Abstract
This article presents an analysis of modern ammunition artifacts connected to World War I military operations, uncovered during excavations along Highway 3 near es-Sawafir el-Gharbiya. The finds include British and Ottoman cartridges and spent cartridges and an Ottoman hand grenade, linked to troop movements and engagements during the British Egyptian Expeditionary Force’s pursuit of retreating Ottoman forces following the third battle of Gaza in November 1917. The study contextualizes these artifacts within the operational history of the Australian Mounted Corps and Ottoman defensive actions. Additionally, the article discusses ammunition from the 1948 War of Independence found at the site, highlighting its continued strategic importance. This interdisciplinary examination contributes to a deeper understanding of battlefield archaeology and military history in the region.
Keywords
World War I, Australian Light Horse, Ottoman army, modern ammunition, 75th Division
Recommended Citation
Peretz, Assaf
(2026)
"Highway 3: Modern Ammunition,"
Qadum: Journal of Excavation Reports from Israel: Vol. 2, Article 22.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.70967/3078-8528.1066
Available at:
https://publications.iaa.org.il/qadum/vol2/iss1/22
Included in
Archaeological Anthropology Commons, Classical Archaeology and Art History Commons, History of Art, Architecture, and Archaeology Commons
