Newe Shalom and Tarum: Two Intermediate Bronze Age Sites in the Judaean Shephelah

Two salvage excavations were conducted at Newe Shalom and Tarum in the Judean Shephelah. The excavations revealed architectural remains indicating the existence of two settlements dating to the Intermediate Bronze Age. At Newe Shalom, a complete multiroom structure was uncovered. The absence of additional architectural remains in the vicinity indicates that it functioned as an isolated structure. At Tarum, the remains of a single structure were uncovered. These structures share common characteristics and fit well within the general architectural, ceramic and flint repertoire of the Intermediate Bronze Age in the region.