A 2014 archaeological excavation near Ashkelon's Great Mosque revealed multiple layers of urban development spanning two millennia, offering new insights into the evolution of this ancient coastal city, according to a recently published study. The dig, conducted by the Israel Antiquities Authority, uncovered evidence of an ancient stone quarry that operated before and during the Late Roman period, along with subsequent settlements from the Byzantine, Mamluk, and Ottoman periods.
The excavation, led by archaeologist Ilan Peretz, took place at the intersection of Eli Cohen and Herzl Streets in the Migdal neighborhood of modern Ashkelon. The site, located about 110 meters east of the Great Mosque, yielded significant findings across four major historical periods.
"What makes this excavation particularly interesting is that we can trace the continuous development of urban life in this area from ancient times to the modern era," said Peretz. "The earliest layer reveals an industrial zone where high-quality kurkar stone was quarried, likely providing building materials for ancient Ashkelon."
The excavation uncovered evidence that the quarrying activity began before the Roman period and continued into the Byzantine era (4th-7th centuries CE). Archaeologists found pottery sherds, glass fragments, coins, and a marble column fragment from this period, suggesting the presence of a significant settlement nearby.
During the Mamluk period (13th-15th centuries CE), the area saw renewed development. The team discovered a large circular installation, possibly used as a grain silo or water cistern, along with various architectural remains. The finding of a metal oil ladle used for filling lamps provides a glimpse into daily life during this period.
The Ottoman period (17th-19th centuries) marked significant urban expansion in the area. The excavation revealed a large building complex with at least 11 rooms, featuring well-preserved architectural elements including plastered floors, storage niches, and drainage systems. The building underwent several modifications over time, reflecting the area's growing urbanization.
"The Ottoman-period findings are particularly well-preserved," explained Peretz. "We can see how the building was continuously modified and expanded, with new rooms added and existing spaces repurposed to meet the changing needs of its inhabitants."
The final phase of occupation dates from the late Ottoman period to the 1980s. During this time, the area saw significant architectural modifications, including the addition of modern infrastructure such as concrete pipes and drainage systems. After Israel's War of Independence, the area became home to Jewish immigrants from North Africa until the buildings were demolished in the 1980s.
The excavation also yielded an impressive collection of artifacts, including pottery, glassware, metal objects, and coins. Of particular interest was the discovery of numerous examples of "Black Gaza Ware," a distinctive type of pottery that was produced locally and provides important information about regional trade and craft production.
"This excavation provides crucial evidence for the continuous occupation of Migdal from the Mamluk period through to the 20th century," noted Peretz. "The stratigraphy we've uncovered will serve as an important reference point for future studies of local pottery production and urban development in the southern coastal plain of Israel."
The research has been published in the journal "Qadum: Journal of Excavation Reports from Israel" and includes detailed analysis of the architectural remains and artifacts discovered at the site.
The article was written with the assistance of a news analysis system.