Sub/semi-Subterranean Complexes in Byzantine Beer Sheva, Negev, Israel, Date, Use and Typology

Abstract

Byzantine Beer Sheva presents a phenomenon of digging, lining, building, and making extensive use of sub/semi subterranean complexes. We note on the relationship between these sub/semi subterranean complex and the 'aboveground' structure and details such as the construction of the stairway, the delimitation of the earthen section formed, the installations exposed in the complexes and the form of roofing. The installations and ceramic assemblages point towards the fact that these complexes were more than simple storage facilities and were in daily use. The earliest Byzantine sub/semi subterranean complex dates to the second half of the fifth century and sixth century though the majority of sub/semi subterranean complexes, built on the outskirts of Byzantine Beer Sheva date slightly later in the sixth century and seem to have been excavated following the outbreak of the Bubonic plague which swept through the Negev in the mid sixth century CE.