Nab‘a), flowing from inside a karst depression (3 m deep). The spring water is used even today by local residents. Surrounding the spring outlet—four troughs, hewn in large blocks of stone. East of the spring—a rock-hewn pool (4.5×4.8 m, currently 1 m deep), with a staircase that descends to its floor. Large fieldstones were placed around the rim of the pool (it was apparently used as a pen in a later period). On the upper reaches of the slope—installations, hewn in rock outcrops: a winepress, three basins and a dozen cupmarks, hewn in two rows, in a rock surface (3.7×5.6 m). Nearby—a building-stone quarry. Finds. Pottery: Roman and Byzantine (numerous finds in the settlement remains), Mamluk (scanty finds—a scatter); Temporary occupation: Ottoman (pens and buildings).

513. 9– 3/6 14985 10306 19985 60306 731 m asl Duran Three stone heaps (2–3 m diam.) on hill west of Duran, commanding a view to the west of most of the Shephelah. Also at the site—a rectangular basin (0.47×0.95 m), hewn in a rock surface.

514. 9– 3/7 14960 10358 19960 60358 575 m asl Wadi el Hammām [11] Remains of a structure (6×8 m), rock-hewn installations and agricultural terraces (7 dunams) on moderate slope, descending north toward Wadi el Hammām. Agricultural plots were also prepared in the wadi bed. The structure’s walls, constructed of medium- sized fieldstones and rough-hewn stones, are preserved to a maximum height of five courses. East of the structure—remains of a courtyard encompassed by a wall of upright fieldstones (0.6 m wide). Nearby, to the west—a rock-hewn winepress: a

79* treading ﬂoor (2.5×3.7 m) and collecting vat (0.6×1.4 m; ﬁlled with alluvium) to its north. Four meters west of the winepress—four basins (diam. 0.37–0.55 m) hewn in a fractured rock outcrop. North of the basins—a simple rock-hewn oil press: a round concave crushing surface (diam. 0.73 m) and a square collecting basin (0.48×0.50 m; 0.32 m deep), linked by a channel. Finds. Byzantine and Ottoman pottery (a few sherds, in and around the structure).

515. 9– 3/8 14916 10360 19916 60360 550 m asl Wadi el Hammām [12] Rock-hewn cave on south bank of Wadi el Hammām (apparently used by shepherds) and a nearby pen (3.3×4.5 m) with two stone troughs inside it.

516. 9– 3/9 14980 10394 19980 60394 630 m asl Wadi el Hammām [13] Two large basins (diam. of each 1.42 m, 0.26 m deep) hewn in rock outcrops on slope of rocky spur descending west, north of Wadi el Hammām.

517. 9– 3/10 14996 10365 19996 60365 630 m asl Wadi el Hammām [14] Rock-hewn cave (4×5 m; dimensions of opening: 2×3 m) on steep slope descending to Wadi el Hammām. The cave apparently served later as a shelter for shepherds.

518. 9– 3/11 14995 10345 19995 60345 610 m asl Wadi el Hammām [15] Agricultural terraces (12 dunams; mostly deserted, walls collapsed) on banks of Wadi el Hammām.

519. 9– 3/12 14910 10308 19910 60308 610 m asl Wadi el Hammām [16] Ruinous building—two heaps of building stones—on spur south of Wadi el Hammām. Nearby, to west—a rock-hewn cistern (depth 4.5 m).

520. 0–2/1 14094 10282 19094 60282 400 m asl ‘Ahuzzat Hazzan’ Esh Sheikh Abu Khashab (M) Settlement remains (15 dunams), caves, cisterns, a ritual bath (miqweh), rock-hewn agricultural installations and agricultural terraces, on spur sloping moderately to the west. Excavations conducted at the site (S. Gudovitch, Y. Minsker and G. Avni, 1982– 1984) exposed some of the remains, particularly a complex of subterranean chambers, which was cleaned and studied. The complex consists of 35 chambers and various

80* cavities interconnected by tunnels, which altered the initial functions of the caves and other spaces (such as cisterns). It includes bell-shaped cisterns, an oil press, store rooms for storage jars, square chambers (of unknown purpose), as well as a vertical shaft (8 m deep). Recesses for holding oil lamps are hewn throughout the tunnels. Numerous alterations were made to the complex during the more than 700 years it was in use and the activities of antiquities robbers have further disrupted the stratigraphy of its components. The plan of the ancient site was disturbed in the Byzantine period by massive construction works. Apparently a farmstead existed here in the Hellenistic and Herodian periods, and a settlement was established in the Roman and Byzantine periods. Foundations of several buildings were exposed in a rectangular compound (c. 50×70 m) and close to one of them were remains of a bathhouse. In the southwest part of the compound were remains of a fortified structure, interpreted as a stronghold, and surrounded by a sloping stone-built glacis. In a later period a sheikh’s tomb—Esh Sheikh Abu Khashab—may have been built on these remains. In the north part of the compound are remains of a structure next to a ritual bath that was sealed when a bathing chamber was constructed over it. Other rock-hewn installations at the site include caves with columbaria, a winepress and several basins. On the slope of the spur—agricultural terraces (c. 25 dunams). Finds. Hellenistic pottery (scanty finds, apparently related to the farmstead); Herodian pottery and stone vessels (apparently related to the farmstead); Roman and Byzantine pottery (numerous finds in the settlement remains) and Early Islamic pottery (scanty finds, probably of a temporary settlement); Ottoman burial (sheikh’s tomb?). Gudovitch Minsker and Avni 1985; Avni, Gudovitch, Minsker and Kloner 1987; Avni and Gudovitch 1996.

521. 0–2/2, 6 14032 10293 19032 60293 431 m asl Giv‘at ‘Uqzar [1] 521.1. Wall segments, stone clearance heaps and agricultural plots on a prominent hill south of Nahal Lakhish (currently west of the Jewish National Fund observation tower whose construction damaged ancient remains at the site), commanding an extensive view to the northwest, west and southwest. In the valley to the southeast—agricultural terraces (c. 10 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Early Bronze II–III (scanty finds—scatters), Iron II (numerous finds— scatters), Roman and Byzantine (scanty finds—scatters). 521.2. Some 200 m to the southwest (map ref. NIG 14020 10270, OIG 19020 60720), on the outskirts of Adorayim Forest—stone heaps (including rough-hewn stones; c. 1 dunam) and agricultural terraces (c. 5 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Early Bronze II–III (scanty finds—a scatter), Iron II (numerous finds— a scatter) and Byzantine (scanty finds—a scatter).

81* 522. 0–2/3 14076 10257 19076 60257 380 m asl Resm Hazzaneh (S) Kh. Rasm Hassān (M) Settlement remains (c. 7 dunams) on spur moderately descending to the south (currently in Adorayim Forest; most of the remains were covered when the area was prepared for planting): stone heaps atop remains of several buildings, building foundations (disturbed by antiquities robbers) and a corner of a structure whose walls were built of ashlars with drafted margins. Also recorded were three rock-hewn cisterns, two in the center of the site and one in its south. On the west slope of the spur—a hewn burial cave (disturbed by antiquities robbers) and a pen (c. 6×8 m). Near the pen—eight cupmarks (average diam. 0.27 m), hewn in rock outcrops. In the vicinity of the site and in the forest—agricultural terraces (c. 12 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Hellenistic, Early Roman and Byzantine (numerous ﬁnds in the settlement remains) and Early Islamic (scanty ﬁnds—a scatter); Temporary occupation: Ottoman (pen).

523. 0–2/4, 5 14070 10217 19070 60217 375 m asl Kh. Hazzaneh (S) [1] Kh. Hazzāna (M) [1] 523.1. Extensive settlement remains (c. 55 dunams) on spur descending south, toward Nahal Adorayim (currently on the fringes of Adorayim Forest; forestation disturbed the site’s plan and caused damaged): building remains (some covered with stone heaps), caves of various types, rock-hewn installations and cisterns. In the center of the ruin— remains of a building, (apparently a mosque; 6×8 m), chiefly the southwest corner (preserved two to four courses high). The foundation of the mihrab (prayer niche) is preserved on the south side; this may be an ancient building that was adapted for use as a mosque in a later period. In the area of the structure—scatters of building stones and numerous ancient architectural elements, among them a threshold, lintels, a column fragment and stones bearing geometric decorations. Nearby—a cistern capstone (1.05×1.12 m); a large stone basin (diam. 1.84 m, 0.23 m deep), probably part of an oil press; and two stone weights, 12 m south of the basin. Near the basin—a stone pile, including rough-hewn building stones, fragments of columns, capitals, a decorated cornice and a limestone chancel screen (indicating the existence of a church in the vicinity). Also recorded at the site—seven cisterns (some blocked-up, others covered by large stones), three winepresses, six hewn basins (diam. 0.36–0.47 m) and five cupmarks (average diam. 0.24 m). In the west part of the site—four deep rock- hewn bell-shaped caves, later used as shelters for shepherds and their flocks. West of the caves—a quarry (2.7×5.0 m). In the north and east of the site are five rock-hewn burial caves that were plundered by antiquities robbers.

82* Finds. Pottery: Roman and Byzantine (numerous finds in the settlement remains), Early Islamic (scanty finds scattered over c. 10 dunams) and Mamluk (numerous finds in the settlement remains and spread over c. 35 dunams); Temporary occupation: Ottoman (use of the caves). Conder and Kitchener 1881–1883, III:281. 523.2. Rock-hewn cistern and a pair of bell-shaped pits on saddle north of Kh. Hazzana [1]. Scattered in the vicinity of the pits—many potsherds and rough-hewn building stones. Forestation works damaged the pits: the eastern bell-shaped pit is partly collapsed and affords entry into the western pit (c. 6×10 m, 8 m deep), which has large hewn niches in the walls. The pits were apparently used by the residents of Kh. Hazzana [1]. Finds. Pottery: Iron II and Hellenistic (scanty finds—scatters), Roman, Byzantine and Early Islamic (numerous finds—scatters) and Mamluk (scanty finds—a scatter).

524. 0–2/7 14005 10277 19005 60277 400 m asl Giv‘at ‘Uqzar [12] Remains of two buildings and hewn installations on saddle (currently at the edge of Adorayim Forest), southeast of Giv‘at ‘Uqzar [1]. The walls of one building (5.2×6.8 m) are preserved six to seven courses high (medium-sized building stones and stone clearance piles cover the remains). Nearby to the west—two basins (diam. of each 0.42 m) and three cupmarks (average diam. 0.28 m) hewn in a rock outcrop. West of the cupmarks—a small quarry (1×3 m). East of the building remains—a winepress treading ﬂoor (2.4×3.2 m) hewn in a rock surface; stone clearance piles cover the other components of the winepress. Finds. Iron II, Roman and Byzantine pottery (scanty ﬁnds).

525. 0–2/8 14005 10226 19005 60226 350 m asl Ya‘ar Adorayim (Adorayim Forest) Pottery scatters on slope (currently Adorayim Forest; forestation disrupted the plan of the site). Finds. Byzantine pottery.

526. 1–2/1–3 14122 10290 19122 60290 390 m asl H. Hazzan [1] Kh. Hazzāna (M) [1] 526.1. Settlement remains (c. 20 dunams) on spur: structural remains, cisterns, rock- hewn caves, winepresses, rock-hewn installations and deserted orchards, some of them delimited by stone fences. Incorporated in one of the fences is a fragment of a stone column (c. 1 m long, diam. 0.5 m). Later activity in the Mamluk and Ottoman periods disrupted the plan of earlier remains, of which only a few wall segments survive; ancient

83* building stones were used in the construction of pens and fences, some of which were constructed atop the ancient building remains. On the top of the spur—remains of a building (c. 4×6 m) and an adjacent courtyard (c. 6×6 m). On the spur are rock-hewn cisterns and numerous caves. The caves and cisterns were inspected by the Judean Shephelah survey team and a team from the Center for Cave Research, who marked their openings. Cistern 12/1–1. Bell-shaped (c. 6 m deep, diam. of floor: 4.7 m). Cistern 12/1–2. Square, several layers of plaster (4×4 m, 3 m deep). Cave 12/1–3. The cave (6×10 m) is partitioned by a stone wall. Near the entrance—a round hewn basin (diam. 0.3 m, 0.15 m deep). Cistern 12/1–4, 5. Large (9 m deep; oval plan at floor level: 7×13 m), three openings. Grooves in large stones arranged to form a rectangle around one of the openings (0.5×0.8 m) were caused by friction of ropes used to draw water. The cistern’s southern opening leads to the floor by means of a staircase hewn in the southeast wall. Niches (mostly 0.4×0.5 m) are hewn in the cistern’s walls. Strips of plaster in which early Byzantine potsherds are embedded adhere to the walls. Carved into the lower portions of the walls are letters, drawings and vertical and horizontal lines. Three Greek letters (the beginning of an inscription?) are carved into the western wall of the cistern, 2.6 m above the floor. Cave 12/1–7. Several chambers. Initially the cave had two burial chambers; two burial kokhim (2.05 m long) are hewn in the walls of one of the chambers and seven kokhim, in the walls of the other. Subsequently the cave was enlarged and two chambers were added. Basins are hewn in the floor of one of them. Complex 12/1–8. A complex of subterranean tunnels that begins in a cistern, passes through seven chambers and branches out even further. Four small cisterns are hewn in the floor of one of the chambers. Numerous Byzantine pottery vessels (jars and bowls) were concentrated in one of the chambers. Cistern 12/1–9. The cistern (6 m deep), on south slope of spur, is capped with a limestone block. Cistern 12/1–10. On south slope of the spur; c. 7 m deep. Complex 12/1–11. A complex of cisterns and tunnels connected to Complex 12/1–8. Cistern 12/1–12. Bell-shaped, with hewn storage niches and cuttings for suspending objects in the walls. The entrance is blocked by a fieldstone wall, partly collapsed. Cistern 12/1–13. Rectangular (c. 6 m deep; south of Cistern 12/1–12), with a hewn staircase descending to the floor in the south wall; on the walls are traces of plaster. Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze and Iron II (scanty finds—scatters), Roman (numerous finds, first–second centuries CE, in the settlement remains), Byzantine (numerous finds in the settlement remains) and Mamluk (scanty finds—a scatter); Temporary occupation: Ottoman (scanty finds, orchards and pens). Jacoby and Walobelsky 1985; Kloner 1987b.

84* 526.2. Ten rock-hewn burial caves in a valley on the east side of the spur (map ref. OIG 14133 10299, NIG 19133 60299). Antiquities robbers plundered all of the caves. The northern cave consists of a single chamber (3.20×3.55 m) with two burial kokhim (each 2.16 m long) in its north wall, two kokhim (each 2.26 m long) in its west wall and three kokhim (each 2.17 m long) in its south wall. One of the caves in this group is cruciform, with an ornamented cornice carved above the entrance. In the soil debris in front of the cave entrances are scatters of potsherds (Late Roman–Early Byzantine periods). 526.3. Southeast of the caves is a rock-hewn cistern (map ref. OIG 14136 10294, NIG 19136 60294; c. 8 m deep), with grooves worn in the stone at its mouth by friction caused by ropes used to draw water. Another opening in its side leads to a hewn staircase that descends to the ﬂoor.

527. 1–2/4 14150 10266 19150 60266 360 m asl H. Hazzan [4] Remains of a limekiln (inner diam. c. 4.3 m, 2.7 m deep), in a wadi southeast of H. Hazzan [1], surrounded by limestone blocks and waste heaps.

528. 1–2/5 14138 10261 19138 60261 355 m asl H. Hazzan [5] Ruinous well (c. 15 m) on bank of wadi running south, to Nahal Adorayim, southeast of H. Hazzan [1]. Grooves in the rectangular stone mouth (1×2 m) are the result of the friction of ropes used to draw water. The neck is lined with stone courses (from the mouth downward to a depth of c. 8 m).

529. 1–2/6 14155 10237 19155 60237 394 m asl Nahal Adorayim [72] Remains of a farmstead (c. 15 dunams) on a bare hill north of Nahal Adorayim. On the hilltop—remains of a building (6×7 m), its walls preserved two to three courses high. The entrance faces east and doorjambs lie on the ground close by. Nearby—a large stone pile (clearance heap?); remains of a building may be buried beneath it. The hill is surrounded by a stone fence (1 m wide, up to 0.7 m high). On the slopes (mostly the south and west slopes)—stone clearance heaps. At the site—three winepresses hewn in rock outcrops, two of them on the west slope. The lower winepress consists of a treading floor (2.19×3.55 m) and collecting vat (0.75×1.22 m, 0.59 m deep). The upper winepress comprises a treading floor (1.8×2.5 m) and collecting vat (0.73×0.89 m; filled with alluvium) linked by a channel (0.44 m long); the treading floor was subsequently enlarged (2.95×3.66 m) and large fieldstones were placed around it (for processing agricultural produce?). The third winepress, on the slope facing northeast, has an oval treading floor (1.68×3.72 m) sloping north toward a collecting vat (0.55×0.75 m; filled with alluvium). Twenty five meters to the east is an

85* oil press hewn in a rock outcrop: a shallow crushing basin (diam. 0.85 m) that slopes to a rectangular collecting vat (0.48×0.64 m, 0.38 m deep). Also at the site—seven basins (diam. 0.3–0.4 m) and eleven cupmarks (diam. 0.2–0.3 m) hewn in rock outcrops. On the west slope—a rock-hewn limekiln (inner diam. 4.28 m, 2.66 m deep) with a stokehole preserved in its west side. Dressed building stones lie in the kiln (apparently dismantled from the building remains on the hill) and around the kiln are piles of stones prepared for burning. In the wadi northeast of the hill—another limekiln. On the hill and on the southern slope—two pens. On the hill and its slopes—agricultural terraces (c. 15 dunams). Finds. Pottery: MB IIA–B (numerous finds—a scatter), Roman (scanty finds—a scatter), Byzantine (numerous finds in and around the building remains), Early Islamic (Abbasid; scanty finds—a scatter) and Ottoman (scanty finds, and also pens from this period).

530. 1–2/7 14154 10257 19154 60257 375 m asl H. Hazzan [6] Two winepresses hewn in rock outcrops on spur descending west, southeast of H. Hazzan [1]. The northern winepress consists of a treading floor (2.27×3.32 m) and collecting vat (0.8×1.0 m; filled with alluvium) and a rock outcrop to its north was hewn to slope in the direction of the floor; fruit was apparently placed on it prior to treading. The southern winepress consists of a treading floor (1.28×1.33 m) and collecting vat (.052×0.63 m). To its east—two basins (diam. of each c. 0.44 m) hewn in rock outcrops.

531. 1–2/8 14125 10212 19125 60212 350 m asl Nahal Adorayim [73] Numerous pottery scatters (over c. 2 dunams) at foot of spur near the conﬂuence of two wadis (tributaries of Nahal Adorayim). On the upper part of the spur—wall segments (walls of agricultural terraces?). Finds. a few potsherds (scatters)—Byzantine and Mamluk.

532. 1–2/9 14190 10265 19190 60265 400 m asl H. Hazzan [7] Rock-hewn installations on slope of spur descending northwest, east of H. Hazzan [1], in an area of agricultural terraces (c. 10 dunams), among them a winepress hewn in a rock outcrop (fractured), consisting of an asymmetric hexagonal treading ﬂoor (c. 3.2×4.0 m) and collecting vat (1.3×1.8 m, 0.95 m deep) to its west. Nearby, south of the winepress—four rock-hewn basins (average diam. 0.48 m) and north of the winepress—a simple oil press (bodeda; diam. of crushing basin: 0.83 m). On the south part of the slope—a rock-hewn cistern (mostly blocked; today c. 3 m deep). Finds. Byzantine pottery (many sherds).

86* 533. 1–2/10 14182 10245 19182 60245 402 m asl H. Hazzan [8] Remains of a building (c. 4.5×5.0 m) on shoulder of spur southeast of H. Hazzan [1]. One course survives of the walls (0.47 m wide); the building stones were apparently removed to be used in nearby limekilns. No pottery was recorded in or around the remains. West of the building—agricultural terraces (c. 4 dunams).

534. 1–2/11 14194 10208 19194 60208 415 m asl Nahal Adorayim [74] Remains of a building (c. 4.6×7.0 m; mainly wall segments)—the east (0.55 m wide; two to four courses) and south (two to three courses) walls, and rock-hewn installations, on a hill and at its foot, north of Nahal Adorayim. Doorjambs (1.5 m long) are strewn on the ground nearby. The hilltop is circumscribed by a fieldstone fence (c. 90×280 m). The site was revisited by the surveyors, by which time the building remains had been destroyed. On the northern slope of the hill—a rock-hewn winepress consisting of a treading floor (2.2×2.6 m) and collecting vat (0.68×1.30 m; filled with alluvium). Lower down, on the northwestern slope—another rock-hewn winepress: a treading floor (2.17×3.28 m, 0.32 m deep) and collecting vat (filled with alluvium). To its north—four rock-hewn basins (average diam. 0.38 m). On the northwestern, northeastern and southern slopes—agricultural terraces (c. 80 dunams) and remains of stone fences around agricultural plots. Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (scanty finds—a scatter) and Byzantine (numerous finds).

535. 2–2/1 14209 10260 19209 60260 426 m asl H. Hazzan [9] Wall segments, a limekiln, c. 40 stone clearance heaps and agricultural terraces (c. 10 dunams) enclosed by stone fences on hill east of H. Hazzan [1], in an area of large rock outcrops and natural forest (mastic trees). Small fieldstones and rough-hewn building stones were discerned in the stone heaps (c. 2–5 m diam., 0.7–1.5 m high). Low walls, one or two courses high, were built around several of them to prevent the stones from scattering. The upper part of the limekiln (5.73 m diam., 2.28 m deep), well preserved and plastered, was built of rough-hewn stones. Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (scanty finds—a scatter) and Byzantine (many finds).

536. 2–2/2 14235 10248 19235 60248 420 m asl Kh. er Rāya [2] Cave (blocked by ﬁeldstones), a pen (c. 4×7 m) and four stone clearance heaps (including building stones) on hill north of Kh. er Rāya [1] (below, Site 630). On the upper reaches of the hill—agricultural plots enclosed by stone fences and lower down—agricultural

87* terraces supported by walls (c. 15 dunams). The cave is on the north part of the hill and the pen, preserved four courses high, is on the south part. On the southwest portion—four basins (average diam. 0.55 m) and two cupmarks (diam. of each 0.27 m) hewn in a rock outcrop. Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze, Roman and Byzantine—a few sherds (scatters); Temporary occupation: Ottoman (scanty ﬁnds and a pen).

537. 2–2/3 14270 10226 19270 60226 410 m asl Khallat Quteit (M) Rock-hewn winepress on rocky spur: a large treading floor (3.6×4.6 m) with a central basin (diam. 0.57 m, 0.39 m deep) and a collecting vat (1.29×2.55 m; filled with alluvium), linked by a perforation (diam. 0.12 m). Two meters south of the treading floor—two basins (diam. of each 0.38 m) hewn in a leveled rock surface (1.28×1.55 m). On the eastern slope of the spur—a large hewn basin (diam. 0.73 m). On the spur— agricultural terraces enclosed by stone fences (c. 4 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Iron II (scanty finds—a scatter) and Byzantine (numerous finds near the winepress).

538. 2–2/4 14212 10240 19212 60240 410 m asl Kh. er Rāya [3] Pottery scatters on a rocky spur northwest of Kh. er Rāya [1], in an area of agricultural terraces (c. 5 dunams) prepared between rock outcrops and stone clearance heaps. Low walls on the southern slope probably mark borders between plots. In a valley south of the spur—remains of a pen; scanty construction remains (1×2 m; a building?) abut it from the east. Finds. Pottery: Iron II and Byzantine—a few sherds (scatters); Temporary occupation: Ottoman (pottery ﬁnds and the pen).

539. 2–2/5 14290 10255 19290 60255 365 m asl Kh. er Rāya [4] Rock-hewn burial cave—a single chamber—at the foot of the northeast slope of a spur north of Kh. er Rāya [1], plundered by antiquities robbers. Disintegrated bones were found in the burial kokhim (0.56×0.62×2.17 m). Pottery is scattered near the cave entrance. Fifteen meters west of the burial cave—three basins (average diam. 0.42 m) hewn in a rock outcrop. Finds. Byzantine pottery (fragments of jugs and bowls, near the cave entrance).

540. 2–2/6 14240 10280 19240 60280 405 m asl Kh. er Rāya [5] Agricultural terraces enclosed by stone fences (c. 10 dunams) on ﬂat spur, c. 1 km north of Kh. er Rāya [1]. In the valley to the south—agricultural terraces.

88* 541. 3–2/1 14354 10286 19354 60286 390 m asl H. Mayish Kh. Umm el Meis (S) (M) Settlement remains (c. 30 dunams) on northern slope of spur: remains of buildings, rock- hewn cisterns, caves and agricultural installations, and terraces. Pens constructed in a later period damaged the ancient remains. In the western part of the site—foundation courses of buildings (c. 5.00×5.35 m, 4.2×6.0 m) built of ashlar stones. On the upper reaches of the slope—two caves (ceilings collapsed) and two cisterns to their east, with a large capstone (1.42×1.68 m, 0.63 m high) lying close by. In the eastern portion of the site—pens, built on ancient remains. One of the walls of the southeastern pen was constructed on an ancient wall (4.8 m long) of ashlar stones. Nearby—a rock-hewn winepress; only the treading floor is visible and a pile of building stones covers the collecting vat. East of the winepress—a simple rock-hewn oil press (bodeda): a round crushing basin (diam. 0.78 m, 0.18 m deep) and a collecting vat (diam. 0.42 m). Hewn in a rock outcrop southeast of the settlement—four basins (average diam. 0.4 m) and three cupmarks (average diam. 0.27 m, 0.17 m deep). West of the settlement, at the foot of the spur, in rock outcrops—two large hewn basins (diam. of each 0.55 m, 0.39 m deep) linked by a channel (0.27 m long). Some 28 m southwest of the basins—five cupmarks (average diam. 0.25 m) hewn in rock outcrops. At the foot of the spur and on the northeast slope—four rock-hewn burial caves (plundered by antiquities robbers in the past). In the valleys to the northeast of the spur and to its west are agricultural terraces (c. 30 dunams), whose construction (in later periods) damaged the ancient settlement remains. Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze and Iron II (scanty finds from both periods scattered over c. 5 dunams), Byzantine (numerous finds in the settlement remains) and Mamluk (scanty finds scattered over c. 5 dunams); Temporary occupation: Ottoman (scanty finds and pens). Conder and Kitchener 1881–1883, III:287.

542. 3–2/2 14378 10252 19378 60252 418 m asl Sheqef [1] Remains of a road (4.7 m wide) ﬂanked by curbstones from the Roman period and a concentration of milestones on a saddle (currently in the western part of Moshav Sheqef). The road remains were damaged when the moshav was established; the milestones were removed to the settlement. A survey conducted along the course of the road (from Bet Guvrin to the Hevron Hills) documented four milestones (without inscriptions) on the roadside designating the eighth mile from Bet Guvrin (see Sites 11.1, 85, 86.2, 192, 261, 258.2, 660, 786). Thomsen 1917:78–79; Alt 1934:13–14; Roman Roads around the City of Bet Guvrin, HA 50 (1974):16–17.

89* 543. 3–2/3 14365 10202 19365 60202 428 m asl Khallat Abu Sharār (M) Wall segments, a cave, a stone heap, agricultural installations and agricultural terraces delimited by stone fences on a low hill (currently in Moshav Sheqef). Construction of a reservoir on the hill destroyed most of the ancient remains. Near the hilltop—a large stone pile (diam. c. 8 m) and a rock-hewn cave (mostly blocked with alluvium). A fragment of a limestone column (0.78 m long, diam. 0.43 m) was noted in a stone fence running south. On the northern portion of the hill—a rock-hewn winepress consisting of a treading floor (1.5×2.4 m) and collecting vat (0.6×1.0 m; filled with alluvium). To its west—a simple oil press (bodeda) and three basins (diam. 0.32–0.42 m), and two cupmarks (diam. of each 0.27 m) hewn in a rock outcrop close by. On the western slope—a round basin (diam. 0.55 m, 0.38 m deep) hewn in a rock outcrop. On the slopes—agricultural terraces (c. 20 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze and Iron II (scanty finds—scatters—from both periods) and Byzantine (numerous finds, probably related to agricultural activity).

544. 3–2/4 14315 10223 19315 60223 405 m asl Sheqef [12] Rock-hewn winepress, consisting of a treading ﬂoor (2.3×2.7 m) and collecting vat (0.6×1.2 m), and three shallow hewn basins near the vat, on slope of spur descending north, west of Moshav Sheqef. North of the winepress—a depression (a collapsed cave?). Finds. Byzantine—numerous potsherds (near the winepress).

545. 3–2/5 14390 10290 19390 60290 405 m asl Sheqef [13] Two rock-hewn cisterns, a winepress, basins and a burial cave on a saddle north of Moshav Sheqef. One of the cisterns is blocked (currently c. 3 m deep). The other cistern (5.5 m deep, diam. of floor 4.3 m), to the west, has two openings: one, in the ceiling, is round (diam. 0.7 m) and the other, in the side, leads to a staircase that descends to the floor. A circle (diam. 0.75 m) is carved in the north side of the cistern. The winepress, north of the cisterns, consists of a treading floor (2.66×3.27 m) and collecting vat (ruinous). West of the winepress—four basins (average diam. 0.37 m, average depth 0.17 m) hewn in a rock outcrop. To the southwest—a rock-hewn burial cave (plundered by antiquities robbers) consisting of a single chamber (2.7×3.2 m) with two kokhim in the north wall (each 2.17 m long). Finds. Byzantine, a few potsherds (probably related to agricultural activity).

546. 3–2/6 14355 10235 19355 60235 400 m asl Sheqef [14] Remains of agricultural terraces (c. 12 dunams) spanning a valley running west, west of Moshav Sheqef (the area is currently cultivated by members of Moshav Sheqef).

90* 547. 4–2/1 14446 10296 19446 60296 400 m asl Giv‘at Ziqit Rasm ez Zā‘iqa (M) Settlement remains (c. 35 dunams) on rocky spur (currently on the outskirts of Moshav Sheqef): stone clearance heaps, rock-hewn installations and tombs, and remains of caves. There are many pottery scatters (numerous sherds). The ancient remains were disturbed by agricultural cultivation in later periods. The stone heaps are mainly on rock outcrops, in order to maximize the areas of arable land. Between the heaps—remains of four caves whose ceilings have collapsed. On the upper part of the spur—a rock-hewn winepress: a treading floor (2.4×3.8 m) with a central, nearly square cutting for a screw (1.1×1.2 m), and a collecting vat (filled with alluvium) to its east. Seven basins (diam. 0.35–0.45 m) and twelve cupmarks (diam. 0.2–0.3 m) are hewn in rock outcrops. On the eastern foot of the spur—rock-hewn tombs, that were plundered by antiquities robbers. Piles of dirt removed from the tombs contained Intermediate Bronze Age potsherds. Finds. Pottery: EB II–III (numerous finds in the settlement remains spread over c. 25 dunams), Intermediate Bronze (numerous finds in the are of the tombs at the eastern foot of the spur), Iron II (numerous finds in the settlement remains spread over c. 10 dunams), Hellenistic and Roman (scanty finds—scatters) and Byzantine (numerous finds in the settlement remains spread over c. 35 dunams).

548. 4–2/2, 3 14415 10207 19415 60207 448 m asl Har Nadal [1] Rujm Handhal (S) Rujūm el Handal (M–Map); Rujûm el Handhal (M–List); Rujm Hanzal (M–1929) 548.1. Settlement remains (c. 28 dunams) on hill (currently south of Moshav Sheqef) that commands a view of the eastern and western Shephelah: building foundations, caves, cisterns, a winepress, an oil press(?), rock-hewn installations and stone fences delimiting agricultural plots. On the hilltop—a large stone heap; it may cover remains of a building: a built corner was discerned in its northwest side. Seven rock-hewn cisterns were recorded at the site. On the south slope—a cistern (4.2 m deep) in a courtyard (4.2×5.0 m), with a fragment of the capstone lying nearby; it bears grooves made by the friction of ropes used to draw water. Nearby—building foundations (antiquities robbers conducted illicit excavations along their entire length). On the western slope of the hill—two cisterns. Hewn in rock outcrops on the northeastern slope—two winepresses, at the margins of agricultural terraces. South of the lower winepress are fragments of an oil-press crushing basin (estimated diam. 1.44 m) and four basins (average diam. 0.44 m). On the eastern and western slopes—seven cupmarks hewn in rock outcrops. Four caves were also surveyed; some of their ceilings were collapsed. A cave on the eastern slope revealed remains of use by shepherds, who used the cave as a shelter.

91* Around the hill’s summit is a wall, forming a compound (c. 120×140 m). An agricultural plot (110×110 m) was prepared south of the hilltop and the stones gathered and moved off to the side. On the eastern slope—low stone fences that apparently delimited agricultural terraces (c. 65 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (scanty finds scattered over c. 4 dunams on the northeast slope), Iron II (scanty finds scattered over c. 4 dunams), Persian (scanty finds scattered over c. 2 dunams), Hellenistic (scanty finds scattered over c. 5 dunams), Roman and Byzantine (in the settlement remains; the majority of the finds), Mamluk (scanty finds—scatters of polychrome sherds spread over c. 2 dunams); Temporary occupation: Ottoman (finds—scatters over c. 2 dunams; use of cave). 548.2. Road (3.3–4.0 m wide) flanked by curbstones on the eastern slope of the hill. Several segments are stone-paved. Sections of this road, both paved with stone or hewn in the rock, were documented from Bet Guvrin to Har Nadal and beyond, running to Dura; milestones were found alongside the route. The road was used in the Roman and Byzantine periods as well as in later times.

549. 4–2/4 14438 10238 19438 60238 305 m asl Har Nadal [3] Meager remains of a building, agricultural terraces (c. 10 dunams) and stone clearance heaps in a valley facing east, on the northeastern part of Har Nadal. Traces of plundering by antiquities robbers can be observed; an exposed corner is built of large fieldstones. Nearby—a blocked limekiln (diam. c. 6 m) surrounded by piles of waste; the stokehole is in the north side of the kiln. Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (scanty finds—scatters spread over c. 1 dunam), Iron I–II (scanty finds—scatters), Roman and Byzantine (numerous finds near the building remains and the limekiln).

550. 4–2/5 14432 10250 19432 60250 415 m asl Sheqef [15] Rock-hewn installations, agricultural terraces (c. 12 dunams) and stone clearance heaps on a slope descending east (currently near Moshav Sheqef). Three basins (average diam. 0.38 m) and four cupmarks (average diam. 0.28 m) are hewn in rock outcrops; at the edge of the moshav is a leveled rock surface (2.5×3.2 m) with a shallow basin (diam. 0.44 m) hewn in its center. Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze II, Iron II and Early Roman—a few sherds (scatters).

92* 551. 4–2/6 14475 10237 19475 60237 425 m asl Kh. Beit ‘Awwā [40] Rock-hewn installations, caves and stone piles (c. 7 dunams) on spur running northwest, northwest of Kh. Beit ‘Awwā (named Qurnat el ‘Adqa by the local population). Agricultural terraces (c. 35 dunams) are between the rock outcrops, covered by 15 large stone clearance heaps consisting mainly of large fieldstones. Among the installations, hewn in rock outcrops, is a winepress consisting of a treading floor (2.5×3.2 m; partly filled with alluvium) and collecting vat (covered by a stone heap) to its north. North of the winepress—two basins (diam. of each 0.4 m). On the lower reaches of the spur are five more basins and on the western part—three cupmarks. On the upper reaches of the spur—three cave entrances blocked by stone heaps. Finds. Pottery: Hellenistic (scanty finds scattered over c. 1 dunam), Roman and Byzantine (numerous finds, apparently related to agricultural activity) and Mamluk (scanty finds—a scatter).

552. 4–2/7, 8 14480 10225 19480 60225 430 m asl Kh. Beit ‘Awwā [2] 552.1. Rock-hewn installations, a cistern, charcoal kilns and a deserted orchard (area of c. 2 dunams) in the upper reaches of a wadi facing west. Two winepresses are hewn in the wadi bank. The upper winepress consists of a treading floor (3.27×3.60 m) and collecting vat, to its west (later enlarged and deepened for use as a reservoir). The lower winepress, on the north side of the wadi, includes a large treading floor (4.2×4.6 m) with a large central basin (0.74×1.20 m, 0.48 m deep) and collecting vat (blocked with alluvium). At the beginning of the wadi are the orchard (55×60 m) and the charcoal kilns—one in a cave and the other dug in the ground. Also at the site—five basins (average diam. 0.40 m) and seven cupmarks (average diam. 0.24 m) hewn in rock outcrops. Finds. Pottery: Iron II, Roman and Byzantine—a few potsherds (scatters). 552.2. Rock-hewn cave (5.3×7.5 m; partially blocked by collapse) on slope, near a road c. 90 m south of the winepresses. A kokh (0.6×1.3 m, 0.55 m deep) in the south wall has a frame carved around it.

553. 4–2/9 14485 10288 19485 60288 400 m asl Kh. Beit ‘Awwā [4] Winepress, a rock-hewn burial cave (currently blocked) and stone fences (c. 4 dunams) in a valley facing west, north of Kh. Beit ‘Awwā [1]. The winepress consists of a treading ﬂoor (2.2×2.7 m) with a rectangular basin (0.37×0.62 m, 0.23 m deep) in its center and a collecting vat (0.48×1.00 m, 0.63 m deep), linked by a perforation (diam. 0.07 m). The cave is to the east of the winepress.

93* In the valley and on its sides—agricultural terraces and plots delimited by fieldstone walls (c. 10 dunams). Concentrations of numerous potsherds were found in the valley and on the spur to its south (remains of a building?). Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (scanty finds scattered over c. 2 dunams), Iron II (scanty finds scattered over c. 4 dunams), Byzantine (numerous finds, apparently related to agricultural activity) and Mamluk (scanty finds scattered over c. 2 dunams).

554. 4–2/10 14495 10273 19495 60273 405 m asl Kh. Beit ‘Awwā [5] Remains of a building (4.3×6.0 m; three to four stone courses), rock-hewn basins and agricultural terraces enclosed by stone fences (c. 7 dunams), on spur running west, north of Kh. Beit ‘Awwā [1]. An entryway (0.97 m wide) was noted in the south wall of the structure. It was apparently renovated in a later period: the lower courses (0.67 m wide) are built of rough-hewn stones and those above them are of fieldstones. West of the building remains—three basins (average diam. 0.42 m) hewn in a leveled rock outcrop. On the lower reaches of the spur—agricultural terraces (c. 12 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Iron II (numerous finds in and around the building) and Mamluk (scanty finds—a scatter); Temporary occupation: Ottoman (agricultural terraces).

555. 4–2/11 14490 10252 19490 60252 390 m asl Kh. Beit ‘Awwā [6] Remains of an oval structure (5.3×7.8 m) and a wall in a valley running northwest, northwest of Kh. Beit ‘Awwā [1]. The remains (a pen?) are well preserved (walls up to 0.90 m high); the entrance faces south. Nearby to the east—a pen (8×12 m; walls preserved to a height of 0.75 m). In the lower portion of the valley is a wall (17 m long, up to five courses high) that runs parallel to the valley. Ancient remains in the valley, including an olive orchard, in which there were scatters of numerous potsherds, were apparently destroyed by agricultural cultivation. Finds. Pottery: Byzantine (scanty finds—a scatter), Mamluk (numerous finds— settlement remains?) and Ottoman (numerous finds).

556. 5–2/1 14550 10223 19550 60223 425 m asl Kh. Beit ‘Awwā [7] Settlement remains (c. 20 dunams; damaged by agricultural activity) on the terraced slope of a hill, north of Kh. Beit ‘Awwā [1] (currently cultivated by local villagers, who refer to the area as Rasm Dawud). On the upper part of the slope are stone clearance heaps, including numerous building stones, fragments of lintels, thresholds and two cylindrical stones (each 0.63 m long), which cover the ancient building remains (wall segments preserved 1 m high were observed). To the west—remains of an oval structure (4.7×8.0 m) built of rough-hewn stones (max. height 0.8 m); doorjambs (0.85 m high)

94* flank the entrance (0.92 m wide), which faces east. Nearby to the south are seven basins (diam. 0.37–0.50 m), hewn in two large rock outcrops. Also hewn in rock outcrops in this area—nine cupmarks (average diam. 0.26 m). On the hill—seven basins (diam. mostly 0.48 m), 20 cupmarks (average diam. 0.28 m) and a winepress, hewn in rock outcrops. The winepress consists of a large treading floor (4.2×4.8 m, 0.38 m deep) and collecting vat (1.28×1.66 m, 0.74 m deep) with two cut steps that lead to its floor. The collecting vat was deepened (the beginning of a rock-hewn cave?). Fifteen meters east of the winepress are two rock- hewn oil presses. On the southern slope of the hill—seven rock-hewn burial caves (emptied of their contents in the past by local residents) and two caves (each c. 5 × 7 m) that served as shelters for shepherds. On the lower part of the slope are agricultural plots; at the edges of the plots are stone clearance heaps that include ancient building stones. There are gray spots on the ground and large quantities of potsherds in this area. Numerous potsherds from the Chalcolithic period are scattered in front of a burial cave entrance. On the slopes of the hill—agricultural terraces (c. 5–10 dunams). In the lower reaches of a nearby wadi—a well (presently damaged and blocked). Finds. Pottery: Chalcolithic (numerous finds in the settlement remains; burial cave), Intermediate Bronze (scanty finds scattered over c. 10 dunams), Iron II (scanty finds scattered over 5–10 dunams) and Byzantine (numerous finds, including LRC III ware, in the settlement remains; rock-hewn installations); Temporary occupation: Ottoman (finds and pens).

557. 5–2/2 14514 10236 19514 60236 425 m asl Kh. Beit ‘Awwā [8] Four rock-hewn burial caves on slope north of Kh. Beit ‘Awwā (emptied of their contents in the past by local villagers). The southern cave is a single chamber (2×2 m) with two kokhim (each 0.5×0.5 m, 0.44 m deep) in its east wall. South of the caves are two large rock-hewn basins (diam. of each 0.67 m). Finds. EB I pottery (numerous sherds, including fragments of decorated vessels).

558. 5–2/3 14545 10262 19545 60262 425 m asl Kh. Beit ‘Awwā [9] Settlement remains (c. 5–10 dunams) on rocky hill on the northern perimeter of the village of Kh. Beit ‘Awwā. Ancient building stones were used in the construction of agricultural terraces (c. 28 dunams) and a fence (c. 1 m high) that delimits an orchard. On the southern portion of the hill the villagers built several houses atop remains of ancient walls. On the northeastern slope of the hill—four rock-hewn caves (for the most part 4.6×7.0 m) that served in later times as shelters for shepherds. In the eastern wall of the west cave are four kokhim (mainly 0.38×0.55 m). On the western part of the hill—a

95* winepress hewn in a rock outcrop: a treading floor (3.34×3.35 m, 0.5 m deep), with a leveled surface (1.2×1.5 m, 0.12 m deep) to its southeast where the fruit was apparently placed prior to treading, and a vat (diam. 0.3 m, 0.35 m deep); a round surface (diam. 1 m) between the vat and the leveled surface; and a collecting vat (2×2 m, 1.47 m deep) to the northwest of the treading floor with two steps in its side that descend to the floor. The collecting vat was subsequently deepened and adapted for use as a cistern (presently covered with an iron plate). Hewn in rock outcrops on the hill are 12 basins (diam. 0.30–0.55 m) and seven cupmarks. A survey conducted in 1997 recorded 26 stone clearance heaps on the hill. On the south part of the hill several new buildings were constructed. Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (numerous finds in the settlement remains), Iron II (scanty finds similar to those of Tel Lakhish Strata V–III scattered over c. 10 dunams), Hellenistic (scanty finds scattered over c. 5 dunams), Roman and Byzantine (in the settlement remains); Temporary occupation: Ottoman (finds, use of caves).

559. 5–2/4 14538 10293 19538 60293 530 m asl Kh. Beit ‘Awwā [10] Settlement remains (c. 10 dunams) on flat spur north of Kh. Beit ‘Awwā. The area (referred to by the villagers as Marah Abu ‘Amr) was prepared for cultivation and the resultant damage to the ancient remains is visible. Ancient building stones were concentrated in large heaps, and some of them were used for the construction of fences that enclose orchards. On the eastern part of the spur—remains of two buildings (both 3.7×6.0 m). The walls of the eastern building (0.46 m wide) are preserved to a height of two to three courses; an entryway (0.66 m wide) faces north. Most of the western building was destroyed. Also at the site—20 basins (diam. 0.35–0.48 m) and 10 cupmarks (average diam. 0.22 m) hewn in rock outcrops. At the edge of the spur—a rock-hewn limekiln (diam. 4.2 m, 1.5 m deep); fieldstones prepared for burning lie on the ground. Nearby—a rock-hewn cistern (4 m deep, diam. of mouth 0.63 m). On the slopes of the hill and at its foot—agricultural terraces (c. 35 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (numerous finds in the settlement remains), Byzantine (scanty finds, LRC X—scatters) and Mamluk (scanty finds—a scatter).

560. 5–2/5 14515 10278 19515 60278 430 m asl Kh. Beit ‘Awwā [11] Cisterns, a quarry, rock-hewn installations and stone clearance heaps (c. 11 dunams) on slope of spur north of Kh. Beit ‘Awwā (referred to by local villagers as Ras Qurnat Khallat el Kursani). Agricultural cultivation in the area in plots delimited by stone fences (three to four courses high) disrupted the plan of the ancient remains. Fifteen stone heaps are on the spur; ten of them are large (7×10 m, 1.25 m high) and the rest are smaller (3×6 m). On the eastern part of the spur is a rock-hewn winepress: a

96* treading floor (2.2×3.2 m) and collecting vat (0.6×1.0 m; filled with alluvium). Hewn in rock outcrops—a dozen basins (diam. 0.35–0.55 m) and eight cupmarks (average diam. 0.25 m). Near a large stone heap in the center of the hill are six cone-shaped cupmarks (rim diam. 0.27 m, base diam. 0.05 m, 0.23 m deep), hewn in two rows on a rock surface. On the northern part of the spur—a building-stone quarry (3.2×6.0 m). On the slope facing west—two rock-hewn cisterns (currently 2 m deep; filled with soil). On the slopes of the spur—agricultural terraces (c. 32 dunams). Finds. Flint implements (few—a scatter): Neolithic; Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (numerous finds—scatters) and Roman and Byzantine (scanty finds—scatters).

561. 5–2/6 14554 10250 19554 60250 425 m asl Kh. Beit ‘Awwā [12] Settlement remains (c. 6 dunams) on saddle north of Kh. Beit ‘Awwā. On the western portion of the saddle is an olive grove and on the southeastern portion are newly constructed buildings; the remaining area was being prepared for construction at the time of the survey (autumn of 1984). At the site are meager remains of a building inside a courtyard (20×20 m); the walls, of large fieldstones, are preserved to a height of two to four courses. East of the building—six basins (average diam. 0.4 m) and 11 cupmarks (average diam. 0.24 m) hewn in a large rock outcrop (25×28 m). In the olive grove is a hewn cave (4×8 m) whose entrance was made narrower by the addition of a stone wall (the downsized entrance measures 0.74 m in width). South of the building—a rock-hewn winepress consisting of a square treading floor (3.1×3.1 m, 0.3 m deep) and plastered collecting vat (0.8×1.1 m, 0.9 m deep) to the northeast linked by a channel (0.2 m long). Two steps in the corner of the vat descend to the floor. Fifteen meters west of the winepress—a rock-hewn tomb: a single kokh (0.8×1.1 m) approached by three hewn steps. West of the tomb—a rock-hewn burial cave consisting of a single chamber (3×6 m) with 11 burial kokhim (mostly 2.05 m long) in its walls. A tunnel (0.55×0.75 m) extends for a distance of c. 12 m from inside the central kokh in the cave’s west wall. On the slopes of the saddle—agricultural terraces (c. 35 dunams). A road traverses the saddle, running northeast to Kh. Simiya (above, Site 482). Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (numerous finds in the settlement remains) and Byzantine (scanty finds—a scatter).

562. 5–2/7 14570 10231 19570 60231 430 m asl Kh. Beit ‘Awwā [13] Plastered rock-hewn cistern (collapsed) on saddle (currently on the outskirts of Kh. Beit ‘Awwā; referred to by local villagers as Ras Khallat Abu Hasan). After use of this cistern ceased another cistern was hewn nearby and stone troughs that were situated near the ancient cistern were positioned around the new one.

97* To the south—three rock-hewn burial caves (emptied of their contents in the past by villagers from Kh. Beit ‘Awwā). Finds. Intermediate Bronze pottery (near the cave entrances).

563. 5–2/8 14593 10225 19593 60225 450 m asl Kh. Beit ‘Awwā [14] Settlement remains (c. 22 dunams) on spur east of Kh. Beit ‘Awwā, in a cultivated area. At the site are 30 stone clearance heaps (among them measuring 7×10 m and up to 2 m high), some covering the ancient remains. Northeast of the spur, near a recently constructed building (erected several generations ago)—remains of a two-room structure (5×8 m), its walls (mostly 0.45 m wide) preserved to a height of two to four courses. Nearby to the east is a courtyard built of large fieldstones. To its south—remains of another building (5×7 m), its walls (mostly 0.4 m wide) preserved four courses high; a doorjamb (1.27 m long) lies nearby. Nearby—a simple rock-hewn oil press (bodeda): a round crushing stone (diam. 0.94 m, 0.16 m deep) lying on its side on a collecting vat (diam. 0.42 m, 0.35 m deep). Close to the installation—two rock-hewn caves (each 4×6 m), probably used as shelters for shepherds. A pen (4×7 m) built of rough-hewn stones fronts the southern cave. On this part of the spur are three rock-hewn cisterns (each 4 m deep; one of them is currently in use). On the eastern slope of the spur—16 rock-hewn burial(?) caves (their contents were removed in the past by the villagers of Kh. Beit ‘Awwā). Hewn in rock outcrops on the western part of the spur—four basins (average diam. 0.48 m) and 11 cupmarks (average diam. 0.24 m). Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (numerous finds in the settlement remains), Iron II (numerous finds similar to those of Tel Lakhish Strata III–II in the settlement remains), Roman, Byzantine and Mamluk (scanty remains—scatters); Temporary occupation: Ottoman (scanty remains, a pen and use of the caves).

564. 5–2/9 14588 10254 19588 60254 425 m asl Kh. Beit ‘Awwā [15] Rock-hewn cave at the northeastern end of the village of Kh. Beit ‘Awwā. The cave entrance is rectangular (height 2.15 m, width 1.05 m) and on the walls of the rectangular burial chamber (4×6 m, 2.3 m high) are the outlines of burial kokhim that were not hewn. In the western wall of the cave is a corridor (4 m long; its end blocked by collapse) with niches for placing lamps. Midway through the corridor runs a short passageway (2.7 m long) perpendicular to it.

565. 5–2/10 14543 10225 19543 60225 472 m asl Kh. Beit ‘Awwā [16] Settlement remains (c. 12 dunams) on a prominent hill (currently on the outskirts of the village of Kh. Beit ‘Awwā; in recent decades houses were built on the hillside).

98* A Jordanian military outpost was built on the hill and in the trenches dug there ancient building foundations can be observed. On the western portion of the hill—remains of three buildings (damaged by the outpost’s trenches). Remains of another two buildings are located on the western slope of the hill. One (5×7 m) was built of rough-hewn stones and its walls survive to a height of two to three courses. Two building phases were discerned in the remains of the second building (4.2×5.0 m; walls preserved five courses high), underwhich is a rock-hewn cave (3×3 m). Nearby, in a large rock outcrop sloping west—two round basins (diam. of each 0.55 m, 0.38 m deep) and four cupmarks (average diam. 0.22 m). The villagers of Kh. Beit ‘Awwā report that pens were built by shepherds on the hill in the past (in or preceding the eighteenth century). Four rock-hewn cisterns were recorded. Two are located on the slope of the hill; friction of ropes used to draw water made grooves in the rim of the upper cistern and the lower cistern’s walls reveal traces of plaster. The other two cisterns are on the hilltop. One cistern has a staircase cut in the walls that descends to the floor and is approached by a hewn channel (length 3.8 m). Nearby is a rock-hewn cave (2.8×4.2 m, height 1.8 m), used in a later period as a charcoal kiln: the cave’s walls and ceiling are sooty and charcoal waste is piled up in front of the entrance. On the northern slope are two round basins (diam. of each 0.38 m) hewn in rock outcrops. Near them—two adjacent rock-hewn caves. One of them (5×8 m) is partitioned in two by a fieldstone wall. The neighboring cave is a burial cave (3×5 m) with four kokhim its walls (c. 2.35 m long and 0.63 m wide). In a later period the two caves were joined to form one large chamber. Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze, Early Roman, Late Roman and Byzantine (numerous finds from these periods in the settlement remains), and Mamluk (scanty finds—a scatter); Temporary occupation (pens?): Ottoman.

566. 5–2/11 14598 10202 19598 60202 425 m asl Kh. Beit ‘Awwā [17] Rock-hewn installations and a limekiln east of the village of Kh. Beit ‘Awwā. On the slope are numerous rock outcrops and those on the eastern portion are covered by stone heaps. Near the installations are walls built of large fieldstones, probably to isolate the installations. Among the installations are three winepresses hewn in large rock outcrops sloping west. The western winepress consists of a square treading floor (2.72×2.73 m, 0.75 m deep) and a collecting vat (0.80×1.46 m, 0.41 m deep; filled with stones) to its west. A worked surface (1.3×2.8 m, 0.3 m deep) east of the floor was probably for placing fruit prior to treading (according to the villagers the winepress was used in the recent past for drying agricultural produce). The second winepress is located c. 100 m to the north. It consists of a treading floor (4×4 m, 0.4 m deep), a collecting vat (1.0×2.5 m; filled with stones) and an oval pit (0.5×1.2 m) that is linked by a channel to the collecting vat. A cupmark (diam. 0.2 m, 0.3 m deep) is

99* hewn in the treading floor. Close to this winepress are leveled rock surfaces and to its east—a rock-hewn limekiln (diam. 5.6 m, 2.70 m deep) and piles of fieldstones around it, in preparation for burning. The third winepress is located to the west. Later rock cuttings damaged its plan; only the treading floor (2.7×3.5 m) is visible. Nearby are a cupmark (diam. 0.26 m) and five basins (average diam. 0.38 m, average depth 0.24 m). Twenty meters west of the winepress—a simple rock-hewn oil press (bodeda). At the foot of the slope—agricultural terraces (c. 8 dunams).

567. 5–2/12 14572 10280 19572 60280 425 m asl Kh. Beit ‘Awwā [36] Rock-hewn caves (for burial?) at foot of slope north of Kh. Beit ‘Awwā. Traces of plundering by antiquities robbers were observed in some and others could not be inspected due to collapse.

568. 5–2/13 14595 10280 19595 60280 445 m asl Kh. Beit ‘Awwā [37] Remains of a round ﬁeldstone structure (4.7 m diam.; watchman’s booth?) on slope of spur north of Kh. Beit ‘Awwā, preserved to a height of three to ﬁve courses. The entrance (0.9 m wide) faces south. Close to the remains—stone clearance heaps.

569. 5–2/14 14590 10248 19590 60248 445 m asl Kh. Beit ‘Awwā [38] Rock-hewn winepress at foot of slope (currently on the northeastern margins of the village of Kh. Beit ‘Awwā): a treading ﬂoor (2.4×2.9 m) and collecting vat linked by a channel. The collecting vat was later enlarged and deepened, and converted for use as a cistern (currently in use). Nearby—a road, linking the villages of Kh. Beit ‘Awwā and Kh. Simiya (above, Site 482).

570. 5–2/15 14578 10212 19578 60212 445 m asl Kh. Beit ‘Awwā [39] Four rock-hewn burial caves on moderate slope (currently on the fringes of the village of Kh. Beit ‘Awwā), discovered during the construction of residential buildings; they were plundered by antiquities robbers and blocked shortly thereafter.

571. 6–2/1 14684 10282 19684 60282 450 m asl Wadi es Simiya [1] Building remains, rock-hewn caves and installations (c. 2 dunams; farmstead?) on slope descending north, west of Wadi es Simiya (local residents refer to the area as Hindaq Wadi es Simiya). Rough-hewn building stones, fragments from two stone columns, a threshold and a column base are incorporated in the walls of stone fences that delimit

100* orchards from a later period. On the upper reaches of the slope—remains of a building (6.3×8.0 m; two to three courses of large fieldstones survive). On the slope are remains of three smaller buildings. Nearby—rock-hewn caves. Two of the caves, initially used for burial, were hewn 3.7 m apart; they were subsequently enlarged and combined to form a large chamber. West of the building remains are installations hewn in rock outcrops: a winepress, seven basins, 11 cupmarks and a simple oil press (bodeda). The oil press consists of an elliptical pressing vat (0.6×1.2 m) and a round collecting vat (diam. 0.55 m) close to it linked by a hewn channel. East of the largest building—a large cave (6×8 m) used as a shelter by shepherds, and remains of a pen. Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (scanty finds—scatters over c. 2 dunams), Iron II (scanty finds—a scatter) and Roman (numerous finds); Temporary occupation: Ottoman (orchards, pen, use of the caves).

572. 6–2/2 14640 10248 19640 60248 475 m asl Kh. Beit ‘Awwā [18] Settlement remains (c. 40 dunams) on flat hill, northeast of Kh. Beit ‘Awwā (local inhabitants refer to the area as Farsh el Hanaq). The hill is surrounded by a wall (up to 3 m wide; defense wall?) that today delimits agricultural plots. Agricultural cultivation caused the destruction of many of the ancient buildings; the building stones were consolidated into c. 30 large heaps (for example: 9×10 m, 5×25 m), some of them delimited by stone circles, which prevented the stones from scattering. On the eastern part of the hill—building remains (c. 3.5×5.0 m, 5×5 m, 5×7 m); the walls of several of them (0.45–0.60 m wide) are preserved two to four courses high. Nearby is a large, round rock-hewn cistern (6.3 m deep, diam. 16 m at floor), whose ceiling is supported by four pillars left in place when the cistern was hewn. A hewn staircase descends to the floor from an opening in the eastern side. The cistern was apparently enlarged several times during its use: traces of a variety of hewing techniques can be observed on the walls, as well as carved Arabic inscriptions. Five basins (average diam. 0.53 m, 0.33 m deep) are hewn in a rock outcrop overlying the cistern. On the southern part of the hill are two winepresses hewn in rock surfaces, and on the northern part—two additional winepresses. On the western portion of the hill—eight round basins (diam. 0.30–0.45 m) and 28 cupmarks (diam. 0.18–0.25 m) hewn in rock outcrops. On the northern slope of the hill—four rock-hewn caves (mostly 3.5×5.0 m), used as shelters by shepherds, and two pens (each approximately 5×7 m) built of fieldstones. At the foot of the slope—a leveled rock threshing surface (8×12 m). On the slopes of the hill—agricultural terraces (c. 35 dunams); the walls incorporate ancient building stones in their construction. Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (numerous finds in the settlement remains), Iron II (numerous finds similar to those from Tel Lakhish Strata III–II in the settlement remains), Hellenistic (one sherd), Roman (numerous finds in the settlement remains) and Byzantine

101* (numerous fragments of LRC III ware—ﬁfth–sixth centuries CE, in the settlement remains); Temporary occupation: Ottoman (scanty ﬁnds, pens and use of caves).

573. 6–2/3 14685 10206 19685 60206 510 m asl Wadi es Simiya [2] Rock-hewn cave (6×10 m) on slope descending east, to Wadi es Simiya. The cave probably served as a shelter for shepherds: inside are remains of a constructed square room (2×2 m) with two niches hewn in its walls (each niche 0.47×0.55 m, 0.35 m deep).

574. 6–2/4–6 14625 10213 19625 60213 450 m asl Kh. Beit ‘Awwā [19] 574.1. Rock-hewn winepress on slope descending north, northeast of Kh. Beit ‘Awwā. The winepress consists of a treading floor (3.1×3.7 m; max. depth 1 m) and collecting vat (1.18×2.10 m, c. 1 m deep) to its north with traces of plaster on its walls. There is a hewn step in the vat’s eastern wall. A leveled perforation links the floor with the vat. In a later phase the collecting vat was deepened by a circular rock cutting (diam. 1.18 m, 0.77 m deep). East of the collecting vat—a hewn basin (0.50×0.75 m, 0.32 m deep). 574.2. Eighty meters to the east—a winepress hewn in a sloping rock outcrop: a treading floor (4×5 m, c. 1 m deep) and collecting vat (1.4×2.8 m, c. 1 m deep; only part of it is currently visible) with traces of plaster on its walls, linked by a hewn channel. South of the treading floor is a hewn surface (1×2 m, 0.4 m deep) where fruit was placed prior to treading. The northern part of the collecting vat was later expanded and converted for use as a cistern (5.8 m deep). The cistern’s mouth is surmounted by recent construction; a hewn conduit conveys water from the collecting vat to the cistern. 574.3. Rock-hewn cave (2.4×4.3 m, 2.38 m high), with a cornice carved above the entrance, in the side of a valley c. 60 m east of the winepress. The cave was apparently first used for burial; in a later period it served as a shelter for shepherds (in front of the entrance are remains of a pen) and it is currently being used for storage (a gate was installed at the entrance). At the foot of the cave—walls (mostly 0.45 m thick), constructed across the breadth of the valley. Finds. Pottery: Herodian and Byzantine (scatters); Temporary occupation: Ottoman (use of the cave, a pen).

575. 6–2/7 14666 10234 19666 60234 460 m asl Kh. Beit ‘Awwā [22] Settlement remains (c. 12 dunams) on saddle, east of Kh. Beit ‘Awwā, in an area of agricultural terraces (extending over c. 36 dunams). Agricultural cultivation and the planting of olive groves damaged the ancient remains; ancient building stones were concentrated in heaps, and some of them are incorporated in stone fences that enclose

102* the agricultural plots. Several large stone heaps (c. 8×12 m, 2 m high) surrounded by low stone walls (to prevent the stones from scattering) are prominent at the site. On the east portion of the saddle—remains of four buildings (c. 4–5×4–6 m): wall segments, preserved two to three courses high. Scattered around them are numerous Iron II potsherds. Nearby—a rock-hewn cistern (4.2 m deep). Also located at the site— two winepresses, hewn in rock surfaces 8 m apart. The southern winepress includes a treading floor (3.6×4.2 m, 0.36 m deep) and a collecting vat (0.88×1.55 m; stones lie inside). The northern winepress consists of a treading floor (3.4×3.7 m, 0.44 m deep) and a collecting vat (1.3×2.1 m; stones lie inside) linked by a hewn pipe (0.29 m long, diam. 0.17 m). Near this winepress—a large rock outcrop (c. 4×5 m), in which four round basins (diam. 0.37–0.55 m) and three cupmarks (average diam. 0.27 m) are hewn. On the northwest part of the saddle are two rock-hewn winepresses. A stone heap is piled on one winepress; the other consists of a treading floor (3.4×3.7 m) and collecting vat (1×2 m). Close to this winepress, hewn on a rock outcrop—three basins (one, especially large: diam. 1.27 m, 0.44 m deep) and a cupmark (diam. 0.25 m). Some 4.5 m west of the winepress—a simple oil press (bodeda) hewn in a large rock outcrop: a pressing basin (diam. 0.97 m) and collecting vat (diam. 0.55 m), linked by a channel (0.48 m long). Nearby—a stone quarry (4×6 m). Incorporated in the stone fences enclosing the olive grove on the southwest portion of the saddle are rough-hewn building stones, fragments of a limestone column, of a crushing basin and of stone weights from an oil press. Another weight was discerned in a nearby stone heap. A fragment of a marble plaque (0.66×0.85 m) bearing an engraved cross and part of an inscription encircled within an incised geometric decoration is incorporated in the western part of the fence, apparently part of a church lintel from the Byzantine period (the fragment was transferred to Moshav Sheqef). Among the trees of an olive grove on the northern part of the saddle are burial cave entrances (seven were counted) filled with alluvium. In the past antiquities robbers plundered the burial caves; numerous potsherds of the Intermediate Bronze Age are scattered around them. Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze Age (numerous finds in the settlement remains and in the vicinity of the burial caves), Iron II (numerous finds, similar to those from Tel Lakhish, Strata III–II, in the settlement remains), Roman and Byzantine (numerous finds in the settlement remains), and Early Islamic.

576. 6–2/8 14622 10272 19622 60272 460 m asl Jebel el Qa’aqir [13] Settlement remains (c. 10 dunams) on spur south of Jebel el Qa’aqir [1], in an area currently planted with olive and pine trees; agricultural plots and olive groves are delimited by stone fences, some of which were built on sections of ancient walls constructed of rough-hewn stones. Sections of walls are preserved in the remains of

103* several buildings at the site. Construction employing large well-dressed ashlar stones was discerned in the remains of one of the buildings (c. 8×12 m); numerous potsherds from the Byzantine period are scattered around the remains. A dark spot on the ground containing many potsherds was discerned nearby (remains of a pottery kiln?). On the north part of the spur—two winepresses hewn in rock surfaces 40 m apart. The eastern winepress consists of a treading floor (3×3 m) and collecting vat (1×2 m, 0.6 m deep). The western winepress includes a large treading floor (4.7×5.3 m, 0.48 m deep) and a collecting vat (1.8×2.6 m, 1.72 m deep) in which three hewn steps descend to the floor. In the autumn of 1984 olive trees were planted on this part of the spur at the entrances of c. 30 rock-hewn tombs (plundered in the past by antiquities robbers). The tombs, uniform in plan, consist of a rock-cut chamber accessed by means of a shaft (mostly 2–3 m deep). The shafts were filled with fertile soil brought to the site from the surrounding valleys. Hewn in rock outcrops among the tombs—five cupmarks. In the middle of the spur are two large caves that served as dwellings in the Ottoman period. Three niches and two benches are hewn in the walls of the northern cave, whose ceiling is partially collapsed. In the vicinity of the cave—four round basins (average diam. 0.45 m) hewn in rock outcrops. Seven niches (mostly 0.45×0.65 m) are hewn in the walls of the southern cave (5×6 m). Seven cupmarks (diam. 0.22–0.28 m) are hewn in a nearby rock outcrop. On the slopes of the spur—agricultural terraces (c. 35 dunams); the walls incorporate rough-hewn building stones in their construction. Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze Age (numerous finds in the settlement remains, and burial caves from this period), Iron II (numerous finds, similar to those from Tel Lakhish, Strata III–II, in the settlement remains), Roman and Early Islamic (scanty finds—scatters); Temporary occupation: Ottoman (finds and the use of the caves).

577. 6–2/9 14650 10270 19650 60270 440 m asl Jebel el Qa’aqir [14] Remains of a settlement (c. 6 dunams) on rocky spur southeast of Jebel el Qa’aqir [1], destroyed when the region was prepared for cultivation; ancient building stones were consolidated in c. 15 heaps. There are remnants of a building (c. 11×12 m), with a stone clearance heap on its southwest corner. On the south portion of the spur is a rock-hewn cave (c. 6×8 m) approached by four hewn steps (1.33 m wide) leading to the entrance (1×3 m), which is surrounded by a dressed, recessed frame. The ceiling is supported by a central column. Some 20 m west of the cave—a rock-hewn winepress: a treading ﬂoor (3.2×4.3 m, 0.44 m deep) and collecting vat (2.1×2.5 m), which was subsequently deepened and converted for use as a cistern (3.8 m deep; the walls are plastered). On the north part of the spur are two additional winepresses. A limestone column (1.26 m long, diam. 0.4 m) lies near one of them. Nearby—a simple rock-hewn oil press

104* (bodeda): a pressing basin (diam. 1.4 m) and adjacent collecting basin (diam. 0.45 m). Four stone drums (diam. mostly 0.67 m, 0.17m high) strewn close by were probably used as weights. Hewn in a rock outcrop—two round basins (diam. of each 0.44 m). On the slopes of the spur—agricultural terraces (c. 25 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze Age (numerous finds in the settlement remains), Iron II (numerous finds, similar to those from Tel Lakhish Strata IV–III, in the settlement remains), Hellenistic (scanty finds—a scatter), Late Roman and Byzantine (numerous finds in the settlement remains).

578. 6–2/10 14645 10287 19645 60287 425 m asl Jebel el Qa’aqir [15] Four rock-hewn burial caves on slope (currently planted with olive groves), southeast of Jebel el Qa’aqir [1], plundered in the past by antiquities robbers. On the slope— pottery scatters (c. 2 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze Age (numerous finds in the vicinity of the burial caves), Iron II (numerous finds—scatters), Persian, Roman and Byzantine (scanty finds—scatters—from these three periods).

579. 6–2/11, 12 14686 10258 19686 60258 475 m asl Wadi es Simiya [3] 579.1. Building remains on a spur west of Wadi es Simiya. The area was prepared in the past for cultivation; stone fences (some of which rest on ancient wall segments) enclose agricultural plots. Stone heaps cover the remains. A low wall (three courses high) of rough-hewn stones was built around a large stone heap located in the middle of the spur. Remains of four buildings were surveyed on the north part of the spur. One of them (c. 5×6 m) is better preserved than the others: the walls (mostly 0.45 m wide) stand to a height of four courses and the entryway (0.63 m wide), with the threshold preserved in situ, is located in the eastern wall. Nearby are two rock-hewn cisterns (each c. 4 m deep), still in use today (small mounds of soil removed from the cisterns during cleaning are piled up nearby). On the eastern part of the spur are four rock-hewn winepresses, one of them including an oval treading ﬂoor (2.4×4.0 m) and a collecting vat (1.3×2.4 m). Hewn in rock outcrops—four round basins (average diam. 0.5 m) and twelve cupmarks (diam. mostly 0.24 m). On the east slope of the spur—agricultural terraces (c. 35 dunams). Finds. Pottery (numerous sherds): Intermediate Bronze Age (in and around the building remains; scattered over c. 10 dunams), Iron II (spread over 12 dunams) and Byzantine.

105* 579.2. Some 300 m to the south—structural remains and rock-hewn installations (spread over c. 5 dunams). Only wall segments are preserved of three of the buildings; the southern and western walls (up to three stone courses) and the northeastern corner of the southern building (c. 5×5 m) are preserved. Remains of another structure are in an olive grove (underneath a temporary structure built by the owners of the grove). Near the top of the spur—remains of a round building (outer diam. 14 m); the walls (1.2 m wide) are preserved to a height of two to ﬁve courses. Nearby to the south are four round basins (diam. mostly 0.45 m) hewn in a large level rock outcrop (used for threshing corn?). Finds. Pottery: Iron II and Byzantine (numerous ﬁnds in and around the structural remains).

580. 6–2/13 14690 10275 19690 60275 475 m asl Wadi es Simiya [10] Remains of a building (c. 3×4 m; wall sections preserved three to four courses high), probably from recent generations, on slope of rocky spur descending east, towards Wadi es Simiya. In the past this area was cultivated; there are stone clearance heaps, mainly on the rock outcrops, and agricultural terraces (c. 25 dunams). Nearby—four cupmarks hewn in rock outcrops.

581. 6–2/14 14695 10248 19695 60248 475 m asl Wadi es Simiya [11] Rock-hewn cave (c. 3×4 m), in the upper reaches of a valley near Wadi es Simiya, used as a shelter by shepherds. Stone partitions divide the cave into two units, and four niches (mostly 0.4×0.5 m) are hewn in the walls.

582. 7–2/1 14730 10205 19730 60205 450 m asl Wadi es Simiya [5] Four winepresses hewn in rock outcrops on the lower part of a rocky slope near Wadi es Simiya. The collecting vat of one of the winepresses was deepened and converted for use as a cistern (3.6 m deep). Three round basins (diam. 0.35–0.55 m) and six cupmarks (average diam. 0.24 m) are hewn in rock outcrops located among the winepresses. Nearby—a rock-hewn cave with a hewn façade, apparently ﬁrst used for burial and later the site of a charcoal kiln; charcoal waste is piled in front of the cave entrance.

583. 7–2/2 14766 10205 19766 60205 500 m asl Wadi Ahmad [1] Remains of three buildings, two rock-hewn winepresses, stone heaps (c. 2 dunams) and a road, on a spur west of Wadi Ahmad. On the spur—large rock outcrops interspersed

106* with agricultural plots and eight large stone clearance heaps containing rough-hewn building stones. The buildings are on the north part of the spur; the walls of one of them (c. 4×6 m) are preserved two to three courses high and the southwest corner and a section of the eastern wall are preserved of another. The winepresses are on the upper part of the spur. The southern winepress consists of a treading floor (3.2×3.7 m, 0.39 m deep) and collecting vat (2×2 m; stones lie inside), the northern winepress is mostly covered with alluvium. To its west—a concave rock outcrop (3.8×4.3 m) in which are hewn four round basins (diam. mostly 0.48 m; agricultural installation?). The road (mostly 2.3 m wide) is visible for about 280 m and traverses the spur, running toward the Hevron Hills. Steps were hewn in several sections to improve maneuverability and fieldstones flank the sides. At the foot of the spur, on the bank of Wadi Ahmad —a limekiln (diam. 4.8 m, 2.7 m deep). Fieldstones prepared for burning lie close by. Nearby—a simple rock-hewn oil press (bodeda). Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze Age (scanty finds—a scatter), Iron II (numerous finds, similar to those from Tel Lakhish Strata IV–III, in the vicinity of the building remains) and Byzantine (numerous finds around the building remains).

584. 7–2/3 14785 10237 19785 60237 450 m asl Wadi Ahmad [2] Remains of a building, a rock-hewn winepress, cistern and cave (c. 1 dunam) on slope descending towards Wadi Ahmad. The building remains (c. 10×12 m), divided into three units, are located on a large terrace (c. 50×80 m) in an area of agricultural terraces (c. 12 dunams). The walls (0.6–0.7 m wide) are preserved to a height of two to five stone courses. To the west—the winepress: a treading floor (3.2×3.5 m, 0.48 m deep) and collecting vat (1.5×2.1 m). Near the winepress is a hewn cistern (c. 6 m deep) approached by two drainage channels on the slope. Around the cistern—three rock- hewn troughs. At the foot of the building is a cave in which a charcoal kiln operated; a large amount of charcoal waste is piled up in front of the cave entrance. Finds. Byzantine pottery (numerous finds in and around the building remains).

585. 7–2/4 14702 10284 19702 60284 460 m asl Wadi es Simiya [6] Road (2.5–3.0 m wide), ﬂanked by curbstones, on the west bank of Wadi es Simiya. Curbstones are positioned along the sides of the road. A cylindrical stone (0.95 m long, diam. 0.64 m; a Roman milestone?) lies near the road, which is still used by the current inhabitants of the region and runs from the northwest near Qasr Firjās (Site 390) to the southeast, toward a prominent hill (Site 676) and onward to the Hevron Hills.

107* 586. 7–2/5 14720 10240 19720 60240 475 m asl ‘Baqa‘at Wadi es Simiya’ Agricultural plots in fertile valley (c. 350 dunams) of Wadi es Simiya, which formed in a region where the chalk rock (qirton) of the Shephelah meets the limestone (of the Senonian epoch) of the Hevron Hills. Between the plots squill was planted or large ﬁeldstones were set on the ground at intervals of 5–7 m; some plots were delimited by stone fences. On the fringes of the valley, especially on its western side (map ref. OIG 14700 10218, NIG 19700 60218)—remains of temporary structures.

587. 7–2/6 14786 10288 19786 60288 450 m asl Wadi Ahmad [3] Rock-hewn cave (6×7 m; currently in an olive grove), a charcoal kiln and a rock- hewn winepress on slope near the east bank of Wadi Ahmad. The cave comprises two chambers (each 2.4×3.2 m); two columns in its center, left in place at the time it was hewn, support the ceiling. Numerous potsherds are scattered at the foot of the cave. Local residents say the cave served as a shelter for shepherds from Dura during the summer months. The charcoal installation and a waste heap produced by charcoal manufacture is to the cave’s south. Nearby—the winepress: a treading ﬂoor (3.2×3.8 m) and collecting vat (ﬁlled with soil debris). Finds. Pottery: Iron II and Byzantine, numerous potsherds (scatters); Temporary occupation: Ottoman (use of the caves).

588. 7–2/7 14760 10245 19760 60245 450 m asl Wadi Ahmad [4] Remains of five buildings (c. 8 dunams) on spur west of Wadi Ahmad, damaged by recent building construction; only wall segments survive. On the west slope of the spur are two winepresses hewn in rock surfaces c. 27 apart. The southern winepress: a treading floor (2.88×3.28 m, 0.36 m deep) and collecting vat (1.36×2.06 m; filled with alluvium) to its west. The northern winepress: a treading floor (3.18×3.55 m) and collecting vat (filled with stones). Near this winepress—two rock- hewn cisterns (each c. 4 m deep). On the east and west slopes of the spur—agricultural terraces (c. 25 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (numerous finds in and around the building remains), Iron II (numerous finds, similar to those from Tel Lakhish Stratum III, in and around the building remains) and Byzantine (numerous finds on the agricultural terraces and near the winepresses).

589. 7–2/8 14754 10278 19754 60278 425 m asl Wadi Ahmad [5] Deserted olive grove (c. 30×40 m) enclosed by a stone fence (c. 1 m high; partly collapsed) on agricultural terrace near south bank of Wadi Ahmad. The southeast

108* corner of the terrace was destroyed by construction carried out in recent generations. Numerous potsherds are scattered in the grove and in the vicinity nearby. East of the olive grove—a cave that served as a shelter for shepherds (according to the owners of the grove). Ten meters south of the cave is a rock-hewn winepress: a treading ﬂoor (2.5×3.2 m) and collecting vat (0.7×1.8 m; ruinous and ﬁlled with alluvium). Finds. Pottery: EB II–III and Iron II, numerous sherds (scatters); Temporary occupation and agricultural activity: Ottoman (use of the caves, olive groves).

590. 7–2/9 14747 10203 19747 60203 485 m asl Wadi es Simiya [12] Agricultural plots delimited by stone fences (c. 10 dunams) in valley east of Wadi es Simiya.

591. 7–2/10 14720 10288 19720 60288 525 m asl Wadi es Simiya [13] Basins and cupmarks hewn in a rock outcrop (3×4 m) on slope descending toward Wadi es Simiya (currently near the road running between Kh. Beit ‘Awwā and Kh. Deir Sâmit): four basins (diam. 0.39–0.55 m) and three cupmarks (average diam. 0.22 m), and an oval basin (0.5×1.4 m, 0.38 m deep) to their north.

592. 8–2/1 14850 10260 19850 60260 607 m asl Wadi Inzar [1] Remains of a round building (diam. 7 m) built of fieldstones and agricultural plots delimited by fieldstone fences (c. 12 dunams) in an area of extensive rock outcrops on prominent hill southwest of Wadi Inzar. The northeast wall of the building is preserved to a height of five to six courses. The entrance faces south and a wall (max. height 0.60 m) divided the structure into two units. Seventeen meters north of the building— eight round basins (diam. 0.36–0.60 m) hewn in a rock outcrop. On the east slope of the hill—a cave that was used as a shelter by shepherds. On this slope and on the southern slope—remains of stone fences delimiting agricultural plots. On the northwest slope—deserted agricultural terraces (c. 25 dunams; several olive trees growing in the east portion). A road was constructed 30 years ago on this slope, prior to building construction. In the valley running west (map ref. OIG 14838 10272, NIG 19838 60272) are c. 12 large olive trees and two oak trees, in an area of ancient agricultural terraces. A fragment of an oil press crushing basin (estimated diam. 2.35 m) and of a column (1.36 m long) of hard limestone are incorporated in the wall of the upper agricultural terrace. Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (numerous finds, scattered over c. 4 dunams) and Byzantine (numerous finds, probably related to agricultural activity); Temporary occupation: Ottoman (agricultural plots, use of the caves).

109* 593. 8–2/2 14803 10208 19803 60208 500 m asl Wadi Ahmad [6] Remains of two buildings, c. 30 m apart, on a spur northeast of Wadi Ahmad (agricultural plots [c. 5 dunams] were prepared in this area, which the residents in the vicinity refer to as Quranat Wadi Ahmad). There are also two winepresses and a cave at the site. An area was prepared on the bottom part of the spur for new construction; a cave and scatters of ancient building stones were surveyed in this area. Mainly the corners and wall sections were preserved (to a height of two to four courses) in the remains of the southern building (c. 8×8 m); the structure’s opening probably faced north. The remains of the northern building (c. 8.4×12.0 m), which is poorly preserved, was divided into two units. Nearby—a rock-hewn winepress (mostly covered by alluvium). Another winepress is located on the western part of the spur; it consists of a treading ﬂoor (4.2×5.0 m, 0.64 m deep) and a collecting vat (2.6×2.8 m, 1.78 m deep) with remains of plaster on its walls. Four steps that lead down to the bottom of the vat are hewn in one of its walls. Near the winepress—a rock-cut burial cave with a dressed facade (it was not possible to enter the cave because of the collapse inside it); a stepped frame (three steps, 0.55×0.60 m) is carved around the perimeter of the cave opening. Numerous pottery sherds of the Byzantine period are scattered on the ground in front of the cave opening. On the eastern slope of the spur—agricultural plots delimited by stone fences. Finds. pottery from the Byzantine period (numerous ﬁnds in and around the building remains and in the vicinity of the burial cave).

594. 8–2/3 14890 10232 19890 60232 575 m asl Wadi Inzar [2] Agricultural terraces (c. 16 dunams) on a slope descending to the northeast, toward Wadi Inzar. The retaining walls of the agricultural terraces are preserved to a height of three to ﬁve stone courses. In the eastern part of the cultivated region—remains of a watchman’s hut (4×6 m; preservation of the walls: three to four stone courses).

595. 8–2/4 14816 10260 19816 60260 500 m asl Wadi Qūra [4] Meager remains of four buildings and rock-hewn installations (c. 12 dunams) on a slope, east of a tributary of Wadi Qūra, in an area where agricultural terraces (c. 12 dunams) were prepared. Olive groves (c. 8 dunams) extend north of the building remains. A corner and the northern wall are preserved in one of the building remains (presumed dimensions: 3.8×5.0 m). In the remains of the southern building sections of a ﬁeldstone wall (0.63 m wide) are preserved. Building stones from the ancient building remains were used in constructing the retaining walls of the agricultural terraces. West of the building remains are two rock-hewn winepresses. The northern winepress consists of a treading ﬂoor (2.7×3.2 m) and collecting vat (1.2×1.7 m; alluvium accumulated in

110* it); near the collecting vat—a rock surface (1.3×1.5 m) which is hewn at an angle that slopes towards the vat. The components of the southern winepress include a treading floor (3.18×4.28 m, 0.55 m deep) and west of it a collecting vat (1.52×2.44 m, 1.48 m deep) with two hewn steps that descend to its bottom. Three large basins (average diameter 0.68 m, 0.33 m deep), which are linked by hewn channels (0.11 m wide) are hewn in the treading floor. Near the winepress—a large, level rock surface (5.7×8.0 m; a threshing floor?), and in the vicinity a small building-stone quarry (2×3 m). South of the winepress—four basins (mostly 0.45 m in diameter) and two cupmarks (each 0.27 m in diameter) that are hewn in a large rock outcrop. Finds. Pottery: Iron II and Persian (scanty finds—scatters), Byzantine (numerous finds in the vicinity of the building remains and the winepresses) and Ottoman (in the agricultural areas).

596. 8–2/5 14892 10292 19892 60292 500 m asl Wadi Qūra [5] Remains of a building (c. 4.8×6.0 m; wall segments four to five courses high) on slope, near the confluence of Wadi Qūra and one of its tributaries, in an area of agricultural terraces (34 dunams; currently partially planted with pine trees). An entryway (1.17 m wide) in the south wall has its threshold and doorjambs preserved in situ. Nearby—a pen (6×7 m) built of large fieldstones with a south-facing entrance. East of the structure—a rock-cut cistern (3.6 m deep) capped with a stone (diam. 1.8 m). Fifteen meters west of the structure—a rock-hewn cave (4×4 m), probably used as a shelter by shepherds. Nearby—remains of another pen (c. 6×8 m). Southeast of the building—a winepress hewn in a rock surface: a treading floor (c. 2×3 m) and round collecting vat (diam. 0.86 m; filled with alluvium). Finds. Pottery: Byzantine (numerous finds in and around the building remains); Temporary occupation: Ottoman (finds near the cave and a pen).

597. 8–2/6 14810 10290 19810 60290 485 m asl Wadi Ahmad [7] Remains of three buildings located among buildings constructed in recent generations, a burial cave, a winepress, cisterns and a limekiln (c. 5 dunams) on slope descending west, towards Wadi Ahmad. One of the buildings (5.7×8.4 m), on the north part of the slope, is better preserved than the others; the walls (mostly 0.55 m wide), standing to a height of three to four courses, is covered by stone heaps, including dressed building stones. Nearby—a rock-hewn winepress: a treading ﬂoor (2.6×3.7 m, 0.28 m deep) and collecting vat (0.7×1.4 m; ﬁlled with alluvium). East of the above building—a limekiln (inner diam. 4.7 m, 2.8 m deep) and waste heaps around it, and two rock-hewn cisterns (each c. 3 m deep). The remains of the other two buildings, on the south of the slope, are covered by stone heaps, including fragments of a oil press crushing basin and a stone weight (0.48×0.60 m) with a central perforation (diam. 0.13 m). On the upper part of

111* the slope—five rock-hewn burial caves (plundered in the past) and around them scatters of Byzantine potsherds. On the slope—a deserted orchard and agricultural terraces (c. 30 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (scanty finds, scattered over c. 3 dunams), Iron II (numerous finds, scattered over c. 4 dunams), Hellenistic (scanty finds—a scatter), Byzantine (numerous finds in and around the remains of the buildings and near the burial caves) and Ottoman (finds in the deserted orchard, probably related to agricultural activity).

598. 8–2/7 14890 10290 19890 60290 525 m asl Wadi Qūra [6] Cave (c. 3×4 m) on lower part of rocky slope, in the vicinity of Wadi Qūra. Two benches run the length of the walls and two storage niches are hewn in the walls. Near the cave entrance—a pen (c. 4×6 m). The cave was probably used as shelter by shepherds.

599. 8–2/8 14860 10212 19860 60212 620 m asl Wadi Ahmad [30] Three round buildings (diam. 5–6 m; pens?) constructed of ﬁeldstones on rocky spur running west, north of Wadi Ahmad. The buildings survive to a height of two to three courses (walls generally 0.5 m wide) and the entrances face east. Nearby to the west— four deep basins (diam. mostly 0.6 m, 0.48 m deep) hewn in rock surfaces.

600. 8–2/9 14832 10215 19832 60215 550 m asl Wadi Ahmad [31] Rock-hewn cave (c. 4×4 m), on slope of spur descending west, towards Wadi Ahmad. Niches and benches are hewn in the cave walls. In recent decades it served as a shelter for shepherds.

601. 8–2/10 14890 10255 19890 60255 540 m asl Wadi Inzar [15] Road, ﬂanked with curbstones, on the north bank of Wadi Inzar, running a length of c. 250 m (presently in use).

602. 8–2/11 14840 10288 19840 60288 590 m asl Wadi Qūra [10] Agricultural plot delimited by a stone fence (c. 5 dunams) on spur, southwest of Wadi Qūra. Rough-hewn building stones, a threshold fragment and a fragment of a stone column (0.63 m long, diam. 0.42 m) are incorporated in the construction of the fence.

112* 603. 9–2/1 14994 10240 19994 60240 725 m asl ‘Urqān ‘Awad (M) Remains of a rectangular compound (c. 45×55 m) on a prominent hill commanding a view of the surrounding area. On the hill—extensive rock outcrops in which six round basins (diam. mostly 0.45 m) and three cupmarks (average diam. 0.27 m) are hewn. Finds. Intermediate Bronze pottery (a few sherds—scatters).

604. 9–2/2 14950 10220 19950 60220 575 m asl Wadi Inzar [3] Rock-cut cave on the lower reaches of a rocky slope descending south, towards Wadi Inzar. Traces of hewn niches are visible in the cave walls. A curvilinear stone wall, one row wide, abuts the northern wall. The cave was probably used as a shelter by shepherds. West of the cave—remains of an oval building (5.3×8.0 m; pen?). In 1984 agricultural terraces were constructed at the foot of the slope (olives trees were planted on them), incorporating ancient large rough-hewn building stones.

605. 9–2/3 14926 10256 19926 60256 600 m asl Wadi Inzar [4] Remains of two buildings, c. 10 m apart, a winepress and a cistern (c. 2 dunams) on spur running west, near Wadi Inzar. In the vicinity of the remains—agricultural terraces delimited by stone fences (preserved two to three courses high). The walls (0.55 m wide) of the eastern building (4.2×6.4 m) are preserved to a height of three courses; an entryway, with its stone threshold in situ, was observed in the eastern wall. Collapsed building stones are piled on the building remains. The western building (c. 6×8 m) is partitioned into two units; the entrance probably faces west. Near a rock surface is a rock-hewn winepress, consisting of a treading floor (2.18×3.28 m) and collecting vat (0.77×1.27 m; blocked by stones). Near the winepress—a large rock surface (8×10 m) that slopes to the north that apparently served as a threshing floor, and a small building-stone quarry (3×3 m). Eight meters north of the winepress—a rock-cut cistern (3.8 m deep). Four round basins (diam. 0.35–0.55 m) and eleven cupmarks (average diam. 0.24 m) are hewn in rock outcrops in the vicinity of the building remains. In a valley running south, towards Wadi Inzar—recent agricultural terraces (c. 12 dunams) prepared atop ancient agricultural terraces. On the lower reaches of the spur, descending to the southwest—stone clearance heaps and a round rock-hewn pit (diam. 5 m, 2.7 m deep; collapsed cistern?). Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (scanty finds—a scatter), Iron II (numerous finds near the building remains and on the agricultural terraces) and Byzantine (numerous finds near the building remains).

113* 606. 9–2/4 14938 10290 19938 60290 600 m asl Wadi Inzar [5] Remains of a building (c. 5.3×7.0 m) on slope descending south, towards a tributary of Wadi Inzar: walls preserved to a height of two to three stone courses and an entryway (1.2 m wide) in the south wall. A depression in the ground (diam. 4 m; collapsed cistern?) is visible nearby. Twelve meters west of the building remains—remains of an oval pen (7×12 m) built of ﬁeldstones. Finds. Pottery: Byzantine (numerous ﬁnds in the vicinity of the building remains) and Ottoman (in the pen).

607. 9–2/5 14920 10226 19920 60226 550 m asl Wadi Inzar [6] Remains of agricultural terraces (c. 20 dunams) delimited by a fence of large fieldstones on south bank of Wadi Inzar. In the west portion of the area—a rock-hewn winepress consisting of a treading floor (2.16×2.70 m) and collecting vat (0.8×1.4 m; filled with alluvium). Nearby, at the foot of a spur—remains of three temporary structures dry- built of fieldstones. Finds. Pottery: Byzantine (scanty finds—scatters); Temporary occupation and agricultural activity: Ottoman (finds on the agricultural terraces and in the vicinity of the building remains).

608. 9–2/6 14965 10268 19965 60268 580 m asl Wadi Inzar [7] Remains of buildings and rock-hewn installations on bank of tributary of Wadi Inzar, and agricultural terraces (c. 25 dunams) whose walls include rough-hewn building stones on the adjacent slope. In the east part of the agricultural area—installations hewn in rock surfaces: a winepress, a threshing floor, basins and cupmarks. The winepress consists of a treading floor (2.2×3.5 m, 0.45 m deep) and a collecting vat (0.85×1.40 m; blocked by alluvium) to its north. Hewn in the center of the treading floor is a round basin (diam. 0.73 m); a hewn depression (diam. 0.12 m) is at its bottom. South of the winepress— three round basins (average diam. 0.44 m), hewn in a large rock outcrop. West of the winepress are five additional hewn basins and two cupmarks (diam. of each 0.28 m), located between them. On the lower reaches of the slope—an olive grove enclosed by a fieldstone fence and scatters of Byzantine pottery. Finds. Pottery: Byzantine (scatters across the agricultural terraces) and Ottoman (numerous finds around the building remains and in the cultivated areas).

609. 9–2/7 14995 10278 19995 60278 600 m asl Wadi Inzar [8] Remains of ﬁve buildings (some of damaged by construction carried out in recent generations) on upper reaches of slope descending to a tributary of Wadi Inzar. One

114* building (c. 8×12 m) has walls preserved three to five stone courses high. To its east— a courtyard (5×8 m) enclosed by a wall of large fieldstones. Nearby, to the north— remains of a building mostly covered by stone heaps; part of the east wall (4.8 m long, 0.65 m wide) was discerned. Nearby, to the west, on the same altitudinal contour line— the other buildings, covered by stone heaps. West of the building remains—a cave (3.5×5.0 m) and a pen (c. 6×8 m). Spread over the entire slope, as well as in the wadi bed to the east of the buildings— agricultural terraces (c. 55 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Iron II (scanty finds—a scatter) and Byzantine (numerous finds in the vicinity of the buildings and on the agricultural terraces); Temporary occupation: Ottoman (in the vicinity of the buildings and around the cave). Some 100 m west of the buildings—an agricultural plot (c. 10 dunams) enclosed by a fieldstone fence. A building nearby was constructed a few generations ago employing ancient building stones, some of them with drafted margins.

610. 9–2/8 14948 10260 19948 60260 650 m asl Wadi Inzar [10] Pen (5×6 m) built with ﬁeldstones and rough-hewn building stones on spur running west, between Wadi Inzar (to the south) and a tributary. The walls are preserved to a height of four to ﬁve courses; the entrance faces east.

611. 9–2/9 14918 10240 19918 60240 570 m asl Wadi Inzar [11] Rock-hewn cave (c. 2×3 m) near the bank of Wadi Inzar that apparently served as a shelter for shepherds. Nearby—a road that runs the length of the wadi, ascending to the Hevron Hills (see above, Site 601). In the upper reaches of the wadi the rock was hewn to facilitate passage.

612. 9–2/10 14925 10280 19925 60280 570 m asl Wadi Inzar [12] Letters engraved in Arabic (0.13 m high) and a damaged rock engraving (0.26×0.38 m; images of two horses?) on two rock outcrops on the south bank of a tributary of Wadi Inzar.

613. 0–1/1 14045 10160 19055 60160 406 m asl Nahal Adorayim [75] Remains of a building on shoulder of spur north of Nahal Adorayim (currently in Adorayim Forest), mostly destroyed by agricultural cultivation; the west and south walls survive. Nearby, to the west—two round basins (diam. of each 0.48 m, 0.22 m deep) hewn in a rock surface. Northeast of the building, hewn in a rock outcrop—a large basin (diam. 1.36 m, 0.37 m deep) and four depressions (diam. mostly 0.11 m). Finds. Many Byzantine potsherds (in and around the building remains).

115* 614. 0–1/2 14027 10126 19027 60126 365 m asl Nahal Adorayim [76] Remains of a limekiln (inner diam. 3.8 m, 2.7 m deep) at foot of spur near Nahal Adorayim. Around the limekiln—heaps of grayish-white debris. Twenty meters to the north—three cupmarks (diam. of each 0.27 m) hewn in a rock outcrop (c. 2×3 m).

615. 0–1/3 14027 10110 19027 60110 320 m asl Nahal Adorayim [77] Pottery scatters (c. 2 dunams) at foot of slope near Nahal Adorayim. Finds. Pottery (a few sherds): Iron II and Byzantine.

616. 0–1/4 14071 10115 19071 60115 345 m asl Nahal Adorayim [78] Remains of seven buildings, entrances to four caves and rock-hewn installations (c. 5 dunams) on slope of spur west of Nahal Adorayim. One of the buildings (c. 6×6 m; walls preserved 1.5 m high), at the edge of the slope, is covered by stone clearance heaps. To the west and east of the building—remains of the other six buildings (wall segments). On the lower northern side of the spur—four round basins (diam. mostly 0.44 m) and two cupmarks (diam. of each 0.27 m) hewn in rock outcrops, and a winepress, consisting of a treading floor (2.6×3.2 m) and collecting vat (filled with alluvium). A road runs nearby. On the spur—walls, apparently of agricultural terraces. Finds. Pottery: Roman and Byzantine (numerous finds in and around the building remains).

617. 0–1/5 14075 10180 19075 60180 350 m asl Nahal Adorayim [79] Dense pottery scatters (c. 4 dunams) on bare hill, north of Nahal Adorayim. Finds. Byzantine pottery.

618. 0–1/6 14020 10143 19020 60143 300 m asl Nahal Adorayim [128] Rock-hewn winepress on a rock outcrop on the lower reaches of a spur north of Nahal Adorayim (currently Adorayim Forest): a treading ﬂoor (c. 2.4×2.5 m) and collecting vat (blocked by debris).

619. 0–1/7 14008 10188 19008 60188 310 m asl Nahal Adorayim [129] Two basins hewn in a rock outcrop on slope descending towards a tributary of Nahal Adorayim (currently Adorayim Forest). On the slope—remains of agricultural terraces.

116* 620. 0–1/8 14095 10115 19095 60115 345 m asl Nahal Adorayim [130] Agricultural terraces (c. 20 dunams) delimited by stone walls on slope descending towards Nahal Adorayim.

621. 1–1/1 14174 10198 19174 60198 390 m asl Nahal Adorayim [80] Rock-hewn pit (reservoir?) in the higher reaches of a valley, north of Nahal Adorayim. Nearby, to the east—two round basins (diam. of each 0.38 m) hewn in a rock outcrop (1.5×2.1 m). To the east and south of the valley—agricultural terraces (c. 7 dunams). Finds. a few Byzantine potsherds (scatters on the agricultural terraces).

622. 1–1/2 14192 10170 19192 60170 385 m asl Nahal Adorayim [81] Remains of a limekiln (inner diam. 4.37 m) dug in the ground in a valley near a tributary of Nahal Adorayim, in an area of agricultural terraces (15 dunams). On the spur to the west—remains of stone fences that delimited the agricultural terraces. On the spur northeast of the valley—agricultural terraces (c. 12 dunams). Atop the spur are ﬁve round basins (average diam. 0.63 m) hewn in a large rock outcrop, two of the them linked by a hewn conduit (0.44 m long, 0.11 m wide).

623. 1–1/3 14127 10120 19127 60120 389 m asl Nahal Adorayim [82] Remains of a square building (c. 10×10 m) constructed of rough-hewn stones (max. height of 1 m) and installations (c. 12 dunams) on a hill north of Nahal Adorayim. A fieldstone wall (0.6 m wide, three to six courses high) surrounds the building and some of the installations. Near the building—four round basins (average diam. 0.5 m, average depth 0.22 m) hewn in a rock outcrop (2.6×4.0 m). Northeast of the building—a rock- hewn winepress consisting of a treading floor (2.7×4.2 m, 0.44 m deep) and collecting vat (0.8×1.7 m; filled with alluvium). Southwest of the building—six cupmarks (diam. mostly 0.28 m) hewn in rock outcrops, and nine hewn cupmarks (diam. mostly 0.25 m) to their located north. South of the building, on a rock outcrop—three round basins (average diam. 0.48 m) hewn in a row 0.6 m apart. Two rock-hewn cisterns (2 m deep; blocked by debris) are to the south of the basins. On the west and south slopes of the hill—agricultural terraces (c. 25 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Iron II and Hellenistic (scanty finds, scattered over c. 5 dunams), Byzantine (numerous finds near the building and around the installations), Early Islamic (a scatter) and Ottoman (finds around the building and on the agricultural terraces).

117* 624. 1–1/4 14130 10132 19130 60132 398 m asl Nahal Adorayim [83] Building remains (c. 15 dunams) on hill north of Nahal Adorayim. The remains were damaged when defensive trenches were prepared on the hill. On the north part of the hill—stone wall segments 0.42 m wide) and a building corner preserved one to three courses high. Wall segments (remains of buildings?) were also surveyed on the east portion of the hill. To their north, hewn in rock outcrops—two round basins (diam. of each 0.44 m) and four cupmarks (average diam. 0.2 m). At the foot of the hill—a rock- hewn winepress (mostly covered with alluvium). Finds. Pottery: Byzantine (numerous ﬁnds in and around the building remains) and Early Islamic (scanty ﬁnds—a scatter).

625. 1–1/5 14105 10145 19105 60145 362 m asl Nahal Adorayim [84] Twelve stone clearance heaps (including rough-hewn building stones), a winepress, basins, and cupmarks (c. 10 dunams) on spur running west, northeast of Nahal Adorayim. In the center of the spur—a large stone heap (diam. 9 mr, c. 4 m high; a cairn?). Nearby—a round basin (diam. 0.49 m in diameter) hewn in a rock outcrop and a hewn winepress (mostly covered with alluvium). North of the stone heap—two basins hewn in a rock outcrop (diam. of each 0.38 m). Finds. Numerous Byzantine potsherds.

626. 1–1/6 14192 10108 19192 60108 396 m asl Nahal Adorayim [85] Wall segments (c. 5 dunams) on the shoulder of a hill north of Nahal Adorayim. Two stone weights belonging to an oil press, each with a central perforation (diam. 0.14 m) are incorporated in the walls. In this area—a rock-hewn winepress consisting of a treading ﬂoor (2.8×3.5 m) and collecting vat (0.6×1.2 m; ﬁlled with stones). Near the winepress—two round rock-hewn basins (diam. of each 0.44 m).

627. 1–1/7 14154 10117 19154 60117 365 m asl Nahal Adorayim [86] Winepress hewn in a rock outcrop on south portion of spur, north of Nahal Adorayim: a treading floor (3.8×4.2 m, 0.48 m deep) and two collecting vats (1.6×2.2 m, 1.8×2.5 m, 0.88 m deep), one south of the treading floor and the other slightly northeast of the first collecting vat. A hewn conduit (0.44 m long) connects the treading floor to the south collecting vat and a hewn perforation (diam. 0.13 m) links the two vats. In the vicinity of the winepress—stone fences, probably built to delimit agricultural plots. In the valley west of the spur—agricultural terraces (c. 7 dunams).

118* Finds. Byzantine pottery (numerous ﬁnds near the winepress and on the agricultural terraces).

628. 1–1/8 14124 10185 19124 60185 360 m asl Nahal Adorayim [87] Rock-hewn installations on slope of spur descending west, north of Nahal Adorayim, in an area of agricultural plots (c. 40 dunams) delimited by fieldstone walls (mostly 0.65 m wide). On a large rock outcrop—a winepress, consisting of a treading floor (2.7×3.2 m, 0.38 m deep), with a rectangular basin (0.55×0.87 m) hewn in its center, and a collecting vat (1.2×1.7 m). On the rock outcrops north of the winepress—seven round basins (average diam. 0.44 m). Some 25 m south of the winepress—a large round basin (diam. 1.58 m, 0.44 m deep). A fissure in the rock in the middle of the basin apparently limited its use. Nearby—two depressions (diam. of each c. 0.1 m). Finds. Byzantine potsherds (many, in the vicinity of the winepress).

629. 1–1/9 14178 10145 19178 60145 390 m asl Nahal Adorayim [88] Remains of a building, a winepress, cisterns and installations hewn in rock outcrops, on a shoulder of a hill north of Nahal Adorayim, in an area of agricultural plots delimited by stone fences (c. 12 dunams). Merely wall segments built of large fieldstones (mostly 0.55 m wide) survive of the building (c. 8×12 m). The northern wall is preserved three courses high; the eastern wall, partially preserved, may have contained an entryway; and the southwestern corner is preserved to a height of two courses. A stone threshold (1.2 m long) lies among the remains. Nearby to the north—three round basins (diam. of each 0.48 m). East of the remains—two rock-hewn cisterns (mouths blocked by rocks). South of the remains—a stone circle (diam. 8.4 m; remains of a pen?) and three cupmarks. Further south is a compound (25×28 m) surrounded by a low stone wall (two to four courses high). On the north slope—a winepress, consisting of a treading floor (2.4×2.6 m) and collecting vat (0.8×1.4 m, 0.57 m deep) with two round basins (diam. of each 0.42 m) hewn alongside it. In the valleys to the east and west—agricultural terraces (c. 25 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (scanty finds, scattered over c. 5 dunams), Iron II (numerous finds similar to those from Tel Lakhish, Stratum III—scattered over c. 12 dunams) and Byzantine (numerous finds in the vicinity of the building remains).

630. 2–1/1, 6 14254 10180 19254 60180 415 m asl Kh. er Ráiá (S) [1] Kh. er Rāya (M–Map); Kh. Râya‘ (M–List); Kh. el Râ‘e (M–1929) 630.1. Settlement remains (c. 35 dunams) on a hill and its south slope, c. 1 km north of Nahal Adorayim: building remains, cisterns, rock-hewn caves and installations, pens, agricultural terraces, and stone heaps containing ancient building stones (including

119* ashlars), fragments of stone capitals, columns and thresholds. Additional architectural elements are strewn on the ground. Damage caused by numerous illicit excavations conducted by antiquities robbers is evident at the site and on its fringes. Among the building remains are those of a large structure (c. 22×25 m; a church?); a marble chancel screen and stone building elements—a doorjamb and a lintel—lie close by. Fragments of roof tiles and colored tesserae are scattered in the area of the structure. Seven rock-hewn cisterns were counted at the site, three located towards the top of the hill and four on the south slope. A hewn channel approaches one of the cisterns (c. 8 m deep, diam. of mouth 1.6 m) at the top of the hill from the east. A cistern (6.3 m deep, diam. on floor 4.7 m) on the south slope has a rock-hewn staircase hugging the walls that descends to the floor and a carving in the northeast walls of eight intertwined circles circumscribed within a larger circle (diam. 0.85 m). Also on the south slope— eight rock-hewn caves, some of whose ceiling have collapsed; the depressions formed by the collapse later served as pens and fences were constructed around them using fieldstones, ancient building stones and fragments of ancient architectural elements. Entrances of hewn tunnels that lead to subterranean chambers (blocked today) were discerned in the walls of several of the caves. Between the building remains and the fringes of the ruin—rock-hewn installations. Hewn in a rock outcrop (2.24×2.77 m) at the top of the hill is a simple oil press (bodeda): a round pressing basin (diam. 0.55 m, 0.26 m deep) surrounded by a leveled rock surface circumscribed by a channel (diam. 1.12 m) and a square collecting vat (0.3×0.3 m, 0.26 m deep) linked by a channel (0.6 m long, 0.08 m wide, 0.06 m deep); a round basin (diam. 0.44 m, 0.1 m deep) is hewn in the side of the vat. East of the bodeda—six depressions (average diam. 0.15 m) hewn in a rock outcrop (1.2×1.4 m). Some 35 m to their east—four basins (average diam. 0.38 m) and fourteen cupmarks (average diam. 0.24 m). Nearby—a winepress consisting of a treading floor (2.7×3.8 m, 0.44 m deep) and collecting vat (1.70×2.10 m; blocked by stones) to its north linked by a hewn conduit (0.38 m long). West of the ruin—another winepress, including a rectangular treading floor (2.4×4.0 m) and collecting vat (1.07×2.12 m, 0.53 m deep). On the eastern margins of the ruin—building-stone quarries (c. 6×14 m). Around the hill and in the valley running southwest—agricultural terraces (c. 55 dunams). Finds. Flint tool: EB, a sickle blade; Pottery: Chalcolithic (numerous finds scattered over 15 dunams), EB II–III (scanty finds—a scatter), Iron II (numerous finds similar to those from Tel Lakhish Strata VI–III, in the settlement remains), Persian (scanty finds—scatters over c. 5 dunams), Hellenistic (numerous finds, including fragments of imported vessels, in the settlement remains), Herodian (scanty finds—scatters over c. 10 dunams), Roman and Byzantine (numerous finds in the settlement remains), Early Islamic and Mamluk (scanty finds, scattered over c. 5 dunams); Temporary occupation: Ottoman (finds and pens). Guérin 1869, 2:360 (Kh. er-Rayeh); Conder and Kitchener 1881–1883, III:285 .

120* 630.2. Large rock-hewn pit (c. 10×15 m, c. 8 m deep; reservoir?) on the slope of the hill, c. 200 m northwest of Kh. er Raya [1].

631. 2–1/2 14276 10160 19276 60160 395 m asl Nahal Adorayim [131] Settlement remains—foundation courses of buildings (two rows of stones; some of them exposed by illicit excavations conducted by antiquities robbers), cisterns and remains of caves (c. 5 dunams)—on slope of spur west of a tributary of Nahal Adorayim. In the center of the site—a limekiln (diam. 4.2 m; filled with building stones) surrounded by mounds of whitish-gray industrial waste. On the upper part of the slope—a bell-shaped rock-hewn cistern (diam. of mouth 2 m, 8 m deep). Nearby—two collapsed caves. A narrow opening hewn in the wall of one of the caves leads to an underground chamber. Hewn in a rock outcrop to the west of the cistern is an oil press and 8 m to its north are two round basins (diam. of each 0.55 m), hewn in a rock outcrop. In the eastern part of the site—remains of a pen (5.2×8.5 m). Finds. Pottery: Iron II (scanty finds, similar to those from Tel Lakhish Strata V–II—a scatter), Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine (numerous finds in the settlement remains), and Ottoman (scanty finds in the remains of the pen).

632. 2–1/3 14253 10154 19253 60154 411 m asl Nahal Adorayim [132] Rock-hewn cistern (mostly blocked; reservoir?) at the top of a hill, west of a tributary of Nahal Adorayim. Nearby are two round basins (diam. of each 0.42 m) hewn in a rock outcrop. On the hill are stone fences, which apparently delineate agricultural plots. On the slopes of the hill—agricultural terraces (c. 18 dunams).

633. 2–1/4 14220 10135 19220 60135 402 m asl Nahal Adorayim [89] Rock-hewn winepress on a hilltop, north of Nahal Adorayim: a treading ﬂoor (2×3 m) and round collecting vat (diam. 1.2 m, 0.86 m deep). Ten meters to its north are three round basins (diam. 0.32–0.47 m), hewn in rock outcrops. In the valley to the north—agricultural terraces (c. 10 dunams).

634. 2–1/5 14216 10117 19216 60117 403 m asl Nahal Adorayim [90] Rock-hewn installations (c. 4 dunams) on hill north of Nahal Adorayim in an area of agricultural plots delimited by stone fences: a pit whose opening is almost square (1.2×1.3 m, 2.6 m deep; reservoir?); two round basins (diam. of each 0.48 m, 0.28 m deep), hewn in a rock outcrop to the north, circumscribed by a channel (0.08 m wide, 0.05 m deep) that runs to the edge of the rock outcrop where it terminates in a kind of

121* gutter; two additional round basins (diam. 0.37 m, 0.55 m) east of the pit, hewn in a rock outcrop; and a winepress treading ﬂoor (2.17×3.20 m; incomplete) to the east, with a ﬁssure running through it. On the south slope of the hill and in the valley to its southwest—agricultural terraces (c. 17 dunams). Finds. Numerous Byzantine potsherds.

635. 2–1/7 14217 10181 19217 60181 385 m asl Kh. er Raya (M) [7] Remains of a limekiln (diam. 3.8 m) dug in the ground on the east bank of a wadi (a tributary of Nahal Adorayim) west of Kh. er Raya [1]. Mounds of whitish-gray industrial waste are piled around the limekiln.

636. 2–1/8 14268 10135 19268 60135 300 m asl Nahal Adorayim [91] Dense pottery scatters (c. 2 dunams) on slope of hill descending east, towards a tributary of Nahal Adorayim. The landscape has been defaced by ditches and excavations that were dug in the slope. Finds. Pottery: Iron II, Roman, Byzantine and Early Islamic (numerous sherds).

637. 2–1/9 14255 10115 19255 60115 396 m asl Nahal Adorayim [92] Remains of a building (c. 4×6 m), and a courtyard (c. 5×8 m) to its south, on shoulder of spur north of Nahal Adorayim, in an area of agricultural plots delimited by stone fences. Chiefly the north, east and south walls survive (max. height of three stone courses; generally 0.45 m wide). Nearby, to the north—a pen, apparently constructed utilizing ancient building stones taken from the building. East of the building are three round basins (diam. 0.37–0.50 m) hewn in rock surfaces and a leveled rock outcrop (c. 3×4 m; a threshing floor?). In a valley to the spur’s west—agricultural terraces (c. 10 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Byzantine (numerous finds in and around the building remains) and Early Islamic (scanty finds—a scatter); Temporary occupation: Ottoman (scanty finds and a pen).

638. 2–1/10 14288 10108 19288 60108 390 m asl Nahal Adorayim [93] Remains of a building (4.8×5.3 m) on slope of rocky hill, north of Nahal Adorayim: the foundation course of walls (mostly 0.5 m wide) built of a double row of stones (illicit excavations by antiquities robbers were conducted the length of the walls). A stone lintel (0.93 m long) lies east of the remains. Nearby are two round basins (diam. of each 0.38 m) hewn in a rock outcrop.

122* On the slopes of the hill—agricultural terraces (c. 20 dunams). Finds. Byzantine pottery (a few sherds, in and around the building remains).

639. 3–1/1 14340 10190 19340 60190 395 m asl Sheqef [16] Remains of a limekiln (diam. 3.7 m, c. 2 m deep) in a wadi (west of Moshav Sheqef) surrounded by mounds of whitish-gray industrial waste.

640. 3–1/2 14308 10137 19308 60137 400 m asl Nahal Adorayim [94] Installations hewn in the shoulder of a hill, east of a tributary of Nahal Adorayim, in an area of agricultural plots delimited by stone fences (extending over c. 16 dunams). Among them is a winepress: a treading ﬂoor (2.32×2.77 m, max. depth 0.26 m) coated with whitish-gray plaster and a collecting vat (0.88×1.32 m) covered with two stone slabs, linked by a channel (0.12 m long). A hewn groove at the edge of the collecting vat is matched to accommodate the covering slabs. After use of the winepress ceased the collecting vat was deepened and expanded (5.4 m deep, 4×7 m at its base) and 22 columbaria niches were hewn in its walls (dimensions mostly 0.22×0.29 m). Southwest of the winepress—four round basins (diam. 0.37–0.55 m) hewn in a large rock outcrop.

641. 3–1/3, 6 14325 10153 19325 60153 421 m asl Sheqef [17] 641.1. Remains of a farmstead, rock-hewn installations, a cave and a deserted orchard (c. 8 dunams) on hill southwest of Moshav Sheqef; in this area are agricultural plots delimited by stone fences and stone clearance heaps. Meager remains of a large building were documented: the foundations and eastern and western corners are preserved (its building stones were apparently taken for burning in a limekiln to the north; above, Site 639). South of the building—wall segments; hewn in rock outcrops to their north are five round basins (diam. 0.35–0.45 m) and four cupmarks (average diam. 0.26 m). On the east slope of the hill—two rock-hewn basins (diam. of each 0.44 m). On the south slope, on a rock surface—a rock-hewn winepress, consisting of a treading floor (2.6×2.8 m) bearing traces of plaster and a collecting vat (0.7×1.5 m; blocked by stones) to its south. Near the winepress—a rock-hewn cave that apparently served as a shelter for shepherds; the interior (5.4×10.0 m) is partitioned by stone walls into three chambers. On the slopes of the hill and in the valley west of the hill—agricultural terraces (c. 12 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (scanty finds scattered over c. 4 dunams), Iron II (numerous finds, similar to those from Tel Lakhish Strata IV–III, in the farmstead),

123* Byzantine (numerous ﬁnds in the farmstead) and Mamluk (fragment of a polychrome vessel); Temporary occupation: Ottoman (use of the cave, an orchard). 641.2. Deserted orchard (c. 40×50 m) delimited by a stone fence (0.5–1.0 m) on the west slope of the hill (map ref. OIG 14301 10150, NIG 19301 60150). Twelve meters south of the orchard—a cave entrance (burial cave?).

642. 3–1/4 14314 10193 19314 60193 418 m asl Sheqef [18] Remains of a building, a cistern, caves, rock-hewn basins and cupmarks, 12 stone clearance heaps and agricultural plots delimited by stone fences (c. 15 dunams) on a bare hill, west of Moshav Sheqef. Merely the foundations of the building (3.6×4.2 m) survive; two stone lintels (each 0.86 m long) are strewn nearby. On the hilltop—a large stone heap (c. 6×6 m) surrounded by one course of rough-hewn stones, placed to prevent the stones from scattering. On the east part of the hill—a rock-hewn cistern (c. 6 m deep, bottom diam. 4.3 m). On the east slope of the hill—a rock-hewn burial cave whose entrance is blocked (apparently plundered by antiquities robbers) and another rock-hewn cave to its west that was probably used as a shelter by shepherds. South of this cave, hewn in rock outcrops—four round basins (diam. mostly 0.48 m). On the west slope— another two hewn basins (diam. of each 0.42 m) and three cupmarks (average diam. 0.27 m). Finds. Pottery: EB II–III (numerous finds, scattered over c. 5 dunams), Iron II (numerous finds near the building), Roman (scanty finds—a scatter), Byzantine (numerous finds in near the building and on the agricultural terraces) and Early Islamic (scanty finds—a scatter); Temporary occupation: Ottoman (use of the cave).

643. 3–1/5, 7 14370 10160 19370 60160 405 m asl Sheqef [19] 643.1. Three round basins (average diam. 0.42 m) hewn in a rock outcrop on slope of exposed spur on southern part of Har Nadal, south of Moshav Sheqef. Agricultural plots delimited by stone fences and stone clearance heaps are in this area. The remains were destroyed when the area was prepared for cultivation. In the valley west of the spur—agricultural terraces (c. 12 dunams; a paved road runs through the valley today). 643.2. Rock-hewn burial cave on slope of Har Nadal (map ref. OIG 14390 10180, NIG 19390 60180), discovered during the course of development work and subsequently excavated (G. Avni, 1986). The cave entrance, facing east, leads to a rectangular chamber with 13 burial kokhim hewn in its walls. The cave was devoid of ﬁnds; based on the quarrying style it is ascribed to the ﬁrst century CE (Early Roman period). Avni 1987.

124* 644. 4–1/1 14497 10194 19497 60194 448 m asl Kh. Beit ‘Awwā (west) [1] Settlement remains (c. 35 dunams) on hill, in an Arab village (a region referred to by the local inhabitants as Kh. es Suweiti): wall segments that incorporate ashlar stones (some dressed with drafted margins), fragments of columns hewn from marble and limestone and fragments of capitals, and rock-hewn cisterns sealed with capstones. On the north part of the hill—a rock-hewn pool (4×7 m; not currently in use) and hewn in a rock outcrop to its west three large round basins (diam. of each 0.68 m), of them linked by a channel. On the hilltop—remains of a large building (c. 15×18 m; referred to as Qal‘a [fortress] by the local residents). Mainly the corners of the building survive to a height of three stone courses (ancient building stones from these remains are incorporated in the walls of structures constructed on the hill in recent generations). Nearby—three rock-hewn cisterns. To the northeast, strewn on the ground—elements from an oil press, which has not survived. Another oil press operated in a rock-hewn cave west of the large building; the interior of the cave, a large chamber (c. 6×15 m), has niches hewn in the walls in which the pressing apparatus were placed. Among the village houses are rock-hewn caves; seven caves were counted, some of them are large and bell-shaped (several of the caves serve today as pens or for storage). On the south slope of the hill—a building- stone quarry (c. 3×8 m). In 1984 a rock-hewn burial cave consisting of a rectangular chamber (4.3×5.0 m) with six burial kokhim its walls was discovered below one of the village houses. The image of a person with outstretched hands is incised in the eastern wall. Potsherds dating to the beginning of the Hellenistic period were found in the cave. On the west slope of the hill—agricultural terraces (c. 27 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Hellenistic (scanty finds in the burial cave and on the northern slope), Roman and Byzantine (numerous finds in the settlement remains), Early Islamic (scanty finds—a scatter) and Mamluk (numerous finds in the settlement remains); Settlement: Ottoman (village).

645. 4–1/2, 3 14455 10184 19455 60184 430 m asl Kh. Beit ‘Awwā (west) [23] Road (3.8–4.2 m wide) ﬂanked by curbstones on slope of rocky spur—a section of Roman road that ran from Bet Guvrin to Dura. The course of the road may be followed for c. 14 m. Caves were surveyed in this region, as well as agricultural terraces (c. 15 dunams), in between the rock outcrops. Nearby to the southeast (map ref. OIG 14470 10175, NIG 19470 60175)—additional road segments, including a paved section (0.3–0.4 m thick) and a segment (c. 27 m long) paved with ﬂagstones (See also Sites 11.1, 85, 86.2, 181, 192, 258.2, 261, 542,

125* 548.1, 660, 786). The village cemetery in Kh. Beit ‘Awwā extends over sections of the road. Finds. Pottery: Iron II (scanty ﬁnds—a scatter) and Roman (numerous ﬁnds on the road segments).

646. 4–1/4, 7, 10 14472 10124 19472 60124 405 m asl Rasm en Nuqūr (M) [1] 646.1. Settlement remains (c. 10 dunams) on a terraced slope facing north, south of Kh. Beit ‘Awwā [1], severely damaged by agricultural cultivation. Ancient building stones from the settlement are concentrated in large heaps, some of which rest on the foundations; ashlar stones (some with drafted margins) and fragments of ancient architectural elements were discerned in the heaps. Stone fences built in recent generations cover sections of ancient walls and cave entrances and cisterns were blocked by rocks. Also at the site—fragments of a marble chancel screen lie and scattered colored tesserae. Over the course of prolonged cultivation numerous potsherds, including an almost intact vessel, were brought to the surface, among them cooking pots, jars, pithoi and bowls. On the upper part of the slope—remains of a wall (4.8 m long, 0.74 m wide; part of a pool?); four layers of plaster were discerned on its south side. On the terrace at the base of this wall are remains of a plastered channel that ran further down the slope (to irrigate the agricultural plots?), to the north. Below a fence enclosing an orchard—remains of an ancient wall built of large rough-hewn stones. At the site and on its fringes—seven rock-hewn cisterns (some of them intentionally blocked by the villagers). One of the cisterns is hewn at the foot of the slope to the north, near a wadi bed. Five additional caves were counted. One of them, in the north of the site, consists of two large chambers: one chamber (c. 5×6 m), meticulously hewn, has an entryway in the western wall that leads to another chamber (4.7×7.3 m) whose walls were hewn in a different style. The cave was apparently used as a shelter by the shepherds who enlarged it by hewing the western chamber. Another cave, on the upper part of the slope, is a single chamber (4.2×5.0 m, 2.8 m high); the entrance (1.2×2.3 m) is meticulously dressed and surmounted by a cornice (partly preserved). It too was used by shepherds. Finds. Pottery: Roman and Byzantine (numerous finds in the settlement remains), Early Islamic (scanty finds—a scatter) and Mamluk (numerous finds in the settlement remains). 646.2. Rock-hewn installations (c. 10 dunams), some of them damaged by agricultural cultivation, on slope southeast of Rasm en Nuqūr [1]. Among them are two winepresses. The southern winepress includes an extensive treading floor (4.2×4.7 m, 0.44 m deep) with plaster sections in which the negative impressions of embedded tesserae are visible and a collecting vat (1.16×1.66 m; filled with stones) linked by a hewn channel (0.32 m long). Near the collecting vat—three rock-hewn basins (diam. of each 0.53 m,

126* 0.29 m deep). The northern winepress consists of a treading floor (2.8×3.2 m; filled with alluvium) and a collecting vat (0.78×1.22 m; filled with stones). East of this winepress, hewn in a rock outcrop—a concentration of basins in two rows (five in the north row, three in the south row). On the west slope of the hill—three additional basins and six cupmarks (diam. mostly 0.28 m). At the foot of the slope is a round rock cutting (diam. 1.53 m, 0.32 m deep; incomplete?) and nearby, to the east—a leveled rock outcrop. On the eastern slope—a large rock outcrop surrounded by tamped soil (threshing floor?). Finds. Pottery: Iron II (numerous finds), Roman (scanty finds) and Byzantine (numerous finds). 646.3. Rock-hewn burial cave on slope (map ref. OIG 14464 10123, NIG 19464 60123), west of the settlement remains, discovered when constructing the road on the slope; inside it were numerous fragments of pottery vessels. Finds. Pottery: EB IB (scanty finds), EB II–III (majority of the finds).

647. 4–1/5 14446 10114 19446 60114 424 m asl Rasm en Nuqūr [2] Four round basins (average diam. 0.44 m), hewn in rock outcrops on a rocky slope, west of Rasm en Nuqūr [1], in an area of c. 20 stone clearance heaps ranging in size from 3–5 m in diameter. A shallow rectangular rock cutting (2.5×3.6 m) in a rock outcrop may be the treading floor of a winepress. To the north—an area delimited by a low stone fence (c. 30×70 m; a pen?). In the wadi to the west—agricultural terraces (c. 25 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Iron II (scanty finds), Roman and Byzantine (numerous finds), Early Islamic and Mamluk (scanty finds).

648. 4–1/6 14467 10156 19467 60156 439 m asl Kh. Beit ‘Awwā (west) [25] Settlement remains (c. 20 dunams) on spur south of Kh. Beit ‘Awwā [1]: building foundations (mostly 0.65 m wide) along which antiquities robbers conducted illicit excavations. On the southeast part of the spur—remnants of a structure (6×8 m) and remains of a courtyard (7×12 m) to its east. On the upper part of the spur—a winepress hewn in a rock surface, consisting of a treading floor (3.1×4.4 m, 0.4 m deep) and collecting vat (1.4×2.4 m, 1.14 m deep) to its south. Near the collecting vat is a hewn oval trough (0.55×1.37 m, 0.47 m deep). On the east slope of the spur—three rock- hewn burial caves (collapsed), plundered by antiquities robbers in the past; scattered at the front of two of the caves are numerous potsherds from the Byzantine period and in front of the third cave—pottery from Iron Age II. On the west slope—two rock-hewn caves, used as shelters by shepherds. Finds. Pottery: Iron II (numerous finds, similar to those from Tel Lakhish Strata IV–III, in the settlement remains; among the finds—a figurine of a woman), Byzantine (numerous

127* finds from the end of the period—the first half of the seventh century CE—in the settlement remains) and Early Islamic (scanty finds—a scatter); Temporary occupation: Ottoman (use of the caves).

649. 4–1/8 14494 10168 19494 60168 430 m asl Kh. Beit ‘Awwā [26] Remains of a structure (mostly destroyed by building construction several decades ago) on slope, on the fringes of Kh. Beit ‘Awwā [1]. Nearby—a rock-hewn cave (c. 5×7 m); a central circular column (diam. 0.75 m) was left in place by the hewers in order to support the ceiling. An oil press operated in the cave: a crushing basin (diam. 1.68 m) and two pressing installations were found in it. Some 35 m north of the cave, on a large rock outcrop —three hewn basins. East of the cave—a large depression in the ground (a collapsed cave?). Finds. Pottery: Hellenistic and Byzantine (numerous sherds in the structure).

650. 4–1/9 14474 10197 19474 60197 430 m asl Kh. Beit ‘Awwā [27] Burial cave (one chamber presently ﬁlled with debris; c. 2×3 m) plundered by antiquities robbers and agricultural terraces on slope descending west, northwest of Kh. Beit ‘Awwā [1]. Potsherds dating to Early Bronze II–III are scattered in front of the entrance. In the valley to the west—agricultural terraces (c. 15 dunams); ancient rough-hewn building stones are incorporated in the walls. Many potsherds are scattered over the slope. Finds. Pottery: EB II–III (near the burial cave) and Byzantine (numerous ﬁnds in the cultivated area on the slope).

651. 5–1/1 14504 10197 19504 60197 425 m asl Beit ’Aûwa [28] Kh. Beit ‘Awwā (M); Beit ‘Uwwa (1929) [28] Ancient settlement remains in an Arab village situated on the main road leading from the Shephelah to the Hevron Hills, on a hill commanding a view of the surrounding area. Amongst the village houses—remains of ancient buildings, a church and a sheikh’s tomb (Esh Sheikh Dawūd), and rock-hewn caves (including burial caves), cisterns, wells and installations. Ancient building stones and architectural elements are incorporated in the walls of the village houses. The ancient core of the village is located on the western part of the hill, at its summit. The village subsequently spread eastward, occupying other ancient sites (see below). Just south of the ancient village core are remains of a sheikh’s tomb (6.2×6.4 m; one course of ﬁeldstones). To its north, in the courtyard of a house—a rock-hewn winepress consisting of a treading ﬂoor (3.2×4.5 m) and collecting vat (2×2 m) with traces of plaster on its walls. The quarrying of a cave was begun (but not completed) in the

128* collecting vat. South of the winepress—building-stone quarries. East of the ruin are four winepresses hewn in rock outcrops (currently in the courtyards of the villagers’ houses where they are used for processing agricultural products). Amongst the village houses—three capped rock-hewn cisterns. South of the ruin—two additional rock- hewn cisterns. Finds. Pottery: Persian (scanty finds scattered over c. 5 dunams), Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine (numerous finds in the ruin), Early Islamic (finds and the building remains), Mamluk (scanty finds scattered over c. 5 dunams) and Ottoman (rural settlement). Guérin 1869, 2:360 (Kh. Beit el-Haoua); Conder and Kitchener 1881–1883, III:321; In Judea and Samaria, Beit ‘Awwā, HA 34–35 (1970):12; Kochavi 1972:62; IAA/Mandate Archives, File 26.

652. 5–1/2 14568 10172 19568 60172 425 m asl Kh. el Kŭsáh (S) [1] Kh. el Qas‘a (M) [1] Ancient settlement remains (c. 18 dunams) on slope (today in the northeast part of the village of Kh. Beit ‘Awwā), damaged by construction in recent decades. Outstanding among the remains located between the modern houses are remnants of a large structure (a fortress?) and of a long thick wall (c. 17 m long, 1.7–2.0 m wide; preserved five to seven courses high). Ancient building stones, including ashlars, a simple capital and column fragments are incorporated in the walls of the villagers’ houses. Also at the site—five cisterns, remains of a pool (c. 4×6 m) and rock-hewn caves. Hewn in a cave wall below a modern building is a tunnel (c. 12 m long). North of the villagers’ houses— building-stone quarries and a rock-hewn burial cave. Many Byzantine potsherds are scattered near the cave entrance. Finds. Pottery: Roman (numerous finds in the settlement remains), Byzantine (numerous finds in the settlement remains, a burial cave), Early Islamic and Mamluk (scanty finds, scattered over 5 dunams); Temporary occupation: Ottoman (finds, use of the caves). Conder and Kitchener 1881–1883, III:321.

653. 5–1/3 14548 10168 19548 60168 450 m asl Kh. esh Shadhrawān (M–Map); Kh. esh Shâdarwân (M–List) Settlement remains (c. 20 dunams) on slope (presently the center of the eastern portion of the village of Kh. Beit ‘Awwā)—ancient building remains, cisterns and rock-hewn caves—damaged by recent construction. Ancient building stones (including ashlars) are incorporated in the walls of the villagers’ homes. Amongst the houses are many rock- hewn cisterns, four of them almost certainly hewn in ancient times. Beneath several of the houses and courtyards—seven rock-hewn caves (most of them used today for storage or as pens).

129* Finds. Pottery: Roman (scanty finds—a scatter), Byzantine (numerous finds in the settlement remains) and Early Islamic (scanty finds—a scatter); Temporary occupation: Ottoman (finds, use of the caves).

654. 5–1/4, 11 14540 10150 19540 60150 425 m asl Kh. el Mehâmi (S) Kh. el Mahmi (M–Map); Kh. el Mahami (M–List) 654.1. Settlement remains (c. 18 dunams) on spur (currently the southeastern part of the village of Kh. Beit ‘Awwā): foundations of ancient buildings, six cisterns, remains of a pool (c. 4×4 m) and large rock-hewn bell-shaped caves. Ancient building stones (including several ashlars) are incorporated in the walls of the villagers’ houses. In the west of the site—two complexes of deep, rock-hewn bell-shaped halls. The eastern complex consists of three connected halls (each c. 7 m deep; currently used as hay lofts) whose entryways from the ceilings are blocked by rocks. The western complex has five halls, also connected (used today as pens). In the south of the site—stone clearance heaps. Finds: Pottery: Roman (numerous finds in the settlement remains), Byzantine (scanty finds scattered over c. 6 dunams), Early Islamic and Mamluk (scanty finds scattered over c. 5 dunams); Settlement: Ottoman (a rural settlement, use of the caves). Conder and Kitchener 1881–1883, III:321. 654.2. South of Kh. el Mahmi, on a rocky hill (referred to as Ras Khallat es Sa‘idi by the local inhabitants)—cave entrances, and eight basins (average diam. 0.38 m) and three cupmarks (diam. 0.25 m) hewn in rock outcrops (c. 15 dunams). The cave entrances were blocked by soil and olive trees were planted in them. On the hill are a dozen stone clearance heaps, in which ancient rough-hewn building stones and a fragment of a lintel were discerned. Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (scanty finds, scattered over c. 2 dunams), Byzantine and Early Islamic (numerous finds scattered throughout the site).

655. 5–1/5, 6, 8 14580 10186 19580 60186 480 m asl Kh. el Kŭsáh (S) [2] Kh. el Qas‘a (M) [2] 655.1. Rock-hewn burial cave and installations (c. 12 dunams) on rocky slope descending west, toward Kh. el Qas‘a [1]: two winepresses, 16 round basins (diam. 0.30–0.44 m), 22 cupmarks (diam. 0.20–0.25 m) and four oil presses, as well as two leveled rock surfaces (each c. 5×7 m; for threshing?). Between the rock outcrops are agricultural plots. On the slope—stone clearance heaps. At the foot of the slope are the winepresses; one is covered by stones and the other, hewn nearby in a large rock outcrop (c. 5×7 m), includes a treading ﬂoor (3.55×4.28 m, 0.44 m deep) and collecting vat (1.37×2.17 m, 0.45 m deep) to its north, linked by a

130* through-hole (0.2 m long). To the west—an oil press, comprising a rock surface hewn at an incline (sloping toward the winepress’ treading floor) circumscribed by a hewn channel that runs toward a circular basin (diam. 0.6 m), to the north of which is another hewn basin (diam. 0.42 m). A rock-hewn burial cave (blocked by soil debris) in this area was plundered by antiquities robbers in the past. Byzantine potsherds are scattered around the entrance. Some 100 m north of the winepresses—an oil press hewn in a rock outcrop (0.78×1.60 m): a round basin (diam. 0.64 m) in the upper part of the surface and another round basin (diam. 0.74 m, 0.44 m deep) at its base, linked by a channel. To the west—similar installations. On the upper reaches of the slope—quarries. Finds. Byzantine pottery (many sherds; a burial cave from this period). 655.2. Building remains (c. 5 dunams) on spur northeast of Kh. el Qas‘a [1], damaged by recent construction and agricultural cultivation (later walls are superposed on the ancient foundations). An ancient foundation course of rough-hewn stones (8.7 m long) was found at the base of a stone fence delimiting an orchard in the eastern part of the area and four stone oil-press weights and a stone block in which a simple oil press (bodeda) was hewn are incorporated in another stone fence to the west. Also at the site—seven rock-hewn cisterns, two of them capped; one of the capstones (diam. 1.7 m, 0.57 m thick) has a central drawing hole (0.42×0.47 m). On the upper part of the slope—a building-stone quarry (c. 7×8 m). Finds. Pottery: Roman (scanty finds—a scatter), Byzantine (numerous finds in and around the building remains) and Early Islamic (scanty finds—a scatter); Temporary occupation: Ottoman (finds, remains of buildings and pens). 655.3. Rock-hewn burial cave (one chamber; 4.3×6.2 m, 1.7 m high in northern corner) on slope (map ref. OIG 14570 10191, NIG 19570 60191) near a road running northeast from Kh. Beit ‘Awwā to Kh. es Simiya (above, Site 482). The hewn cave facade faces west. The eastern corner of the cave was enlarged in later times by c. 4 m and an entrance (presently blocked by mortared fieldstones) was hewn in the northwestern wall. A few Roman potsherds are scattered in front of the cave entrance. The cave apparently served as a dwelling in this later period.

656. 5–1/7 14548 10194 19548 60194 425 m asl Kh. Beit ‘Awwā [29] Five rock-hewn burial caves on slope northeast of Kh. Beit ‘Awwā [1], plundered in the 1970s by antiquities robbers. Three of the caves are blocked by soil debris. Soil debris also penetrated the northern of the other two caves. This cave has a rock-hewn facade (1.4×2.8 m) and an entrance (0.45×0.55 m) dressed in a triple-stepped frame. Six burial kokhim are cut in the walls of the cave—four in the east wall and two in the north wall. The western cave consists of a single rectangular chamber (2.7×4.2 m, 2.16 m high).

131* A hewn double-stepped frame surrounds its rectangular entrance (0.63×1.20 m), which faces south. The cave has seven burial kokhim (mostly 0.64×2.14 m, 0.55 m deep) cut in its walls—two in the west wall, three in the north wall and two in the east wall. On the ﬂoor—fragments of limestone sealing slabs that closed the kokhim. Many fragments of pottery vessels, including cooking pots, bowls and jars, are scattered outside the cave. Finds. Roman pottery (many sherds).

657. 5–1/9 14520 10170 19520 60170 425 m asl Kh. Beit ‘Awwā Kh. es Sûeity (S) Kh. es Suweiti (M–List) Building remains (c. 15 dunams) on slope (currently on the fringes of Kh. Beit ‘Awwā, whose villagers refer to this region as er Rasm: site of the ruins). Ancient building stones from the ruins were apparently removed to clearance heaps on the margins of agricultural plots prepared in recent generations on the slope. Ancient foundation courses (antiquities robbers excavated alongside the line of the walls) are visible on the east part of the slope. Also at the site—seven rock-hewn cisterns (capped by large building stones) and five stone troughs, surrounding the northwestern cistern, which was apparently used until recently; five bell-shaped caves; and an oil press, which apparently operated in the southern cave (5.3 m deep, diam. of floor 4.7 m), whose crushing stone (diam. 1.87 m, 0.42 m thick) survived. The adjacent cave (c. 5 m deep) has a hewn staircase leading to the floor. This cave apparently served as a shelter for shepherds in a later period; storage niches for hanging objects (mostly 0.55×0.96 m, 0.37 m deep) are hewn in the walls. On the western part of the slope, hewn in rock outcrops—four round basins (diam. 0.37–0.55 m, mostly 0.28 m deep), one of them circumscribed by a channel. West of the basins is a concentration of nine cupmarks hewn in a large rock outcrop (c. 4×6 m). Fired mud bricks, ceramic pipe segments and fragments of polished limestone paving stones (remains of a Roman-period bathhouse?) were exposed at the foot of the slope during the course of cultivating the plots. Further south—agricultural terraces (c. 35 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Iron II (scanty finds scattered over c. 5 dunams), Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine (numerous finds in and around the ruins), Early Islamic (scanty finds scattered over c. 10 dunams); Temporary occupation: Ottoman (finds, use of the cave). Conder and Kitchener 1881–1883, III:321.

658. 5–1/10 14544 10151 19544 60151 425 m asl El Kenîseh (S) Remains of a church (c. 8×12 m) on slope, southeast of the ancient core of the village of Kh. Beit ‘Awwā. The structure was built of large ashlar stones (some of them with

132* drafted margins); mainly the northeastern corner is preserved (to a height of five courses), and the entrance, built of rough-hewn stones (1.75 m high, 0.87 m wide), which faces west. A large stone lintel (0.65×1.25 m) bearing carved ornamentation (a cross within a rosette?) surmounts the entrance. On the eastern side of the building are remains of an apse. Among the remains from the church is a stone trefoil-shaped baptismal font (1.47×1.52m, 0.74 m deep) with a hewn step on either side. The north part of the church was destroyed when an approach road to the village was paved. Near the church are fragments of limestone columns, a column base and fragments of capitals; also in this area are meager remains of buildings from the Ottoman period. South of the church—a rock-hewn cistern (c. 4 m deep). Nearby, to the west—building foundations (refuse heaps are piled on them). Further west—five rock-hewn burial cave entrances. Finds. Pottery: Roman (numerous finds—scatters), Byzantine (numerous finds in the building remains, in the church and the burial caves), Early Islamic, Mamluk (scanty finds—a scatter) and Ottoman. Conder and Kitchener 1881–1883, III:321; Kochavi 1972:62 (Kh. Beit ‘Awwā ); IAA/Mandate Archives.

659. 5–1/12, 13 14534 10160 19534 60160 410 m asl Kh. Beit ‘Awwā [30] 659.1. Bir el Mahmi: a rock-hewn well (c. 12 m deep) in a wadi bed that runs between the hill on which is situated the ancient heart of Kh. Beit ‘Awwā [1] and the spur that accommodates the suburb Kh. el Mahmi (above, Site 654). At the time of a survey conducted in the autumn of 1984 the well contained little water, however, it served as the village’s principal source of water until several years beforehand. The well’s rim is built of large stones, bearing grooves that were worn by ropes used when drawing water and the neck is lined with five courses of stone; further downward it is hewn in a bell shape in the chalk rock. Near the well—five stone troughs and remains of a ‘Persian- wheel’ (saqiye) pump. 659.2. Biyarat Ahmad Salim: a rock-hewn well (c. 8 m deep, diam. 2.8 m) c. 70 m west of Bir el Mahmi (map ref. OIG 14526 10163, NIG 19526 60163) that serves all of the villagers. West of the well—remains of a building (c. 3×5 m); its building stones were dismantled and incorporated in the stone fences that were built in the vicinity. Finds. Pottery: Roman, Byzantine and Early Islamic period (scanty finds—scatters spread over c. 1 dunam in the area of the well).

660. 5–1/14 14590 10162 19590 60162 425 m asl Kh. Beit ‘Awwā [32] Fragments of two milestones incorporated in stone fences delimiting an orchard on a slope on the fringes of the village of Kh. Beit ‘Awwā. The stones were most likely positioned alongside the Roman road that ran from Bet Guvrin to the Hevron Hills (see Sites 11.1, 85, 86.2, 192, 258.2, 261, 542, 548.1, 786). One of the fragments is nearly complete with a square base (0.9×0.9 m, 0.7 m high); the column above it (0.83 m

133* long) tapers toward the top (diam. at the bottom 0.9 m, diam. at the top 0.7 m). The second fragment is a column (0.97 m long, diam. at one end 0.7 m and at the other end—0.6 m). Near the orchard to the east—a road (4–5 m wide) ﬂanked with curbstones, probably a segment of the aforementioned road from the Roman period. Finds. Roman pottery.

661. 5–1/15, 16 14504 10157 19504 60157 425 m asl Kh. Beit ‘Awwā [33] 661.1. Rock-hewn bell-shaped cave (diam. c. 7 m) on slope south of the western portion of the village of Kh. Beit ‘Awwā. The cave is presently used for storage and as a sheepfold. Nearby to the southeast—a large depression in the ground (c. 10×20 m; today an agricultural plot) that formed when a bell-shaped cave collapsed. 661.2. Remains of a rock-hewn bell-shaped cave on a slope (map ref. OIG 14506 10165, NIG 19506 60165; in the south of what is today the western part of the village of Kh. Beit ‘Awwā). The cave (collapsed) was a complex consisting of three circular halls (diam. of each c. 5.3 m) with a corridor (c. 6 m long) that led to the entrance, which faced south.

662. 5–1/17 14512 10108 19512 60108 450 m asl Kh. Beit ‘Awwā [35] Settlement remains (c. 15 dunams) on hill (partly under cultivation; referred to by the local residents as Ras Jebel Sa‘idi), south of Kh. Beit ‘Awwā: c. 40 large stone clearance heaps, including ancient rough-hewn building stones and architectural elements— thresholds, fragments of two columns (each c. 1 m long) and a doorjamb equipped with a groove for a bolt. Near rock outcrops—building foundations (0.47–0.60 m wide). On the hilltop—remains of a building (5.1×5.6 m; walls preserved two courses high), its entrance (0.87 m wide) facing north. Nearby, to the north—a doorjamb (1.66 m long). On the southern slope of the hill—remains of a building (4.2×7.0 m); illicit excavations were conducted along its walls. Nearby, hewn in a large rock outcrop—a winepress, consisting of a treading floor (4×5 m, 0.48 m deep) and collecting vat (1.55×2.86 m, 0.85 m deep) to its south, with two steps leading to the floor. Nearby, north of the winepress—another hewn surface (2.11×3.18 m, 0.24 m deep), linked to the treading floor by a hewn channel (0.37 m long). On the western slope—two rock-hewn caves (blocked by soil debris) and two cisterns (each 4.20 m deep). A channel that conveyed runoff from the slope runs to the northern cistern. At the foot of the slope—two additional caves. A tunnel (c. 8 m long; a hiding complex?) is hewn in the north wall of the southern cave. At the southwest foot of the hill—a limekiln (diam. 3.7 m, 2.1 m deep) and fieldstones, prepared for burning, around it. On the slopes of the hill—agricultural terraces (c. 55 dunams).

134* Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (numerous finds scattered over c. 1 dunam), Iron II (numerous finds—scatters), Roman (scanty finds scattered over c. 5 dunams), Byzantine (numerous finds in the settlement remains) and Early Islamic (scanty finds scattered over c. 10 dunams).

663. 6–1/1, 7, 19 14695 10184 19695 60184 475 m asl Rujm el Muntara (M) [1] 663.1. Cairn and settlement remains (c. 13 dunams; referred to by local residents as Qasr Wadi es Simiya) on spur and its eastern slope, descending towards the valley of Wadi es Simiya. The site was damaged by illicit excavations and destroyed over the course of prolonged cultivation: heaps of ancient building stones, including some that are rough- hewn. Fences on the spur incorporate ancient building stones, including ashlars. Almost nothing remains of the cairn other than a heap of large building stones, among them fragments of a weight and a fragment of an oil-press crushing basin. Foundation courses were exposed by antiquities robbers (the fences surmount them). To the north—a rock- hewn winepress: a treading floor (2.3×2.7 m) and collecting vat (0.88×1.06 m, 0.55 m deep). North of the winepress, hewn in rock outcrops—two round basins (diam. of each 0.42 m) and four cupmarks (average diam. 0.27 m). On the west slope—a rock-hewn burial cave facade with a rectangular entrance (0.55×0.88 m) surrounded by a carved double-stepped frame. On the eastern slope of the spur—agricultural terraces (c. 28 dunams). Finds. Pottery: EB II (scanty finds scattered over c. 4 dunams), Intermediate Bronze (numerous finds in the settlement remains over c. 8 dunams), Early and Late Roman, Byzantine (numerous finds in the settlement remains) and Early Islamic (scanty finds— a scatter). 663.2. Remains of a building (6.3×12.7 m) on slope of spur west of Rujm el Muntara (map ref. OIG 14683 10184, NIG 19683 60184), as well as rock-hewn installations, stone clearance heaps (c. 13 dunams) and dense pottery scatters (c. 25 dunams), in a cultivated area. A partition divides the structure into two equal parts. The western wall is preserved three to five courses high and the northern wall, four courses high (width 0.55–0.63 m). Clearance heaps of building stones indicate that other structures may have been destroyed. North of the building remains, hewn in rock outcrops—six round basins (diam. 0.45–0.65 m, 0.27–0.40 m deep). East of the building remains—eight round basins (average diam. 0.6 m) and 12 cupmarks (diam. mostly 0.22 m). Nearby, to the south—a pool (1.3×2.8 m, 0.55 m deep) hewn in a large rock outcrop. To its north—a winepress hewn in a rock surface: a treading floor (3.2×3.6 m) and collecting vat (filled with stones). Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (numerous finds in and around the building remains spread over c. 1 dunam), Iron II (finds similar to those from Tel Lakhish Strata IV–II in and around the building remains), Roman (scanty finds—a scatter), Byzantine

135* (numerous finds throughout the site over c. 25 dunams) and Early Islamic (scanty finds—a scatter). 663.3. Rock-hewn winepress (incomplete?) on slope of spur, south of Rujm el Muntara (map ref. OIG 14686 10168, NIG 19686 60168). Only part of the treading floor (1.0×1.6 m) is exposed; the collecting vat (0.8×1.1 m, 0.8 m deep) lies to its south.

664. 6–1/2, 3, 16 14662 10148 19662 60148 539 m asl Rujm el Qas‘a (M–Map); Al Qasr (M–1929) [1] 664.1. Remains of a settlement, a fortress (wall segments; c. 10×10 m) and an adjacent courtyard (c. 20×35 m) on hill commanding a view of the lower western part of the Hevron Hills, overlooking sections of a Roman road (see Sites 660, 786). In recent decades construction work and agricultural cultivation have caused damage to the remains. Also at the site: remains of a building, a rock-hewn cave, a large winepress, a cistern and agricultural terraces (c. 15 dunams). The winepress, hewn in a rock outcrop, is on the north slope of the hill, c. 50 m from the fortress. It comprises a plastered treading floor (3.56×3.95 m, 0.4 m deep) and to the west an L-shaped plastered collecting vat (1.70×1.86 m, 1.04 m deep) with two hewn steps in its northeast corner, linked by a hewn channel (0.35 m long). Nearby, hewn in a rock outcrop—three round basins (average diam. 0.44 m). On the western slope—two rock-hewn cisterns (apparently cleaned for use in the modern era); channels convey runoff to them. Buildings constructed in recent decades are superposed on ancient building foundations. On the northern and eastern slopes— remains of pens and a rock-hewn cave that served as a shelter for shepherds. On the eastern and southern slopes of the hill—agricultural terraces (c. 44 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (scanty finds scattered over c. 1 dunam), Iron II (scanty finds scattered over c. 2 dunams), Hellenistic and Herodian (scanty finds scattered over c. 4 dunams), Early and Late Roman (numerous finds throughout the site), Byzantine (numerous finds in the settlement remains over c. 10 dunams) and Early Islamic (scanty finds from the eighth–ninth centuries CE scattered over c. 4 dunams); Temporary occupation: Ottoman (animal pens, use of the cave). 664.2. Rock-hewn cave (blocked by rocks) on slope of hill, east Rujm el Qas‘a (map ref. OIG 14680 10150, NIG 19680 60150). The cave entrance faces south. Walls divide the chamber into two units and two niches (each 0.37×0.57 m) are hewn in the north wall. 664.3. Building remains (c. 8 dunams) on southern slope of hill, south of Rujm el Qas‘a. Many of the ancient remains were consolidated into heaps preparatory to agricultural cultivation. On the upper reaches of the slope—remains of foundation courses of three structures and remains of a large building (the northwestern corner and a segment of the southern wall) close by to the west. Stone clearance heaps cover other building remains and rock outcrops (some of them accommodate installations). A stone fence

136* (incorporating rough-hewn building stones) that separates agricultural plots traverses one of the heaps. On the upper part of the slope, hewn in rock outcrops—five round basins (diam. 0.38–0.55 m, mostly 0.27 m deep) and seven cupmarks (average diam. 0.26 m). On the eastern part of the slope, hewn in a rock outcrop, is a large basin (diam. 1.28 m, 0.17 m deep) and close by are four hewn depressions (diam. 0.10–0.12 m, 0.08 m deep). On the western portion of the slope are five burial caves (plundered by antiquities robbers); each consists of a hewn chamber accessed via a vertical shaft 2–3 m deep. Numerous potsherds dating to the Intermediate Bronze Age are scattered near the cave entrances. On the southern and western slopes of the hill—agricultural terraces (c. 52 dunams). Finds. Flint implements: Intermediate Bronze; Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (numerous potsherds in the building remains and near the burial caves), Roman (scanty finds— scatters—first–third centuries CE), Byzantine (numerous finds scattered over c. 10 dunams on the fringes of the agricultural terraces) and Early Islamic (scanty finds scattered over c. 5 dunams).

665. 6–1/4, 5, 21 14630 10148 19630 60148 485 m asl Rujm el Qas‘a [3] 665.1. Winepress (filled with alluvium) hewn in a large rock outcrop on western slope of spur, west of Rujm el Qas‘a [1] in an area of agricultural terraces (c. 47 dunams): a treading floor (4.32×4.56 m) and collecting vat (2.2×2.4 m) to its west. North of the winepress are five circular basins (diam. mostly 0.4 m) hewn in two rows in a large rock outcrop. South of the basins—a round leveled rock surface (diam. 8 m; threshing floor?). 665.2. Road (mostly 6 m wide), flanked by curbstones, running along the western slope of the spur as far as Rujm el Qas‘a (above, Site 664.1). Three steps are hewn in one of the road segments (map ref. OIG 14635 10140, NIG 19635 60140). To the northwest—a rock-hewn winepress: a treading floor (1.8×2.5 m) and collecting vat (0.72×0.90 m). North of the winepress, hewn in a rock outcrop—two round basins (diam. of each 0.44 m, 0.18 m deep). 665.3. Dense pottery scatters (c. 4 dunams) and stone clearance heaps on slope facing south (map ref. OIG 14628 10132, NIG 19628 60132), southwest of Rujm el Qas‘a [1]; the heaps were removed to the foot of the slope when the cultivated area was enlarged. Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (scanty finds scattered over c. 2 dunams), Iron II (scanty finds scattered over c. 1 dunam), Roman (scanty finds, first–third centuries CE, scattered over c. 2 dunams), Byzantine (numerous finds scattered over c. 4 dunams) and Early Islamic (scanty finds—a scatter).

666. 6–1/6 14642 10172 19642 60172 510 m asl Rujm el Qas‘a [5] Remains of three buildings (covered by stone clearance heaps) and installations hewn in rock outcrops (c. 7 dunams) on slope of spur northwest of Rujm el Qas‘a [1]. Eighteen

137* stone clearance heaps delimited by fieldstones to prevent their scattering were recorded on the spur. The eastern building (c. 6.3×8.0 m): walls preserved three courses high; an entrance (0.87 m wide) facing east with a doorjamb (0.76 m high) in place in the north side. The other remains are smaller. Among the rock-hewn installations is a winepress consisting of a treading floor (2.44×4.16 m, 0.38 m deep) and collecting vat (0.87×1.88 m; filled with stones). To the northeast—two circular basins (diam. of each 0.38 m) and three cupmarks (average diam. 0.24 m), and to the south another three round basins (diam. 0.47–0.63 m). Nearby—a stone circle (diam. 5.7 m; one course) on a rock outcrop, probably used as a threshing floor. On the west foot of the spur—a building-stone quarry. Nearby to the north are two depressions in the ground (diam. of each c. 3.5 m; blocked cisterns?). On the southern foot of the spur—agricultural terraces (c. 37 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (numerous finds in and around the building remains spread over c. 7 dunams), Iron II (scanty finds scattered over c. 4 dunams), Roman (scanty finds—a scatter), Byzantine (numerous finds in and around the building remains) and Early Islamic (scanty finds—a scatter).

667. 6–1/8 14672 10187 19672 60187 500 m asl Rujm el Muntara (M) [2] Settlement remains (c. 10 dunams) on slope of spur, west of Rujm el Muntara [1], in area of agricultural terraces (more than 100 dunams); some of the building remains are covered by c. 12 stone clearance heaps. Also at the site—installations hewn in rock outcrops; many rock cuttings; and channels and terraces of unknown function. In the northwestern part of the site—remains of two buildings (each 6.7×8.2 m) constructed of large fieldstones, preserved three courses high. Nearby to the north, hewn in an expansive rock outcrop—three round basins (average diam. 0.44 m, 0.28 m deep) and two cupmarks (diam. of each 0.22 m). In the southern part of the site—two additional basins (diam. 0.37 m, 0.49 m) and a cupmark (diam. 0.18 m). On the eastern part of the slope—a rock-hewn winepress, comprising a treading floor (2.27×4.15 m, max. depth 0.5 m) and two collecting vats, one circular (diam. 1.26 m, 0.64 m deep) and the other partially preserved (1.28 m wide). A channel (1.86 m long) connects the south wall of the treading floor to the round collecting vat. Nearby— a rock-hewn circular basin (diam. 0.3 m). Also in this area is a nearly square basin (1.29×1.33 m, 0.38 m deep) hewn in a rock outcrop (3.2×6.0 m) that was trimmed to incline towards the basin. Some 40 m north—another winepress: a treading floor (3.2×3.6 m, 0.44 m deep) and collecting vat (0.66×1.26 m; blocked by stones). To its west—a rectangular rock cutting (0.5×0.6 m; burial-cave entrance?) surrounded by a dressed frame (0.85×0.95 m). At the foot of the southwestern part of the slope—a quarry (3×5 m).

138* Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (numerous finds in the settlement remains), Iron II and Roman (scanty finds—scatters), Byzantine (numerous finds in the settlement remains) and Early Islamic (scanty finds scattered over c. 5 dunams).

668. 6–1/9–15 14624 10120 19624 60120 475 m asl Wadi Umm Hadwa [1] 668.1. Stone clearance heap (6×10 m, 2 m high) on moderate slope, north of Wadi Umm Hadwa, apparently covering remains of a building; on its north and west sides— segments of walls built of large fieldstones. Finds. Intermediate Bronze pottery (numerous sherds). 668.2. Foundation courses of an ancient building on slope, on the fringes of agricultural plots north of Wadi Umm Hadwa (map ref. OIG 14676 10128, NIG 19676 60128). A stone clearance heap (6×10 m, 3 m high) surmounts the remains; the plots are delineated by a stone fence (constructed also with rough-hewn building stones) that runs from the northeastern side of the clearance heap. Numerous potsherds are scattered in and around the stone heap. Finds. Pottery: Intermediated Bronze (numerous finds in and around the building remains), Iron II, Early and Late Roman, Byzantine and Early Islamic (scanty finds— scatters). 668.3. Remains of a stone heap (diam. c. 10 m) on slope of spur north of Wadi Umm Hadwa (map ref. OIG 14678 10120, NIG 19678 60120), from which protrude the tops of walls (remains of a structure?). Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (numerous finds) and Roman, Byzantine and Early Islamic (scanty finds—scatters). 668.4. Stone clearance heap (5×15 m, 3 m high) on slope of spur descending south, towards the valley of Wadi Umm Hadwa (map ref. OIG 14658 10122, NIG 19658 60122), inside of which are ancient rough-hewn building stones. A stone fence, delimiting agricultural plots, runs out from the heap. Numerous potsherds are scattered in the area. Finds. Flint implements: Intermediate Bronze; Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (large quantities), Roman (a meager scatter; end of second–beginning of third century CE). 668.5. Scatter of flint implements and pottery (c. 1 dunam) in the midst of a cultivated area north of the valley of Wadi Umm Hadwa (map ref. OIG 14638 10102, NIG 19638 60102; indicating a ruinous building?). Finds. Flint implements and numerous potsherds, Intermediate Bronze. 668.6. Remains of three buildings on moderate slope descending south, towards the valley of Wadi Umm Hadwa (map ref. OIG 14638 10116, NIG 19638 60116), near a road running southeast from Kh. Beit ‘Awwā. The walls one of the buildings are

139* preserved to a height of three courses; merely wall segments (mostly 0.6 m wide) survive of the others. North of the road—stone heaps (on structural remains?). Finds. Intermediate Bronze pottery (numerous sherds). 668.7. Stone clearance heaps (c. 2 dunams) and two hewn round basins (diam. of each 0.48 m) on rock outcrops on the fringes of a cultivated area, north of the valley of Wadi Umm Hadwa (map ref. OIG 14668 10106, NIG 19668 60106). Finds. Intermediate Bronze pottery (a few sherds—scatters).

669. 6–1/17, 18 14698 10114 19698 60114 500 m asl Wadi Umm Hadwa [8] 669.1. Remains of a structure (fortress?) built of large fieldstones (c. 8×10 m; referred to as Qasr Hashish by the local inhabitants), on slope of rocky spur north of the valley of Wadi Umm Hadwa: the southeast corner (max. height three to four courses) and sections of the south and east walls (one to two courses). In front of the building is a leveled rock outcrop and nearby, to the north—two leveled rock outcrops. Twelve meters east of the building—two round basins (diam. of each 0.47 m) hewn in rock outcrops. North of the building—a rectangular rock cutting (an incompletely hewn winepress). Finds. Fragments of numerous flint implements (scatters) and a few potsherds (scatters): Intermediate Bronze; Pottery: Iron II and Roman (numerous finds in and around the building remains). 669.2. Rock-hewn installations on slope, northwest of the structure in an area of agricultural terraces (c. 44 dunams). There are two winepresses among them; the west winepress has a treading floor (2.40×3.15 m, 0.45 m deep) and collecting vat (1×1 m, 0.8 m deep) to its south; the east winepress—a treading floor (2.85×4.55 m, 0.47 m deep) and collecting vat (0.75×1.55 m) to its south. Between the winepresses, hewn in rock outcrops, are three circular basins (diam. of each 0.49 m) and two cupmarks (diam. of each 0.23 m). Hewn in rock outcrops east of the western winepress are four additional circular basins (diam. 0.38–0.55 m). North of the winepresses—nine cupmarks, some conical, hewn in rock outcrops and a threshing floor (a leveled rock surface, diam. c. 12 m, encircled with fieldstones) between them. Ten meters to the west is another threshing floor. To its north—a leveled rock outcrop (3.22×4.28 m) with a rectangular basin (0.66×1.16 m, 0.44 m deep) hewn in its southwest side, and three oval basins (each 0.28×0.53 m) to its south.

670. 6–1/20 14641 10192 19641 60192 500 m asl Rujm el Muntara (M) [4] Remains of a structure (4.2×6.7 m; walls preserved two to three courses high) on moderate slope west of Rujm el Muntara [1]. An entryway and a threshold were discerned in the west wall.

140* To the west are c. 12 stone clearance heaps containing ancient rough-hewn building stones. In the south portion of this area are two round basins (diam. of each 0.55 m) hewn in a rock outcrop. On the north part of the slope—five caves that were used as sheepfolds. Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (scanty finds—scatters) and Roman (finds from the second century CE in and around the building remains).

671. 6–1/22 14612 10188 19612 60188 480 m asl Rujm el Qas‘a [9] Remains of three buildings on slope northwest of Rujm el Qas‘a. The walls of the north building (4.6×6.0 m), of rough-hewn stones, are preserved to a maximum height of three courses; the corners are constructed with ashlars. Two to four courses survive of the walls of the south building (4.8×7.3 m); it is partitioned into two units of equal size. Merely wall sections survive of the third building. To the south—four round basins (diam. 0.42–0.55 m) hewn in a row in a concave rock outcrop. In recent decades the slope and surrounding area have been under cultivation: agricultural plots delimited by stone fences (c. 45 dunams) and stone clearance heaps (including rough-hewn building stones) were recorded. Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze, Iron II (numerous ﬁnds in and around the building remains), Byzantine and Early Islamic (scanty ﬁnds—scatters).

672. 6–1/23 14610 10170 19610 60170 470 m asl Rujm el Qas‘a [10] Winepress hewn in a rock surface and remains of an oil press on slope northwest of Rujm el Qas‘a. The components of the winepress are a treading floor (1.33×3.28 m, 0.38 m deep) and collecting vat (0.9×1.5 m, 0.55 m deep) to its west. Sections of plaster, in which large white tesserae were embedded, have survived on the treading floor. West of the winepress is a hewn oil-press crushing basin (diam. 1.88 m, rim height 0.58 m, depth 0.32) with a central square perforation (0.23×0.23 m). Lying nearby to the north are three stone weights from an oil press (each weight 0.37×0.55×0.63 m). On the slope—stone clearance heaps and agricultural terraces (c. 36 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Byzantine (numerous finds probably related to agricultural activity) and Early Islamic period (scanty finds—a scatter).

673. 7–1/1 14709 10140 19709 60140 500 m asl Wadi Umm Hadwa [10] Remains of a building (4.5×6.5 m)—the foundations and southwest corner—on the fringes of a cultivated area at the foot of a rocky slope, north of Wadi Umm Hadwa. A stone fence delineating agricultural plots passes nearby to the south; rough-hewn building stones are incorporated in its construction.

141* East of the building—a rock-hewn winepress consisting of a treading floor (3.2×3.8 m, 0.4 m deep) and collecting vat (1.0×1.8 m; blocked by stones) to its west. North of the winepress—an agricultural installation hewn in a rock surface: two circular basins (diam. of one 0.63 m, the other 0.38 m, both 0.28 m in depth) linked by a channel. East of this installation—three cupmarks (average diam. 0.25 m). On the slope and in the valley to the west—agricultural terraces (c. 15 dunams); rough- hewn building stones are incorporated in the walls. Finds. Pottery: Iron II, Roman, Byzantine (scanty finds in and around the building) and Early Islamic (scanty finds—a scatter).

674. 7–1/2 14709 10172 19709 60172 460 m asl “Ein Wadi es Simiya’ Spring on slope descending to the east toward Wadi es Simiya, at the foot of Rujm el Muntara [1] (above, Site 663). The soil around the spring was dug out and removed (diam. 3 m and 2 m deep), revealing a marly layer on which the spring water ﬂows. Following a rainy winter the water rises in this pit and ﬂows towards the wadi. A circular wall (diam. c. 8 m) that includes rough-hewn building stones and fragments of ancient construction elements was built around the spring. Some 15 m east of the spring—two large stone heaps (remains of buildings?). Finds. Pottery: Roman and Byzantine (a few sherds—scatters).

675. 7–1/3, 5 14774 10183 19774 60183 525 m asl Wadi Ahmad [8] 675.1. Settlement remains (c. 5 dunams) on slope of spur descending to Wadi Ahmad. Agricultural plots (c. 50 dunams) in this region (referred to by the local inhabitants as Ras Si‘ab el Haiymi) damaged the structural remains; surveyed at the site were ancient building stones heaped on rock outcrops, remains of a pen (7×9 m) and pottery concentrations. Hewn in rock outcrops—three round basins (average diam. 0.48 m) and eleven cupmarks (average diam. 0.23 m). In the southern part of the site—a rock-hewn cave surrounded by a fieldstone wall. East of the cave is a rock-hewn winepress: a treading floor (1.5×2.3 m) and collecting vat (1×1 m) linked by a channel (0.37 m long). In the western portion of the site—a burial cave with a dressed facade (apparently plundered in the past by antiquities robbers; presently blocked by alluvium) whose entrance (0.6×0.6 m) is hewn in the lower section of the facade. A road (3.5–4.5 m wide) flanked by large fieldstones passes nearby, leading from the Shephelah to the Hevron Hills; sections of this road are visible for several kilometers (see below, Site 685). Finds. Flint implements (cores): Chalcolithic; Pottery: Chalcolithic (numerous finds in the settlement remains), Iron II (scanty finds—a scatter), Byzantine (scanty finds—

142* scatters, and a burial cave) and Early Islamic (scanty finds scattered over c. 2 dunams); Temporary occupation: Ottoman (remains of a pen). 675.2. Road (3.5–4.5 m wide), flanked by rows of one or two stone courses, on slope of spur (map ref. OIG 14778 10192, NIG 19778 60192). The road runs southeast from the village of Kh. Deir Sâmit (above, Site 492), passes the spur, ascends to the summit of a hill (see below, Site 676) and continues eastward (see below, Sites 685, 806), to Dura. This is one of the easier ascents in the region between the Shephelah and the hill country. The rock was leveled at several locations and steps were hewn to facilitate maneuverability. The road serves as a boundary between the agricultural plots of the villages of Kh. Beit ‘Awwā and Kh. Deir Sâmit. On the road—a rock-hewn winepress consisting of a treading floor (2.3×2.6 m) and collecting vat (0.7×1.0 m; filled with stones). A stone cylinder (0.95 m long, diam. 0.48 m)—a milestone—lies on the wayside.

676. 7–1/4 14788 10160 19788 60160 596 m asl Wadi Ahmad [9] Remains of ancient buildings on hill at the west foot of the Hevron Hills (referred to by local residents as Ras Jebel ‘Urqan Shaytin), southwest of Wadi Ahmad. The hill commands a view to the north, east and west; a road (above, Site 675.2) that runs to the east leads to its summit. The hilltop is enclosed by a ﬁeldstone fence (c. 40×50 m); inside this area building foundations, stone heaps and scatters of dressed building stones were surveyed. At the southern foot of the hill—a rock-hewn cistern (mostly blocked). On the western slope of the hill—two large circular basins (diam. of each 0.77 m) hewn in rock outcrops. Approximately ten buildings were constructed in recent generations on the northeast slope of the hill; this is the only satellite village of Kh. Beit ‘Awwā, situated c. 2.5 km to the west. Dressed ancient building stones were used in the entryways to the buildings, and ancient architectural elements—four fragments of columns, two fragments of capitals and a fragment of a stone threshold, most likely taken from the ancient remains, were also incorporated in their construction. Near the structures—a pen (8×10 m) and a rock-hewn cave, consisting of a single chamber (4×6 m, 2.3 m high) with an entrance facing east. Six hewn steps lead into the cave and storage niches (mostly 0.45×0.65 m) are hewn in the walls. According to village folklore a ghost resides in the cave (hence the name of the site). The large quantities of Roman pottery scattered on the ground and the rough-hewn building stones and ancient construction elements incorporated in the walls of the modern village’s houses, probably indicate that this was the site of a settlement during the Roman period. On the slopes of the hill—agricultural terraces (c. 60 dunams).

143* Finds. Flint tool (arrowhead): Intermediate Bronze; Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (scanty finds in the vicinity of the building remains), Roman, Byzantine (numerous finds in and around the building remains) and Early Islamic (scanty finds—a scatter); Temporary occupation: Ottoman (finds and a pen).

677. 7–1/6 14755 10136 19755 60136 510 m asl Wadi es Simiya [7] Rock-hewn installations on slope of spur and in a valley in the upper reaches of Wadi es Simiya, in an area of agricultural terraces (c. 47 dunams). Among the installations is a winepress consisting of a treading ﬂoor (3.30×4.33 m, max. depth 0.55 m) and a large collecting vat (1.55×2.37 m, 0.74 m deep) with four hewn steps leading to the ﬂoor. East of the winepress—three round adjoining basins (diam. of each basin 0.44 m), hewn in a large rock outcrop. To the north—a basin (diam. 0.52 m) and two cupmarks (diam. of each 0.28 m). Five additional cupmarks are hewn in rock outcrops in the vicinity.

678. 7–1/7 14722 10116 19722 60116 580 m asl Wadi Umm Hadwa [11] Rock-hewn installations (c. 12 dunams) on spur north of Wadi Umm Hadwa. Recent construction (from 1992 on) in this area damaged the installations and many of them were destroyed. On the south slope of the spur—a winepress consisting of a treading floor (2.8×3.2 m, 0.33 m deep) and collecting vat (0.77×1.80 m, filled with alluvium). West of the treading floor a is hewn surface (2.2×2.5 m, 0.27 m deep), probably where the fruit was placed prior to treading; a hewn channel (0.44 m long) links the surface with the treading floor. On the west slope—another winepress comprising two treading floors (each c. 3.5×3.8 m) and a deep collecting vat (1.8×2.8 m, 1.8 m deep), each floor linked by a deep channel to the vat. Three large circular basins (diam. of each 0.68 m) and two cupmarks (diam. of each 0.27 m) are hewn north of the winepress. Nearby to the west—a rock-hewn cistern (2.7 m deep). On the north part of the spur is a leveled rock outcrop (4.3×6.0 m) that probably served as a threshing floor. On the western slope—a round basin (diam. 0.44 m), a cupmark (diam. 0.21 m) and a simple oil press (bodeda): a circular press bed (diam. 0.68 m, 0.38 m deep) and an adjacent circular basin (diam. 0.46 m, 0.22 m deep). On the northern slope—two round basins (diam. of each 0.44 m) linked by a channel (0.48 m long). At the foot of the slope is a rock-hewn burial cave with a dressed facade (1.2×1.7 m). The entrance (0.44×0.48 m) is blocked by alluvium. On the slopes of the spur—agricultural terraces (c. 55 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Iron II (numerous ﬁnds similar to those from Tel Lakhish Strata IV–III) and Byzantine (numerous ﬁnds and a burial cave).

144* 679. 7–1/8 14770 10112 19770 60112 555 m asl Wadi es Simiya [8] Remains of a pen and rock-hewn basins, on a slope descending northeast, towards the start of Wadi es Simiya. Also on the slope are agricultural terraces (c. 37 dunams) and c. 25 stone clearance heaps, some of them quite large (diam. up to 4 m), and two circular basins (diam. of each 0.55 m), hewn in a rock outcrop. In the east portion of the area of stone heaps—remains of a pen (c. 6×8 m) built of fieldstones and ancient rough-hewn building stones. Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (scanty finds—a scatter), Byzantine (numerous finds—scatters) and Early Islamic (scanty finds—a scatter); Temporary occupation: Ottoman (scanty finds and a pen).

680. 7–1/9 14790 10112 19790 60112 525 m asl Wadi es Simiya [9] Large stone heap (remains of a building?) on shoulder of slope, south of the beginning of Wadi es Simiya. Stone clearance covers the heap. In the valleys descending toward the wadi are agricultural terraces (c. 50 dunams); their walls, which span the wadi bed, reveal traces of repairs implemented in recent decades.

681. 7–1/10 14785 10135 19785 60135 570 m asl Wadi es Simiya [14] Four circular basins (diam. mostly 0.4 m) and two cupmarks (diam. of each 0.2 m, 0.12 m deep) hewn in rock outcrops on a slope, near the beginning of Wadi es Simiya. The cupmarks are hewn along the edge of the northern basin. On the slope—agricultural terraces (c. 6 dunams) and seven stone heaps.

682. 7–1/11 14750 10185 19750 60185 510 m asl Wadi es Simiya [15] Agricultural plot (c. 2 dunams) on spur east of Wadi es Simiya, delimited by a fence built of fieldstones and a few rough-hewn building stones. At the foot of the spur—remains of a building (c. 4.0×6.5 m) and a rock-hewn winepress consisting of a treading floor (2.4×2.8 m, 0.42 m deep) and a blocked collecting vat. Finds. Pottery: Byzantine (numerous finds in the agricultural plot and around the building) and Early Islamic (scanty finds—a scatter).

683. 8–1/1 14896 10120 19896 60120 625 m asl Wadi Ahmad [11] Rock-hewn cave (2×4 m) and installations on wadi bank (a tributary of Wadi Ahmad). The cave entrance (0.88×1.40 m), facing south, has a carved stepped frame. In front

145* of the cave—remains of a small mound of charcoal. The cave was apparently initially used for burial; later its contents were removed and it was adapted for use as a charcoal kiln. It was last used as a shelter for shepherds. North of the cave is a rock-hewn winepress consisting of a treading ﬂoor (2.0×2.5 m, 0.3 m deep) and collecting vat (1×2 m, 0.6 m deep), connected by a channel. Hewn in rock outcrops on the southern bank of the wadi—six circular basins (diam. 0.38–0.55 m). At the foot of the slopes and in the wadi bed—agricultural terraces (c. 27 dunams).

684. 8–1/2 14886 10144 19886 60144 575 m asl Wadi Ahmad [12] Cave on slope descending towards Wadi Ahmad. The cave served as a charcoal kiln; waste from charcoal manufacture is scattered in front of the opening. East of the cave— two round rock-hewn basins (diam. of each 0.55 m). At the foot of the slope—agricultural terraces (c. 5 dunams).

685. 8–1/3 14817 10134 19817 60134 600 m asl Wadi Ahmad [13] Road segments and rock-hewn installations on slope of spur, south of Wadi Ahmad; on the slope—meager remains of agricultural terraces (c. 3 dunams). One of the road segments (4.7 m wide; flanked by fieldstones), in which seven steps were hewn to facilitate movement, is a continuation of the road running from the northwest (above, Site 675.2). Nearby to the northeast is a rock-hewn pool (3.6×5.3 m, filled with stones); two channels that approach from the south drained runoff from the slope into the pool. West of the pool—a rock-hewn winepress, consisting of an oval treading floor (2.2×3.5 m) and circular collecting vat (diam. 0.58 m). East of the winepress, hewn in rock outcrops— three round basins (diam. 0.32–0.55 m).

686. 8–1/4 14810 10196 19810 60196 525 m asl Wadi Ahmad [14] Settlement remains (c. 5 dunams) on saddle, northeast of Wadi Ahmad (referred to by local residents as Hasan Muhammad). A cave, installations hewn in rock outcrops, rock-cuttings, a cistern, stone clearance and building-stone heaps, and the lines of walls were surveyed on the saddle. The area was cleared and prepared for cultivation; orchards (currently deserted) are surrounded by stone fences. Ancient rough-hewn building stones were used in the construction of the fences and some of the fences may rest on the walls of ancient buildings. In the eastern orchard—a rock-hewn cistern (3.8 m deep) approached by a hewn channel. In the southern part of that orchard—lines of several walls (mostly 0.55 m wide; remains of ancient buildings?).

146* On the southwestern part of the saddle—three stone circles (diam. 2.3–3.5 m, width of the stone rows 0.45 m; remains of silos?). Nearby is a rock-hewn cave (c. 4×4 m) with two niches (each 0.47×0.60 m) and a bench (0.55×2.40 m) hewn in its walls. The cave was probably used as a dwelling by the owners of the orchards. Extensive rock outcrops cover the eastern portion of the saddle; 55 basins hewn in seven groups were counted, some round (diam. mostly 0.47 m, 0.27 m deep), some oval (0.27×0.45 m, 0.28 m deep) and others rectangular (0.37×0.55 m, 0.18 m deep). Similar basins were documented near Kh. al ‘Aliya (within the Map of Bet Shemesh). On the western part of the saddle are three rock-hewn winepresses, two of them close together. The northern winepress consists of a square treading floor (2.55×2.55 m, 0.3 m deep) and a collecting vat (0.8×2.0 m, 0.6 m deep) to its south with two hewn channels (each 0.32 m long) running from the floor to the vat. The southern winepress has a small treading floor (0.8×0.8 m, 0.44 m deep) and collecting vat (0.4×0.6 m, 0.55 m deep). To its east is a round hewn basin (diam. 0.5 m, 0.38 m deep). The third winepress—a treading floor (2.74×3.88 m) and collecting vat (covered by a stone heap), is c. 30 m to the west. On the saddle and the west slope of the hill—agricultural terraces (c. 15 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Chalcolithic (numerous finds in the settlement remains), Iron II, Byzantine and Early Islamic (scanty finds—scatters); Agricultural activity: Ottoman (a deserted orchard, use of the cave).

687. 8–1/5 14854 10175 19854 60175 575 m asl Wadi Ahmad [15] Remains of an oil press—a fragment of a crushing basin (est. diam. 2.1 m)—and rock- hewn basins on slope of spur, north of Wadi Ahmad, in an area of agricultural plots (c. 10 dunams). Nearby to the west, hewn in a rock outcrop—four circular basins (average diam. 0.55 m, average depth 0.28 m). Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (scanty finds scattered over c. 5 dunams), Byzantine (numerous finds probably related to agricultural activity) and Early Islamic (scanty finds scattered over c. 5 dunams); Agricultural activity: Ottoman (agricultural plots).

688. 8–1/6 14820 10168 19820 60168 500 m asl Wadi Ahmad [16] Rock-hewn cave (4×7 m) at foot of slope, near the bank of Wadi Ahmad, apparently occupied in the past by shepherds; two niches (0.33–0.55×0.44–0.68 m, 0.26 m deep) are hewn in the north wall. East of the cave entrance—two circular basins (diam. of each 0.53 m) hewn in a rock surface.

689. 8–1/7 14868 10142 19868 60142 650 m asl Wadi Ahmad [17] Agricultural terraces (c. 32 dunams) and pottery scatters (many sherds) on moderate slope descending from the south towards Wadi Ahmad. Ancient building stones and

147* architectural elements, including threshold fragments, a doorjamb (1.1 long), a column (diam. 0.47 m) and column base, are incorporated in the construction of the terrace walls. Also observed in the walls—a fragment of an oil-press crushing basin and four fragments of weights, used in the press. Remains of ancient buildings that probably stood on the slope (c. 12 dunams) were apparently destroyed by agricultural cultivation. West of the agricultural terraces—two rock-hewn cisterns and to the north a pool (2.6×2.8 m; filled with stones) with two steps hewn in its northeast corner. East of the cultivated area—two round basins (diam. of each 0.44 m) hewn in a rock outcrop. To their north—a winepress, consisting of a treading floor (2.4×3.2 m) and collecting vat (0.7×1.3 m; traces of plaster) to its north. South of the winepress—a leveled circular rock surface (diam. c. 7 m; threshing floor?). On the upper reaches of the slope—a burial cave (plundered in the past by antiquities robbers). Finds. Pottery: Iron II (numerous finds—scatters), Byzantine (numerous finds— scatters, and a burial cave), Early Islamic (scanty finds scattered over c. 10 dunams) and Mamluk (scanty finds scattered over c. 4 dunams); Agricultural activity: Ottoman (agricultural plots).

690. 8–1/8 14890 10190 19890 60190 625 m asl Wadi Ahmad [18] Two circular pens (diam. of each pen c. 12 m) in valley north of Wadi Ahmad, in an area of agricultural plots delimited by stone fences. The pen entrances face west. Southwest of the pens—four circular basins (diam. 0.38–0.47 m) hewn in rock outcrops. In the lower part of the valley—agricultural terraces (c. 35 dunams). Finds. Ottoman pottery (a few sherds).

691. 8–1/9 14850 10130 19850 60130 630 m asl Wadi Ahmad [32] Rock-hewn cave (3.2×4.0 m, 2 m high) on rocky slope, south of Wadi Ahmad. Two hewn niches in the walls were probably used for storage. A pen (3×5 m) fronts the cave entrance. Finds. Pottery: Early Islamic (scanty ﬁnds—scatter); Agricultural activity: Ottoman (scanty ﬁnds, a pen).

692. 8–1/10 14854 10196 19854 60196 580 m asl Wadi Ahmad [33] Remains of two buildings (covered by stone heaps) in valley running west, north of Wadi Ahmad. Nearby, hewn in rock outcrops—three circular basins (diam. 0.43–0.55 m) and four cupmarks. In the lower reaches of the valley—agricultural plots (c. 5 dunams).

148* Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (numerous finds in and around the building remains), Iron II (scanty finds—scatters), Byzantine (numerous finds on the agricultural terraces) and Early Islamic (scanty finds—scatters).

693. 8–1/11 14835 10110 19835 60110 650 m asl Wadi Ahmad [34] Long stone wall (max. height—four courses), running northwest–southeast for a distance of c. 180 m, on slope south of Wadi Ahmad. It probably served as a boundary between agricultural plots. To the northeast, in the valley—agricultural terraces (c. 10 dunams).

694. 9–1/1 14928 10189 19928 60189 700 m asl Wadi Ahmad [19] Stone heap (diam. 4.8 m, 2.5 m high; cairn?) on hill, northeast of Wadi Ahmad. Among the stones in the heap—several rough-hewn building stones. A stone wall (c. 60 m long, 0.75 m wide) runs along the west slope of the hill. On the northeast slope—a road (1–2 m wide) ﬂanked by curbstones that runs east, towards the Hevron Hills (see below, Sites 699, 706).

695. 9–1/2 14938 10136 19938 60136 625 m asl Wadi Ahmad [20] Remains of a farmstead on slope of valley near Wadi Ahmad (referred to by the local inhabitants as Qal‘at Hallat esh Sheikh, Esh Sheikh Ahmad el ‘Abd): four structures, of which wall segments three to ﬁve stone courses high survive. On the upper reaches of the valley slope—remains of a large ashlar-built structure (c. 12×14 m) with two entrances—one in the western wall and the other in the eastern wall. Remains of another building on the lower part of the slope include ashlar stones with drafted margins. In the vicinity of the building remains are heaps of building stones and fragments of ancient architectural elements, including column bases and fragments, doorjambs and lintels. Also discerned in the stone heaps was a fragment of an oil-press crushing basin (diam. 1.4 m) and two stone weights (0.48×0.55×0.67 m) that were used in an oil press. West of the buildings—two rock-hewn cisterns (each c. 4 m deep). On the slope to the north of the structures are three winepresses, a dozen round basins (average diam. 0.4 m) and seven cupmarks (diam. mostly 0.27 m), hewn in rock outcrops. On the lower part of the slope—two rock-hewn caves. One is a single-chambered burial cave, its entrance approached by a hewn corridor (3.2 m long) with the rolling stone (diam. 1.44 m) in situ and three arcosolia hewn in the walls. The cave was apparently plundered by antiquities robbers. The second cave consists of a square chamber (4×4 m, 2.2 m high), accessed via a hewn corridor (2.8 m long), with three hewn niches (each c. 0.45×0.65 m) that were probably used for storage in the walls.

149* Nearby, south of the remains—two buildings, built of rough-hewn stones and covered with mud, constructed in recent decades. Large oak trees grow in the wadi that descends to the east of the buildings. In the wadi and on the slopes descending to it—agricultural terraces (c. 45 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Hellenistic and Herodian (scanty finds—scatters), Roman (numerous finds in the farmstead remains), Byzantine (numerous LRC III potsherds in the farmstead) and Early Islamic (scanty finds—a scatter).

696. 9–1/3 14910 10140 19910 60140 650 m asl Wadi Ahmad [21] Remains of a building (c. 4×4 m) on slope descending north towards Wadi Ahmad, in an area of agricultural terraces (extending over c. 10 dunams): walls of large fieldstones (max. length 1 m) preserved three to four courses high. Twelve meters to the south— three round basins (diam. 0.42–0.55 m) hewn in rock outcrops. Finds. Pottery: Roman and Byzantine (scanty finds in the building remains) and Early Islamic (scanty finds—a scatter).

697. 9–1/4, 5 14940 10160 19940 60160 600 m asl Wadi Ahmad [22] 697.1. Remains of a cave that served as a charcoal kiln on slope descending north, towards Wadi Ahmad. Dark debris, remnants of charcoal waste, is scattered in front of the cave opening. 697.2. Cave (c. 3.6×5.0 m) near the confluence of two wadis (tributaries of Wadi Ahmad; map ref. OIG 14903 10172, NIG 19903 60172). A charcoal kiln operated inside the cave (the ground fronting the cave opening is stained dark from the charcoal debris produced by the manufacturing process), but on its walls are traces of later hewing, which enlarged it, in a period subsequent to its use as a charcoal kiln. North of the cave, hewn in a large rock outcrop (c. 4×5 m)—a winepress, consisting of a treading floor (3.2×3.8 m, 0.4 m deep) and two other surfaces (the eastern surface: 2×2 m, 0.38 m deep; the western surface: 1.75×2.55 m, 0.44 m deep) to its north, linked by way of a through-hole (0.38 m long) to the treading floor (these secondary surfaces apparently held the fruit prior to treading). South of the treading floor is a collecting vat (0.77×2.70 m, apparent depth 0.55 m; filled with alluvium). Near the vat are a circular basin (diam. 0.66 m, 0.32 m deep) and three shallow recesses (diam. of each 0.11 m, 0.07 m deep) around it. Twelve meters west of the winepress—a rectangular basin (0.42×0.75 m, 0.33 m deep) hewn in the center of a rock outcrop (2.7×3.8 m) that was dressed at an angle to slant towards the basin. On the wadi banks—remains of agricultural terraces (c. 45 dunams, some of them renovated in recent decades).

150* 698. 9–1/6 14948 10160 19948 60160 650 m asl Wadi Ahmad [24] Remains of four or five buildings (spread over c. 4 dunams), each containing two or three rooms, on spur descending west, between tributaries of Wadi Ahmad. The walls of the uppermost structure (c. 11×14 m) are constructed of rough-hewn stones and preserved four courses high; several ashlars were utilized in the construction of the corners. An entrance was discerned in the northern wall in a spot where two fallen doorjambs were noted. The building may have consisted of two or three rooms with a common courtyard. Another building (c. 6×10 m), to the southwest, is partitioned by a wall (1.1 m wide) into two units. In a later period two pens (each pen c. 6×14 m) were built atop the remains. Near the buildings—three rock-hewn cisterns. A rolling stone (diam. 1.43 m) with a central hole (0.33×0.35 m) rests on the mouth of one of the cisterns, to which a system of channels conveyed runoff. The other two cisterns are located on the south part of the spur. Lower down the spur—three rock-hewn winepresses. The uppermost winepress consists of a large treading floor (4.2×5.0 m, 0.48 m deep) with two basins in its center (diam. of each basin 0.55 m; apparently hewn after the winepress was no longer in use). West of the treading floor—a collecting vat (1.2×2.8, 1.3 m deep) with three steps that lead to the floor, in which there is a settling vat. A channel (0.44 m long) links the treading floor to an intermediate rectangular vat (0.44×0.65 m, 0.55 m deep) and yet another channel (0.28 m long; it begins at a height of 0.12 m above the bottom of the vat) leads from this vat to the collecting vat. The second winepress, located to the north, comprises a treading floor (1.7×2.6 m) and collecting vat (filled with alluvium). The third winepress, west of the large, uppermost winepress, consists of an oval treading floor (2.7×4.8 m, 0.38 m deep) and circular collecting vat (diam. 1.5 m, 0.57 m deep). To its north is a large circular rock-hewn vat (diam. 1.73 m, 0.58 m deep) with a central, almost square recess (0.33×0.36 m)—probably remnants of an oil press. Nearby—three round basins (diam. of each c. 0.3 m) hewn in a rock outcrop (0.45×1.25 m) linked by shallow channels. Hewn in rock outcrops near the building remains—five basins (diam. 0.37–0.60 m) and two cupmarks (diam. of each c. 0.28 m). North of the building remains, on the slope—two burial cave entrances (each entrance 0.47×0.55 m; caves blocked with alluvium), each ornamented with a carved frame (0.8×1.2 m). At the foot of the spur—a small quarry (2.4×2.8 m). In the tributaries and on the slopes descending toward them—agricultural terraces (c. 30 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (numerous finds—scatters), Iron II (numerous finds similar to those from Tel Lakhish Strata III–II in and around the building remains), Byzantine (numerous finds in and around the building remains) and Early Islamic (scanty finds—a scatter); Temporary occupation: Ottoman (pens).

151* 699. 9–1/7 14999 10138 19999 60138 800 m asl Wadi Ahmad [25] Remains of a building, a cave and rock-hewn basins (c. 4 dunams), on an exposed hilltop that commands a view to the east and west, between tributaries of Wadi Ahmad. Several oak trees grow on the hill. Construction in recent decades on the eastern part of the hill apparently damaged the remains. On the southwestern part of the hill—a large pen (c. 20×25 m) built of fieldstones; rough-hewn building stones and ashlars are incorporated in the construction of its walls (1.2 m high). West of the pen—a cave, apparently used as a charcoal kiln, fronted by remains of a small mound of charcoal debris. South of the pen is another cave (3.5×4.5 m) that was probably used as a shelter by shepherds, and near it are four circular basins (diam. 0.40–0.48 m) hewn in rock outcrops. A road to the north of the hill, visible for a distance of c. 240 m, runs from the northwest (see Sites 694, 706) to the east, towards the Hevron Hills. Some 55 m south of the hill—an agricultural plot (c. 1.5 dunams). A pool (1.8×2.7 m, 0.88 m deep) with two steps in its west side that lead to the floor is hewn at the edge of the plot. On the slopes of the hill and in the surrounding valleys—agricultural terraces (c. 50 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (scanty finds, scattered over c. 2 dunams), Roman (scanty finds—scatters), Byzantine (numerous finds on the agricultural terraces and in and around the building) and Early Islamic (scanty finds, scattered over c. 2 dunams); Temporary occupation: Ottoman (scanty finds, a pen).

700. 9–1/8 14990 10178 19990 60178 675 m asl Wadi Ahmad [26] Remains of a structure (c. 7×8 m), on a saddle near the headwaters of a branch of Wadi Ahmad, in an area of agricultural terraces (c. 10 dunams; some currently under cultivation). The structure’s walls, built of fieldstones and drafted building stones at the corners, are preserved to a maximum height of four courses. In the eastern wall is an entryway (0.85 m wide). The foundation apparently dates to the Byzantine period, but traces of repairs from the Ottoman period are visible. Nearby, north of the structure— a rock-hewn cistern. South of the structure—remains of a rock-hewn winepress consisting of a treading floor (2.4×2.7 m) and collecting vat (0.55×0.85 m). East of the winepress—three round basins (average diam. 0.38 m) hewn in rock outcrops and a surface (threshing floor?), part of it a leveled rock outcrop and the other tamped earth. Finds. Pottery: Byzantine (scanty finds near the structure, spread over c. 1 dunam), Early Islamic (scanty finds, scattered over c. 1 dunam) and Ottoman (scatters near the structure and on the agricultural terraces).

152* 701. 9–1/9 14930 10112 19930 60112 700 m asl Wadi Ahmad [27] Remains of a building (5.3×6.8 m), a pen and rock-hewn basins on upper reaches of a spur south of Wadi Ahmad (the site extends over c. 6 dunams). The building’s walls survive one or two courses high. The pen is c. 60 m to the northwest. On the slope— large rock outcrops in which 18 circular basins (diam. 0.38–0.55 m) are hewn. In the valley running to the northwest, on the western part of the slope of the spur— agricultural terraces (c. 28 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (numerous ﬁnds near the building remains), Iron II (numerous ﬁnds—scatters on the slope) and Byzantine (near the building remains and on the agricultural terraces); Temporary occupation: Ottoman (pen, agricultural terraces).

702. 9–1/10 14976 10116 19976 60116 750 m asl Wadi Ahmad [28] Winepress and three circular basins hewn in rock outcrops in the upper part of a valley (the headwaters of a tributary of Wadi Ahmad). The winepress, located on the south side of the valley, consists of a treading ﬂoor (2.7×3.7 m, 0.39 m deep) and collecting vat (0.8×1.4 m; ﬁlled with stones) to its north. The basins (diam. of each 0.49, 0.28 m deep) are east of the winepress. On the valley slopes—agricultural terraces (c. 32 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Byzantine and Ottoman—a few sherds (scatters).

703. 9–1/11 14970 10146 19970 60146 700 m asl Wadi Ahmad [29] Remains of a fieldstone structure (c. 6×8 m; up to five courses preserved) on slope of spur northeast of Wadi Ahmad, in an area of agricultural plots delimited by stone fences (c. 6 dunams). Stone collapse from the structure was heaped close by to the west, near a pit (diam. 3.8 m; remains of a limekiln?). Numerous potsherds dating to the Intermediate Bronze Age are scattered in the area of the structure. To the northwest—a circle of rough- hewn stones (diam. c. 15 m) arranged in two rows; no entryway was discerned. On the north slope of the spur—a cave opening (c. 4×7 m) blocked by a stone wall in which there is an entrance (0.87 m wide); it was probably used as a shelter by shepherds. Lower down the spur—a pen (still in use today). Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (numerous finds near the structural remains and the stone circle), Iron II (numerous finds—scatters in and around the structural remains and on the slope) and Byzantine (scanty finds—scatters); Temporary occupation: Ottoman (a pen, use of the cave).

153* 704. 9–1/12 14976 10195 19976 60195 700 m asl Wadi Inzar [8] Remains of eight buildings situated at some distance from one another, on a saddle and a slope descending towards Wadi Inzar (area of c. 15 dunams). Stone clearance heaps cover the remains and between them are heaps of building stones (remains of additional buildings?). Wall segments in the eastern building survive to a height of one to three courses. In the western part of the site are two pens and a shelter for shepherds. East of the building remains—two rock-hewn winepresses. The northern winepress consists of a large treading floor (3.8×4.7 m) and collecting vat (1.2×1.6 m; filled with alluvium). The southern winepress is covered by a stone heap; only part of the treading floor is exposed. To its south—a building-stone quarry (c. 4×7 m). West of the buildings remains—an oil-press crushing basin (diam. 1.84 m, 0.42 m deep) hewn in a rock surface. Two large stone weights lie 20 m to the south. Nearby, hewn in a rock outcrop—a simple oil press (bodeda): a circular crushing basin (diam. 0.84 m, 0.27 m deep) and collecting vat (diam. 0.55 m, 0.38 m deep) linked by a channel (0.28 m long); around the vat are three depressions (diam. of each 0.12 m, 0.07 m deep) in which jars were probably placed. West of the bodeda—a leveled rock surface (c. 3.5×5.0 m; threshing floor?). On the slope that descends towards Wadi Inzar—agricultural terraces (c. 25 dunams). Halfway up the slope is a rock-hewn cistern whose mouth is sealed with an iron cover (possibly still in use?). A road winds down the slope, reaching the wadi. Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (numerous finds near the building remains, spread over c. 10 dunams), Iron II (numerous finds similar to those from Tel Lakhish Stratum III in and around the building remains, spread over c. 15 dunams), Hellenistic (scanty finds scattered over c. 5 dunams) and Mamluk (numerous finds—scatters); Temporary occupation: Ottoman (pens).

705. 9–1/13 14990 10189 19990 60189 680 m asl Wadi Inzar [13] Cave (a single chamber, c. 3×5 m) hewn in the limestone rock, on slope south of Wadi Inzar, apparently used as a shelter by shepherds; there are three hewn niches (each c. 0.4 m deep) in its walls and an Arabic inscription mentioning Allah is carved in the western wall. East of the cave entrance—two hewn troughs (each measuring 0.47×1.57 m, 0.37 m deep). West of the cave—remains of a pen (c. 5×7 m).

706. 9–1/14 14988 10185 19988 60185 690 m asl Wadi Inzar [14] Remains of a building, as well as a cistern, cave and rock-hewn installations, on saddle south of Wadi Inzar. The remains comprise two large stone heaps in which there are rough-hewn building stones; the building apparently consisted of three rooms with

154* an entrance facing north. Nearby, in large rock outcrops—rock-cuttings (of unknown purpose). A road visible for c. 200 m reaches the building remains from the west and continues east (see above, Sites 694, 699). Near the road—a rock-hewn winepress, consisting of a treading floor (2.5×2.8 m, 0.44 m deep) and collecting vat (filled with stones). North of the winepress—a rock-hewn cistern (a large stone rests on its mouth) approached by hewn channels. South of the building remains—three circular basins (average diam. 0.48 m) and six cupmarks hewn in rock outcrops. South of the basins—a leveled rock outcrop (6.3×7.0 m) that was probably used for threshing. On the slopes—agricultural terraces (c. 20 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (scanty finds—scatters), Iron II (numerous finds similar to those from Tel Lakhish Strata V–II, tenth–sixth centuries BCE, in and around the building remains), Byzantine (numerous remains near the building remains and on the agricultural terraces) and Early Islamic (scanty finds—scatters).

707. 0–0/1 14004 10029 19004 60029 405 m asl Rasm el Barazat (M) Settlement remains (c. 17 dunams) on hill southwest of Nahal Duma, commanding a view in all directions: rock-hewn caves and installations, building stones and scatters of ancient stone architectural elements, including thresholds, lintel fragments, column bases and a column fragment (0.63 m long). At the top of the hill—remains of a building (6.4×7.4 m), consisting of a foundation course of rough-hewn stones surrounded by nine heaps of ancient building stones. A fragment of a crushing basin and stone weights from an oil press were discerned in one of the heaps. The remains are enclosed within a stone wall. Also at the site—a rock-hewn cistern bearing traces of plaster on its walls and a large pen built in a later period (ancient building stones were used in its construction). Nearby, to the south—a hewn habitation cave (6×8 m) divided by a stone wall into two units. West of the settlement remains, hewn in rock outcrops—two winepresses. One winepress consists of a treading ﬂoor (3.4×4.7 m, 0.52 m deep) and collecting vat (1.1×2.7 m, visible depth 0.53 m); the other has a circular treading ﬂoor (diam. 2.78 m) and a square collecting vat (0.8×0.8 m). Hewn in rock outcrops on the fringes of the hill—eight circular basins (diam. 0.4–0.6 m; mostly 0.35 m deep) and a dozen cupmarks (diam. 0.20–0.28 m). On the western slope of the hill is a concentration of eleven conical cupmarks (general dimensions: rim diam. 0.26 m, base diam. 0.06 m; 0.15–0.22 m deep). On the slope of the hill—a rock-hewn burial cave (blocked with debris) with a hewn facade (1.3×2.0 m) and a rectangular entrance (0.55×0.60 m). South of the hill and in the valleys on its slopes—agricultural terraces (c. 55 dunams).

155* Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze and Iron II (scanty finds scattered over c. 4 dunams), Roman and Byzantine (numerous finds in the settlement remains spread over c. 17 dunams); Temporary occupation: Ottoman (scanty finds, a pen).

708. 0–0/2 14065 10090 19065 60090 366 m asl Nahal Duma [1] Hewn installations on a hilltop, northeast of Nahal Duma. Ancient remains in this region were damaged by the activity of mechanical equipment and the excavation of trenches. On the south slope of the hill is a winepress and three circular basins (diam. of each 0.42 m). On the hill and its slopes—agricultural plots and terraces (c. 35 dunams).

709. 0–0/3, 5 14010 10060 19010 60060 350 m asl Nahal Duma [2] 709.1. Rock-hewn cave (2×3 m, 1.3 m high; mostly blocked) on the north side of a valley southwest of Nahal Duma. Sixteen columbarium niches (generally 0.12×0.18 m) are hewn in its walls. 709.2. Remains of a building (c. 3×5 m) on the slope of a valley (map ref. OIG 14009 10054, NIG 19009 60054). The walls, of large ﬁeldstones (some measuring 0.6×1.1 m), are preserved two to ﬁve courses high; the southwest corner is especially well preserved. On the valley sides—agricultural terraces (c. 12 dunams). Finds. a few Byzantine potsherds.

710. 0–0/4 14000 10065 19000 60065 375 m asl Nahal Duma [3] Remains of buildings (c. 1 dunam; farmstead?) on hill southwest of Nahal Duma. The hilltop, which commands a view in all directions, is surrounded by a stone wall that forms a compound c. 30×30 m; several sections of the wall (1.2 m wide) survive to a height of two courses. In the compound—remains of a building (c. 18×18 m) divided into several rooms. Nearby—a rock-hewn cave (mostly blocked with debris) from whose entrance (1×1 m) five hewn steps lead inside. Lower down the hill—remains of five more buildings (most measure c. 4×6 m; walls collapsed). On the eastern slope of the hill—a rock-hewn winepress, consisting of a treading floor (2.4×3.1 m) and collecting vat (0.45×0.60 m, 0.64 m deep) installed in the floor’s south corner and a hewn channel (0.55 m long) that leads to the vat. Near the winepress are four hewn cupmarks (average diam. 0.18 m, 0.26 m deep). Hewn in rock outcrops on the south slope of the hill—seven circular basins (diam. 0.38–0.55 m). On the north slope—a building-stone quarry (3×5 m). On the slopes of the hill and in the wadis running north—agricultural terraces (c. 55 dunams). Finds. Byzantine pottery (numerous sherds in the building remains).

156* 711. 0–0/6 14045 10036 19045 60036 386 m asl Nahal Duma [5] Remains of buildings (c. 5 dunams) on hill west of Nahal Duma. Stone heaps apparently cover building remains; a building (4×8 m) divided into several rooms was found between the heaps. The walls were built of a double row of fieldstones (0.7 m wide). On the west slope of the hill—remains of additional structures. One of them (3.4×4.5 m) is better preserved than the others: flanking its entryway (0.92 m wide), in the north wall, are two doorjambs (0.82 m high) preserved in situ. On a saddle extending from the southern side of the hill—remains of five more buildings (dimensions of several of them: 3×4 m, 2.6×3.0 m, 3.7×5.7 m); merely one stone course survives of the walls. Near the remains are neat piles of building stones probably intended for secondary use. Hewn in rock outcrops on the east slope of the hill—installations: two round basins (diam. of each 0.47 m, 0.24 m deep) linked by a shallow channel and six cupmarks (average diam. 0.25 m) close by. Nearby—a rock surface (3.2×4.0 m) dressed to slope towards a rock-cut channel (2.1 m long, 0.2 m wide, 0.12 m deep). On the west slope of the hill—a rock-hewn burial cave (blocked by soil debris); antiquities robbers apparently conducted illicit excavations in it in the past. On the slopes of the hill—agricultural terraces (c. 60 dunams). Stone fences extending from the top of the hill to its bottom divide the slopes into plots. Finds. Pottery: EB II–III (numerous finds in and around the building remains spread over c. 3 dunams), Iron II (numerous finds similar to those from Tel Lakhish Strata IV–II—a farmstead?), Byzantine (numerous finds—a farmstead?) and Early Islamic (scanty finds—a scatter).

712. 0–0/8 14025 10075 19025 60075 350 m asl Nahal Duma [7] Remains of a farmstead(?) on saddle of spur west of Nahal Dumat: foundations of a large building (10×10 m) and remains of four smaller buildings (3.2–3.5×4.8–5.0 m) close by. A double row of stones was discerned in the foundations. The walls of several buildings are preserved to a maximum height of four courses. Near the large building is a rock-hewn winepress consisting of a treading floor (2.5×2.5 m) and collecting vat (1×1 m, 0.5 m deep). In a later period pens were built among the remains; ancient building stones were incorporated in the construction of their walls. On the slopes of the spur—agricultural terraces (c. 35 dunams). On the north slope is a rock-hewn cistern (diam. at floor 3.6 m, 4.5 m deep) and hewn in rock surfaces on the south slope are four circular basins (diam. of each 0.47 m) and two cupmarks. In a valley north of the building remains (map ref. OIG 14015 10093, NIG 19015 60093)— agricultural terraces, whose walls are preserved three to six courses high. Finds. Pottery: Iron II (scanty finds near the building remains) and Byzantine (numerous finds); Temporary occupation: Ottoman (pens).

157* 713. 0–0/9 14020 10005 19020 60005 395 m asl Nahal Duma [8] Remains of a building (4.2×6.0 m) on slope of spur west of Nahal Duma. The walls, built of rough-hewn stones, are preserved two to four courses high. Lying west of the building is a doorjamb (0.85 m long) equipped with a notch for a bolt. Nearby, to the north—a rock-hewn winepress, consisting of a treading ﬂoor (2.5×2.7 m) and collecting vat (0.55×0.85 m), and three circular basins (diam. of each 0.48 m) hewn in a rock outcrop. On the slopes of the spur—agricultural terraces (c. 12 dunams). Finds. Byzantine pottery (numerous ﬁnds in and around the building remains).

714. 0–0/10 14085 10075 19085 60075 355 m asl Nahal Duma [9] Remains of a circular building (diam. 3.2 m; one course of stones) on moderate slope northeast of Nahal Duma.

715. 0–0/11 14090 10036 19090 60036 345 m asl Nahal Duma [10] Pottery scatters in a valley east of Nahal Duma, in an area of agricultural plots delimited by stone fences. Two round basins (diam. 0.45 m, 0.55 m) are hewn in a rock outcrop on the valley slope. The rock outcrop is surrounded by a ﬁeldstone wall preserved two to three courses high. Finds. Pottery: Chalcolithic (including fragments of holemouth jars and bowls) and Byzantine (scanty ﬁnds).

716. 0–0/12 14053 10013 19053 60013 340 m asl Nahal Duma [11] Meager remains of a building—a wall segment and two corners—on a slope descending from the west to Nahal Duma. Nearby, hewn in a rock outcrop to the north—a winepress (mostly covered with alluvium) and two circular basins (diam. of each 0.47 m). Finds. Pottery: Iron II and Byzantine (a few sherds in and around the building remains).

717. 1–0/1 14167 10023 19167 60023 410 m asl Rasm ‘Audat Allah (M) Settlement remains (c. 35 dunams) on a hill south of Nahal Adorayim (in an area prepared for cultivation in recent decades). Building foundations and wall segments, caves, cisterns, rock-hewn installations, agricultural plots and orchards (some of them deserted) and stone clearance heaps were documented at the site. Rough-hewn building stones and fragments of architectural elements belonging to the ancient remains are incorporated in the stone fences delimiting the orchards and the farm plots. On the west

158* part of the hill—remains of pens and a circular watchman’s hut (diam. 5 m), its entrance facing east. On the west and south slopes of the hill—three rock-hewn cisterns. Another hewn cistern (4 m deep) on the north slope is covered by a capstone with a square drawing hole in its center (0.5×0.5 m). At the foot of the south slope—a rock-hewn pool (3.2×3.9 m; filled with stones). On the north slope—a rock-hewn winepress whose components include a treading floor (3.5×4.2 m) and collecting vat (blocked with alluvium). Two more winepresses were surveyed in the south of the site. Along the fringes of the hill—eight circular basins (diam. 0.4–0.5 m) hewn in rock outcrops. On the slopes of the hill—agricultural terraces (c. 50 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Iron II (numerous finds in the settlement remains spread over c. 25 dunams), Roman and Byzantine (scanty finds scattered over c. 10 dunams); Temporary occupation and agricultural activity: Ottoman (pens, orchards).

718. 1–0/2 14101 10012 19101 60012 397 m asl Nahal Duma [12] Remains of buildings (c. 12 dunams) on hill, east of Nahal Duma, commanding a view of extensive portions of the Nahal Duma and Nahal Adorayim valleys. On the hill are trenches, agricultural plots delimited by stone fences and stone clearance heaps, all of which severely damaged the building remains and installations in their vicinity. Remnants of five buildings were discerned (mostly c. 3.4×4.3 m), two of them on the west part of the hill; some of the walls are preserved two to three courses high. On the north slope of the hill—a limekiln, cut by a modern trench; in the section, on the floor of the kiln, are remains of extinguished lime. Around the limekiln are piles of building stones, prepared for burning. On the northeast slope of the hill—leveled bedrock surfaces (1.4×2.0 m, 2.0×3.2 m, 2.3×3.6 m), probably used for processing agricultural products. Hewn in rock outcrops close by are two cupmarks (diam. of each 0.26 m) and three circular basins (diam. of each 0.48 m). North of these basins is a larger hewn basin (diam. 0.68 m, 0.26 m deep). Hewn in rock surfaces on the southeast slope—four round basins (average diam. 0.45 m, average depth 0.27 m). Near them is a rock-hewn winepress consisting of a large treading floor and a nearly square collecting vat (1.2×1.3 m). Another winepress is located on the west slope. On the slopes of the hill—agricultural terraces (c. 45 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Iron II (numerous finds near the building remains spread over c. 10 dunams), Roman (scanty finds—scatters) and Byzantine (numerous finds in and around the building remains).

159* 719. 1–0/3 14102 10053 19102 60053 376 m asl Nahal Duma [13] Settlement remains on hill east of Nahal Duma; the remains were completely destroyed by prolonged cultivation and the digging of trenches. Protruding between the trenches— wall segments and stone clearance heaps. There are scatters of large quantities of potsherds. The ancient building stones were removed to the edge of the hill. On the slope facing east—two rock-hewn winepresses (partly covered with debris). Hewn in rock outcrops on the south slope of the spur are five basins and on the west slope—two depressions in the ground, apparently the locations of blocked cisterns. A road runs for a distance of c. 450 m at the foot of the slopes facing north and east. On the slopes of the spur—agricultural terraces (c. 20 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (scanty finds scattered over c. 5 dunams), Iron II (scanty finds scattered over c. 2 dunams) and Byzantine (numerous finds—mostly sixth century CE—in the settlement remains, spread over c. 12 dunams).

720. 1–0/4 14130 10032 19130 60032 395 m asl Nahal Adorayim [96] Stone clearance heaps and scatters of building stones and potsherds (c. 5 dunams) on a hill south of Nahal Adorayim. The ground is disturbed by trenches and remains of stone fences, oriented north–south, which apparently delineated agricultural plots. Stone fences were also surveyed along the south fringes of the hill. On the slopes of the hill—agricultural terraces (c. 35 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (scanty ﬁnds scattered over c. 5 dunams) and Byzantine (numerous ﬁnds—scatters).

721. 1–0/5 14135 10012 19135 60012 392 m asl Nahal Duma [14] Remains of buildings (c. 15 dunams), building-stone heaps, a limekiln, cisterns and quarries on a saddle east of Nahal Duma in an area of agricultural terraces. The layouts of six structures are clearly distinguishable (approx. dimensions of a few of them: 4.3×5.0 m, 3×4 m, 4.8×6.3 m) as are some of the entryways; the doorjambs (0.6 m high) in two structures stand in situ. The walls (0.4–0.5 m wide) of several of the buildings are preserved to a height of four courses. South of the building remains—a limekiln (diam. 3.7 m, 2.4 m deep) coated with plaster. Near the kiln are building stones, piled in preparation for burning. Nearby, to the west of the building remains—two rock-hewn cisterns and small mounds of chalk debris removed from inside when they were hewn. Traces of plaster are visible on the walls of the southern cistern (diam. of mouth 0.6 m, c. 5 m deep). The mouth of the eastern cistern (3.50 m deep, dimensions of mouth 0.47×0.48 m) is constructed of ashlars and there are grooves in the rim worn by the friction of ropes used to draw

160* water. The cistern was fed by a channel that drained runoff from the slope. Nearby—a rock-hewn trough. On the south slope—quarries and three circular basins (diam. of each c. 0.48 m), hewn in rock surfaces. A road flanked by curbstones, running from Kh. ‘Iton to the east, crosses the saddle and continues south. On the north slope and in the valley facing northeast—agricultural terraces (c. 55 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (scanty finds, scattered over c. 4 dunams), Iron II (numerous finds similar to those from Tel Lakhish Stratum III in and around the building remains) and Roman (scanty finds—scatters).

722. 1–0/6 14184 10090 19184 60090 382 m asl Nahal Adorayim [97] Remains of a building (mainly foundation courses; c. 4.3×6.0 m), a winepress and a cistern (c. 2 dunams) on hill north of Nahal Adorayim, in an area of agricultural plots delimited by stone fences incorporating ancient building stones in their walls. Excavations by antiquities robbers uncovered four courses of stone from the southwest wall. West of the building—a depression in the ground, probably remains of a collapsed cistern. Hewn in rock outcrops to the south—four basins (diam. 0.38–0.48 m). On the west slope of the hill—a rock-hewn winepress, consisting of a treading floor (3.2×3.8 m) and collecting vat (0.7×1.8 m, 0.44 m deep) to its west linked by a channel (0.28 m long). The rock outcrops flanking the treading floor to the north and east were leveled, and probably held the fruit prior to treading. On the south and west slopes of the hill—agricultural terraces (c. 35 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Iron II (numerous finds in and around the building remains), Byzantine (numerous finds in the building remains and on the south slope) and Early Islamic (scanty finds—a scatter).

723. 1–0/7 14116 10077 19116 60077 350 m asl Nahal Adorayim [98] Pottery scatters (c. 2 dunams) on rocky hill and its foot, south of Nahal Adorayim. Surrounding the hill—agricultural plots. Finds. Pottery: Iron II (scanty finds—scatters), Hellenistic (scanty finds, including several fragments of imported vessels—a scatter) and Byzantine (numerous finds— scatters).

724. 1–0/8 14147 10090 19147 60090 355 m asl Nahal Adorayim [99] Four circular basins (average diam. 0.43 m, average depth 0.2 m) and two cupmarks (diam. of each 0.23 m) hewn in a rock outcrop at foot of spur, north of Nahal Adorayim.

161* On the spur—stone clearance heaps and stone fences delimiting agricultural plots (c. 20 dunams).

725. 1–0/9 14153 10046 19153 60046 355 m asl Nahal Adorayim [100] Foundation course of a building (4.2×4.8 m) on a natural terrace, near a valley extending north, towards Nahal Adorayim. East of the building, hewn in rock outcrops—remains of three circular basins (average diam. 0.38 m). In the valley and along its eastern slope—agricultural terraces (c. 40 dunams). Finds. Byzantine pottery (a few sherds—scatters).

726. 1–0/10 14171 10070 19171 60070 350 m asl Nahal Adorayim [101] Remains of a pen (c. 6.8×12.0 m) at the foot of a slope descending towards Nahal Adorayim from the north, in a cultivated area (c. 3 dunams) delimited by a stone fence. Nearby to the south—a depression in the ground (a collapsed cave?).

727. 2–0/1 14232 10085 19232 60085 371 m asl Rasm el Marāh (M) Settlement remains (c. 12 dunams) on saddle of spur, overlooking Nahal Adorayim from the north: remains of eight buildings, as well as building foundations, caves and cisterns. Many of the remains were destroyed by modern trenches. Illicit excavations were conducted by antiquities robbers along the walls of the building remains. In the east part of the site—remains of a large structure (c. 12×14 m; a church?) whose foundations rest on bedrock; several ashlar stones are incorporated in the walls. Nearby to the north—other building remains damaged by the digging of trenches. Among the building remains—rock-hewn caves. The north cave is cruciform in plan (c. 10×10 m); its ceiling is collapsed and the entrance is from the north. Some 120 columbarium niches, triangular in cross-section, are hewn in the walls of the cave. Nearby—three burial caves (plundered by antiquities robbers). To their south is another cave consisting of two bell-shaped chambers (diam. of floor in each chamber: c. 6 m) with c. 60 columbarium niches hewn in its walls. Southwest of the settlement remains—a rock-hewn winepress (mostly covered with alluvium) and four circular basins (diam. 0.35–0.42 m) hewn in a large rock outcrop. South of the settlement remains—five rock-hewn cisterns (some of them blocked by rocks). On the south slope of the spur—agricultural terraces (c. 20 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Iron II (numerous finds in the settlement remains), Roman (scanty finds—a scatter), Byzantine (numerous finds in the settlement remains), Early Islamic (scanty finds—a scatter) and Mamluk (one sherd).

162* 728. 2–0/2 14285 10085 19285 60085 390 m asl Nahal Adorayim [102] Settlement remains (c. 15 dunams) on rocky hill overlooking the Nahal Adorayim valley from the north: foundations of a few buildings (mostly exposed by antiquities robbers) and scatters of building stones, caves, cisterns, rock-hewn installations and quarries. Below the remains of two buildings—hewn caves (apparently used for storage). On the southern part of the hill are three hewn cisterns; two of them are blocked by rocks, the third is 4 m deep. On the west slope of the hill, in an area of agricultural terraces (c. 30 dunams)—two building-stone quarries (4×6 m, 3×7m; a stone wall was constructed in one of them). North of the quarries—two rock-hewn winepresses. A stone heap covers one winepress. The other consists of a circular treading floor (diam. 4.2 m) with a circular basin (diam. 0.74 m, 0.44 m deep) hewn in its center, and a collecting vat (0.6×1.0 m; filled with alluvium) to its west. North of the winepresses—six round basins (diam. 0.3–0.5 m) and two cupmarks (diam. of each 0.25 m) hewn in rock outcrops. Finds. Pottery: Iron II (scanty finds scattered over c. 15 dunams), Roman (scanty finds scattered over c. 10 dunams), Byzantine (numerous finds in the settlement remains) and Early Islamic (scanty finds scattered over c. 10 dunams).

729. 2–0/3, 11 14293 10038 19293 60038 390 m asl Rasm el Qa‘aqir (M) [1] 729.1. Settlement remains (c. 30 dunams) on hill, northeast of the Nahal Adorayim valley. A tributary of Nahal Adorayim runs north of the hill, thereby isolating it on three sides; only its eastern side is joined by a saddle to the Shephelah hills. The hill and its lower slopes have been cultivated and stone fences delimiting the agricultural plots cover the ancient remains, thus disrupting the plan and character of the ancient settlement. Foundations of buildings, cisterns, remains of an oil press, rock-hewn burial caves and installations were documented at the site. On the north of the hill—remains of a structure (c. 8×8 m; a church?) whose walls are built of ashlar stones. On the west and south slopes are remains of additional buildings. Antiquities robbers exposed the foundations of buildings and wall segments, caves and white mosaic ﬂoors. Other ancient building elements exposed include a fragment of a lintel (made of non-indigenous limestone), fragments of limestone columns, a column base, a fragment of a cornice and a carved capital. Six rock-hewn cisterns were counted at the site. Capstones (diam. of each 1.7 m, 0.55 m thick) with hewn drawing holes rest on the mouths of two of the cisterns. In the northern part of the site—an oil-press crushing basin hewn in limestone (diam. 2.3 m). Two fragments of stone weights from an oil press are incorporated in the construction of the wall that traverses the settlement remains.

163* Along the north fringes of the hill—two rock-hewn winepresses. The western winepress is mostly covered with alluvium. The components of the eastern winepress are a treading floor (2.5×3.2 m, 0.38 m deep) and collecting vat (filled with alluvium). Hewn in rock outcrops among the settlement remains are 14 circular basins (diam. mostly 0.35–0.55 m) and ten cupmarks (diam. mostly 0.25 m). On the lower slopes facing south and west—eight rock-hewn burial caves (several caves plundered by antiquities robbers). On the north slope—another, single-chambered burial cave (dimensions of the cave entrance: 0.8×1.0 m; currently blocked with soil debris). East of this cave—a circular columbarium cave with c.140 niches hewn in its walls. A curved wall (diam. 3.8 m) preserved two to four courses high (a section of the wall collapsed) is built around the cave entrance. North of the building remains—a bell- shaped columbarium cave with hewn niches in its walls. On the east fringes of the hill, near the large collapsed cave—building-stone quarries (5×8 m, 3×4 m). A concentration of flint implements was recorded in the course of the prehistoric part of the survey conducted on the hill, on its south slope and as far as the north bank of Nahal Adorayim (O. Marder, H. Khalaily and N. Hameiri). Among the finds were massive scrapers, amorphous flake cores, bladelets, awls, and notched and denticulated tools. The flint tools manufactored at the site are characteristic of the Chalcolithic period and Early Bronze II. Finds. Lithics: Chalcolithic (numerous finds, including scrapers, cores and a sickle blade); Lithics and Pottery: EB II (flint tools and scanty finds over c. 10 dunams); Pottery: Iron II (numerous finds similar to those from Tel Lakhish Strata IV–II in the settlement remains), Persian and Herodian (scanty finds—scatters), Roman (numerous finds in the settlement remains), Byzantine (numerous finds in the settlement remains and remains of a church[?]), Early Islamic (Abbasid—eighth–ninth centuries CE—in the settlement remains, over c. 10 dunams); Temporary occupation: Ottoman (pens, use of the caves). 729.2. On the southwest slope of the hill are two pens (map ref. OIG 14280 10029, NIG 19280 60029). The north pen (c. 50×70 m) is well preserved. Rough-hewn building stones from the ancient settlement are incorporated in the construction of the pens. Also in this area are two bell-shaped caves, used as shelters by shepherds. At the foot of the slope—agricultural terraces (c. 25 dunams).

730. 2–0/4 14235 10025 19235 60025 395 m asl Nahal Adorayim [103] Settlement remains (c. 20 dunams) on hill south of Nahal Adorayim. The hills and the lower parts of its slopes were prepared for cultivation, probably in the late nineteenth century. On the hill are low stone fences built to delimit agricultural plots, employing rough-hewn ancient building stones and 18 large stone clearance heaps. Wall segments, caves, hewn installations and a pool were documented at the site. Antiquities robbers exposed building foundations on the north slope.

164* Hewn in rock outcrops are a dozen basins (diam. 0.38–0.55 m) and on the north slope— a concentration of eight cupmarks (average diam. 0.26 m). On the west slope is a rock- hewn pool (2.3×2.8 m; the floor is covered with stones). On the northwest slope is a large rock-hewn cave—a single circular chamber (diam. 4.5 m, 3.50 m high) approached by a hewn corridor (c. 8 m long) that terminates in a staircase consisting of five steps. The cave’s ceiling is dome-like and remains of ancient rock cuttings are visible in the walls. The cave was most probably first used for burials and in a later period was adapted for use as a dwelling. Some 50 m to the east is another cave (blocked by collapse); a hewn corridor terminating in seven steps leads to its entrance. On the east slope are three more rock-hewn burial caves (plundered by antiquities robbers). The ceiling of one of them collapsed. At the foot of the east slope—a winepress hewn in a rock surface: a treading floor (3.2×3.6 m) and collecting vat (blocked by stones). A stone fence delimiting agricultural plots was built on the treading floor. On the hill—five cisterns (the mouths are blocked by rocks). On the slopes of the hill and in the area approaching Nahal Adorayim—agricultural terraces (c. 100 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (scanty finds scattered over c. 10 dunams), Iron II (numerous finds similar to those from Tel Lakhish Strata IV–II in the settlement remains, and finds similar to those from Tel Lakhish Stratum II, spread over c. 10 dunams on the northeast slope) and Byzantine (numerous finds in the settlement remains); Agricultural activity: Ottoman (agricultural plots).

731. 2–0/5 14260 10000 19260 60000 390 m asl H. ‘Eton Kh. ‘Aitûn (S) Kh. ‘Eitūn (M) Extensive settlement remains (c. 120 dunams) on slope of spur southwest of Nahal Adorayim, in an area of agricultural terraces (stretching across c. 35 dunams; most of the ruin lies within the bounds of the Map of ez Zahiriya [Map 133] and only its northern portion is described in this report): building remains (some of which were exposed by antiquities robbers), pens, rock-hewn burial caves and installations. At the foot of the north slope—three burial caves (all of them plundered by antiquities robbers). One of the caves consists of a single meticulously hewn chamber (5×8 m) approached via a hewn corridor (length 5.3 m) from which a dozen steps lead to the entrance. Pseudo-capitals are carved into the upper corners of the burial chamber. Burial kokhim (mostly 0.7×2.0 m, 0.55 m deep) are hewn in the walls of the cave—six in the south wall, four in the east wall and four in the west wall. On the north slope—three basins (average diam. 0.47 m) and two cupmarks (average diam. 0.26 m), hewn in rock outcrops, as well as pens that were built around depressions in the ground (a result of caves that collapsed).

165* Finds. Pottery: Iron II (scanty finds similar to those from Tel Lakhish Strata III–II scattered over c. 5 dunams), Hellenistic (scanty finds—a scatter), Roman and Byzantine (numerous finds in the settlement remains), Early Islamic (scanty finds—a scatter) and Mamluk (numerous finds in the settlement remains); Temporary occupation: Ottoman (finds and pens). Conder and Kitchener 1881–1883, III:278.

732. 2–0/6 14201 10030 19201 60030 376 m asl Nahal Adorayim [104] Rock-hewn columbarium at foot of slope descending east, south of Nahal Adorayim: a corridor (c. 16 m long) in which three chambers were hewn in each of its walls (each chamber c. 3.5×4.0 m), containing 172 columbarium niches. The opening facing east was probably the main entrance. Hewn in the chambers’ ceilings are four small transoms.

733. 2–0/7 14238 10069 19238 60069 350 m asl Nahal Adorayim [105] Well (diam. 2.5 m, c. 15 m deep; currently dry) hewn in the chalk rock on the bank of a tributary of Nahal Adorayim. The upper part of the well’s shaft is lined with ﬁeldstones.

734. 2–0/8 14230 10047 19230 60047 380 m asl Nahal Adorayim [106] Remains of a building (c. 5×5 m) within a rectangular enclosure (c. 70×100 m) at the foot of a rocky spur descending north, towards the Nahal Adorayim valley. A wall built of large ﬁeldstones circumscribes the perimeter of the enclosure. Only the foundations of the building survive (antiquities robbers excavated the length of them). East of the building remains—three circular basins (average diam. 0.52 m, 0.4 m deep) hewn in rock outcrops, two of them linked by channels. A channel extends from the west basin to a rock terrace (on which jars may have been placed). North and west of the building remains—agricultural terraces (c. 10 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Iron II and Roman (a few potsherds—scatters from both periods).

735. 2–0/9 14245 10005 19245 60005 390 m asl Kh. ‘Eitūn et Tahta (M) Settlement remains (c. 15 dunams) on hill south of the Nahal Adorayim valley. A small wadi separates the hill from the spur on which H Eton is situated (above, Site 731; part of the site is located within the Map of ez Zahiriya [Map 133]; only the northern portion is described in this report). The site, probably a satellite settlement of H. Eton, includes building remains, a ruinous sheikh’s tomb, burial caves, hiding complexes, cisterns, rock-hewn installations, and pens and stone fences from the a later period.

166* On the ground are ancient architectural elements, including limestone columns and column bases, simple capitals and a fragment of a lintel decorated with a rosette and a rectangular carving. Several families lived in the buildings and in the caves at the site until 1948; houses were constructed atop several of the ancient buildings in the Ottoman period. Some of the caves have hewn facades; the facade of one of the caves, on the north slope of the hill, is decorated with a dressed cornice and two columns, which flank the entrance. Around the remains of the sheikh’s tomb is the cemetery of the village of Umm esh Shaqaf (situated to the southeast, map ref. OIG 14160 09964, NIG 19160 59964). At the foot of the hill—two winepresses hewn in rock outcrops. The west winepress consists of a rectangular treading floor (2.3×4.0 m) and collecting vat (1×1 m, 0.69 m deep). The east winepress has a treading floor (3×3 m) with a hewn settling pit (0.6×0.6 m, 0.44 m deep) in its northeastern corner and an oval collecting vat (1.0×1.8 m, 0.85 m deep), linked by a hewn channel. In the west part of the site—quarries. Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (scanty finds scattered over c. 5 dunams), Iron II (numerous finds similar to those from Tel Lakhish Strata IV–II in the settlement remains), Persian (scanty finds scattered over c. 5 dunams), Hellenistic (scanty finds scattered over 10 dunams), Roman and Byzantine (numerous finds in the settlement remains), Early Islamic (finds from the eighth–ninth centuries CE in the settlement remains) and Mamluk (numerous finds in the settlement remains); Temporary occupation: Ottoman (finds, pens and remains of a sheikh’s tomb).

736. 2–0/10 14210 10085 19210 60085 375 m asl Nahal Adorayim [107] Rock-hewn installations on slope of spur descending south towards Nahal Adorayim, in an area of agricultural terraces (area of c. 45 dunams). Near a long wall (c. 300 m long) extending south, towards Nahal Adorayim—a winepress, consisting of a treading ﬂoor (2.2×3.8 m) and collecting vat (0.66×1.00 m; blocked with stones). Nearby—a rock-hewn terrace. A depression in the ground, visible to the winepress’ east, is probably the location of a collapsed cistern; near it are fragments of a stone trough (0.84×1.07 m).

737. 2–0/12 14205 10005 19205 60005 370 m asl Nahal Adorayim [108] Rock-hewn winepress at foot of rocky terrace south of Nahal Adorayim, in an area of agricultural terraces (area of c. 20 dunams): a treading ﬂoor (2.33×3.15 m) with a round basin (diam. 0.48 m) hewn in its center, and collecting vat (1.2×1.7 m; ﬁlled with alluvium) to its north.

167* 738. 3–0/1 14362 10041 19362 60041 400 m asl ‘Rasm Majaj’ Settlement remains (c. 8 dunams) on exposed rocky spur, northeast of Tel ‘Eton (below, Site 743): remains of buildings (wall segments and corners preserved up to two stone courses high), a winepress, rock-hewn caves and stone clearance heaps (some of them may cover building remains). Five caves (plundered by antiquities robbers) are located in the west part of the site; three (apparently burial caves) are blocked with alluvium. South of the settlement remains are two additional caves that were used as shelters for shepherds. In the center of the site—a meticulously hewn winepress consisting of a treading floor (2.55×2.90 m, 0.46 m deep) with four recesses (each recess 0.3×0.3 m) hewn in the south wall, and a collecting vat (0.9×2.8 m; filled with alluvium). North of the winepress—three circular basins (diam. 0.35–0.44 m) hewn in a rock outcrop. Finds. Pottery: EB II–III (numerous finds, mostly body sherds, in the settlement remains), Iron II (numerous finds in the settlement remains), Byzantine (scanty finds— a scatter) and Early Islamic (Abbasid; scanty finds—a scatter).

739. 3–0/2 14372 10058 19372 60058 395 m asl Nahal Adorayim [109] Pottery scatters (c. 3 dunams) on rocky spur (especially on its east side), on the margins of the Nahal Adorayim valley. Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (scanty ﬁnds—a scatter—including an intact juglet), Iron II, Early Roman, Late Roman and Byzantine (scanty ﬁnds—scatters).

740. 3–0/3 14385 10098 19385 60098 400 m asl Nahal Adorayim [110] Remains of a farmstead (c. 8 dunams) on shoulder of rocky spur, east of a tributary of Nahal Adorayim: remains of two buildings, one (c. 8×10 m) in the east of the site (a stone heap covers the remains) and the other—a corner and a wall segment—on the south slope of the spur. Also at the site—two hewn cisterns (currently blocked; on the west side of the site), a fragment of a cistern capstone (diam. 1.25 m, 0.55 m high), a basin hewn in a rock outcrop, a burial cave, two winepresses, basins and cupmarks, and building-stone quarries. On and around the shoulder of the spur are c. 20 stone clearance heaps (a few building stones were observed among them). In the east of the site—a circular basin (diam. 0.52 m, 0.38 m deep) hewn in a large mass of rock. On the south slope—a winepress hewn in a rock surface consisting of a treading floor (2.1×3.0 m) and collecting vat (0.75–1.37×2.70 m) to its south, linked by a hewn channel (0.55 m long, 0.1 m deep). Northeast of the treading floor is a rock- cutting (1.1×1.3 m; another collecting vat?). A circular hewn basin (diam. 0.37 m; filled with alluvium) is to the south of the collecting vat. Southwest of the treading floor—a cutting in a rock surface that inclines towards the treading floor. On the south slope,

168* near the winepress—a hewn burial cave (plundered in the past by antiquities robbers) with a hewn facade (1.3×1.8 m), at the bottom of which is an entryway (0.48×0.60 m) leading into a chamber containing two burial kokhim (each measuring 0.60×2.35 m, 0.55 m deep). In the east part of the site is another hewn winepress (mostly covered with alluvium). Seven circular basins (diam. 0.35–0.55 m) and five cupmarks (diam. mostly 0.27 m) hewn in rock outcrops were also surveyed. On the slopes—agricultural terraces (c. 45 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Iron II (numerous finds similar to those from Tel Lakhish Strata IV–III in the farmstead remains), Roman (scanty finds—scatters) and Byzantine (scanty finds— LRC III—scatters).

741. 3–0/4, 5 14381 10080 19381 60080 395 m asl Nahal Adorayim [111] Remains of two caves on slope of rocky spur, on the edge of the Nahal Adorayim valley. The western cave, its ceiling collapsed, reveals traces of activity by antiquities robbers; the cave was apparently used for burial. The eastern cave (c. 4×5 m, presently c. 1 m high), with an opening facing north and another (0.66×1.06 m) hewn in the ceiling, was apparently used by shepherds in the Ottoman period. In front of the cave opening— remains of a pen apparently built by shepherds in a late period. Finds. Pottery: Iron II (numerous ﬁnds similar to those from Tel Lakhish Stratum III around the entrance of the eastern cave).

742. 3–0/6 14397 10020 19397 60020 405 m asl Nahal Adorayim [113] Rock-hewn cistern (c. 4 m deep, diam. of mouth 0.9 m), apparently hewn in recent generations close to a collapsed ancient cistern, on moderate slope descending southeast, towards Nahal Adorayim. Nearby—a small mound of limestone debris removed while quarrying.

743. 3–0/7 14320 10000 19320 60000 375 m asl Tel ‘Eton [1] Tell ’Aitûn (S) [1] Tell ‘Eitūn (M–Map); Tell ‘Eitûn (M–List) [1] Remains of a fortiﬁed town (c. 60 dunams) on a large oval tell, south of Nahal Adorayim (most of the the tell is within the bounds of the Map of ez Zahiriya [Map 133] which is located to the south). On the tell and its slopes—remains of buildings and wall segments, caves, ancient architectural elements and numerous building stones. Around the tell’s circumference—remains of a defense wall (several of its sections are clearly visible). Since 1967 villagers living to the east of the tell have been methodically excavating both the tell and the surrounding ancient cemeteries in order to expose antiquities; in the wake of this activity salvage excavations were undertaken in several of the

169* aforementioned cemeteries (see below, Site 744). A probe conducted on the tell (E. Ayalon and R. Bar-Natan, 1976) exposed two strata that date to the time spanning the end of the ninth century BCE until the middle of the eighth century BCE. Finds. Pottery: LB (numerous finds in the area of the town, and burial caves), Iron I (scanty finds—settlement remains, and a burial cave), Iron II (numerous finds similar to those from Tel Lakhish Strata IV–III in the remains of the fortified town, and burial caves; scanty finds similar to Tel Lakhish Stratum II), Persian (numerous finds), Hellenistic and Roman (numerous finds in the settlement remains, and burial caves), Byzantine (scanty finds—scatters, and burial caves) and Early Islamic (scanty finds— scatter). See Dagan 1996:140–141 regarding the identification of the tell with the biblical city of Eglon. Ayalon 1985; Zimhoni 1985.

744. 3–0/8, 9 14326 10013 19326 60013 365 m asl Tel ‘Eton [2] 744.1. Burial caves on the north bank of Nahal Adorayim north of Tel ‘Eton (Site 743; see also Sites 731, 745), hewn in soft chalk, which facilitated their hewing according to the architectural principles characteristic of each period. Following the plundering of the caves by antiquities robbers excavations were conducted in several of them by an expedition on behalf of the Israel Department of Antiquities and Museums (1968): G. Edelstein exposed a tomb containing Philistine ﬁnds; T. Dothan and A. Mazar unearthed tombs that were attributed to the second half of the eleventh century BCE; D. Ussishkin excavated tombs dating to the ninth–eighth centuries BCE; and V. Tzaferis excavated tombs from the Roman and Byzantine periods. The caves were ascribed to the following periods: LB, Iron I–II, Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine. A Burial Field near Tel ‘Eton, HA 27 (1968):5–8; Edelstein 1968; Edelstein, Ussishkin, Dothan and Tzaferis 1971; Ussishkin 1973; Tzaferis 1982a, 1982b; Edelstein and Aurant 1992; Tzaferis and Hess 1992. 744.2. Rock-hewn burial caves on moderate slope north of Tel ‘Eton. Salvage excavations were conducted in several of the caves that were plundered by antiquities robbers. The caves (some of which were sealed in recent decades) date to Iron II and the Roman period.

745. 3–0/10, 11 14317 10052 19317 60052 375 m asl Nahal Adorayim [115] 745.1. Rock-hewn burial caves (the ceiling of one of them collapsed) on the sides of a valley near a tributary of Nahal Adorayim, plundered by antiquities robbers in the past. Numerous potsherds are scattered in the vicinity of the cave entrances. Finds. Iron II pottery. 745.2. Remains of a building (c. 4×6 m; chieﬂy a corner and a wall segment 2.5 m long) at the foot of a rocky slope near a tributary of Nahal Adorayim. Stone clearance heaps including ancient rough-hewn building stones cover the slope. Also recorded at

170* the site—a large winepress hewn in a rock outcrop; north of it—three circular basins (diam. of each 0.42 m, 0.28 m deep) hewn in rock outcrops. Finds. Pottery: EB II–III (a few potsherds—scatters), Iron II (a few potsherds—scatters) and Early and Late Roman (in and around the building remains).

746. 3–0/12 14316 10062 19316 60062 390 m asl Nahal Adorayim [117] Remains of a building (c. 5×5 m)—a foundation course consisting of a double row of stones, scattered building stones, rock-hewn basins and a winepress (c. 2 dunams) on a moderate, rocky slope near a tributary of Nahal Adorayim. On the east portion of the slope—a rock-hewn winepress consisting of a treading floor (2.2×2.7 m) and collecting vat (0.7×1.0 m; both the floor and the vat are filled with alluvium). North of the winepress—three circular basins (diam. 0.35–0.44 m) hewn in rock outcrops. Finds. Pottery: Iron II and Byzantine (a few sherds, in and around the building remains), and Early Islamic (scanty finds—scatters spread over c. 1 dunam).

747. 3–0/13 14350 10074 19350 60074 375 m asl Nahal Adorayim [118] Cistern hewn in chalk rock (c. 3 m deep) at foot of slope near a tributary of Nahal Adorayim. Near the cistern’s mouth—a fragmentary trough. On the slope—a scatter of numerous potsherds. Finds. Pottery: Iron II, Roman and Byzantine (a few sherds—scatters—from the aforementioned periods).

748. 3–0/14 14333 10080 19333 60080 380 m asl Nahal Adorayim [119] Rock-hewn winepress on rocky slope of spur, north of a tributary of Nahal Adorayim: a treading ﬂoor (3.28×4.27 m, 0.38 m deep) and collecting vat (blocked with alluvium) to its south. West of the winepress—two round basins (diam. 0.37 m, 0.44 m) hewn in a rock outcrop.

749. 3–0/15 14350 10018 19350 60018 395 m asl Nahal Adorayim [120] Remains of a building (c. 5×6 m) on rocky slope near the Nahal Adorayim valley, northeast of Tel ‘Eton (above, Site 743): sections of the north and west walls and the southwest corner survive. Scattered on the slope—numerous potsherds. North of the building remains—three rock-hewn pits (3–4 m deep), apparently used for storing water (recently some of them were intentionally sealed). East of the pits—three hewn burial caves (plundered by antiquities robbers) that apparently served the inhabitants of the ancient settlement at Tel ‘Eton.

171* Finds. Pottery: Iron II (a few potsherds—scatters), Hellenistic (a few potsherds— scatters); Byzantine (numerous potsherds near the building remains and the burial caves).

750. 4–0/1 14430 10095 19430 60095 425 m asl Rasm Khallat en Najāsa (M) Remains of buildings (c. 60 dunams) on a rocky hill east of the Nahal Adorayim valley (an area referred to by the local residents as Qurnat Khallat el Haribi), isolated on all but the southeast side by branches of Nahal Adorayim. Also at the site are two winepresses, remains of an oil press, rock-hewn caves, cisterns, quarries, hewn basins and cupmarks. Agricultural plots delimited by stone fences cover the hill and more than 50 stone clearance heaps were counted (some atop leveled rock outcrops and others possibly covering the ancient building remains). The stone heaps, found in a variety of shapes and sizes—round (diam. 4–10 m, up to 1.5 m high), square or rectangular (4–7×8–10 m)—are mostly delimited by low fieldstone walls (max. height 1 m) that include rough-hewn stones in their construction. Also at the site—four rock-hewn cisterns. The first and second are on the southwest slope of the hill, the third is on the northeast part (these cisterns are blocked with alluvium) and the fourth is on the southeast portion. The mouth of this cistern is covered by four large ashlars arranged in a square to create a drawing hole, which displays traces of wear (grooves) made by the ropes used to draw water. One winepress (filled with alluvium) is hewn in a rock surface on the east slope of the hill. The other, located near the top of the hill, consists of a large treading floor (4.1×4.2 m), a settling pit (0.8×0.9 m) and collecting vat (1×1 m, 0.68 m deep). The collecting vat was later enlarged when it was converted for use as a bell-shaped cistern (presently blocked). On the northwest slope—remains of an oil press: a rock-hewn crushing basin (diam. 2.16 m) and to its west, an apparently constructed pressing installation; two large adjoining circular basins (diam. of each 0.73 m) and a hewn channel that links each basin to another basin (diam. of each 0.44 m, 0.24 m deep) and at the bottom of each of them a hewn hollow (diam. 0.08 m). On the southwest slope—a cave that served as a charcoal kiln and remains of charcoal waste at its front. On the northeast and west slopes—building-stone quarries (one of them served later as an animal shelter). Hewn in rock outcrops—27 round basins (diam. 0.30–0.55 m), 33 cupmarks and a concentration of basins on the northwest slope of the hill. On the lower reaches of the slopes—seven rock-hewn caves that were used by shepherds as shelters (until several decades ago by shepherds from the village of Beit ‘Awwa). Near the top of the hill—three rock-hewn burial caves (plundered by antiquities robbers; presently blocked by collapse). In and around the tributaries of Nahal Adorayim— agricultural terraces (c. 100 dunams).

172* Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (scanty finds scattered over c. 10 dunams), Iron II (numerous finds similar to those from Tel Lakhish Strata IV–II in and around the building remains), Hellenistic (scanty finds—a scatter), Roman and Byzantine (scanty finds scattered over c. 15 dunams).

751. 4–0/2 14426 10063 19426 60063 436 m asl Nahal Adorayim [121] Remains of a structure near the top of a bare rocky hill, east of the Nahal Adorayim valley: segments of the southern and western walls, preserved to a maximum height of two courses, and large rough-hewn building stones nearby. To the east of the remains—two circular basins (diam. 0.44 m, 0.69 m) hewn in rock outcrops and a rock surface (c. 4×6 m; threshing floor?). On the northwest slope of the hill—two pens (each c. 5×6 m) circumscribed by a wall that includes rough-hewn stones in its construction. A road runs by to the south of the hill (see below, Site 752). The ancient remains were destroyed in recent decades when agricultural plots were prepared for cultivation. Finds. Pottery: EB II–III (scanty finds—a scatter), and Roman and Byzantine (numerous finds in and around the building remains); Temporary occupation: Ottoman (pens).

752. 4–0/3 14415 10050 19415 60050 420 m asl Nahal Adorayim [122] Road (3.2–4.5 m wide) running east–west for a distance of c. 500 m on slope of hill, north of Nahal Adorayim. The road also delineates the agricultural areas of villages on the west fringes of the Hevron Hills. Fieldstones are positioned on either side of the road and low walls (2–3 courses high) are built along several sections. According to local residents the road ran westward from Hevron to Gaza, passing through Dura and H. Kishor to the southwest (for another section of the road see Site 773, below).

753. 4–0/4 14430 10054 19430 60054 425 m asl Nahal Adorayim [123] Winepress, rock-hewn basins and quarries on slope of rocky hill, north of Nahal Adorayim; on the slope are stone clearance heaps (area of c. 30 dunams). The winepress consists of an oval treading ﬂoor (1.07×1.45 m) and oval collecting vat (0.60×0.86 m) to the southwest. The rim of the vat is recessed to accommodate a covering slab. North of the winepress—three basins hewn in rock outcrops. On the east part of the slope— building-stone quarries (4×8 m, 4×10 m, 5×12 m). Finds. Byzantine pottery (a few sherds—scatters).

173* 754. 4–0/5 14485 10043 19485 60043 449 m asl Nahal Adorayim [124] Remains of buildings (c. 5 dunams; a farmstead?) on low hill north of Nahal Adorayim. On the hill are agricultural plots (some of them deserted and others renovated in recent decades and planted with olive trees) and ten large stone clearance heaps surrounded by low fieldstone walls, up to two courses high. On the east part of the hill—two rock-hewn winepresses. The eastern winepress: a hexagonal treading floor (c. 3.5×4.0 m) and collecting vat (1.2×1.3 m; filled with alluvium). The western winepress: a circular treading floor (diam. 3.27 m, 0.38 m deep in center) with a round basin (diam. 0.83 m, 0.33 m deep) hewn in its center, and an oval collecting vat (0.55×0.94 m; blocked by alluvium) to its west. Some 10 m west of the winepress, hewn in a rock outcrop—an agricultural installation consisting of two circular vats (diam. of each 0.52 m) and a leveled rock surface (c. 1.8×4.0 m) inclining south that terminates in a rectangular basin (0.44×0.84 m). On the west slope of the hill (currently an olive grove)—another rock-hewn winepress: a violin-shaped treading floor (1.55×2.40 m) and circular collecting vat (diam. 0.6 m, 0.4 m deep) to its northwest with a hollow (diam. 0.11 m, 0.06 m deep) in its floor. Southwest of the winepress—a round hewn basin (diam. 0.54 m, 0.14 m deep) and two hewn cupmarks (diam. 0.24 m, 0.28 m). On the slope of the hill—agricultural terraces (c. 15 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (numerous finds in and around the building remains), Iron II (scanty finds—a scatter), Early and Late Roman (numerous finds), Byzantine (numerous finds, including fragments of LRC X ware) and Early Islamic (scanty finds—a scatter).

755. 4–0/6 14458 10048 19458 60048 425 m asl Rasm el Khanazir (M) Settlement remains (c. 10 dunams) on hill and southwest slope, north of Nahal Adorayim in an area of olive groves (planted several decades ago); the ancient remains are concentrated in several heaps. On the slopes of the hill facing south and west— agricultural terraces constructed with rough-hewn building stones in secondary use. Also—wall segments (antiquities robbers evidently conducted excavations along their length) and rock-hewn caves (their contents were removed; among them are burial caves clearly plundered by antiquities robbers). Among the stone heaps on the south part of the hill are column fragments, a threshold and large ashlars. On the northwest slope—a cistern (mostly blocked) and two winepresses; near the cistern—a burial cave (plundered by antiquities robbers). On the hill’s south slope, hewn in rock outcrops—four circular basins (diam. 0.36–0.60 m) and a simple oil press (bodeda). On the east part of the hill—a single-chambered rock-hewn burial cave (c. 3×4 m; plundered by antiquities robbers) containing two arcosolia. A shaft of sorts leads into

174* the cave (mostly blocked by soil debris). Nearby—a rectangular rock cutting (c. 4×7 m; a pool?) filled with soil debris. Around the settlement remains—agricultural plots and terraces (c. 50 dunams; some of them currently in use). Finds. Pottery: Iron II (numerous finds similar to those from Tel Lakhish Strata IV–III in the settlement remains), Hellenistic (scanty finds scattered over c. 5 dunams), Roman (numerous finds in the settlement remains and near the burial cave on the northwest slope), Byzantine (numerous finds, including fragments of LRC III ware, in the settlement remains) and Early Islamic (scanty finds scattered over c. 5 dunams).

756. 4–0/7 14410 10025 19410 60025 405 m asl Nahal Adorayim [125] Small rock-hewn winepress on moderate bare slope descending towards Nahal Adorayim: a treading floor (1.3×1.8 m) and collecting vat (0.75×0.90 m; fill with alluvium). Also on the slope—several stone clearance heaps and scatters of flint implements and potsherds. Finds. Flint implements and a few potsherds (a scatter): Intermediate Bronze; Pottery: Iron II (numerous finds—a scatter) and Byzantine and Early Islamic (scanty finds—a scatter).

757. 4–0/7 14482 10023 19482 60023 425 m asl Nahal Adorayim [126] Three rock-hewn burial caves on slope descending north, towards Nahal Adorayim, on the outskirts of the village of Kh. Sikka [1]. The villagers plundered the caves in the past (today they are inaccessible due to collapse). Near the caves—pottery scatters. Finds. Iron II pottery.

758. 4–0/9 14492 10087 19492 60087 420 m asl Nahal Adorayim [127] Rock-hewn installations—two winepresses, ﬁve circular basins and seven cupmarks in rock outcrops—on a rocky slope north of Nahal Adorayim (other remains in this area were damaged by mechanical equipment preparatory to agricultural cultivation). The winepresses are situated on the lower portion of the slope. Traces of hewing (of a cistern, apparently unﬁnished) were observed in the collecting vat of the eastern winepress. The basins (diam. 0.3–0.4 m) are on the upper part of the slope. On the slope—agricultural terraces (c. 25 dunams).

759. 4–0/10, 11 14467 10008 19467 60008 425 m asl Sŭtjeh (S) [2] Kh. Sikka (M–Map); Kh. es Sikka (M–List) [2] 759.1. Rock-hewn burial caves, bell-shaped caves and a cistern on hill north of Nahal Adorayim, on the northern fringes of the village of Kh. Sikka (most of the site is located

175* within the Map of ez Zahiriya [Map 133]). The contents of the caves were removed in the past by the villagers. There are four caves with hewn facades; two were enlarged and adapted for use for storage and the other two are sealed. To the southwest are two bell-shaped caves (ﬁlled with alluvium; visible depth c. 2 m). To the south—a cistern (3.5 m deep; currently in use). On the north slope, descending towards Nahal Adorayim—pottery scatters. Finds. Byzantine pottery (a few sherds on the north slope). Conder and Kitchener 1881–1883, III:379. 759.2. Two rock-hewn burial caves on the western slope of the hill. The contents were removed by the villagers of Kh. Sikka preparatory to the planting of olive trees and the caves were later sealed.

760. 5–0/1 14599 10095 19599 60095 450 m asl Wadi Khursa [1] Cistern hewn in the center of a large rock outcrop on slope of hill descending from the west toward ‘Emeq Ha-Telem (‘the Furrow Valley’), north of Wadi Khursa. Several layers of plaster were discerned (the cistern is currently in use; it was cleaned several decades ago by the villagers of Kh. Beit ‘Awwa); potsherds are scattered around the cistern. Stone clearance heaps that include building stones cover the slope. Finds. Pottery (a few sherds—scatters): Intermediate Bronze, Byzantine and Early Islamic.

761. 5–0/2 14586 10086 19586 60086 470 m asl Jebel Duweimar [1] Remains of a square building (c. 22×22 m; a fortress?) on rocky hill at the north end of Jebel Duweimar: one course of large fieldstones, mainly the outer west and south walls (1.2 m wide), the southeast corner and an interior wall. A pen was constructed on the remains in a later period. The northeast corner was destroyed by mechanical equipment when preparing the area for cultivation. To the north—two rock-hewn cisterns (recently sealed). Two worked stones (oil-press weights?) are incorporated in a stone fence that runs to the east of the building remains. Numerous rock-hewn installations were surveyed on the south slope of the hill, including two winepresses hewn in large rock outcrops. The southern winepress consists of a treading floor (2.4×3.6 m, 0.44 m deep) with a square central cutting (0.44×0.44 m, 0.32 m deep) and a collecting vat (0.55×1.33 m; filled with stones) to its south. The northern winepress consists of a multi-sided treading floor (3.6×4.2 m, 0.52 m deep) and collecting vat (0.77×1.07 m) linked by a conduit (0.62 m long). West of the winepresses—two circular basins (diam. of each 0.42 m, 0.22 m deep). South of the winepresses—three additional basins (diam. 0.38–0.66 m) hewn in a large rock outcrop. East of the winepresses—fragments of an oil-press crushing basin (estimated diam. 2.77 m). On the west slope of the hill—two pens (7×8 m, 8×12 m). On the slopes of the hill—agricultural terraces (c. 35 dunams).

176* Finds. Pottery: Iron II (numerous finds similar to those from Tel Lakhish Strata IV–III in and around the building remains), and Roman and Byzantine (numerous finds covering the entire area of the hill and in the area of the installations); Temporary occupation: Ottoman (scanty finds, pens).

762. 5–0/3 14565 10082 19565 60082 460 m asl Jebel Duweimar [2] Twenty stone clearance heaps (c. 25 dunams) on an exposed hill in the west part of Jebel Duweimar, south of Kh. el Mahmi (a suburb of the village Kh. Beit ‘Awwa). Each of the clearance heaps (diam. 3–5 m) is surrounded by a low stone wall to prevent the stones from scattering. Some of the heaps cover remains of buildings whose walls are preserved three to four courses high. On the ground are scatters of numerous potsherds. On the west and south slopes of the hill—cave entrances; each of the cave entrances is approached by a hewn corridor (2–4 m long). On the west slope—seven basins (diam. 0.3–0.6 m) hewn in rock outcrops. On the west slope of the hill—agricultural terraces (c. 50 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (scanty finds scattered over c. 5 dunams), Iron II (numerous finds), Persian (scanty finds scattered over c. 5 dunams), Hellenistic (scanty finds scattered over c. 2 dunams), Byzantine (numerous finds) and Early Islamic (scanty finds from the Abbasid period—a scatter).

763. 5–0/4 14540 10070 19540 60070 450 m asl Jebel Duweimar [3] Remains of a building (c. 9×14 m) on spur on southwest part of Jebel Duweimar, north of Wadi Khurāsh. An extensive part of this area (c. 40 dunams) was prepared for cultivation—stone clearance heaps were raised and plots were prepared and planted with olive groves, almost certainly destroying the ancient remains. The structure’s walls (north, east and west; 0.65–0.75 m wide), preserved two to four stone courses high, include in their construction several ashlar stones with drafted margins. The building’s entrance (1.2 m wide), in the east wall, has its threshold preserved in situ. A wall (0.55 m wide) partitions the structure into two units. The stone heaps include numerous building stones. Nearby—rock-hewn installations. West of the building—a rock-hewn winepress consisting of a treading floor (c. 2.6×3.7 m), collecting vat (blocked with alluvium) and four circular basins (diam. 0.35–0.55 m) hewn in rock outcrops. Between the basins are seven conical cupmarks (average diam. of rim: 0.25 m, average diam. at bottom: 0.12 m). Northwest of the building remains are five circular basins (diam. 0.3–0.6 m) and between them are five conical cupmarks. On the spur—scatters of numerous potsherds. To the south, near the wadi bed—quarries.

177* Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (numerous finds—a scatter), Iron II (numerous finds similar to those from Tel Lakhish Stratum III near the building remains, among them a jar handle bearing a four-winged LMLK stamped impression) and Byzantine (numerous finds near the building remains).

764. 5–0/5 14580 10005 19580 60005 488 m asl Wadi Khursa [2] Wall segments and building foundations on rocky hill (c. 30 dunams; the local residents refer to the site as Jebel Abu Shari‘) overlooking Wadi Khursa from the southwest, at the southern end of Baqa‘at Beit ‘Awwa (Beqa‘ el Janabiya). Some of the wall segments rest on rock outcrops leveled prior to construction. Near the building remains—caves, a quarry and basins and cupmarks hewn in rock outcrops: five circular basins (diam. 0.35–0.65 m), a rectangular basin (0.44×0.62 m) and 12 cupmarks (average diam. 0.27 m). The ancient remains were disturbed when the area was prepared for cultivation: slopes were leveled by means of mechanical equipment, agricultural plots were prepared and 16 stone heaps were raised (diam. 3–6 m). On the hill’s southwest slope—two rock-hewn caves with hewn facades (3.8 m wide). The western cave consists of two chambers and the eastern cave comprises a single chamber. In recent decades the caves were apparently used as shelters by shepherds. On the northeast slope—two rock-hewn burial caves (plundered by antiquities robbers; currently blocked with soil debris). On the west slope—a building-stone quarry. On the south slope—a pen (c. 7×9 m). On all the slopes—agricultural terraces (c. 55 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (scanty finds scattered over c. 10 dunams), Iron II (numerous finds spread over the entire hillside), Roman and Byzantine (numerous finds in and around the building remains).

765. 5–0/6 14542 10016 19542 60016 460 m asl Wadi Khurāsh [1] Foundations of ancient buildings and other ancient remains (c. 12 dunams) on rocky hill and its slopes, south of Wadi Khurāsh: a cave and a pen, cisterns, winepresses, basins and cupmarks, an oil-press crushing basin and building-stone quarries. A the top of the hill—remains of two buildings, c. 20 m apart, built in the ﬁrst decades of the twentieth century (they served a family that settled here from the village of ‘Ajjur near Tel ‘Azeqa, thereby providing the source of the name referred to by the local inhabitants: Khallat Abu Shari‘ Ahmad el ‘Ajjuri). This construction damaged the ancient remains; ancient rough-hewn building stones are incorporated in the walls of one of the houses and a marble column (1.30 m long) is included in one of the walls of the other.

178* On the west slope of the hill—remains of two ancient structures (4×4 m, 4.2×7.0 m), whose walls are preserved three courses high. The entryway (0.92 m wide) to the western building survives. To the west is a rock-hewn winepress consisting of a treading floor (2.3×3.6 m, 0.44 m deep) and collecting vat (0.72×1.44 m); in a late period a bell-shaped cistern (incomplete) was hewn in the collecting vat. On the south slope are two adjoining winepresses of identical dimensions: treading floor (3.2×3.7 m) and collecting vat (0.8×1.5 m). To their north—two circular vats (diam. of each 0.52 m). On the east slope—another winepress, damaged by agricultural cultivation; part of the treading floor and the collecting vat (filled with stones) are visible. South of the winepress are remains of an oil press: a crushing basin (diam. 1.83 m, 0.84 m high) and a pressing installation—a round basin (diam. 0.62 m) with a hewn central niche (diam. 0.14 m). Four rock-hewn cisterns were documented at the site. Two cisterns are near one of the early twentieth-century buildings; they apparently returned to use during the last third of the nineteenth century CE. The other two (each c. 3 m deep, diam. of mouth of 0.65 m) are on the west slope of the hill. Hewn in rock outcrops on the slopes—two circular basins (diam. 0.3 m, 0.5 m) and 12 cupmarks (diam. mostly 0.27 m). On the northwest slope—a building-stone quarry. East of the twentieth-century remains—a pen (12×17 m) built of fieldstones preserved to a height of seven courses. The pen was constructed around a rock-hewn cave (c. 4×5 m) accessed via a hewn corridor (5.2 m long, 2.4 m high) that led to its entrance. On the south and west slopes of the hill—agricultural terraces (c. 60 dunams), some of them renovated and enlarged in recent decades. Finds. Pottery: Iron II (scanty finds—scatters), Persian, Roman and Byzantine (numerous finds in the settlement remains) and Early Islamic (scanty finds—a scatter); Temporary occupation: Ottoman (finds, remains of buildings and a pen).

766. 5–0/7 14568 10025 19568 60025 460 m asl Wadi Khurāsh [2] Twenty-five stone clearance heaps (area of c. 10 dunams) on rocky spur south of Wadi Khurāsh. At the top of the spur—a large stone heap (c. 5×10 m) that may cover ancient building remains. Numerous potsherds scattered over the spur may indicate the presence of ancient remains that were completely destroyed when the region was prepared for cultivation. Hewn in rock outcrops on the east slope—four round basins (average diam. 0.39 m) and two cupmarks (diam. of each 0.25 m). At the feet of the spur’s slopes—agricultural plots delimited by stone fences. Finds. Pottery: EB II–III (scanty finds scattered over c. 4 dunams), Intermediate Bronze (numerous finds scattered over c. 10 dunams), Iron II (numerous finds similar to those from Tel Lakhish Strata IV–III scattered over c. 10 dunams) and Byzantine (numerous finds—scatters).

179* 767. 5–0/8 14520 10085 19520 60085 425 m asl Wadi Khurāsh [3] Agricultural plots delimited by stone fences (c. 25 dunams) and stone clearance heaps (c. 6 dunams) on rocky spur north of Wadi Khurāsh, and scatters of numerous potsherds. On the north of the spur—a rock-hewn cave (presently blocked). Finds. Intermediate Bronze pottery (numerous sherds—scatters).

768. 6–0/1 14648 10085 19648 60085 450 m asl Wadi Umm Hadwa [12] Rock-hewn cistern (contains water year-round) on slope of rocky hill in the center of a fertile valley near Wadi Umm Hadwa (the local inhabitants refer to the area as Marah Darwish). The cistern was apparently initially a dwelling cave (2.5×4.0 m) that was later converted for use as a reservoir: its entrance was sealed with a plastered stone wall and another opening was breached in the ceiling. Nearby—ruins of two structures from recent generations.

769. 6–0/2 14618 10036 19618 60036 445 m asl Wadi Khursa [6] Remains of a small settlement or farmstead (c. 10 dunams), including installations hewn in large rock outcrops, on slope of rocky hill on the fringes of a valley (Baqa‘ el Janabiya), near the bank of Wadi Khursa (the local inhabitants refer to this region as Jurān el Jub). On the south part of the slope—several buildings constructed at the beginning of the twentieth century of fieldstones and ancient building stones (preserved to a height of 1.5 m); the corners are built of ashlars (0.43×0.74 m); each building is surrounded by a courtyard (c. 10×15 m) enclosed by a stone wall. It is probable that ancient buildings were destroyed by the construction of the later structures. Along the fringes of this area—three pens from a later period. South of the buildings—two rock-hewn cisterns. A channel leading to the southern cistern diverted runoff into it from the slope. Capping the western cistern is a stone (diam. 1.25 m, 0.22 m high) with a central drawing hole (0.40×0.42 m). Another cistern located among the buildings may be an ancient cistern that underwent renovation. On the upper reaches of the slope are extensive rock surfaces (c. 7×10 m, 8×12 m; threshing floors?) next to which are two hewn winepresses. The western winepress includes a treading floor (3.2×3.5 m, 0.52 m deep) and collecting vat (0.66×1.72 m; filled with stones). The eastern winepress consists of an oval treading surface (1.7×3.0 m) and a circular collecting vat (diam. 0.72 m, 0.55 m deep). Near the winepress are three rock-hewn basins (diam. 0.30–0.42 m). At the foot of the hill—three rock-hewn caves. One cave (3.8×7.0 m, 2.17 m high), at the foot of the south slope, was probably used as a dwelling; two storage niches are hewn in its walls (each niche 0.7×1.3 m, 0.48 m deep). The second cave, at the foot

180* of the north slope (2.5×5.0 m), was probably used for burial (currently blocked). The entrance of the third cave (3.8×5.0 m), at the bottom of the west slope, is approached via a hewn corridor (2.8 m long). Later rock cuttings altered the cave’s plan (it was last used to store hay). Finds. Flint implements and pottery: Pottery Neolithic (scanty finds); Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (scanty finds), Iron II and Persian (scanty finds—scatters), Byzantine (numerous finds—farmstead?); Settlement: Ottoman (remains of buildings, pens, use of the caves).

770. 6–0/3 14638 10024 19638 60024 460 m asl Wadi Khursa [6] Installations hewn in rock outcrops (c. 4 dunams) on rocky spur between branches of Wadi Khursa: winepresses, cisterns, basins, cupmarks and a concave rock surface (for processing agricultural products?). The installations are probably related to the settlement located nearby to the west (Site 769). Also at the site—a pen and an orchard. One of the winepresses is extremely well preserved; it consists of a treading floor (2.72×2.74 m, 0.63 m deep), a settling pit (0.58×0.80 m, 0.24 m deep) to its west and a collecting vat (1.30×1.85 m, 0.78 m deep) to its south. Northwest of the winepress— two adjacent rock-hewn pits. The southern pit is oval (0.75×1.05 m) and its walls are plastered (stones lie on the floor). The northern pit is bell-shaped (diam. of opening 0.63 m, diam. of pit 2.6 m, 2.2 m deep). Three more winepresses were recorded on the east part of the spur. Also at the site—eight circular basins (diam. 0.37–0.62 m) and eleven cupmarks (average diam. 0.28 m) hewn in rock outcrops. On the northeast part of the spur—a rock-hewn cistern (3.28 m deep, diam. of mouth 0.6 m), with traces of plaster on its walls. South of the cistern—a concave rock surface (3.8×5.2 m) with a nearly square basin hewn in its center (0.53×0.55 m, 0.32 m deep). On the north part of the spur—an orchard surrounded by a stone fence (20×40 m), apparently planted at the beginning of the twentieth century, and a pen (7×12 m). A road (2–3 m wide) flanked by curbstones leading to Dura and Hevron runs along the slope of the spur. Finds. Pottery: Iron II (scanty finds similar to those from Tel Lakhish Stratum III—a scatter), Byzantine, Early Islamic and Mamluk (scanty finds—scatters); Temporary occupation: Ottoman (finds, a pen and an orchard).

771. 6–0/4 14695 10020 19695 60020 500 m asl Wadi Khursa [8] Building-stone quarries on the bank of a wadi (a tributary of Wadi Khursa; known as Wadi Khuraj—‘the wadi of cracked rocks’—by the local population). In the largest of the quarries (c. 10×15 m) negatives of the building stones that were removed may be observed.

181* 772. 6–0/5 14678 10010 19678 60010 510 m asl Wadi Khursa [9] Remains of two buildings c. 30 m apart on slope of rocky spur between branches of Wadi Khursa. The walls of the eastern building (4.2×4.7 m) are preserved three courses high; piles of building stones and stone clearance are at its front. A courtyard (c. 30×30 m) surrounded by a stone fence (0.5 m wide) extends around the building. Inside the courtyard—two rock-hewn basins and a leveled rock outcrop. The walls of the western building (c. 3×5 m) survive to a height of two courses. Around this building—a courtyard delimited by a stone fence (c. 25×35 m). Finds. Roman pottery (a few sherds in and around the building remains).

773. 6–0/6 14648 10030 19648 60030 450 m asl Wadi Khursa [10] Road segment (c. 600 m long) ﬂanked by curbstones running west–east, along a branch of Wadi Khursa and in a valley. Steps are hewn in several places. The road, arriving from H. Kishor, probably passed through Kh. Sikka (above, Sites 752, 759) on its way to Dura and onward to Hevron. This is one of the roads leading to the Hevron Hills that served villagers from the Shephelah (chieﬂy for the purpose of participating in religious events in Hevron); use of the road terminated when the road nearby to the north was paved.

774. 6–0/7 14689 10047 19689 60047 525 m asl Wadi Khursa [13] Plastered, rock-hewn cistern (6 m deep; presently in use) on slope of hill, south of Wadi Umm Hadwa. The cistern has two openings—one for receiving runoff conveyed via channels from the slopes and the other for drawing water (closed with an iron plate). Near the cistern—a trough (0.52×0.86 m) hewn in a block of stone. South of the cistern—wall segments (4×4 m; remains of a structure?).

775. 6–0/8 14628 10092 19628 60092 450 m asl Wadi Umm Hadwa [14] Large stone heap (10×15 m, 5 m high) in fertile valley north of Wadi Umm Hadwa (local villagers refer to the stone heap as Rujm el Baqa‘ esh Shamaliya). Low walls along the east and south sides of the heap were probably built to prevent the stones from scattering. Numerous potsherds are scattered in and around the heap. It is possible that structures from the Intermediate Bronze Age in this area were destroyed by agricultural activity during a later period and their stones were consolidated in one place. Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (numerous ﬁnds; 44 jar rims—including holemouths), early Byzantine (scanty ﬁnds—scatters).

182* 776. 6–0/9 14620 10086 19620 60086 450 m asl Wadi Umm Hadwa [15] Road in a ﬂat area near Wadi Umm Hadwa, that runs south of Kh. Beit ‘Awwa, traverses the foot of Jebel Duweimar (Site 761) and on towards Hevron. This may be a section of the Roman road that led from Bet Guvrin to the Hevron Hills (other sections of this road were recorded at Sites 11.1, 86.2, 192, 261, 258.2, 542, 548.1, 660, 786). The road runs along the spurs and hills to the east where it arrives at a concentration of milestones (below, Site 786). It was renovated during the period of Jordanian administration; however, an earlier foundation is visible. Several sections were paved and curbstones were positioned along its sides.

777. 6–0/10 14604 10086 19604 60086 450 m asl Wadi Umm Hadwa [16] Three rock-hewn burial caves at foot of slope, on the fringes of a fertile valley on the north bank of Wadi Umm Hadwa. The caves were discovered when agricultural plots were expanded towards the slope and antiquities robbers plundered them. Near the cave entrances—scatters of numerous potsherds. Finds. Intermediate Bronze pottery.

778. 6–0/11 14620 10060 19620 60060 450 m asl ‘Baqa‘ esh Shamaliya’—‘Baqa‘ el Janabiya’ Fertile valley (c. 430 dunams) extending from the foot of the Hevron Hills in the east to the Shephelah foothills in the west. Remains of ancient settlements (Sites 663.1, 663.2, 664.1, 664.3, 666, 667, 668.1, 668.2, 668.3, 668.4, 668.6, 669.1, 670, 671, 673, 675.1, 676, 682, 761, 762, 763, 764, 765, 769, 772, 781) and concentrations of rock-hewn agricultural installations (Sites 655.1, 663.3, 665.1, 669.2, 672, 677, 678, 681, 770, 771, 779, 788, 789) were documented on the fringes of the valley, which is currently cultivated by villagers from Kh. Beit ‘Awwa.

779. 6–0/12 14658 10058 19658 60058 475 m asl Wadi Umm Hadwa [17] Rock-hewn winepress and installations on slope of rocky spur descending to the west, south of Wadi Umm Hadwa. The winepress consists of a treading ﬂoor (2.2×2.5 m) and collecting vat (0.7×1.2 m). To its north—three circular basins (diam. 0.35–0.48 m). Finds. Byzantine pottery (a few sherds—scatters).

780. 6–0/13 14665 10085 19665 60085 475 m asl Wadi Umm Hadwa [18] Single-chambered rock-hewn burial cave (c. 2×3 m) on a moderate slope near Wadi Umm Hadwa. Five steps lead a corridor (2.6 m long), which leads to the cave entrance.

183* In the west wall of the burial chamber are two kokhim (each 2.1 m long) and in the east wall, two partly hewn kokhim. South of the burial cave—four circular basins (average diam. 0.38 m) hewn in a large rock outcrop. Finds. Byzantine pottery (a few sherds).

781. 6–0/14 14694 10070 19694 60070 320 m asl Wadi Umm Hadwa [19] Remains of an ancient structure (c. 6×8 m) on slope of spur, south of Wadi Umm Hadwa: the northwest corner and foundations of the south wall (in recent generations building stones from this structure were used to construct a nearby building). Nearby—large leveled rock outcrops. To the northeast—a rock-hewn winepress (filled with alluvium) and to the west—a surface (threshing floor?), consisting of a leveled rock outcrop and beaten earth. On the spur—agricultural terraces (c. 35 dunams). Finds. Pottery: Iron II (numerous finds in and around the building remains), Hellenistic (scanty finds—a scatter) and Byzantine (numerous finds in and around the remains).

782. 6–0/15 14695 10094 19695 60094 320 m asl Wadi Umm Hadwa [20] Pottery scatters at foot of slope north of Wadi Umm Hadwa. There may have been ancient buildings in the vicinity that were destroyed by agricultural cultivation; heaps of ancient building stones are to the northeast of the agricultural area. Finds. Pottery (numerous sherds): Intermediate Bronze, Iron II and Byzantine.

783. 7–0/1 14710 10040 19710 60040 560 m asl Wadi Umm Hadwa [21] Remains of a natural cave in valley south of Wadi Umm Hadwa (alongside the road that ascends to Dura). The cave was enlarged and prepared for use as a dwelling; a room (c. 4×6 m) cut in its east wall has three store spaces (each c. 2×2 m) in its walls and a corridor hewn in its south wall leads to another chamber (c. 3×3 m). In front of the cave entrance is a depression in the ground (7×17 m), apparently remains of a collapsed cave, which was used as a pen; a stone wall (c 1 m high) circumscribes it. Some 10 m north of the pen is a cracked cylindrical stone (diam. 1.20 m, 0.56 m high), that may have served in an oil press. Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze and Roman (scanty ﬁnds—scatters); Temporary settlement: Ottoman (use of the cave, pen).

784. 7–0/2 14724 10044 19724 60044 585 m asl Wadi Umm Hadwa [22] Remains of a square structure (c. 10×10 m; a stronghold?) on an exposed hilltop south of Wadi Umm Hadwa that commands a view to the west, overlooking sections of the

184* Roman road that led from Bet Guvrin to the southern Hevron Hills. Construction was of large building stones with rough-hewn stones set in the corners; the walls are preserved up to four courses high (1 m). The structure may have served as an observation and guard post for one of the roads leading to the Hevron Hills. To the northeast—a rock-hewn winepress consisting of a treading ﬂoor (1.6×2.5 m) and collecting vat (0.7×1.2 m; ﬁlled with stones). West of the winepress—a cave that apparently was used as a charcoal kiln; fronting the entrance is a mound of charcoal waste. Near the cave—four basins hewn in a large rock outcrop. Some 150 m east of the building—remains of another building (4×5 m). Antiquities robbers conducted illicit excavations along its walls, preserved four courses high. An entryway (0.8 m wide) with its doorjambs in situ was observed in the east wall, which was better preserved than the other walls. Nearby, to the west—a low stone wall running east–west that may delineate the course of a road that led to the top of the hill. Finds. Pottery (numerous sherds): Iron II and Roman (in the building remains on the hilltop).

785. 7–0/3 14730 10070 19730 60070 495 m asl Wadi Umm Hadwa [23] Natural cave (c. 7×13 m; ceiling partly collapsed) at foot of slope that descends to the north, towards Wadi Umm Hadwa. It was apparently a dwelling in the Ottoman period, when two rooms were hewn—one (c. 4×4 m) in its east wall and the other (3.2×3.6 m) in the southwest wall. In the cave are remains of stone walls and troughs, indicating that it was used as a pen for different periods of time. Southeast of the cave—three circular basins (average diam. 0.38 m) hewn in a rock outcrop.

786. 7–0/4 14750 10044 19750 60044 575 m asl Negohot [1] Milestones on slope, south of Wadi Umm Hadwa (on the side of the road leading from Kh. Beit ‘Awwa to Dura), marking the twelfth mile from Bet Guvrin: seven complete milestones, three column fragments and two milestone bases. One of the milestones reveals the beginning of a cut for detaching the base from the column. Inscriptions were discerned on two milestones—one from the time of Marcus Aurelius (162 CE) and the other bearing merely a few legible letters. During the course of development work in this region the milestones were removed; some of them broke or were covered with soil debris. Nearby, to the north—several sections of the Roman road (4.2 m wide) ﬂanked by curbstones. Some 350 m west of the milestone concentration is a hewn road segment consisting of four wide steps (see Sites 11.1, 85, 86.2, 192, 261, 258.2, 542, 548.1, 548.2, 645, 660, 776).

185* 787. 7–0/5 14776 10016 19776 60016 600 m asl Wadi Umm Hadwa [24] Foundations of a building (4.0×5.0 m) and scattered rough-hewn building stones on shoulder of slope south of Wadi Umm Hadwa. Nearby, on the south slope of the spur—a cave (c. 4×6 m) and remains of a winepress (only part of the treading floor is visible). On the west slope—a quarry. The ancient remains were damaged when a Jordanian military outpost was constructed. Finds. Pottery: Roman (scanty finds—scatters) and Byzantine (numerous finds).

788. 7–0/6 14786 10080 19786 60080 575 m asl Wadi Umm Hadwa [25] Winepress and burial cave on slope of rocky spur descending south, towards Wadi Umm Hadwa. On the slope—agricultural plots (c. 25 dunams). The winepress, hewn in a cracked rock outcrop (c 3×4 m), consists of a treading ﬂoor (2.0×2.2 m) and a small collecting vat (0.55×0.65 m; ﬁlled with alluvium). Nearby, hewn in a rock outcrop— two basins (diam. of each 0.42 m, 0.18 m deep). To the southwest is a rock-hewn burial cave with a hewn facade whose entrance (0.47×0.52 m) has a stepped frame carved around it.

789. 7–0/7 14728 10004 19728 60004 620 m asl Wadi Umm Hadwa [26] Wall segments and pottery scatters, as well as rock-hewn installations, caves and a pen, on rocky hill and its slopes south of Wadi Umm Hadwa. A Jordanian outpost constructed on the hill damaged the ancient remains and completely disturbed their plan. On the east and south slopes—two rock-hewn caves apparently used as shelters by shepherds. Near the cave, on the east slope—four circular basins (diam. 0.38–0.52 m) hewn close together in large rock outcrops; two conical cupmarks (diam. of each 0.26 m) are hewn near the southern basin. Hewn in a rock outcrop on the west slope—an agricultural installation: a leveled surface (2.4×2.8 m) with a square basin (0.37×0.37 m, 0.16 m deep) hewn in its center. On the northeastn slope—an oval pen (6×8 m) built of rough-hewn stones. Finds. Pottery (a few sherds—scatters): Iron II and Byzantine; Temporary occupation: Ottoman (pen, use of the caves).

790. 7–0/8 14735 10034 19735 60034 550 m asl Wadi Khursa [11] Winepress and installations on the slopes of a valley running west, towards Wadi Khursa. The winepress, hewn in a large rock outcrop on the north side of the valley, consists of a treading surface (3.12×3.64 m, 0.6 m deep) and collecting vat (0.72×1.32 m) to its south.

186* West of the winepress, hewn in rock outcrops—four circular basins (diam. 0.3–0.5 m). On the south side of the valley—three circular basins (diam. of each 0.38 m) hewn in a row at intervals of c. 0.5 m in a rock outcrop. Nearby to the north—a leveled rock outcrop (2.1×2.4 m). In this and a neighboring valley to the south—agricultural terraces (c. 45 dunams; some of them cultivated today) built in part with rough-hewn building stones in secondary use.

791. 7–0/9 14795 10040 19795 60040 550 m asl Wadi Umm Hadwa [27] Heap of rough-hewn building stones (remains of an ancient building?) on the upper part of a valley, on the north slope of a hill descending towards Wadi Umm Hadwa. Several houses built in the last several decades surround the stone heap. In the valley—ﬁve springs (local residents call the valley Shi‘b en Nazaz—referring to the springs); the spring water is conveyed in channels to agricultural plots (c. 10 dunams). On the ground on the east slope of the valley is a large stone basin (diam. 2.16 m, 0.48 m high), cracked in its center, which may have been part of an oil press. Finds. Hellenistic pottery (a few sherds—scatters).

792. 8–0/1 14880 10072 19880 60072 600 m asl Wadi Umm Hadwa [28] Rock-hewn cave on slope descending to the south, towards Wadi Umm Hadwa. The cave was apparently used by shepherds, probably in the Ottoman period. In front of the cave entrance are remains of a small pen probably built in this period.

793. 8–0/2 14850 10012 19850 60012 707 m asl Negohot [2] Pottery scatters on a hill—the location of the settlement Negohot. The hill commands an extensive view, particularly to the west, as far as the coastal plain. Finds. Pottery (numerous sherds—scatters): Iron II, Roman and Byzantine.

794. 8–0/3 14873 10032 19873 60032 600 m asl Wadi Umm Hadwa [29] Karst cave on slope descending north, towards Wadi Umm Hadwa. The cave was enlarged and prepared for use as a dwelling; storage niches and two benches are hewn in the walls. East of the cave entrance—a curvilinear stone wall (diam. 4.2 m) preserved to a maximum height of three courses. East of the cave, in the valley facing north—agricultural terraces (c. 10 dunams).

187* 795. 8–0/4 14897 10094 19897 60094 725 m asl Wadi Umm Hadwa [30] Remains of a building (4.5×4.5 m; two courses of large fieldstones) on an exposed rocky saddle, north of Wadi Umm Hadwa (the local residents refer to this region as Ras Khallat Ta‘a). The sides of the saddle descend precipitously to the north, towards Wadi Ahmad, and gently to the south, towards Wadi Umm Hadwa. Ten meters east of the building remains—a winepress hewn in a rock outcrop consisting of a treading floor (2.20×2.58 m, max. depth 0.44 m) and collecting vat (0.80×2.35 m; filled with stones) to its west. East of the treading floor is a leveled rock surface (1.45×2.90 m, 0.22 m deep) and between these two surfaces is a hewn oval vat (0.4×0.8 m, 0.32 m deep); a leveled perforation leads from this vat to the treading floor. Twelve meters to the east—another rock-hewn winepress (mostly covered with alluvium); two cylindrical stones (0.62 m long, diam. 0.55; 0.42 m long, diam. 0.35 m) lie on the treading floor. On the west slope—another winepress consisting of a circular treading floor (diam. 5.2 m) with a hewn vat in its center (1.00×1.06 m, 0.53 m deep) and collecting vat (1.20×1.80 m, 0.83 m deep) to its east. Hewn in rock outcrops near the building remains are 15 basins (diam. 0.35–0.52 m) and 5 cupmarks (diam. mostly 0.24 m). On the south slope—a building-stone quarry. In the wadis to the north and south—agricultural terraces (c. 35 dunams). Finds. Byzantine pottery (numerous sherds in and around the building remains).

796. 8–0/5 14873 10096 19873 60096 725 m asl ‘Jebel es Sursali’ Remains of a building—the corners and wall segments (c. 4×6 m)—on the west portion of an eroded rocky hill north of Wadi Umm Hadwa that commands a view to the west, north and south. Also at the site—a road (2.5–3.0 m wide) flanked by curbstones visible for a distance of c. 350 m, and a winepress, basins and a pen. North of the building remains—remains of an oval structure (3×4 m) built in the modern era, whose entrance faces north (building stones from the ancient building were apparently used in its construction). Nearby, to the east—a rock-hewn winepress (mostly covered with alluvium) consisting of a treading floor (c. 3×4 m) and collecting vat (1.6×2.2 m). South of the winepress—a rock cutting (2.1×2.7 m; a pool?) filled with alluvium and to the east four hewn circular basins (average diam. 0.4 m). On the south slope of the hill—remains of a pen (c. 6×12 m) and three round basins (diam. of each 0.47 m) hewn in rock outcrops. Finds. Pottery: Iron II (numerous finds similar to those from Tel Lakhish Stratum III in and around the building remains), Roman and Byzantine (scanty finds— scatters).

188* 797. 8–0/6 14888 10000 19888 60000 650 m asl Negohot [3] Cistern, cupmarks and remains of a wall on saddle (close to the road leading to Dura, southeast of the settlement Negohot). The cistern is hewn at the foot of a slope where runoff was apparently diverted to it via channels (another cistern was hewn close to it in recent years). Near the cistern—two cupmarks (diam. of each 0.27 m ). The wall remains (c. 17 m long; up to three courses of rough-hewn stones) may be related to the Roman road that led from Bet Guvrin to the south, towards the Hevron Hills (see above, Sites 660, 776, 786). On the bank of a wadi running south, towards Wadi Khursa—three rock-hewn caves. Remains of four burial kokhim were observed in the walls of the eastern cave (c. 5×8 m), which was enlarged after the ﬁrst phase of its use.

798. 8–0/7 14820 10088 19820 60088 650 m asl Wadi Umm Hadwa [31] Agricultural plots delimited by stone fences (c. 15 dunams) on a rocky slope that descends to the west, north of Wadi Umm Hadwa.

799. 8–0/8 14844 10052 19844 60052 600 m asl Wadi Umm Hadwa [32] Rock-hewn winepress on lower reaches of slope descending north, towards Wadi Umm Hadwa: a treading ﬂoor (2.4×2.7 m) and collecting vat (covered by a stone heap). Close by to the east—agricultural plots (c. 25 dunams) and remains of stone fences on their margins.

800. 8–0/9 14815 10022 19815 60022 640 m asl Negohot [4] Eight stone heaps (tombs?) on rocky slope, around a group of oak trees (currently west of the settlement Negohot). Nearby, to the north—a vat (1.22×1.42 m, 0.33 m deep) hewn in a rock surface.

801. 8–0/10 14855 10072 19855 60072 650 m asl Wadi Umm Hadwa [41] Rock-hewn cave (c. 3×4 m) on steep rocky slope descending south, towards Wadi Umm Hadwa; it was apparently used by shepherds. In front of the cave—a round basin (diam. 0.85 m) hewn in a rock surface.

802. 8–0/11 14885 10080 19885 60080 680 m asl Wadi Umm Hadwa [42] Agricultural terraces (c. 10 dunams) spanning a valley running south, towards Wadi Umm Hadwa. The terrace walls are preserved four courses high.

189* 803. 9–0/1 14941 10040 19941 60040 600 m asl Wadi Umm Hadwa [33] Rock-hewn cave at foot of slope descending south towards Wadi Umm Hadwa. The cave served as a shepherd’s shelter: benches and storage niches are hewn in the walls. In front of the cave—remains of a pen.

804. 9–0/2 14932 10030 19932 60030 600 m asl Wadi Umm Hadwa [34] Rock-hewn cistern (called Bir ‘Abd by local inhabitants) and two hewn troughs on slope descending north, towards Wadi Umm Hadwa. The cistern is ﬁlled with water throughout most of the year. Two channels convey runoff to it from the slope.

805. 9–0/3 14930 10096 19930 60096 750 m asl Wadi Umm Hadwa [35] Remains of a building (c. 3×5 m; one course of large fieldstones) and stone clearance heaps on the west portion of an exposed spur, north of Wadi Umm Hadwa. Near the building remains—eight circular basins (diam. 0.35–0.45 m) hewn in rock outcrops. On the east part of the spur—stone clearance heaps and open areas extending between them that were apparently agricultural plots. A road runs along the north slope of the spur (see Sites 676, 796, 806). Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (scanty finds—a scatter) and Byzantine (numerous finds in and around the building remains).

806. 9–0/4 14984 10094 19984 60094 809 m asl ‘Ras Qurnat Khallat esh Sheikh’ Rock-hewn cave and installations on slopes of a high rocky hill that commands a view in all directions. On the east portion of the hill is a pine grove and agricultural plots extend across the west portion. A stone wall delimits the boundary between the farm plots of two families that live nearby, to the east. An ancient road (3.2–4.0 m wide) ﬂanked by curbstones runs across the hill (for other sections of this road see Sites 676, 796, 805); several sections of the road were leveled by hewing in order to facilitate passage. On the west slope of the hill—a karst cave that was enlarged and prepared for use as a dwelling; a bench, two storage recesses (each 0.63×0.80 m, 0.4 m deep) and lamp niches are hewn in the walls. To its north is another cave that probably served as a charcoal kiln; a mound of charcoal waste fronts the entrance. On the north and west slopes are eight circular basins (average diam. 0.37 m) hewn in rock outcrops. On the east portion of the hill are ﬁve cupmarks (average diam. 0.28 m) hewn in a rock outcrop. Finds. Byzantine pottery (a few sherds—scatters); Temporary occupation: Ottoman (use of the cave).

190* 807. 9–0/5 14906 10081 19906 60081 700 m asl Wadi Umm Hadwa [36] Pottery scatters (c. 3 dunams) on saddle of rocky spur north of Wadi Umm Hadwa, in an area of agricultural terraces (c. 5 dunams). The terrace walls are built of rough-hewn stones and on the edges of the terraces are stone heaps. To the east of the agricultural area—a small building-stone quarry (2×3 m). Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze (scanty ﬁnds—scatters), Early and Late Roman (numerous ﬁnds).

808. 9–0/6 14970 10058 19970 60058 675 m asl Wadi Umm Hadwa [37] Two natural caves, a pool and a quarry on rocky slope descending south, towards Wadi Umm Hadwa, in an area of deserted agricultural terraces (area of c. 10 dunams). The caves were apparently used as shelters by shepherds. West of the lower cave—a rock- hewn pool (1.0×1.5 m). Towards the top of the slope—a small building-stone quarry (3×3 m; the severance channels are visible).

809. 9–0/7 14984 10012 19984 60012 725 m asl Wadi Umm Hadwa [38] Remains of a building (3.7×6.0 m)—wall segments and the northwest and southwest corners—on a rocky slope that descends north, towards Wadi Umm Hadwa. The building’s groundplan can be reconstructed according to the foundation trenches hewn in the rock. East of the building remains—a leveled rock surface (2.5×5.0 m). In the area to the north—agricultural terraces (c. 10 dunams) constructed c. 20 years ago with building stones from the structure. Finds. Pottery: Byzantine (scant ﬁnds—scatters) and Ottoman (in and around the remains of the building).

810. 9–0/8 14938 10010 19938 60010 725 m asl Wadi Umm Hadwa [39] Cave, used as a charcoal kiln, on slope of spur descending north, towards Wadi Umm Hadwa. In front of the cave—remains of charcoal waste.

811. 9–0/9 14910 10054 19910 60054 600 m asl Wadi Umm Hadwa [40] Remains of two buildings—wall segments (covered with stone clearance heaps) and building-stone scatters—on a natural terrace near Wadi Umm Hadwa. The wadi is quite broad in this area and agricultural terraces (c. 10 dunams) span it and the slopes descending to it.

191* On the slope descending to the wadi from the south—a cave (according to the landowner it was used by shepherds in the past as a shelter and still serves today in the summer months).

812. 9–0/10 14950 10070 19950 60070 750 m asl Wadi Umm Hadwa [43] Two circles of large ﬁeldstones (diam. of each circle c. 5 m, 0.6 m high) on slope descending south, towards Wadi Umm Hadwa. No entrances were discerned. To the west are stone heaps (across c. 2 dunams) that were apparently piled up preparatory to cultivation.

813. 9–0/11 14918 10008 19918 60008 650 m asl Wadi Umm Hadwa [44] Meager remains of a building—scatters of rough-hewn building stones, several ashlars and a stone threshold—on slope of spur descending north, towards Wadi Umm Hadwa. Nearby—two basins hewn in rock surfaces. West of the building remains—a rock-hewn cistern (partially blocked; c. 3 m deep) and to the north—a building-stone quarry. Finds. Pottery: Intermediate Bronze, Iron II (scanty ﬁnds—scatters) and Byzantine (numerous ﬁnds in and around the building remains).

192*