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Abstract

The excavation revealed fragmentary evidence of occupation from the Iron Age through the Early Roman period (Area E); five early Gaza-jar kilns from the first–third centuries CE (Area F1); the remains of a well-built installation complex that included a bathhouse, pools, an oil press, two winepresses, several warehouses and a pottery kiln, belonging to a large Byzantine-period (late fourth or early fifth to early seventh centuries CE) agricultural estate (Areas A–C, E); and several Byzantine-period graves and a tomb (Areas A, D). Hellenistic and Early Roman pottery, dating from the third through the first centuries BCE, as well as five Hellenistic coins and stone vessels from the Early Roman period, were found. A Roman milestone, which marked the third mile north of the center of the Roman city of Ashqelon, was found as well. Early and late Byzantine pottery, dating from the fourth through the early seventh centuries CE, was unearthed. A large amount of jar fragments was uncovered in and near the Area B kilns; however, the rest of the ceramic assemblage was relatively small, including bowls, basins, jugs, juglets, jars, cooking ware, lamps, a lantern and ceramic pipes. The estate produced mainly wine and oil, as indicated by the industrial winepresses, the oil press and the large warehouses and storerooms adjacent to the installations. Its location along the coastal highway, its high-quality masonry and the elaborate bathhouse suggest that it belonged to a church.

Keywords

Mediterranean coast, cemetery, burial goods, numismatics, pottery production, water installations, oil production, wine industry, Christianity

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