In September 2014, a salvage excavation was conducted at Khirbat Basha (Permit No. A-7205; map ref. 164251–679/624560–5001), prior to construction of a sewage treatment facility. The excavation, undertaken on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority and financed by the Nizzanim Water Association, was directed by I. Perez (photography), with the assistance of Y. Al-‘Amor (administration), M. Kahan (surveying and drafting), I. Brin (plans), I. Lidsky-Reznikov (pottery drawing) and Y. Gorin-Rosen (glass).
Area A yielded a refuse pit (L101; depth c. 0.4 m; Figs. 2, 3). It contained numerous fragments of pottery vessels from late Byzantine period (sixth–early seventh centuries CE), including imported CRS and LRC3 bowls (Fig. 4:4, 5), locally produced bowls (Fig. 4:6), kraters (Fig. 4:8) and Gaza jars (Fig. 4:9, 10). Some of the sherds were not completely fired, suggesting that a pottery workshop existed nearby. Area B yielded a shallow pit (L202; depth c. 0.2 m; Figs. 5, 6) that was probably used for refuse; to its south were several collapsed, medium-sized kurkar stones (L201). Fragments of roof tiles, fired bricks and pottery sherds from the Roman period (first–third century CE) were found, including fragments of bowls (Fig. 4:1) and a red-slipped handle of a table amphora or an ETS jug (Fig. 4:2). Several sherds ascribed to the Byzantine period were discovered above the pit; these included an LRC10 bowl (Fig. 4:7). Area C yielded a layer of light brown clay mixed with sand (L302, L303; Figs. 7, 8) overlying a floor (L305) made of tamped brown earth mixed with small stones and lumps of cement. Fragments of pottery vessels were recovered from the floor level, including a Gaza jar (Fig. 4:3) dating from the Late Roman – early Byzantine periods (fourth–fifth centuries CE). Mechanical equipment was used to excavate Area D, yielding two ex-situ stones and non-diagnostic pottery sherds.