An Impressive 2,800 Year-Old Assyrian Era Farmhouse Uncovered
An impressive 2,800 year-old farmhouse comprised of twenty-three rooms, was exposed in recent weeks during archaeological excavations by the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) in the city of Rosh Ha-‘Ayin.
According to Amit Shadman, excavation director on behalf of the IAA: “The farm, which is well-preserved in an extraordinarily way extends across an area of 100×130 feet, and was built in the eighth century BC the time of the Assyrian conquest. Farm houses during this period served as small settlements as their inhabitants participated in processing agricultural products. The numerous wine presses discovered in the vicinity of the settlement indicate the wine industry was the most important branch of agriculture in the region. A large silo, which was used to store grain, shows that the ancient residents were also engaged in growing cereal.”
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| Photo by Skyview, courtesy of IAA: An aerial view of the farmhouse |
According to Amit Shadman, excavation director on behalf of the IAA: “The farm, which is well-preserved in an extraordinarily way extends across an area of 100×130 feet, and was built in the eighth century BC the time of the Assyrian conquest. Farm houses during this period served as small settlements as their inhabitants participated in processing agricultural products. The numerous wine presses discovered in the vicinity of the settlement indicate the wine industry was the most important branch of agriculture in the region. A large silo, which was used to store grain, shows that the ancient residents were also engaged in growing cereal.”
According to Shadman the building continued to be used during the Persian period (also known from the Bible as the Time of the Return to Zion) in the sixth century BC, and in the Hellenistic period as well which began with the arrival of Alexander the Great, one of the greatest military leaders of antiquity. With Alexander’s victory over the Persian army in 333 BC he embarked upon numerous successful military campaigns. His campaign in Israel was not encountered by any special difficulties and the country opened its gates to the great warrior.
Evidence of a Greek presence in the region was uncovered on one of the floors of the building in the form of a rare silver coin bearing the military leader’s name – ΑΛΕΞΑNΔΡΟΥ. One can also discern the image of the god Zeus on that side of the coin, while the head of Heracles appears on its reverse.
During the Ottoman period a lime kiln was dug into the structure which utilized the stones in the building as ready source of raw material.
In light of this impressive building’s excellent state of preservation, the IAA and the Ministry of Construction decided to conserve the structure, for the benefit of the city’s residents and the visiting public.
Photos by Robert Kool, courtesy of IAA: A coin found at the site showing the face of Heracles on its obverse and the image of Zeus with an inscription bearing the name of Alexander on its other side.
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