Archaeologists have uncovered a rare Roman-era boundary stone at the ancient site of Abel Beth Maacah, in northern Israel, shedding light on lost settlements and the meticulous land administration of the Roman Empire. The Greek-inscribed slab, dating back to the Tetrarchy period (A.D. 293-305), was found buried beneath a basalt slab covering an ancient burial.
Unearthing A Relic Lost To Time
During excavations in 2022, a team of archaeologists working at Abel Beth Maacah, a biblical tell near the modern town of Metula, stumbled upon an unusual basalt slab. Initially believed to be an ordinary burial cover, the slab revealed something extraordinary when turned over: a lengthy Greek inscription.
Researchers quickly identified the artifact as a Tetrarchic boundary stone, a rare administrative tool used in the late Roman period to mark agrarian borders between villages. The artifact, remarkably well-preserved, had remained hidden beneath layers of habitation for nearly 1,700 years.
What The Inscription Reveals?
Upon translation, the Greek text provided a wealth of information. It referenced the reign of Emperor Diocletian, who in A.D. 293 implemented the Tetrarchy, a four-ruler system designed to better manage the sprawling Roman Empire. The inscription mentions two previously undocumented villages—Tirthas and Golgol—which had vanished from historical records.
Additionally, the stone names an imperial surveyor, or “censitor,” whose identity had never been recorded before. This bureaucratic official was responsible for defining land ownership and ensuring taxation was properly enforced.
A Glimpse Into Roman Administration
The discovery of this boundary stone highlights the Roman Empire’s extensive administrative network, even in far-flung provinces. Under the Tetrarchy, rulers like Diocletian and Maximian attempted to stabilize the empire by enforcing strict legal and tax structures.
The placement of the stone at Abel Beth Maacah suggests that the region had direct oversight from Roman officials, integrating it into the empire’s vast agricultural economy. This challenges previous assumptions that northern Israel was less influenced by Roman governance.
The Significance Of Abel Beth Maacah
Abel Beth Maacah holds deep historical and biblical significance. Located near ancient trade routes, it was mentioned in the Old Testament as a city of refuge and strategic stronghold. Over centuries, it was home to Canaanites, Israelites, and Arameans, before falling under Assyrian and later Roman control.
This latest discovery reinforces the site’s importance, proving that even in the later stages of the Roman Empire, administrative structures were still actively shaping the region.
How Archaeology Is Rewriting History?
The find demonstrates how small, overlooked artifacts can change our understanding of history. According to Dr. Uzi Leibner, an archaeologist from the Hebrew University, this discovery “sheds light on ancient land ownership and taxation but also provides a tangible connection to the lives of individuals who navigated these complex systems nearly two millennia ago.”
Fellow researcher Dr. Avner Ecker adds: “What makes this find particularly exciting is the mention of two previously unknown place names and a new imperial surveyor. It underscores how even seemingly small discoveries can dramatically enhance our understanding of the socio-economic and geographic history of the region.”
What’s Next For The Excavation?
Archaeologists plan to continue digging at Abel Beth Maacah, hoping to uncover more inscriptions that could provide further context about the Roman-era settlements in northern Israel. With advanced imaging and GIS mapping, researchers are working to pinpoint the locations of Tirthas and Golgol, potentially uncovering more remnants of these forgotten villages.
Each new discovery adds another piece to the puzzle of how the Roman Empire functioned at its most remote frontiers, proving that even today, the past is still waiting to be uncovered.
I have surveyed for 25 years now. I was always told it was the second oldest profession!