Nabataean Settlement and Self-Organized Economy in the Central Negev: Crisis and renewal: Crisis and renewal

This study analyses the considerable changes which took place in in the Negev region from the 2nd-5th centuries AD, in particular the cessation of international trade passing through the region, and the substantial rise in population and rapid urbanisation which occured towards the end of this period. It synthesises archaeological research on the region, and analyses recent finds, most notably ceramics, which provide useful evidence for long-distance trade. Its conclusions note the ways in which the local market was able to sustain the loss of international trade, and the reasons for this. This Study Examines The Transformation That Took Place In The Central Negev (israel) During The Late Roman And Early Byzantine Periods By Addressing Questions Such As: What Do Existing Historical Records And Past Archaeological Research Tell Us About The Transformation That Took Place In The Negev And In Neighbouring Regions During This Period? What Can The Material Finds From Recent Excavations In The Area, For The Purposes Of This Study At Mampsis, Oboda, And Mezad 'en Hazeva, Provide To Supplement That Information? What Factors Contributed To The Greatest Population Increase And Permanent Settlement Activity To Have Ever Taken Place In Such An Inhospitable Desert Environment As Occurred In The Byzantine Period Between The Fourth And The Seventh Century Ce? In The First Chapter The Geographical Setting, Including The Geology, Climate, Hydrology And Vegetation Are Discussed. In The Second Chapter A Summary Of Archaeological Research Of The Region Under Discussion, Including Surveys And Excavations, Is Presented. In Chapters Three Through Six The Historical Background In The Early Centuries Of The First Millennium Ce Is Presented Together With Historical And Archaeological Evidence Pertaining To The Region. In The Second Part Of This Work, The Material Finds From Sealed Deposits Found In Recent Excavations From Mampsis, Oboda And Mezad 'en Hazeva Are Presented And Discussed In Their Archaeological And Historical Contexts. Attention Is Directed To The Ceramic Evidence And The Implications That This Evidence Holds With Regard To Demographic And Economic Developments In The Region In The Period Under Discussion.--publisher's Website. Tali Erickson-gini. Based On The Author's Doctoral Dissertation--institute Of Archaeology Of The Hebrew University In Jerusalem, 2004. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 305-330). Cover Page Title Page Copyright List of Figures List of Tables Acknowledgements Preface Part One Chapter 1: The Regional Environment Chapter 2: Previous Research in the Central Negev and Central Arava Valley Chapter 3: Archaeological and Historical Background for Early Settlement and Trade in the Negev Highlands Chapter 4: Crisis and Decline in the Third Century Chapter 5: Recovery in the Tetrarchic Period Chapter 6: Political and Economic Developments in the Fourth Century CE Part Two Chapter 7: Material Evidence from Recent Excavations at Mampsis, Oboda and Mezad ‘En Hazeva Chapter 8: Oboda Chapter 9: Mezad Hazeva Chapter 10: Vessels and Special Finds of the early third century CE Chapter 11: Vessels and Special Finds, 363 CE Chapter 12: Vessels and Special Finds of the early Fifth Century CE Discussion and Conclusions Appendices References