Upper Zohar, Archaeological site in Arad, Israel
Upper Zohar is a fortified settlement near Arad featuring towers at each corner constructed from dense chert stone. The roughly 26 square meter structure contains several interior rooms and a deep cistern for storing water.
Excavations between 1985 and 1986 uncovered thousands of ceramic fragments, mostly from locally made cooking vessels of the sixth century. The structure was likely part of the Byzantine defense network in this region.
The location reveals details about Byzantine defense networks, featuring a deep cistern and three rooms that supported guards monitoring ancient trade routes.
The site sits in a dry desert landscape and visitors need sturdy footwear and sun protection. The archaeological area has minimal facilities, so bring plenty of water and allow time to explore the remains carefully.
A child's skeleton was found beneath tower rubble, indicating sudden abandonment of the fort. An earthquake in the early seventh century may have caused the rapid evacuation.
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