Yotvata: The Ze'ev Meshel Excavations (1974-1980): The Iron I "Fortress" and the Early Islamic Settlement

The book presents the final report of the excavations at Yotvata, the largest oasis in the Arabah Valley, conducted by the Sonia and Marco Nadler Institute of Archaeology of Tel Aviv University in 1974–1980. The Iron I remains consist of an irregular casemate wall surrounding a courtyard, and the Early Islamic settlement includes a large courtyard building and a nearby bathhouse. The findings have significantly contributed to the study of Early Islamic settlement and material culture in the greater Arabah region and beyond.

Format: Hardback
Length: 396 pages
Publication date: 03 January 2023
Publisher: Eisenbrauns

The excavations at Yotvata, the largest oasis in the Arabah Valley, conducted by the Sonia and Marco Nadler Institute of Archaeology of Tel Aviv University from 1974 to 1980, under the direction of Dr. Zeʾev Meshel, have yielded a comprehensive final report. This report presents the findings from two central sites: a fortified Iron I site and an Early Islamic settlement.

The Iron I remains at Yotvata comprise an irregular casemate wall surrounding a courtyard. The strategic location of this site suggests that it was established to protect the water sources and to overlook and supervise the nearby crossroads. The proximity of the site to Timna, another significant oasis in the region, indicates that Yotvata played a crucial role in providing water and wood to the population involved in copper production in that area.

The rich finds uncovered at the Early Islamic settlement, including a large courtyard building and a nearby bathhouse, among other structures, indicate habitation from the end of the seventh to the early ninth century CE. The settlement's proximity to a sophisticated irrigation system (qanat) and the administrative/economic ostraca discovered at the site suggest that it served as the center of an agricultural estate owned by an elite Muslim family. Among the unique finds is a large assemblage of locally produced, handmade pottery, which is thoroughly studied in this report.

The excavations at Yotvata have made a significant contribution to the study of Early Islamic settlement and material culture in the greater Arabah region and beyond. The findings have shed light on the social, economic, and cultural dynamics of this period and have provided valuable insights into the development of oasis settlements in the region. The report's detailed analysis and comprehensive presentation make it a valuable resource for scholars and researchers interested in the history and archaeology of the Middle East.

Weight: 1520g
Dimension: 279 x 216 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781646022298