Tel Burga
During
May-June 2004, salvage excavations were undertaken at Tel Burga (Kh.
El Bureij, Israel Grid Coordinates 14700-21425), located one kilometer
east of Binyamina, at the request of the Israel Electric Company, prior
to the construction of two new electric pylons. The excavations were
financed by the contractor and were directed by Amir Golani on behalf
of the IAA.
The site is surrounded by an artificial earthen rampart
that stands out above its immediate surroundings, mute testimony to
the strong fortifications that ringed the ancient settlement that covers
an area of about 250 dunams. Several surveys have combed the site and
a small excavation at its western edge has revealed a portion of the
city gateway. The earthen ramparts were raised in the Middle Bronze
Age IIA (20th-18th centuries BCE)
when settlement flourished in the Sharon Plain and several sites such
as Tel Aphek (near Rosh Ha'Ayin), Tel Poleg, Tel Burga and Tel Zeror
were all fortified with earthen ramparts.
The excavations consisted of two large squares, positioned
in the center of the area for the planned electric pylon.
Square A
Positioned in the southwestern portion of the site,
this square revealed meager and eroded remains of a habitational level
along with two tombs dated to the MB IIA period.
Tomb 1 included three nearly complete skeletons laid
closely together in a contracted position, two with their heads towards
the south and one with its head towards the north. Anthropological examination
revealed that two of the individuals were relatively young adult males
while the third, whose sex is uncertain was slightly younger.
Tomb 2 was constructed with a large deep pit dug down
over 1.5 m intro the ground that was lined with stone walls preserved
to 8-9 courses of fieldstones forming a square structure measuring 3
x 2.8 m. The tomb was apparently roofed over in the past by wooden beams
that have since deteriorated, and earth. Entrance into the tomb from
the west was gained by means of a vertical pier dug into the earth,
at the bottom of which were found crushed ceramic vessels along with
bones. The entrance itself was blocked up with stones. Inside the tomb
were found the scattered remains of five individuals none of whom were
articulated. In addition, at least 25 complete pottery vessels, a few
precious stone beads and two faience scarabs with a geometric design
on their base were retrieved from this burial level.
At a later stage, a portion of the tomb was used again
for burial. On its western side a wall was built directly upon the earlier
burial remains creating an individual burial cist measuring 2 x 0.5
m. Within this cist the skeleton of a young male was found lying upon
its right side in a contracted position with the head towards the north.
At his feet was a complete upright store jar with a small dipper juglet
within.
Square B
Positioned in the northern portion of the site, this square revealed
two architectural phases dated to the MB IIA period, covered over by
1.8 m of alluvial soil. The early phase was only partially revealed
and included a few wall fragments along with an associated beaten-earth
floor.
At a later phase the area was filled over and the earlier remains
partially covered. Two large walls forming a corner of a large building
were revealed. The walls were sunken into the ground, cutting into remains
of the earlier habitation. Outside the building a portion of a stone
pavement was found.
Excavations did not reveal any remains earlier or later to the MB
IIA period, indicating that the tel and the earthen ramparts surrounding
it are of a one period site.
Sources: Israel
Antiquities Authority |