Site No.: 101 Palestine Grid Coordinates: 235900E, 141300N
Description: Site 101 was a small farmstead with a 5.8 x 4.9 rectilinear structure (101.1) as its central feature. Two small presses (101.2, 3) were found east of feature 1; one nicely cut with four short channels running from the upper to the lower basin. To the south, an embankment (101.8) crossed the wadi floor. Feature 101.9 provided an excellent example of how limestone blocks were quarried, with nine such blocks ready to be "popped" out of the bedrock. Cupholes (101.7, 10) and cisterns (101.4, 5) rounded out the features at this site.
Features: Rectilinear Structure, Press, Press, Cistern, Cistern, Basin, Cuphole, Wadi Embankment, Quarry, Cuphole, Wall Line
Pottery Count: 18/88
Pottery Reading: 1992: MOD, BYZ, IR2, PROB EB, UD -- 1987: BYZ, IR2
Site No.: 102 Palestine Grid Coordinates: 237500E, 143900N
Description: Site 102 was a complex of widely scattered features on the hilltop and lower slope west of the property now occupied by the Royal Shooting Club and south of Juweiyida Prison. On a hilltop was a small (3m square) rectilinear structure, three sides of which still remain. About 100m NW of this structure, at the bottom of the hill, was an industrial area cut into bedrock. Features here included a large winepress with vats and channels, a smaller winepress, cupholes and a wall line. Parts of this system appeared to have been reused as a cistern and watering trough after a re-cutting of the stone. Also in this location were two cave/tombs. Along the northern and eastern slopes of the hill were two terrace walls and some caves. To the north, in the wadi, was a line of curb stones running along the fence of the royal shooting club, and a second, larger, rectilinear structure. Across the fence were two wall lines, at right angles to each other, perhaps the remains of field walls.
Function: Agricultural/industrial complex.
Features: Rectilinear Structure, Press, Cave, Press, Press, Press, Tomb, Rectilinear Structure, Wall Line, Wall Line, Field Wall, Basin, Wall Line, Cuphole, Cistern, Terrace
Pottery Count:
Pottery Reading: 1992: FEW MOD, FEW UM, FEW BYZ -- 1987: BYZ, FEW IR BODS, ONE SKEET
Site No.: 103 Palestine Grid Coordinates: 237200E, 143900N
Description: This complex of terrace walls were on the edge of a pine forest and a cultivated wadi floor, between the large hill where site 102 was located and the slopes coming SE from Um Quseir. On the east side of the site was a roadway (partially described with site 59), which appeared on the 1:25,000 map, running between Um Quseir and Kh. es-Suq. The lowest terrace ran along the slope in a NE-SW direction, and 2 additional terrace walls were located to the west.
Features: Terrace, Cuphole, Quarry
Pottery Count: 1/3
Pottery Reading: 1992: 2 POSS BYZ BODS, UD -- 1987: 1 MOD, BYZ, IR ALL BODS
Site No.: 105 Palestine Grid Coordinates: 235200E, 143000N
Description: A site which consisted primarily of rock-cut features, including 2 of unknown function. Namely, a large rectilinear basin cut into the rock (105.1), and a trench (105.2) cut through the rock. Three circular basins were also noted (103.3,4,5). A tomb and two probable caves (105.8,9,10) were recorded as well as quarry marks (105.6) and cupholes (105.7).
Features: Misc. Rock-Cut, Misc. Rock-Cut, Basin, Basin, Basin, Cuphole, Quarry, Tomb, Cuphole, Tomb
Pottery Count: 21/60
Pottery Reading: 1992: MOD, L IS, UM, BYZ -- 1987: No Pottery
Site No.: 106 Palestine Grid Coordinates: 235700E, 143600N
Description: On a low ridge sticking out toward the Wadi el-Buneiyat. The rectilinear structure noted in 1987 was not found and probably had been destroyed. Three terrace walls 106.1 climbed the slope to a threshing floor and a number of piles of field stones.
1987 Report: Located on a hillside overlooking Wadi el-Buneiyat, this site consists of a rectilinear structure (ca. 3.00 X 3.00 m) and three stone piles which may be the collapse of field towers. At the base of one stone pile was a stone which has a curious basin cut into it. About 50 m tonorthwest of the rectilinear structure was a threshing floor. To the west of the structure, three partially eroded terraces can be seen. A few cupholes have been cut into the bedrock at various locations around the site. (Younker, 1991)
Function: Agricultural complex.
Features: Terrace, Rectilinear Structure, Stone Pile, Cuphole
Pottery Count: 24/100
Pottery Reading: 1992: MOD, AB, UM, BYZ, IR2 -- 1987: No pottery data
Site No.: 108 Palestine Grid Coordinates: 234400E, 146600N
Description: Only a couple of features were noted at this site discovered during the random square survey. A cistern (108.1) and a square rock-cut basin (108.2). Any other features had been destroyed by construction in this urban annex.
Features: Cistern, Basin, Cuphole
Pottery Count:
Pottery Reading: 1987: NO POTTERY FOUND
Site No.: 109 Palestine Grid Coordinates: 236600E, 143000N
Description: A massive (6 ha) complex of industrial facilities spread out over the hilltops and spur leading out into the wadi. A road (109.4) bisected the site and drew to it intensive quarrying (109.10), wine pressing/manufacture (109.11,12,15) and other uncertain activities (109.16,18). Many cisterns populated the site (109.1,6,8,9,13,14,17) providing water for industrial, agricultural, and human use. The spur was terraced (109.5) probably for garden crops or economic trees that surrounded a large rectilinear structure, possibly a manor house (109.2). The numerous piles of cobblestones (109.3), and paving stones may attest to their manufacture at this site. The same stones once paved the road (109.4). Circular structures, heaped piles of rock and soil, were possibly industrial granaries of some kind (according to Irvin).
Function: Intensive investment and resource use along major artery from many different decades and centuries, no doubt.
Food System: In intensive periods, cannot be divorced from industrial activities.
Features: Wadi Embankment, Cistern, Rectilinear Structure, Stone Pile, Road, Terrace, Cistern, Basin, Cistern, Cistern, Quarry, Press, Press, Cistern, Cistern, Press, Press, Cistern, Misc. Rock-Cut, Circular Structure, Circular Structure, Cuphole, Wall Line
Pottery Count: 18/95
Pottery Reading: 1992: BYZ, IR -- 1987: ALL BYZ
Site No.: 112 Palestine Grid Coordinates: 232100E, 140000N
Description: This site consisted of a limekiln (112.1) set in the floor of a tributary to the Wadi Hajal, abutting an embankment (112.2) which crossed the mouth of the tributary. On the slope S.E. of the limekiln a short section of a single terrace wall (112.3) was found. Just downslope from this wall, a cistern, probably ancient, had been replastered and capped (in 1989 according to the inscription). Modern walls channeled runoff into the cistern.
Features: Kiln, Wadi Embankment, Terrace, Cistern
Pottery Count: 6/56
Pottery Reading: 1992: UM, BYZ, ER -- 1987: 1 PROB BYZ BOD, ROM BODS, IR BODS
Site No.: 113 Palestine Grid Coordinates: 231700E, 140700N
Description: This limekiln, discovered in 1987, had since been destroyed by the building of a house and the terracing of the slope.
1987 Report: This kiln (ca. 4.00 m diameter) is located at the base of a terraced slope south of Wadi el-Hajal. Some slag was found on the surface. (Younker, 1991)
Features: Kiln, Terrace
Pottery Count: 0/1
Pottery Reading: 1987: 1 E ROM BOD
Site No.: 114 Palestine Grid Coordinates: 231200E, 141400N
Description: A limekiln discovered in 1987 which had since been destroyed by the building of terraces in what appeared to be a major agricultural development project.
1987 Report: This kiln site was located at the base of a tributary which feeds into Wadi el-Hajal. Slag was found immediately on the surface. Terraces were located to the south of the kiln. (Younker, 1991)
Features: Kiln, Terrace
Pottery Count: 0/2
Pottery Reading: 1987: 2 BYZ BODS
Site No.: 115 Palestine Grid Coordinates: 232900E, 141200N
Description: This limekiln was found high on the southern slope of Wadi Bisharat, within site 116A, just north of the "high" road. Cut by the road, the remaining portion of the limekiln was ca. 6m in diameter with a slight depression to the west.
Features: Kiln, Terrace
Pottery Count: 0/1
Pottery Reading: 1987: 1 IR BOD
Site No.: 116 Palestine Grid Coordinates: 233200E, 141100N
Description: One of the main emphases of the 1989 season was an examination of the technologies used during the Roman/Byzantine period to increase food production. The Wadi el-Bisharat was chosen for this study because of its manageable size, the ease with which it could be isolated from surrounding wadi systems, and its proximity to Site 57, a site important during the Roman/Byzantine period.
The Wadi el-Bisharat flows in a southeast direction for approximately 3 kilometers before emptying into the Wadi el-Mashur. There are several smaller tributary wadis running from the steep slopes flanking the Wadi el-Bisharat into the main wadi channel. In order to facilitate control of the data from such a large area the site was split into two main divisions, the wadi bottoms, and the slopes flanking them. The former was given the number 116 and included the valley floors of the tributaries and the main channel of the Wadi el-Bisharat . The slopes were further sub-divided and labeled as Sites 116A-116P. (To avoid confusion, the letters "I" and "O" were not used, bringing the total number of sites on the slopes to 14.)
It was clear that all forty features recorded at Site 116 were intended to preserve the valley floor for agriculture. Most common of these features were wadi embankments, or wadi terraces, of which 18 were found (features 116.1, 3, 6, 7, 9, 10, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 and 40). These embankments were located where the wadi was narrow enough for a wall to be built across the entire valley floor. Functioning much like terraces, soil would build up behind the embankment, covering it until only the sudden rise in the valley floor communicated their presence. Typical of the embankments present at this site was Feature 116.3. Located approximately 140 m upstream from the mouth of the Wadi el-Bisharat, this embankment stretched 30 m across the Wadi and was evidenced by a small but noticeable ridge which broke the natural flow of the terrain. The channel cutting through the wadi bottom had eroded through the embankment creating a section which revealed two courses of a rubble-filled wall 1.7 m thick.
Sixteen dams were also found at Site 116, making them almost as common as embankments (features 116.11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, and 28). Dams differed from embankments in that they were not constructed across the entire valley floor but were located only within the wadi channel. They were placed primarily in those areas of the wadi which were too wide to make an embankment practical, or where extra protection against erosion was deemed necessary. Feature 116.14 was typical of these structures. Sixteen meters in length, this dam has been cut in two places by the channel revealing a construction technique different from that used in the embankments. A wall was built of medium sized boulders (50-75cm) behind which rubble fill was placed, creating a structure just over one meter thick. Soil then covered the dam, probably the result of a natural silting process.
The third feature type found at Site 116 was rubble fill, apparently used to repair erosion damage. At four locations in the side walls of the wadi channel, large amounts of rubble fill were noted (features 116.2, 4, 5, and 8). Typical of these was Feature 116.5. Here, rubble filled a cavity 6.1 m long and 1.4 m deep. The section of this feature, found in the south bank of the channel suggested that as water ran down the channel large areas were scooped out of the banks, effectively removing areas from cultivation and increasing the danger of further horizontal erosion and loss of cultivable land. Filling these eroded pockets allowed for replacement of the lost soil and kept the channel as straight as possible, lessening the chance of horizontal erosion.
Finally, two walls of recent construction were also recorded (Features 116.19, and 20). Built between 1987 and 1989, these walls were recorded because of their remarkable resemblance to the ancient embankments discussed above. Most interesting of these walls was Feature 116.20. This wall stretched completely across the wadi floor, 120 m, and was of rubble filled construction with soil banked against its upstream side by a bulldozer. As soil continues to fill in behind this structure, it will likely come to resemble the ancient embankments in the wadi.
Features: Wadi Embankment, Stone Fill, Wadi Embankment, Rubble Fill, Rubble Fill, Wadi Embankment, Wadi Embankment, Rubble Fill, Wadi Embankment, Wadi Embankment, Dam, Dam, Dam, Dam, Dam, Dam, Dam, Dam, Field Wall, Field Wall, Dam, Dam, Dam, Dam, Dam, Dam, Dam, Dam, Wadi Embankment, Wadi Embankment, Wadi Embankment, Wadi Embankment, Wadi Embankment, Wadi Embankment, Wadi Embankment, Wadi Embankment, Wadi Embankment, Wadi Embankment, Wadi Embankment, Wadi Embankment
Pottery Count: 21/97
Pottery Reading: 1989: BYZ, ROM, IR BODS
Site No.: 116A Palestine Grid Coordinates: 232700E, 141200N
Description: This was the first of the areas flanking the valley floor of the Wadi el-Bisharat examined by the survey team. The Site was approximately 900 X 200 meters, on the slope rising just south of the valley floor and was covered by dwarf shrub. The only features (Feature 116A.1) recorded on this slope were several sections of ancient terraces, certainly meant to prevent the erosion of the rich terra rossa soil. The remains of these structures were primarily below ground level, but created a characteristic lip on the outer edges of the natural limestone terraces. Based on the few instances where the terraces were exposed, they were constructed primarily of medium (50-75cm) to small (25-50cm) boulders with cobble and pebble chinkstones and up to 40 cm thick. Most exposed sections of terracing were short, but one of 20 meters was found. At the upper reaches of this slope, these terraces still supported agriculture, although the walls themselves were barely visible.
Features: Terrace
Pottery Count: 19/245
Pottery Reading: 1989: BYZ, ROM BODS DOM, IR BODS
Site No.: 116B Palestine Grid Coordinates: 232000E, 141400N
Description: Just upstream from Site 116A, this Site was approximately 400 X 250 meters and was also on the south side of the Wadi el-Bisharat. On these steep slopes, the remains of 17 separate terrace walls (Feature 116B.1) were recorded. The description of these structures was based on limited exposure and paralleled that of the terraces found at Site 116A.
Features: Terrace
Pottery Count: 12/108
Pottery Reading: 1989: AY/MAM, BYZ, ROM, IR2
Site No.: 116C Palestine Grid Coordinates: 231500E, 141700N
Description: Still moving up the southern flank of the Wadi el-Bisharat, Site 116C was approximately 600 X 300 meters in size. As with the previous two sites, agricultural terrace walls (Feature 116C.1) were the main feature. Heavily eroded, most of the terraces had fallen, their presence seen only in level patches on the slope and downslope rubble. It was estimated that there were originally 16 terraces on this slope and the small portions left intact were constructed primarily of small (25-50cm), unhewn boulders, chinked with pebbles and cobbles.
In addition to terrace walls, a limekiln and two caves were also found at Site 116C. The kiln (Feature 116C.3) was circular, seven meters in diameter and built almost entirely of small, unhewn boulders which formed a wall ca. 1.5 m thick. An opening pierced the wall of the kiln to the northwest providing a natural draft. Nearby were two man-made caves and it is possible that this kiln was constructed to burn the limestone produced during their excavation. Most interesting of these caves was Feature 116C.2, nearly rectangular in shape, 21 X 16 meters, and two meters from floor to ceiling. An estimated one meter of debris covered the floor and there was a niche cut into the wall adjacent to the nearly square entrance. The remains of two large rectangular blocks hung from the ceiling and may originally have been pillars for support of the ceiling. Surprisingly, no dung was found in the cave indicating that it had not been used as a shelter for the ever present sheep and goats in the region. The second cave, Feature 116C.4 was almost completely filled with debris, making examination impossible.
Features: Terrace, Cave, Kiln
Pottery Count: 8/76
Pottery Reading: 1989: BYZ, ROM, POS IR BODS
Site No.: 116D Palestine Grid Coordinates: 231100E, 142300N
Description: This site was approximately 250 X 200 meters and was located just upstream from Site 116C. In spite of the high level of erosion, 12 terraces (Feature 116D.2) were recorded which were constructed in a manner similar to those at Sites 116A-116C. In addition, quarrying activity was also recorded (Feature 116D.1).
Features: Quarry, Terrace
Pottery Count: 25/152
Pottery Reading: 1989: MOD, BYZ, ROM, HEL, 2 IR2, IR BODS
Site No.: 116E Palestine Grid Coordinates: 231100E, 142600N
Description: This site was immediately upstream from Site 116D and, following a bend in the Wadi el-Bisharat, runs north for 300 m and up the slope, to the west, for 200 m. Thirteen terraces (Feature 116E.1) were the only features recorded at this site. Erosion on the lower slope and plowing on the upper slope have destroyed most of the terraces. Additionally, new terraces had been built high on the slope, and stones robbed from ancient terraces were used in their construction. In spite of this, short sections of ancient terraces remained and the description of their construction was again similar to that of other terrace walls along the slopes of the wadi. Only five sherds were recovered from this slope.
Features: Terrace
Pottery Count: 1/5
Pottery Reading: 1989: L ROM, 1 POS IR BOD
Site No.: 116F Palestine Grid Coordinates: 231000E, 142900N
Description: This site was another terraced slope, just upstream from Site 116E. It was ca. 400 X 200 meters, and the only features discovered were terraces (Feature 116.1). In construction, the terraces were identical to those found elsewhere on the slopes of the Wadi el-Bisharat, constructed of small (25-50cm) to medium (50-75cm) fieldstones. New terraces have recently been constructed at the top of this slope. Unfortunately, the pottery reading for this Site was lost.
Features: Terrace
Pottery Count:
Pottery Reading: 1989: LOST
Site No.: 116G Palestine Grid Coordinates: 230600E, 143000N
Description: Just north (upstream) of Site 116F, this Site was primarily a terraced slope. Unlike the previously discussed Sites along this wadi, terra rossa soil was no longer present, replaced by a poorer chalky soil reflecting a change in the basic rock type of the region to a marly limestone. Six severely eroded terrace walls (Feature 116G.1) were noted on this slope, conforming in description to that of other terraces along this wadi. In addition to the terraces, one tomb (Feature 116G.2) was recorded. Completely blocked by debris, only the upper portion of a small rectilinear opening was visible.
Features: Terrace, Tomb
Pottery Count: 5/69
Pottery Reading: 1989: BYZ, ROM, POS IR BODS
Site No.: 116H Palestine Grid Coordinates: 230500E, 143400N
Description: Running north for ca. 300 m and west for ca. 150 m, this site was just upstream from Site 116G. The soil at this site was even more marly, and the bedrock outcrops were riddled with tombs which had been cut into the soft rock. A few traces of terracing (Feature 116H.1) remained, but the poor quality of the soil and the large number of tombs leads to the conclusion that agriculture was never a priority on this slope. Because of the large number of tombs found here (50 tombs counted to date) they were assigned a separate site number, Site 124. We were only able to enter a few of the tombs, but aside from the few bones which remained, all the tombs we entered had been robbed.
Features: Terrace
Pottery Count: 2/23
Pottery Reading: 1989: 1 MOD, BYZ, ROM, HEL, POS IR BODS
Site No.: 116J Palestine Grid Coordinates: 231000E, 143800N
Description: Site 116J lay at the extreme upper reaches of Wadi el-Bisharat, within a Jordanian military base. Because of security concerns, we were not allowed to enter the base. Evidence of ancient terracing was seen from a distance but could not be confirmed.
Features: Terrace
Pottery Count:
Pottery Reading: 1989: No Pottery Record
Site No.: 116K Palestine Grid Coordinates: 231400E, 143600N
Description: Downstream from the town of Um es-Summaq, this site was ca. 500 X 250 meters. Six terraces (Feature 116K.1) were the only feature recorded at this site. Based on limited exposure, these terraces were typical of those found along the Wadi el-Bisharat.
Features: Terrace
Pottery Count: 6/79
Pottery Reading: 1989: BYZ, ROM, POS IR BODS
Site No.: 116L Palestine Grid Coordinates: 231500E, 142900N
Description: Downstream from Site 116K, the slope designated Site 116L stretched ca. 700 m along the Wadi el-Bisharat and 250 m east of the valley floor. Features included a number of terraces (Feature 116L.1) consistent in construction and preservation with others in the region. Based on a partially preserved section of terrace wall near the top of the slope, these terraces were constructed primarily of medium (50-75cm) boulders and were about 0.5 m thick. Fortuitously, there were Roman and Byzantine sherds directly associated with one section of terrace wall. In addition to the terrace walls, there were also cupholes in bedrock outcrops (Feature 116L.2) and the remains of quarrying activities (Feature 116L.3).
Features: Terrace, Cuphole, Quarry
Pottery Count: 13/108
Pottery Reading: 1989: BYZ, ROM, POS IR BODS
Site No.: 116M Palestine Grid Coordinates: 232000E, 142500N
Description: This site covered a large section of the slopes just downstream of Site 116L (ca. 950 X 250 meters). The vegetation here was primarily dwarf shrub, but an Aleppo pine forest covers the lower end of the site. The remains of 8 terraces (Feature 116L.1) consisting of eroded terrace bases running along the lines of the natural limestone terraces, generally only a few stones in a row and one course high. In addition, several terrace walls had been constructed at this Site since 1987, along the same lines as the ancient terraces. In addition to the terraces, a number of quarry marks were also noted (Feature 116M.2) and, more importantly, the remains of a rectilinear Structure (Feature 116M.3) 11 X 8 meters in size with three exterior walls and one interior wall. With only one course preserved the structure was constructed primarily of medium sized (50-75cm), unhewn boulders in two rows filled with rubble.
Features: Terrace, Quarry, Rectilinear Structure
Pottery Count: 3/16
Pottery Reading: 1989: BYZ, ROM, POS IR BODS
Site No.: 116N Palestine Grid Coordinates: 232600E, 141700N
Description: This site was ca. 250 X 200 meters and contained 7 terrace wall fragments (Feature 116N.1), corresponding in construction and preservation to others located along the Wadi el-Bisharat.
Features: Terrace
Pottery Count:
Pottery Reading: 1989: No Pottery Record
Site No.: 116P Palestine Grid Coordinates: 233000E, 141400N
Description: Approximately 650 X 250 meters, Site 116P was the final site on the Wadi el-Bisharat. This site lay directly across the valley floor from Site 116A on a slope of dwarf shrub and Aleppo Pine. Features here included both terraces and a rock-cut basin. The terrace fragments (Feature 116P.1) ranged from 2 to 40 meters in length and were constructed primarily of cobbles and small (25-50cm) boulders. Although these terrace walls were still standing up to 40 cm in places, they had, for the most part been completely eroded. (Photo #6/11/6P/003, Suggested Caption: Feature 116P.1, remains of ancient terrace wall.) One rock-cut basin was also discovered on this slope (Feature 116P.2). This basin was rectangular in shape, 3 X 4 meters, and 20-30 centimeters deep.
Features: Terrace, Basin
Pottery Count: 0/14
Pottery Reading: 1989: BYZ, ROM BODS, IR BODS
Site No.: 118 Palestine Grid Coordinates: 238200E, 140500N
Description: This site was predominantly exposed bedrock and encompasses a large area immediately south of Tall Jawa (Site 29). Some 300 X 200 meters, the primary function of this site was quarrying, with 45 distinct areas of quarrying activity recorded (Features 118.1, 4, 7). The number of quarrying areas here and their proximity to both Tall Jawa and modern Jawa make it likely that the slope has been used throughout history. In addition to these quarries, a wall (Feature 118.2), two cisterns (Features 118.3, 6), and a cave (Feature 118.5) were also recorded. Finally, one object was recorded at Site 118, a limestone disc over 1 meter in diameter, 35 cm thick and cracked in two places. Pierced in the middle and resembling other limestone discs found throughout Palestine, it seems most likely that this object was meant to be used in an olive crushing or milling installation.
Features: Quarry, Field Wall, Cistern, Quarry, Cave, Cistern, Quarry, Cuphole
Pottery Count: 27/237
Pottery Reading: 1989: 1 MOD, AY/MAM, BYZ, HEL, IR 2, IR BODS DOM
Site No.: 120 Palestine Grid Coordinates: 235900E, 139100N
Description: Located on the slopes of a hill just southwest of Qasr Yadudah, this was a large site containing a number of diverse features most of which seem to have been related to the growing of grapes and the production of wine. It seems likely that this site was at one time a farmstead, although there was no rectilinear structure found here. Features were scattered with no discernible pattern across a diverse slope of cultivated fields, exposed bedrock, Aleppo Pine forest, and dwarf shrub. Low on the slope, within the confines of Random Square 76, two winepresses (Features 120.1, 2) were found in an area of exposed bedrock. Just west of these, a field wall ran north-south for ca. 35 m. Southwest of this wall was an additional winepress (Feature 120.8) and a terrace wall (Feature 120.5) lay just upslope from this press. Just south of this winepress, a combination field/terrace wall (Feature 120.7) stretched for over 200 meters, first upslope and then across slope. The large areas of exposed bedrock provided extensive evidence of quarrying (Feature 120.3), as well as a cistern (Feature 120.6). It still remains for a number of features at this site to be recorded.
Features: Press, Press, Quarry, Wall Line, Terrace, Cistern, Field Wall, Press, Cuphole
Pottery Count: 9/99
Pottery Reading: 1989: AY/MAM, UM, ROM, IR BODS, POSS EB
Site No.: 121 Palestine Grid Coordinates: 230900E, 142800N
Description: On the crest of the hill above Site 116F, this site was noted during Schnurrenberger's systematic survey of the Wadi el-Bisharat. A cluster of houses, agricultural fields, and threshing floors covered the site and the inhabitants, although courteous, were reluctant to allow more than a cursory examination of the area. Even so, the wall lines of several rectilinear structures, some as large as 15 meters, with multiple rooms, were readily visible on the surface and indicate that the site was likely a fair sized village. It is hoped that next season this site can be more thoroughly recorded.
Features: Rectilinear Structure, Cistern, Perimeter Wall, Wall Line
Pottery Count:
Pottery Reading: 1989: No Pottery Collected
Site No.: 122 Palestine Grid Coordinates: 232700E, 141800N
Description: At the top of the ridge which flanks the mouth of the Wadi el-Bisharat, Site 122 was discovered during Schnurrenberger's survey of the wadi's environmental features. The site covered approximately 100 X 100 meters, and was flanked to the south and west by Aleppo Pine forest and to the north and east by slopes of dwarf shrub. It was criss-crossed by wall lines (122.1, 4, 5, 8, and 10) which likely functioned originally as field walls. At the highpoint of the site was an area of disturbed soil, with several dressed stones scattered about. Given the quality of the stone work these may have originally been part of a structure which was later robbed. The roughly circular wall of a small herding station (122.2) with a cave (122.3) inside its boundaries lay east of the highpoint. To the northeast, another cave (122.11) was found. Down the slope, to the south, three cisterns were recorded (122.6,7,9). Finally, at least 10 distinct areas of quarrying activity were noted. The pottery collected at this site was consistent with the pottery collected throughout the Wadi el-Bisharat, indicating that Site 122, was most intensively used during the Byzantine period.
Features: Wall Line, Perimeter Wall, Cave, Wall Line, Wall Line, Cistern, Cistern, Wall Line, Cistern, Wall Line, Cave, Quarry
Pottery Count: 73/377
Pottery Reading: 1989: MAM, BYZ, L IR2
Site No.: 123 Palestine Grid Coordinates: 233700E, 137900N
Description: Straddling a small hill on the ridge south of the Bishara family home, this Site was dominated by exposed bedrock and rocky soils. Much of it was not suitable for agriculture, and served in 1989 as a kind of wasteland, crossed by two roads and pocked by caves and cisterns used as refuse collection sites. The central features were two rectilinear structures (Features 123.9, 10) found just south of the highpoint of the site. North of these a short section of wall was found (Feature 123.3) which may be the remains of a third rectilinear structure, part of a perimeter wall around the central features of the site, or a section of field wall. The ephemeral nature of this wall makes any final determination impossible. In addition to these structures, two cisterns were recorded; one which had been converted to use as a cave (123.1) and a second (123.7) whose collapse was too extensive to allow its reuse. Finally, two caves were recorded (123.4, 8).
Features: Cave, Cave, Wall Line, Cave, Basin, Quarry, Cistern, Cave, Rectilinear Structure, Rectilinear Structure
Pottery Count: 7/157
Pottery Reading: 1989: UM, BYZ, ROM, IR BODS, 1 EB
Site No.: 124 Palestine Grid Coordinates: 230600E, 143400N
Description: Site 124 was a large cemetery. On a marly slope to the south of the Wadi el-Bisharat, this Site was discovered during Schnurrenberger's work in this area and was within the boundaries of Site 116H. In the exposed bedrock outcrops of the area, numerous loculi style tombs had been cut. Fifty such tombs were visible on four natural terraces near the top of the slope. Atop the slope, additional tombs were noted, but because exposure here had been obscured by soil and collapse of the tombs themselves an exact count could not be made. Visited during the final field day of the 1989 season, time constraints made the recording of individual tombs impossible and complete documentation of this cemetery awaits a future season. (The pottery reading listed below is that of Site 116H, and includes only surface collection made outside the tombs, pottery from inside the tombs was not collected during the 1989 season.)
Features: Tomb, Terrace
Pottery Count: 2/23
Pottery Reading: 1989: 1 MOD, BYZ, ROM, HEL, POSS IR BODS
Site No.: 125 Palestine Grid Coordinates: 233000E, 139100N
Description: This site was located on a small knob ca. 800 meters south of Site 126, high on a wadi slope overlooking the Wadi Hajal to the west. This knob was almost completely eroded with wide (ca. 5 m), bedrock ledges extending out from the slopes of the hill. Atop this hill, and nearly buried in a layer of soil were the remains of one curvilinear wall (Feature 125.1) and a short linear wall (Feature 125.3) which, given its location and related features, may have been the remains of a rectilinear structure. On the eastern and southern slopes of the Site a number of features were recorded, including two cisterns (Features 125.4, 6), two wine-presses (Features 125.2, 5), and numerous areas of quarrying activity (Feature 125.7). Pottery collected at this site indicated occupation during the Late Iron 2, Roman, and Byzantine periods.
Features: Wall Line, Press, Wall Line, Cistern, Press, Cistern, Quarry
Pottery Count: 51/86
Pottery Reading: 1989: MOD, BYZ, ROM, L IR2
Site No.: 126 Palestine Grid Coordinates: 232800E, 139900N
Description: This is Site 135 from the Hesban Survey, and was dominated by a large Hellenistic fortress, Feature 126.10, with an elaborate cave system beneath its walls. Excavated during the 1989 season, a description of this excavation will be found in future MPP volumes. The site was visited during the 1989 season to document features which were outside the scope of the excavation. These features included numerous wall lines (Feature 126.1) north of the main fortress. Feature 126.2 was the remains of what may have been a tower, although this is doubtful. A corner cut into bedrock (Feature 126.4), was most likely a quarry. Feature 126.5 was a small cave east of the Hellenistic fortress. Another cave (Feature 126.6) was located just north of the fortress and had a small courtyard bounded by stones in front of it. The most impressive cave, aside from those beneath the fortress, was Feature 126.7. The opening of this cave was ca. 11 m across and faced to the northeast. There were blocked openings in the northwest wall of the cave's interior which undoubtedly connected to the subterranean structures beneath the Hellenistic fortress.
Features: Defensive Wall, Cave, Circular Structure, Cistern, Quarry, Rectilinear Structure, Wall Line
Pottery Count:
Pottery Reading: 1989: HEL DOM, IR2
Site No.: 128 Palestine Grid Coordinates: 236200E, 143600N
Description: A small, enclosed agricultural complex just above the wadi on a gradual slope with associated terrace walls (128.5). Bedrock exposed in upper section of enclosure offered cupholes (128.3), a deep, low cave with many chambers and a winepress (128.4) or deep rectilinear collection basin. A wadi embankment (128.6) stretched out from the base of the enclosure. A circular structure (128.7) and inexplicable wall line were also associated with the SW corner of the enclosure. At the NE corner of the enclosure, a possible section of roadway extended along the contour of the spur for 165m.
Function: An agricultural processing station for the produce of the slopes upon which it sits and the wadi floor.
Food System: Clearly manifestation of intensive agri-production, concentration on commodities of marketable value. Absence of domestic dwelling suggests integration into a regional production network.
Features: Perimeter Wall, Cave, Cuphole, Press, Terrace, Wadi Embankment, Circular Structure, Wall Line, Wall Line, Wall Line, Road
Pottery Count: 13/63
Pottery Reading: 1992: BYZ, IR2 BODS
Site No.: 129 Palestine Grid Coordinates: 234100E, 142300N
Description: A large cave, perhaps a rock-cut tomb, with an impressive wide opening, sits below a bedrock ledge upon which cupholes and reservoirs are set. Overlooks wadi fields many meters below.
Function: Shelter, storage.
Food System: Hinterland facilities.
Features: Cave, Cuphole, Basin, Basin
Pottery Count: 14/58
Pottery Reading: 1992: UM, BYZ, FEW ER, IR2, IR1
Site No.: 130 Palestine Grid Coordinates: 233900E, 142300N
Description: This site consisted of several non-centralized agricultural installations. These included a wadi embankment, wall lines on the side of the wadi, and the terracing of the small hillside wadi tributary. Together these features adapted this site for intensive agriculture. Rock-cut features on hill slopes evidenced this activity.
Function: Non-centralized agricultural complex, with portions later serving as a quarry.
Food System: Intensive use of hillside and wadi bottom.
Features: Wall Line, Terrace, Wadi Embankment, Terrace, Basin, Terrace, Quarry
Pottery Count: 8/53
Pottery Reading: 1992: BYZ, IR BODS, POSS IR1
Site No.: 131 Palestine Grid Coordinates: 235300E, 141000N
Description: The central feature of this site was a large rock-cut vat (131.1), perhaps used in the processing of olive oil. This vat with its subsidiary basins and channels was similar to others in the vicinity (c.f. Sites 82, 90, 76). In addition, a cave (131.2) was located beneath the vat -- and terraces (131.3) and quarries (131.4) were found on the slopes.
Function: Olive oil production.
Features: Vat, Cave, Terrace, Quarry
Pottery Count: 28/118
Pottery Reading: 1992: MOD, BYZ, 1 POSS IR BOD
Site No.: 132 Palestine Grid Coordinates: 234300E, 139200N
Description: An extensively quarried bedrock shelf possessed an olive processing installation with the crusher surviving nearly intact. Many natural dissolution features may have been filled caves/cisterns; numerous squared "basins" resulted from quarrying, effacious probable olive processing vats, cupholes circular and rectilinear were predominant.
Function: Olive processing.
Food System: Hill slope now devoid of soil, walls (except for modern) must have once boasted an extensive olive orchard in antiquity -- a nice compliment to the vast grain fields of the Bisharat -Abu Jaber holdings.
Features: Olive Crusher, Quarry, Cistern, Cuphole
Pottery Count: 5/34
Pottery Reading: 1992: BYZ, IR BODS
Site No.: 133 Palestine Grid Coordinates: 235500E, 142800N
Description: This site had a variety of features, each of them related to agriculture. Feature 1 was a small limekiln set against bedrock. Several rock-cut features round out the feature list at this site. A small rectilinear basin (133.2), the ephemeral remains of a wine press (133.3) and a large collection vat (133.4), most likely the lower basin for a winepress.
Features: Kiln, Basin, Press, Press, Cuphole, Basin
Pottery Count: 9/97
Pottery Reading: 1992: MOD BODS, BYZ, ROM, IR2
Site No.: 134 Palestine Grid Coordinates: 232100E, 140200N
Description: A site with various agricultural features. The most notable feature was a large limekiln (134.1) between the road and cultivated fields of the Wadi Hajal. Atop the ridge, a winepress (134.2) with two basins and six cupholes was found. Terraces (134.4) were found in short stretches along the flanks of the hill. A cistern with a concrete capstone was located just on the edge of the pine forest.
Features: Kiln, Press, Press, Cistern, Terrace
Pottery Count: 5/10
Pottery Reading: 1992: MOD, BYZ, IR
Site No.: 140 Palestine Grid Coordinates: 232100E, 140900N
Description: Low on a southern spur of Site 57, was a small rectilinear structure (140.1) next to a cistern (140.3). On the cultivated slopes surrounding these features were many terraces (140.4) all in disrepair, a well preserved limekiln (140.5) was recorded on a terrace to the N.W. In a tributary wadi an embankment (140.2) was found.
Features: Rectilinear Structure, Wadi Embankment, Cistern, Terrace, Kiln
Pottery Count: 206/440
Pottery Reading: 1987: POSS OTT, AY/MAM, UM/AB, BYZ DOM, ROM SAME AS FOR SITE 57
