A Climatic Change in the Early Byzantine Period? Some Archaeological Evidence

A comprehensive characterization of ancient desert agricultural systems in the Negev Highlands of Israel

“…Many researchers agree that the peak use of runoff agriculture was during the Byzantine period (4the7th centuries CE) (e.g. Baly, 1935;Cohen, 1985;Evenari et al, 1971;Hirschfeld, 2004;Kirk, 1941;Lender, 1990;Mayerson, 1960;Rubin, 1990;Woolley and Lawrence, 1936). During this period agricultural activity in the Negev was concentrated around the six ancient "Negev Towns" (Haluza, Nizzana, Rehovot, Shivta, Mamshit and Avdat).…”

Impact of earthquakes on agriculture during the Roman–Byzantine period from pollen records of the Dead Sea laminated sediment

“…This was a relatively stable period; although in that year, Herod won a battle against the Nabateans but after a brief war only (about one year long). The 4th century AD Palestine knew a period of political stability (Hirschfeld, 2004). It was then still under Roman rule.…”

“…Hirschfeld (2004) has proposed that the spring of Ein Aneva as known from hagiographical literature was located in the Ze'elim Wadi. Although this spring is now dry, it flowed abundantly in the Byzantine period.…”

“…This was taking place in oases surrounded by desert. Hirschfeld (2004) described farmhouses, terraces and vegetable gardens in Ein Aneva and Ein Gedi. Archaeological digging in Ein Gedi showed barley growing (Hordeum vulgare) in irrigated fields but the clear absence of olive trees (Hadas, 2008).…”

The Demise of the Decapolis. Past and Present Desertification in the Context of Soil Development, Land Use, and Climate

“…There have been studies before, but generally quite modest in scale. Especially useful in recent years has been work in Israel and especially around the Dead Sea, which at least shed interesting light on what may have been happening beyond the Jordan (Issar and Zohar, 2004;Hirschfeld, 2004;cf. Kennedy, 2007: 77-82;192-3).…”