During February–March 2003, a preliminary archaeological survey was conducted within the precincts of the Kefar Menahem [90], Gat [94], Bet Shemesh [103] and Bet Guvrin [107] survey maps (Permit No. A-3809; map ref. NIG 182–9/615–23; OIG 132–9/115–23), prior to development. The survey, undertaken on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority and underwritten by the Jewish National Fund, was conducted by Y. Dagan, with the assistance of P. Nahshoni (Southern region).
An area of c. 30 sq km was surveyed west of the Moshav Luzit–Qibbuz Bet Nir road. Due to the rain and the muddy terrain, the high priority area was initially surveyed on foot and other areas were randomly surveyed afterward.
The results of partial surveys that had previously been carried out in this area (HA-ESI 114:83*–85*) were integrated in the current survey.
The surveyed area is located in the low western Shephelah, which is characterized by extensive areas of no drastic topographical differences. Large areas of fertile farmland are located in this region, with several hills between them. A few of the hills evince human activity that occurred in antiquity. The stream channels and gullies that drain the region are divided between those flowing north to Nahal Ha-Ela and those flowing southward to Nahal Guvrin.
One hundred and five survey sites with antiquities were documented, including two settlements; a milestone station on the Bet Guvrin–Lod road; six collapsed caves; seven winepresses; four limekilns; twenty-two orchards, as well as farming terraces; it appears that this area is abundant in ancient remains.