During March 2009, a survey was conducted at Horbat Mador and in Nahal Shoqeda, which flows into Nahal Bohu (License No. S-99/2009; map ref. 14950–90/58960–9100; Fig. 1), prior to the planting. The survey, undertaken on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority and underwritten by the Jewish National Fund, was directed by D. Varga (field photography), with the assistance of V. Carmel (survey and field photography) and S. Gal (GPS).
The survey was divided into two parts: the region of Horbat Mador and along both banks of Nahal Shoqeda. Thirteen sites (1–13) were documented at Horbat Mador and no archaeological remains were found at Nahal Shoqeda.
1, 2. Cisterns (upper diam.of each 1.5 m, depth of each 5.5 m; Fig. 2).
3. A built tomb (Fig. 3).
4. A pit grave (0.62×1.80 m).
5. Bedouin cemetery.
6. Cistern (diam. 1.6 m, depth 5.5 m; Fig. 4).
7. Concentration of stones and potsherds from the Byzantine period.
8. Concentration of stones and potsherds from the Byzantine period.
9. Cistern (upper diam. 1.4 m, depth 5 m; Fig. 5).
10. Cistern (diam. 1.5 m, depth 5.5 m). The opening is square and preserved in its entirety (Fig. 6).
11. Cistern (diam. 1.55 m, depth 5.5 m).
12. A ruinous cistern.
13. A cistern filled with large amounts of alluvium (diam. 1.5 m, depth 3.5 m).
Apart from these sites, there are also stone heaps, mostly the result of collapsed Bedouin buildings from the beginning of the twentieth century, which were constructed atop the Byzantine site. Ancient remains were incorporated in secondary use in the Bedouin construction. The cisterns also date to the Byzantine period, based on their construction; some were renovated by the Bedouins. Potsherds from the Byzantine period and black potsherds identified with the Bedouin settlement were discovered throughout the entire surveyed area.