The Excavations at Khirbet el-Maqatir: 1995-2001 and 2009-2016: Volume 2: The Late Hellenistic, Early Roman, and Byzantine Periods

The Associates for Biblical Research excavated Khirbet el-Maqatir, 16 km north of Jerusalem, between 1995 and 2016, revealing remains from the Middle Bronze Age to Early Islamic periods, including a Bronze Age fortress, Late Hellenistic/Early Roman village, and Byzantine ecclesiastical complex. Volume 2 focuses on the later time periods.

Format: Hardback
Length: 404 pages
Publication date: 30 March 2023
Publisher: Archaeopress

Khirbet el-Maqatir, situated approximately 16 kilometers north of Jerusalem, has been the subject of extensive archaeological excavations conducted by The Associates for Biblical Research over a period of 19 years, spanning from 1995 to 2016. During these excavations, a remarkable array of remains has been unearthed, spanning from the Middle Bronze Age to the Early Islamic era. These excavations have uncovered a Bronze Age fortress, a Late Hellenistic/Early Roman village, and a Byzantine ecclesiastical complex, providing valuable insights into the diverse cultural and historical heritage of the region.

The excavation efforts at Khirbet el-Maqatir have been divided into two main phases. The first phase, which took place between 1995 and 2006, focused on the exploration of the Bronze Age fortress and the surrounding settlement. During this phase, the researchers discovered a well-preserved fortress wall, several administrative buildings, and a network of agricultural terraces. The second phase, which began in 2007 and continued until 2016, concentrated on the excavation of the Late Hellenistic/Early Roman village and the Byzantine ecclesiastical complex.

The Late Hellenistic/Early Roman village at Khirbet el-Maqatir was a bustling community that thrived during the Roman and Byzantine periods. The excavations have revealed a series of well-preserved buildings, including houses, temples, and public structures. These buildings are adorned with intricate mosaic floors, frescoes, and sculptures, providing a glimpse into the artistic and architectural styles of the time. One of the most significant discoveries at the village was a large Roman bathhouse, which was equipped with a heating system and a network of pipes that transported hot water to the various rooms.

The Byzantine ecclesiastical complex at Khirbet el-Maqatir is a testament to the enduring influence of Christianity in the region. The excavations have uncovered a series of churches, monasteries, and other religious structures. These buildings are adorned with beautiful frescoes, mosaics, and carved stonework, showcasing the artistic and architectural skills of the Byzantine era. One of the most notable structures at the complex is a large church that was built during the Byzantine period and features a domed roof and intricate mosaic floors.

The excavations at Khirbet el-Maqatir have shed light on the rich and complex history of the region. They have provided valuable insights into the social, economic, and cultural developments of the Bronze Age, Late Hellenistic/Early Roman, and Byzantine periods. The remains discovered at the site have also contributed to our understanding of the religious and cultural practices of the people who lived in the region over the centuries.

In conclusion, the excavations at Khirbet el-Maqatir have been a groundbreaking endeavor that has yielded a wealth of information about the cultural and historical heritage of the region. The remains discovered at the site have provided a glimpse into the lives of the people who lived in the area over the centuries, and have contributed to our understanding of the complex history of the Middle East. The ongoing excavations at Khirbet el-Maqatir are expected to continue to reveal new insights into the past and shed light on the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Weight: 1691g
Dimension: 290 x 205 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781803272115