The Typology, Chronology, and Development of the Hiding Complexes of Judaea in Light of the New Discoveries at the Nesher-Ramla Quarry Site: A Reevaluation

The recent reports of the excavations at el-Khirbe (Nesher-Ramla Quarry) published by Alexander Melamed have revealed, for the first time, the importance of the hiding complex phenomenon in the province of Judaea during the Second Temple period, both in number and with regard to a more sophisticated architecture than had previously been noted. These reports have made this site a key location for study of the topic. A closer study of the excavation reports and a fresh look at all of the data about hiding complexes throughout Judaea indicate some methodological issues. Accordingly, we must be cautious about using this site in order to draw conclusions about hiding complexes in general. This study is intended to highlight and sharpen the contribution of the recent discovery of the Nesher-Ramla systems to the study of the hiding complexes of Judaea, and to discuss the historical background of the circumstances surrounding the phenomenon.