During November 2004, a survey was conducted along the route of the separation fence between Shomeriyya and Shim‘a, in the southern part of the Hebron highlands (Permit No. A-4267; map ref. NIG 191/586; OIG 141/086). The survey, undertaken on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority and underwritten by the Ministry of Defense, was conducted by Y. Israel and F. Sonntag, with the assistance of S. Gal (map).
The surveyed area (length 8 km, width c. 150 m; Fig. 1) extended across a region of low limestone hills, separated by valleys. A section of the surveyed area, located beyond the Green Line, was surveyed by the Archaeological Staff Officer of Judea and Samaria. Seven sites were recorded and finds that formed part of the agricultural system in the southern part of the Hebron highlands were documented.
Site 1. A rock-hewn cistern, stone fence, two rock-hewn conical cupmarks and a scattering of potsherds from the Byzantine period were documented along a spur. The cistern and fence were excavated in 2006 (
HA-ESI 120).
Site 2. Stone clearance heaps.
Site 3. Building remains, natural and rock-hewn caves, two dams, a natural rock shelter surrounded by stone fences and potsherd scattering that dated to the Byzantine and Ottoman periods were documented.
Site 4. Two dams that were built of two courses of large fieldstones on the bank, at the top of the wadi channel and c. 50 m from the building remains in Site 3, were documented. Potsherds from the Byzantine period were collected nearby. The site was excavated in 2005 (Permit No. A-4513).
Site 5. A rock-hewn cistern and drainage channel that led to it. Potsherds from the Byzantine period were collected nearby.
Site 6. A rock-hewn cistern with an elliptical opening, alongside which a broken stone trough was situated. A rolling stone was recorded next to the cistern. Potsherds from the Byzantine and Ottoman periods were collected nearby.
Site 7. A rock-hewn cistern that had a round shaft and a square opening, which consisted of four dressed stones, was documented. A rolling stone was recorded nearby. Potsherds from the Byzantine and Ottoman periods were collected in the vicinity.