Location
Mezad Hashavyahu is located approximately 1.7 km south of Yavneh-Yam (Minet Rubin), situated on a kurkar hill. Its strategic position likely played a role in its historical significance.
Identification
The ancient name of Mezad Hashavyahu is unknown. The modern name derives from one of the ostraca found at the site, which was read “Hashavyahu ben Ya…”. The fortress is notable for its abundance of East Greek pottery dating to the last third of the 7th century BCE and several Hebrew ostraca.
History
The fortress’s history is primarily tied to the 7th century BCE. It seems to have been occupied by settlers of Greek origin, possibly mercenaries, as indicated by the large quantities of East Greek pottery found. The presence of biblical Hebrew in the ostraca and the contents of these inscriptions suggest Judean control of the site. This aligns with the historical context of Josiah, king of Judea, expanding his rule westward during this period.
Excavations
Excavations at Mezad Hashavyahu were conducted in 1960 by J. Naveh and later in 1986 by R. Reich. The fortress was found to cover an area of 1.5 acres and is L-shaped, composed of two rectangles. The larger rectangle includes a courtyard and rooms adjacent to the fortress wall, while the smaller one consists of three rows of houses flanking two streets.
Findings
- Architecture: The fortress wall, 3.2 meters wide, was built of bricks on a stone foundation with buttresses. The gate complex, including guardrooms and towers, was constructed of dressed kurkar.
- Pottery: The floors of the fortress yielded local ware common in the 7th century BCE, along with coarse bowls and jars. The presence of East Greek pottery, dated to 630-600 BCE, suggests the occupation by Greek settlers or mercenaries.
- Ostraca: Several Hebrew ostraca were found, including a notable fourteen-line ostracon from a worker employed in the harvest, pleading for the return of his confiscated garment. This ostracon provides insights into the social and administrative aspects of the site.
- Occupation Period: All evidence indicates that the fortress existed for a very short period, primarily during the final decades of the 7th century BCE.
Sources
Stern, Ephraim-New Encyclopedia of Archaeological Excavations in the Holy Land 2
Israel Exploration Society (1993)