During March 2007, a survey preceding development was conducted between the neighborhoods of Shu‘fat and Bet Hanina in Jerusalem (Permit No. A-5073*; map ref. NIG 22070–125/63650–87; OIG 17070–125/13650–87), prior to the construction of a new neighborhood. The survey, carried out on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority and supported by funding from the Community Administration for the Development of Beit Hanina, was carried out by Z. ‘Adawi and L. Barda.
The survey was undertaken in a rocky area where a few cultivation plots were discerned. Some of the area is covered with modern refuse. Twelve sites were surveyed, including caves, a cistern, rock-cuttings and stone heaps (Fig. 1). The area had previously been inspected within the Jerusalem survey (A. Kloner 2001. Survey of Jerusalem: The Northeastern Sector).
Caves. Six caves (Sites 3–6, 10, 12) were documented. Rock-cuttings were discerned in the ceiling of Cave 3. Pink plaster was noted in the opening of Cave 4. Next to the entrance of Cave 12 were two quarrying lines. It was impossible to determine whether the rest of the caves were natural or hewn.
Rock-hewn Cistern (Site 9). The cistern’s opening was shaped as a circular shaft, on whose top a circular capstone was placed. A circular perforation in the middle of the capstone was set within a square frame. The remains of a rock-hewn trough were noted to the east of the cistern’s opening and to its northeast were the remains of a shallow, rock-hewn channel. A few potsherds dating to the Early Roman period were gathered from the surface. The remains of two farming terraces were visible in the vicinity of the cistern.
Rock-cuttings. Two round rock-hewn depressions (Site 2) that may have been burial shafts were documented, as well as three hewn cupmarks (Sites 7, 11). Two of the cupmarks were at Site 11 and two quarrying lines that formed a corner were noted nearby.
Stone Heaps. Two stone heaps were recorded (Sites 1, 8).