Location

Aroer is located in the Negev desert, approximately 22 km southeast of Beersheba, on a natural hill rising about 50 m above the plain. The site covers around 5 acres and has a depression on its north side.

Identification

Aroer in the Negev is mentioned in the Bible (1 Samuel 30:28) and is identified with the mound near Nahal Aroer. However, excavations did not uncover any permanent occupation prior to the seventh century BCE.

Excavations

The site was excavated from 1975 onwards, led by A. Biran and R. Cohen, with several campaigns conducted until the early 1980s. The excavations focused on the summit of the mound and surrounding areas.

Findings

Iron Age Strata:

• Stratum IV: Featured an offset-inset wall enclosing about 2.5 acres, with buildings mainly along the wall and in the center of the mound. Pottery from this stratum included types common in Judean sites during the Iron Age II and the seventh century BCE. The foundation of Aroer and its city wall likely occurred in the first half of the seventh century BCE, possibly under Judean king Manasseh.
• Stratum III: Marked a period of peace and prosperity, with unfortified expansion of the city. Houses and silos were built above the remains of the wall, and a terrace was constructed on the hill’s slope. Various installations, pottery, and an Astarte figurine were found, indicating Assyrian and Edomite influences.

Other Periods:

• End of the First Temple Period: A large building and silos were uncovered, with a sherd bearing Hebrew letters.
• End of the Second Temple Period: Occupation remains were excavated on the summit.
• Early Arab Period: Building remains were found in area F.

Sources

Stern, Ephraim-New Encyclopedia of Archaeological Excavations in the Holy Land 1-Israel Exploration Society (1993)