Sites 2, 3, 13 (Map ref. NIG 201299–740/618022–097; OIG 151299–740/118022–097). The remains of a ruined settlement, covering an area of c. 2.5 dunams, are situated today in a grove of olive trees. This site combines the summit of a hill (Site 2), the terraced slopes (Site 3) and a location to the east of an olive orchard (Site 13). Many of the terrace walls were built of masonry stones in secondary use. A heavy concentration of scattered ceramics, mainly from the Byzantine and Early Islamic periods, was on surface. Two wells were located to the south and east of Site 2 and cisterns were scattered within the olive grove. Building remains were visible, covered by agricultural terraces (Fig. 2). This composite site was originally identified by S. Batz, who proposed to associate it with H. Zur (S. Batz, pers. comm.). The nearby village of Kh. ed-Deir (the Monastery) may imply the identification of the ruin.

 

Site 14 (map ref. NIG 202781/618552; OIG 152781/118552). A surface scatter of flint tools and debris mixed with early ceramics covered an area of c. 1 dunam along the northern bank of the valley. The flint and ceramics were dated to the Chalcolithic period.

 

Site 20 (Map ref. NIG 202999/618725; OIG 152999/118725).  A rock-cut cave (Fig. 3) on the southern terraces of H. ‘Illit. Its entrance (width 1.2 m) was carved in a recess and a step descended into a narrow room (length 2.8 m). A pile of earth in front of the entrance was the outcome of looting the cave.