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‘Atiqot 53 (2006)
ISBN 2948-040X
A Late Byzantine–Early Islamic-Period Farmhouse at Mesillot in the Bet She’an Valley
(pp. 181–192)
Pinhas Porat
Keywords: agriculture, oil press, numismatics
Three strata (III–I) were identified during the excavation. The date of Stratum III is unknown. Stratum II, the main building phase at the site, probably dates to the late Byzantine period. A large, roughly square building was unearthed, comprising a large central courtyard surrounded by at least 16 rooms. It probably served as a farmhouse. Stratum I represents repairs and additions to the Stratum II building, possibly during the Early Islamic period. The finds from Strata II and I include pottery vessels, mostly domestic, iron objects, stone objects, a clay tile and coins. The latest coin dates from 739/740 CE and thus, the building might have ceased use due to the 749 CE earthquake.