The underground water systems of Ma'abarta—Flavia Neapolis, Israel

Abstract

AbstractThe Roman city Flavia Neapolis (Hebrew—Shechem; Arabic—Nablus) and its predecessor Hellenistic Ma'abarta, is a continuously active city, located close to Israel's water divide. The city prospered due to water abundance from local springs, associated with its setting along the natural outlet of the karstic aquifer of Mt. Gerizim, the holy site of the Samaritans. Complicated tunnel systems were constructed for water distribution and consumption during the Hellenistic‐Roman periods. The subterranean systems of the major springs within the city, Ras el 'Ein, 'Ein Qaryun, and 'Ein Dafna, as well as the main tunnel running along the city include rock‐hewn tunnels for groundwater collection, and masonry‐built tunnels for the distribution of spring water to the city by gravitation, and for drainage. Architectural features and structures below the Roman city indicate that some tunnels had already been constructed during the preceding Hellenistic period. A potential cultic element of the urban hydrographic system can be inferred from the elaborate entrance structures of the large springs, Ras el 'Ein and 'Ein Qaryun, as well as from historic accounts. Documentary references to the subterranean water system indicate that its existence may date as far back as 2000 years ago.