Es Suwweida is a square fortress site (70 x 70 m) located in the Han Forest between Zichron Yaakov and Amikam, which is part of the Alona Park in the Ramot Menashe region. The fortress is surrounded by a wall and sits on a hill 161 m above sea level, dominating its surroundings. From this hill begins Nahal Sanunit, a tributary of Nahal Taninim (which flows into the sea near Tel Meborach). Remains of towers have been identified at the four corners of the complex. Structures from the Iron Age have also been discovered at the site.
The pottery sherds discovered at the site date to the Iron, Persian, Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods.
Research history
Since 2022, excavations have been conducted in collaboration with the University of Haifa and the Ruhr University in Bochum, funded by the German-Israeli Research Foundation headed by Meir Edrei
Key findings
Area A (Southwest corner):
Main discoveries: A landslide of mixed stones and pottery from the Roman and Iron Age IIa periods.
Military impact: Many damages as a result of modern military activity.
Area B (northwest of the tell):
Iron Age IIa:
A wide wall (2038W) that probably served as a boundary wall with advanced planning.
Hellenistic period:
A fortified structure with a thick enclosure wall, similar to the structures at Tel Dor, indicating strategic connections.
Early Roman period:
A narrow perimeter wall and a chamber with a compacted floor, probably part of a rural settlement.
Area C (northeast of the tell):
Iron Age IIa:
A monumental gate complex with four chambers and a central passage, similar to the gates found at Tel Dor.
The gate was rebuilt in the late Iron Age with additions such as narrow walls and dirt floors.
Sources:
“A-Suida” (Site 17) From: Olami Y., Sander S. and Oren A. 2011. Map of Binyamina (48). Archaeological Survey of Israel
Archaeological News Issue 136 for 2024 “A-Suida” Meir Edrei and Barbel Morstad