Archaeologists from the Israeli Ancient Bureau (IAA) have discovered historical agricultural archaeological sites at the KH site, located in Kahru Chatta of central Israel.
Mosaic floors in the building of KH’s archaeological site. Israeli Kahufrata. Image credit: Israeli Ancient Bureau.
“The grandeur of the discovered structures, the exquisite quality of the mosaic floors, and the remarkable agricultural facilities indicate the significant wealth and prosperity of the local Samaritan community over time.”
“The Kh. KafrHatta site is noted as the birthplace of Menander, the Samaritan magician, a precursor to the Gnostics and a successor to Simon Magus, regarded as one of the first converts to Christianity.”
In one of the structures, archaeologists uncovered a stunning mosaic floor adorned with intricate geometric patterns and representations of plants.
“Alongside the central medallion, the acanthus leaves are interwoven with distinctive motifs of fruits and vegetables, including grapes, dates, watermelons, artichokes, and asparagus,” they noted.
“At the doorway of this room, a partially preserved Greek inscription wishes good fortune to the building’s owner!”
“The name of the owner was prevalent in the Samaritan community.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmrz8wqpfe0
In the northern area of the estate, researchers discovered olive presses, large storage buildings, and Mikube (public bathing facilities).
“The close proximity of the oil press to Mikube likely facilitated the production of high-quality olive oil,” they mentioned.
“The olive press was meticulously designed, comprising two wings.”
“The Northern Wing featured a major production area, while the Southern Wing included auxiliary facilities.”
“Within the production area, two screw presses and a large basin for crushed olives were found.”
“This type of olive press is more characteristic of the Jerusalem region and the Jewish Shephela, making it less common in Samaria,” explained Dr. Nagorsky.
“Over the years, the estate has experienced significant transformations.”
“The opulence and grandeur of the structures have been supplanted by oil production and agricultural infrastructure.”
“New walls damaged the mosaic floors, incorporating grand capitals and pillars into the updated structures.”
The team suggests these changes are connected to the Samaritan uprisings during Byzantine rule, which occurred in the 5th and 6th centuries, against Byzantine emperors who enforced restrictive laws on non-Christian communities.
“What makes this site particularly fascinating is that, unlike other Samaritan locations that were destroyed during these rebellions, the Kahru Kasim estate has continued to be used, preserving the Samaritan identity.
“It is a captivating site that illustrates the historical contrast between the era of prosperity and the decline of the Samaritan community,” remarked Dr. Nagorsky.
“Its longevity and remarkable findings enable us to reconstruct its history across centuries, enhancing our understanding of this ancient population.”
Source: www.sci.news
