| | Journal 121 |
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During October 2006, a survey preceding development was conducted in the area between the Giv’at Massu’a neighborhood and Moshav Ora (Permit No. A-4893; map ref. NIG 21530–80/62890–930; OIG 16530–80/12890–930), prior to the paving of a road. The survey, undertaken on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority and financed by the Moriya Company, was directed by A. Eirikh-Rose, with the assistance of M. Birkenfeld and I. Pasternak. |
Approximately 50 dunams were surveyed along the slopes east of the Qiryat Menahem neighborhood in southwest Jerusalem (Fig. 1). Nineteen sites, including remains of a building, a watchtower, a rock-hewn burial cave, agricultural installations and a terrace complex, were documented, all dating to the Second Temple, Byzantine and Ottoman periods.
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Rectangular building (Site 14; 2.5 × 6.0 m, preserved height c. 2 m; Fig. 2) that is built of roughly hewn medium and large-sized fieldstones and has a window and two openings. A complex of terraces is adjacent to it.
Round watchtower (Site 16; diam. c. 2 m, preserved height c. 1.5 m) that is built of roughly hewn medium to large-sized fieldstones. A rock-hewn channel is adjacent to it.
Rock-hewn burial cave (Site 19) that is incorporated in a quarry (Fig. 3). It includes a burial chamber and kokhim and its entrance was destroyed. A natural cave (Site 5), used by shepherds as a dwelling or for storage, was also surveyed.
Agricultural installations that included two rock-hewn winepresses and an olive press (Sites 11, 18, 13 respectively) and a relatively extensive scattering of other rock-cuttings throughout the area (Sites 1–4, 10, 15) were documented.
An agricultural system that consisted of a number of terraces (preserved height 1.5 m) with steps built between them (Site 12; Fig. 4) was surveyed. Several other terraces (Sites 6–9) were documented across the slopes, as well as a wall that most likely delimited cultivation plots and/or animal pens (Site 17).
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The numerous sites, relative to the size of the surveyed area, indicate that the area functioned as part of Jerusalem’s agricultural hinterland for a lengthy period of time. |
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To view the figures, click on the figure caption
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