Susya

Susya is an archaeological site in the Hebron region containing ruins of an ancient settlement. The remains show residential structures, water cisterns, and terraced installations built directly into limestone hillsides across multiple historical layers.

The settlement began as a village during the early Roman period and remained inhabited until modern times. One building was converted into a synagogue in the fourth century and later served as a house of worship for a different faith.

The village preserves the name of its ancient past, and the buildings show traces of different periods layered into their walls. Visitors can see how multiple cultures shaped this place, with their construction styles existing side by side.

Visiting requires planning ahead, as the site sits in a sensitive area and must be coordinated with local authorities. It is best to visit during daylight hours and wear sturdy shoes, since the terrain is uneven and rocky.

The water system includes many cisterns and channels carved into the stone, showing how ancient residents collected rainwater in this dry region. This network was so effective that it allowed people to survive year-round.