KHIRBET BEIT ʿATÂB AND THE MÛGHÂRET BIR EL HASÛTAH CAVE COMPLEX: A MULTI-PERIOD ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE IN THE JERUSALEM HILLS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14795/jaha.13.1.2026.1512Keywords:
Jerusalem Hills, karst caves, hiding systems, Crusader period, Second Temple period, , Beit ʿAtâb, Bar Kokhba Revolt, natural cave modificationAbstract
: Khirbet Beit ʿAtâb, strategically located in the Jerusalem Hills, has attracted scholarly attention since the 19th century, yet fundamental questions about its most enigmatic feature—the Mûghâret Bir el Hasûtah cave complex—have remained unresolved. Previous researchers debated whether this extensive underground network represents an artificial hiding system or a natural karstic formation. This study synthesizes archival research, field observations, and speleological analysis to demonstrate that Mûghâret Bir el Hasûtah represents a natural karst system enhanced through selective human modifications for refuge purposes. Morphological analysis reveals diagnostic evidence of phreatic cave formation, while constructed retaining walls and passage constrictions indicate deliberate human adaptation. The site exhibits multi-period occupation from the Iron Age through the Ottoman period. A kokhim tomb indicates late Second Temple–period Jewish settlement, whereas Crusader remains may correspond to the documented Bethaatap estate. The columbarium installation provides chronological parameters from the Hellenistic through Byzantine periods. Rather than functioning as a direct fortress-to-spring tunnel, the 104 m cave system served refuge purposes, following patterns documented throughout Judean Hills hiding complexes. This integrated approach to natural feature adaptation characterizes sustainable settlement strategies in the semi-arid Jerusalem Hills environment.
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