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Omar Zidan

Abstract

Khirbat Ṭireya is located on a hilltop in the Nazareth Mountain range in Galilee, extending over an area of c. 10 dunams. The excavation results pointed to a settlement process that began in early Iron Age II (1000–900 BCE). In the first phase, several rural dwellings were erected, consisting of several parallel longitudinal spaces. The settlement developed in late Iron Age II, when a number of simple buildings were erected, consisting of three parallel spaces separated by two rows of columns, which may be identified as “Three-room houses.” The pottery from this period is simple, both in shape and absence of decorations. The inhabitants probably engaged in agriculture, herding and animal husbandry. The settlement was destroyed in a huge conflagration, probably during the Babylonian conquest. Settlement at the site was renewed in the Persian period, when several ancient buildings were restored or renovated, and new houses were constructed. At the end of the Persian period, the settlement was abandoned for a long period. Activity at the site resumed in the Roman period, including the exploitation of land for agricultural crops. Paths were paved between the agricultural plots and terraces were built over the ruins of the Persian settlement. During the Ottoman period, agricultural activity was renewed and several facilities were built for the lime industry.

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