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Terrace with Trees

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Terrace with Trees
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Photo Comments

This is an image of some of the trees that are growing on one of the terraces located in the reconstructed Byzantine Farmstead at Shivta. 

The low "bushes" in the foreground, near the woman, are not-too-healthy pomegranate trees.  Behind them, looking healthier, from left to right are an olive tree, two pistachio trees (next to each other), and on the right a carob tree.  Identifications courtesy of Ofer Dror (a tour guide that I have worked with and appreciate very much!)

These trees are growing behind the reconstructed Byzantine dams of this farm.  Even though this "farmstead" has been untended for years, the trees are still growing on their own!! All grown without mechanical irrigation!


This area of the Negev receives only 3.5 in. of rain in an "average" year.  Water and soil(!) from the surrounding hills were/are diverted to the area behind the dam where topsoil and water collected.  By concentrating the runoff here, 3.5 in. of rain was converted to about 10 in.!  Thus crops were able to grow there!

Contrary to previous opinions, agricultural systems such as this, instead of dating to the Nabatean Period, actually were built during the Byzantine Period—in the fifth century AD and continued in use until the late seventh or early eighth century AD.

Please also note the barren surrounding countryside.  This area only receives 3.5 in. of rain per year.  This picture was taken in July—the middle of the dry season in Israel.