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1882
Volume 70, Issue 1
  • ISSN: 0081-8933
  • E-ISSN: 2507-0428

Abstract

Abstract

A subterranean tunnels’ complex was revealed south of the theater at Nysa- Scythopolis/Bet She’an. During the excavations a considerable number of integrated tunnels that reached ca. 200 m were revealed, though other parts that were not exposed as their tufa walls and vaults were poorly preserved, thus indicated that the tunnels’ complex is considerably larger. The tunnels are 2.5-3.0 m high and 150-180 m wide with no blocking arrangements, inner halls or installations. Their southern part was cut as the Severan theater semicircle rear section was constructed and new entrances into various tunnels were created that were not part of the original complex. Two floors, the original rock cut and a compressed dirt floor at a higher level, were dated to the late 2nd to early 3rd century CE and to the late 4th to early 5th century CE. Pottery and glass finds, and a gold enabled the dating of the tunnels’ complex usage stages, though it did not date the complex’s original construction stage that seems to be earlier.

The tunnels’ complex by its nature, date and location does not correspond with the well-known phenomena of hiding tunnels complexes, characteristic in Judea and Galilee during the Jewish revolt. It is therefore unique, and its function is enigmatic.

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2020-01-01
2025-12-06

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