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‘Atiqot 67 (2011)
ISBN 2948-040X
An Iron Age and Hellenistic-Period Site near Be’er Sheva‘
(with a contribution by Moshe Sade)
(Hebrew, pp. 61–80; English summary, p. 88*)
Yigal Israel and Oded Feder
Keywords: Be’er Sheba‘ Valley, subterranean settlement
The site is located on the northern bank of Nahal Be’er Sheva‘. The remains of two pits dated to Iron Age II were uncovered, as well as five subterranean complexes from the Hellenistic period. Some of the subterranean complexes continued in use as dwellings even after the collapse of their ceilings. A small number of pottery vessels from Iron Age II (seventh century BCE) were found. The finds from the Hellenistic period include pottery vessels, loomweights, a jar stopper, fragments of millstones and round pounding-stones, as well as animal bones. The subterranean architecture continues local traditions from the Chalcolithic period, and the complexes may have served shepherds.