Archaeologists of the Authority of the Israel Antiquities (IAA) discovered the ruins of an old agricultural succession on the KH site. Kafr ḥatta in Kafr Qasim, center of Israel.
A mosaic floor in a building on the archaeological site of KH. Kafr ḥatta, Israel. Image credit: Authority of Israel Antiquities.
“The size and splendor of the discovery buildings, the quality of their mosaic soils and the impressive agricultural facilities, all indicate the great richness and prosperity of the local Samaritan community over the years,” said archaeologists of IAA Alla Nagorsky and Daniel Leahy Griswold.
“The KH site. Kafr ḥatta is described in historical sources like the birthplace of Menander, the Samaritan magician, successor to Simon Magus, who was considered the father of the Gnostic sects and one of the first converts of Christianity. ”
In one of the buildings, archaeologists have found a magnificent mosaic soil decorated with a dense geometric pattern and plant images.
“In addition to its central medallion are acanthus leaves combined with rare decorations of fruits and vegetables – such as grapes, dates, watermelons, artichokes and asparagus,” they said.
“At the entrance to this part was a partially preserved Greek inscription wishing the owner of the Bonne Liased Building!”
“The owner’s first name was common in the Samaritan communities.”
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In the northern part of the area, the researchers found a press from Olivier, a spacious warehouse building and a Miqveh (public purification bath).
“The proximity of the oil press with the Miqveh was probably used to produce olive oil in purity,” they said.
“The Olive Press was carefully planned, made up of two wings.”
“The north wing contained the main production areas, while the auxiliary rooms were erected in the south wing.”
“In production areas, two screw presses were found, as well as a large overwhelming basin in which the olives were crushed.”
“This type of press olive is more typical of the region of Jerusalem and Juan Shephelah and is less common in Samaria,” said Dr. Nagorsky.
“Over the years, the field has experienced spectacular changes.”
“The richness and luxury of buildings have been replaced by oil production and agricultural facilities.”
“The new walls have damaged mosaic soils, and the magnificent capitals and columns have been integrated into the new walls.”
According to the team, these changes are linked to Samaritan revolts under Byzantine domination – a series of uprisings in the 5th in the 6th century against Byzantine emperors, which applied restrictive laws on members of other religions.
“What makes this site particularly interesting is that, unlike some of the other Samaritan sites that have been destroyed in these revolts, the agricultural area of Kafr Qasim has in fact continued, and even preserved its Samaritan identity – as evidenced by Dr. Nagorsky Samaritan.
“This is a fascinating site, which displays the historic range between days of prosperity and the decline of the Samaritan community,” said Dr. Nagorsky.
“Its long -term existence and its impressive results will allow us to rebuild its history over the centuries and will enrich our knowledge of this population in ancient times.”
