Chapter Seven
Historical And Archeological Sites
Historical Background
Nablus is a Palestinian city located between Mt. Gerizim and Mt. 'Ibal. It is the site of an ancient city which was continuously occupied from Bronze age until the present.
Nablus city was built by the Canaanites on the remains of a Stone Age city. Its name was derived from the Canaanite word, Shekheim, which means a hilly area. Ruins of ancient Shekheim has been found on Tell Balata at Shekheim's east outskirts. Excavations have uncovered remains from the Chalcolithic to Roman periods, including city walls, towers and temples, a cuneiform Akkadian inscription and an Iron age seal (Encyclopedia Palaestina, 1984).
During the Canaanite period, prophet Abraham passed through the city in his way to Iraq. The Ya'coub well near Nablus, is the well which, Ya'coub, Ishaq's (Abraham's son) son bought when he traveled to Shekheim. Also it is the same well mentioned in the Bible, where Jesus spoke to the Samaritan woman (John, verse 4: 7-27).
Alexander the Great allowed a Samaritan temple to be built on Mt. Gerizim. In 129 BC, John Hyrcanus (Maccabean leader) seized Shekheim and destroyed the temple. In 72 BC Vespasian (a Roman leader) completely destroyed the old city and built a new city between Mt. Gerizim and Mt. Ebal, calling it Flavia Neapolis which means the new city (hence Arab name: Nablus). The Roman Emperor Zeno, built a church there and Justinian built several churches within the city proper (Encyclopedia Palaestina, 1984.)
In 636, the city was liberated by the Moslem commander 'Amr Ibn Al'as and became one of the most famous and richest cities in Palestine. Moslems called it the Small Damascus because it was a very fertile land with plenty of water. Near the church ruins, there is a mosque-cut-tomb called Sheikh Ghanam, named after Ghanam Ibn Ali, senior minister of Salah Al-din.
Historical Sites
1. Balata:
A Palestinian village located at the south east entrance of Nablus. The surrounding area of Balata has the following sites:
- En Nabi Yusuf (Joseph's tomb): According to Islamic historians and travelers, Yusuf was buried in this area, and not in Hebron. A small dome was built in 1868 is a witness of the grave's site.
- Ya'coub (Jacob) well: A well located south east of Nablus near the foot of Mt. Gerizim and alongside the Burin plain. According to traditions, this well was dug by Ya'coub and thus called Ya'coub's well. It is a holy site for Christians and is called the Samaritan well, because it is the place where Jesus met the Samaritan woman and spoke to her. During the fourth century, Saint Helena built a church near the well but later it was destroyed. During the Ottoman period and after the year 1187, the Orthodox Christians rebuilt the church.
- Tell Balata: Situated in the northern part of the city. It has ancient remains dating back to 3500 BC. There is debris from a huge wall 3.5 meters wide. This wall, with its towers and gates, surrounded the ancient city on three sides.
- Khirbet Theiyab (Ibn Naser): Located south east of Balata village. This site has remains of many structures including stone buildings, walls and a very ancient quarry.
- Khirbet Al-O'kood: Located north of Balata town, on this site there is an ancient hotel, remains of buildings and different sculptures rocks.
- Tell er-Ras: Situated southwest of Balata, and has remains of a rectangular structure and a trench. Shreds and other remains show habitation during the Iron Age, Byzantine Period, and from early Arab until Ottoman periods.
2. Askar:
A Palestinian village located east of Nablus, which contains several graves and sculpted vaults.
3. Deir el Hatab:
A village located 6 km east of Nablus. The name means monastery
of dry woods. Several ancient sites are found near this village:
- Tell Misk: A site located northeast of Deir el Hatab, near wadi Far'a. It contains remains of buildings, rock-cut cisterns, mosaic fragments and scattered stones.
- Tell el Fukhar: Situated between Tell Misk and Deir el Hatab village.
- el Kharabeh: A site which contains an old road, a pool, different structures and walls.
4. Salim:
A small village located 6 km east of Nablus. Its name is derived from the Aramae'an word "Salema" which means Idol. It contains structures, a ruined pool and several graves dug in rocks.
5. Beit Dajan:
A village located 10 km east of Nablus. It has remains of ancient buildings, caves, graves and cisterns. Nearby, the following sites are found:
- Arafat Al-Sukoor: Located in the southern part of the village.
- Khirbet Ras Al-Dyyar: A site located east of Beit Dajan. Remains of a ruined fortress and some graves are found there.
- Khirbet Shweiha: A site located north of Beit Dajan, where remains of an ancient well and structures are found.
6. Beit Furik:
Located 10 km south east of Nablus. It was built on the site of an ancient city during the Roman period called "Perekh" which means the "Plant Home". There are several ancient sites near Beit Furik:
- Khirbet Tana el Fouka: A site located 3 km east of Beit Furik village. It contains the remains of the Canaanite village which was called "Tanna Shelwa". Many structures, stone fragments and graves are witnesses to the Canaanite history of this village.
- Khirbet Tana el Tihta: A site located south east of Beit Furik. It has a large number of ancient structures. Two ancient springs are located in the village and are still used by shepherds in the region during spring time.
- Khirbet Kufur Bitta: Located northwest of Beit Furik. This site has shreds and remains of Mihrab.
7. 'Awarta:
A site located 8 km southeast of Nablus. It is thought to be the location of the Canaanite village of "Giba' Phinehas". Several graves, tombs and ancient dwelling places are found in 'Awarta mainly:
- Al-Sheikh Al-Mansouri locality: A grave located in the frontyard of the mosque.
- Al-Sheikh el Muffadal locality: A grave located in the northern part of the village.
- Khirbet el Ras: Has several ancient structures, rock fragments and sculptures.
- Khirbet Hayyeh: An ancient site located east of 'Awarta village which contains several shreds.
- Khirbet Al-Shararbeh and Khirbet Sharab: Both are ancient sites located northeast of 'Awarta village. Remains of old buildings are found.
8. 'Aqraba:
It is located on the site of the ancient Roman village "Acrabbein". A ruined fortress, a pool and several fragments bear witness to the ancient Roman civilization in that area. Within close proximity the following sites are found:
- Khirbet el 'Orma: An ancient site to the northwest of 'Aqraba village. It has a fortified top with a tower on the southern part. Also, several caves and pottery fragments are found at the site.
- Khirbet el Kroom: Located north of 'Aqraba village, and has ruined walls, scattered pieces, graves and caves.
- Khirbet Maras el Dein: A site located southeast of 'Aqraba village, contains ancient structures, water canals and caves.
- Khirbet Abi Ghareeb or Kufur Ghareeb: A site located south of 'Aqraba village. Discoveries include shreds and ancient structures.
- Khirbet Sartaba or Alexandriom Castle: This site was built on the ruins of an ancient castle. On the east steppe, several caves, a quarry and an old well exist.
9. Fasayil:
Is a village in the Jordan valley located 18 km north of Jericho and 250m below sea level. It was built by Herodotus (Roman Empire) and called "Phasaelis". In the northern part of the village, there is "Tel el Sheikh Theiyab", where remains of structures, ruined stairs and a water canal are found.
10. Beita:
A village located southeast of Nablus. Khirbet Rogan is found in the eastern part of Beita and contains ancient remains of shreds and structures.
11. Yatma:
A site 15 km south of Nablus. It contains the remains of the old Roman city "Yatma". Khirbet Abed el 'Aal is located in the northeast part of Yatma, and contains ruined walls, towers, rock arcs and caves.
12. Qasra:
A Palestinian village located 24 km southeast of Nablus. Remains of ancient structures and other rock fragments are found there. The following ancient sites are nearby:
- Khirbet el Kreik: A site located to the west of Yatma, where ruined walls and water canals dug in the rocks are found .
- Khirbet Nabbouh: An ancient site located southeast Yatma.
13. Qaryut:
It derives its name from the Canaanite word "Qaryut" which means the city. It is located 28 km southeast of Nablus. The following ancient sites are located in this area:
- Khirbet Seylone: This is the site of the Canaanite village "Shelwa" which means the rest. It contains ruins of a Christian church with mosaic-paved floor, rock-carved chimneys, a pool, caves, an olive press and an ancient road.
- Khirbet Kufur Istona or "Stona": It is located between Qaryut and el Maghaiyer. It has ruins of an old gate, columns' crown, ancient structures and an old road.
- Khirbet Sara: A site located to the east of Khirbet Seylone. It contains ancient structures and several pieces and shreds of an old press.
14. Al-Maghaiyer:
A village located 34 km south east of Nablus. Nearby are two ancient sites:
- Khirbet Jab'eet: Ancient structures, rock-carved tombs and water canals are located at this site.
- Khirbet el Marajem: Located north of the village. This site contains a large number of rocks and remains of ancient structures.
15. Majdal Bani Fadil:
A village located 23 km southeast of Nablus. There are two nearby ancient sites in this area:
- Khirbet Bani Fadel: Contains ancient structures and caves.
- Khirbet el Nejma: Located in the north part of the village, and has several ruined walls.
16. Duma:
This village derives its name from the Canaanite word "Eduma" which means quiet. It contains the remains of a ruined church with a mosaic-paved floor, rock-carved graves, and water canals.
17. Rafedya:
A village built on Crusader settlement ruins. It has remains of building walls, foundations, a ruined church, a press and a cave.
18. Al-Jeneid:
This site is located west of Nablus, and has remains of a fortress and a grave called "Jenaid grave".
19. Kafr Qallil:
This village is located on the plain of Mt. Gerizim. Two ancient sites are located nearby:
- Al-Sheikh Ghanem: An ancient site on the top of Mt. Gerizim.
- Khirbet Al-Qaser or Sareen: It is the site of the Roman village of "Kufur Sireen" and contains remains of ancient walls, pools and rock-carved tombs.
20. Qussien:
It contains the remains of an enclosure and a press.
21. Huwwara:
A village located 6 km south of Nablus. There are two ancient sites close to the village, called Khirbet Attaroat ,and Khirbet Beit el Khirbeh.
22. Immattin:
A village located south west of Nablus, with the following ancient Khirbet Ifqas, and Khirbet el Qustina in the nearby.
23. Kafr Qaddum:
A village located 15 km west of Nablus. It has a site called "Tell" and contains ruined walls, a rock fence, tower and pottery fragments. The ancient sites of Khirbet Pizins, and Khirbet Beit Salloom are nearby.
24. Deir Sharaf:
A village located north west of Nablus. It has the ancient sites Khirbet Dweyer, Khirbet Qaboba.
25. Sabastiya:
A Palestinian village located 15 km northwest of Nablus. It was built by Omari the sixth, between 885-874 BC and was called "Shamer" which means the "Guardian". Later, during the Greek time it was called "Samereia". The city became very famous during the Roman empire of "Herod the Great". While rebuilding the city, Herod built Roman structures which were very familiar to the Roman aristocratic life, such as a stadium and playing grounds. Also the city was surrounded by a wall 2.5 miles, long with towers. When Christianity became the official religion, Sabastiya became the Bishopric heart and five churches were built there. Sabastiya is distinguished by its rich and wide variety of ancient structures. It contains the ruins of the old city, old churches and a mosque, in addition to several tombs and graves.
26. Beit Imrin:
A village located 18 km north west of Nablus. It has ruins of ancient walls, structures, pools and sculptured rock.
27. Bazzariya:
A Palestinian village located 20 km north west of Nablus. In the nearby, an ancient site called "El Minia" exists and contains ancient structures, pottery fragments and rock-carved canals.
28. Assira Esharqieh:
A village located 6 km north of Nablus and is separated by Mt. 'Ibal, where several shreds, rock-carved tombs and pottery were found.
29. El Badan:
It is located southeast of Talloza, and carry the same name since the Roman period, "Badan", although is known as "Khirbet el Farwa". Ruined walls, ancient structures, columns and an old road remain.
30. Far'a:
A village located 11 km northeast of Nablus, where the ancient site of "Burj el Far'a" and "Tell el Far'a". El Burj has ruined walls, a trench, a pool, caves and a mosaic-paved floor. Far'a was built on the ruins of the Canaanite village "Tirsa". Excavations reveal a large number of shreds and a pottery store from the old and middle Bronze age.
31. Tammun:
A village located 23 km northeast of Nablus, where the historical sites of Khirbet Basaliyah, and Khirbet A'touf are found.
32. Tubas:
A village located 20 km north east of Nablus, which was very famous during the Roman and Canaanite periods. Several historical sites are found in Tubas including.
- Khirbet Ei'noun: A site located east of Tubas, where remnants of a ruined village, walls, pools and carved rocks remain.
- Khirbet Yarza: Ruined walls, structures, shreds, caves and tombs remain.
- Khirbet el Ghrour: Remnants of a rectangle enclosure, a tower and a Roman road can be found here.
- Tell el Radgha: On a small hill, there are ruined wells and an olive press. To the west there is a Roman cemetery and rock-carved gate.
- Khirbet Jabarees: Located northeast of Tubas, and has ruined walls towers, ancient structures, columns, mosaic-paved floor and rock-carved tombs are found.
33. Jammaa'in:
A village located 16 km southwest of Nablus, where the following sites are found:
- Khirbet Jar'ah: Ruined structures and buildings, a mosque and a pool remain.
- Khirbet el Roysoun or (Irosone): Located in the eastern part of Jammaa'in. It has ruined mosque with Byzantine column crowns and water canals.
34. Salfit:
A village located 26 km south east of Nablus, where there are remains of rock-carved tombs and water canals.
35. Yasuf:
Located 16 km south of Nablus, in this village, there are rock-carved tombs, a Roman road and a tower.
36. Es Sawiya:
A village located 18 km southeast of Nablus, where the following sites are found:
- Khan el Sawiya: Located in the eastern part of the village. It contains a rectangle structure and rock carved tombs.
- Khirbet el Burkeet: Located northeast of el Sawiya, it is the site of a ruined Roman village, where ruined walls and rock-carved tombs are found.
37. Zeita:
It is located 18 km south west of Nablus. Khirbet el Housh, north of Zeita, is an ancient site where a ruined fortress, trench and rock-carved water canals remain.
38. Deir Istiya:
This village located 25 km southwest of Nablus. It has a historical site called Khirbet Tafsa, where a ruined village, mosque, an olive press and rock-carved water canals are still found.
39. Qarawat Bani Hassan:
In this village which is located 3 km south west of Nablus, several old and ancient buildings exist including:
- El Burj Building: A Roman tower in the center of the village, whose walls are very thick, approximately 3 meters.
- Dar el Darb: Located southeast of Qarawat Bani Hassan, several columns, a big Roman cemetery and rock-carved caves remain.
40. Bidya:
A village located 32 km southwest of Nablus, where remnants of an ancient settlement, ruined tower, pools and rock-cut tombs are found.
41. Bruqin:
It is located 31 km south west of Nablus, the following historical sites are in the nearby:
- Khirbet el Phakhakheer: Also known as Khirbet Hamad. This site is located in the northern part of Bruqin. There are ruined buildings, the remainder of a squared structure with columns and rock-carved canals.
- Khirbet Karkash: In the eastern part of the village, are found remnants of ruined villages, a quarry, a pool and rock-cut tombs.
42. Kafr Ed Dik:
Located southwest of Nablus, and has remnants of a square tower, pools, rock-cut tombs and a decorated door's threshold. The following historical sites exist:
- Khirbet Kisraya: Located northwest of Kafr Ed Dik, and has ruins of a square building, olive press and rock-cut tombs.
- Khirbet Dairya: Located to the west of Kafr Ed Dik, and has shreds, stones, ruined wells and flint walls.
- Khirbet Deir Qala'a: Located to the east of Kafr Ed Dik, and has remains of a ruined church, caves, pools and rock-cut stairs.
- Khirbet Deir Sama'an: Located north of Deii Qala'a, where there are remains of a ruined church, rock-cut reservoirs and an olive press with a tank.
43. Deir Ballut:
A village located 41 km southwest of Nablus where ruined structures and rock-cut tombs are found. Historical sites nearby include the following.
- Khirbet el Meer: Located east of Deir Ballut, where ruined walls and rock-cut water tanks are still found.
- Khirbet Ed Deweir: Located southeast of Deir Ballut, where remains of ruined buildings, rock-cut water canals, decorated door's threshold and an old road are found.
