Site in the Judean Desert, Israel
The archaeological site at the Ein Gedi oasis was inhabited during different periods, and the earliest activity dates to the Chalcolithic period.
Ein Gedi () is frequently mentioned in the Bible, in the works of Josephus, in rabbinic literature, and in early Christian sources. It was an important Jewish settlement on the western shore of the Dead Sea in ancient times. The ruins, including a 6th-century synagogue, testify to a continuous Jewish settlement in the area between the 5th century BCE to the 7th century CE.
History and archaeology.
There was a temple at Ein Gedi during the Chalcolithic period.
Though there is no evidence of Bronze Age settlement at Ein Gedi, Iron Age remains have been discovered at the site dating to the 7th century BCE. Ein Gedi is first mentioned in the Book of Joshua, the narrative of which takes place in the 7th century BCE. Later, the settlement is mentioned as the place where David fled from Saul. In Book of Chronicles 2, Ein Gedi is called Hazazon Tamar.
In excavations conducted at a mound (tell) known as Tell el-Jurn near the spring at Ein Gedi discovered the remains of the Iron Age settlement of Tel Goren. The archaeological evidence indicated that the settlement was inhabited from the days of the Kingdom of Judah to 582 BCE when it was destroyed. It was replaced by another settlement on the same site in the Persian period which was in turn destroyed in the 4th century BCE. This was followed by a new fortified settlement that was probably destroyed in the 1st century BCE. Remains from the Roman period include a bathhouse which would have been used by the garrison on the site. In 67 CE the Sicarii attacked and destroyed Ein Gedi. During the suppression of the Bar Kokhba revolt, the settlement was severely damaged.
After the Bar Kokhba revolt Ein Gedi was reinhabited, initially at a smaller scale with growth into the Byzantine period. The settlement became a "very large village of Jews," as Eusebius testified in the "Onomasticon" in the early fourth century CE. Ein Gedi became famous for growing balsam for perfumes, balsam oil, and medicines. In the mosaic uncovered in the synagogue at the site, a curse is inscribed on anyone who dares to reveal the "secret of the town". Most researchers believe that this secret is the method of making balsam oil. Jodi Magness presents a different interpretation, based among other elements on a similar phrase from the Damascus Document from nearby Qumran and the Cairo Geniza. Magness argues that betraying one's own Jewish community to the Gentiles was seen as deserving the death penalty, which could be meted out either by God himself, or by the Jews in the name of God.
Galen (129 – c. 216 CE) is the only pagan writer who explicitly links the special oil known as Shemen Afarsimon to Ein Gedi.
Archaeological findings.
During the archaeological excavations at Tel Goren, the ruins of a Byzantine-period synagogue were discovered, with a decorated mosaic floor, a metal (probably silver) seven-branch menorah, of a type unique for its time, and singular coins found along with an ark hoard of coins. Other than that, the findings included walls, pillars, and residential houses and other structures belonging to the village, documenting its eastward and northward expansion. Among those buildings is a mikveh, evidence of the ongoing Jewish presence at the site. The Perfume Street at the east side of the settlement, two unique production facilities were discovered, used in the production of the special oil known as "Shemen Afarsemon". Unique lintels and doorposts were discovered at the northern gate, lacking bolts, which indicates that they were not meant for practical, but for halakhic use. Ceramics in various sizes where found inside the village, as well as plain and decorated candlestick lamps.
References.
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