During April–May 2010, an archaeological survey was conducted west of Nahal Besor (License No. S-182/2010), prior to tree planting. The survey, undertaken on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority and underwritten by the Jewish National Fund, was performed by E. Aladjem and A. Freiberg.
The survey area is located west of Nahal Besor, north of Nahal Gamila and c. 2 km northeast of Ma‘on Junction. The area is characterized by low hills, severed by tributary channels.
The area had not been previously surveyed.
Four sites (1–5) were identified in the survey, described hereafter from north to south.
1 (Map ref. 150163/582866). A flint scatter (diam. 15 m) comprising flakes, cores and blades, dating to the Chalcolithic period (c. 5,000 BCE).
2 (Map ref. 150109/582765). A flint scatter (diam. 10 m) comprising flakes, blades and flake tools, dating to the Chalcolithic period.
3 (Map ref. 149519/582471). A rectangular building (length 8 m, width 5 m, max. preserved height 2 m) built of mud bricks mixed with straw. The eastern side of the building was attached to the steep slope of a prominent natural hill. The only opening of the building was located in the middle of the western wall. No datable finds were discovered in or around the building.
4, 5 (Map ref. 149428/581991). A prehistoric site (diam. 200 m), whose center is located on a small hill. A scatter of flint tools, stone and potsherds, dating to the Chalcolithic period, as well as animal bones, were discerned at the site.