Archaeologists have uncovered evidence of two previously unknown Roman settlements, expanding our understanding of the empire’s territorial reach.
A rectangular basalt boundary stone, inscribed in Ancient Greek, was discovered in Upper Galilee, near the modern Israel-Lebanon border. The inscription names two settlements—Tirathas and Golgol—confirming their integration into the Roman administrative system. The text also lists four Roman governors, dating the artifact to approximately 1,720 years ago, during the reign of Emperor Marcus Aurelius Alexander (r. 222–235 CE).
The discovery provides insight into Roman governance and taxation, as inhabitants of these settlements were subject to imperial rule despite being located approximately 4,000 kilometers (2,500 miles) from Rome. The Hebrew University research team emphasized the significance of such finds in reconstructing ancient settlement patterns and socio-economic structures.
The boundary stone was found at Abel Beth Maacah, an ancient city with historical and biblical significance. This region, believed to be where Jesus preached and performed miracles, has long been a focal point of religious and historical inquiry.
The study suggests that Tirathas may correspond to the site previously identified as Khirbet Turritha, where 19th-century excavations recorded large basalt ruins. Researchers note that the phonetic similarity between “Turritha” and “Tirathas” strongly supports this identification. However, no corresponding site has yet been identified for Golgol.
The team speculates that Golgol may be linked to the biblical Gilgal or Golgotha, based on linguistic and geographical parallels. Gilgal, mentioned in the Book of Joshua, marked the Israelite encampment after crossing the Jordan River, while Golgotha is known as the site of Jesus’ crucifixion.
This discovery adds to a corpus of over 20 boundary stones found in the northern Hula Valley, reflecting a period of increased Roman administrative control. These markers delineated land ownership and standardized taxation, offering valuable insights into economic policies and settlement patterns in the Late Roman period.
Professor Uzi Leibner, a lead researcher, noted that such findings not only clarify land management practices but also provide a tangible connection to individuals navigating Roman rule nearly two millennia ago.
By shedding light on previously undocumented settlements, this study underscores the dynamic nature of Roman provincial administration and its lasting impact on the region’s historical landscape.