Hirschfeld, Y. (2026). "Ramat Hanadiv." Gardens of the Roman Empire, accessed October 2, 2026. https://roman-gardens.github.io/id/84fc60f497/

Ramat Hanadiv

Published: 2026-10-01
Last modified: 2026-10-01

Dates

15 BCE - 60 CE

Garden Description

Probable garden soils have been identified in a partially excavated palatial complex from the Herodian period. (Fig. 1) The fortified residential complex is a huge square covering an area of over 5,000 square meters. Towers stood in the four corners of the precinct, which thus appears to have been what was called in the Hellenistic period a tetrapyrgion-type palace. Josephus also uses the term in describing the palace at Masada (Wars 7, 289). This is the best preserved example known to date in Palestine. The palace's inhabitants were probably members of Jewish elite during and after Herod's reign, as the complex was abandoned during the great Revolt.

The villa shows the range of indications of Hellenistic and Roman cultural influences of Herod's time: a columbarium, areas of cultivated soils near the building, water channels, and a heated bathhouse of the Roman style. Amended cultivated soils have also been noted in other areas of the palace building complex, which will be investigated in future seasons.

Bibliography

  • Hirschfeld, Y. Ramat Hanadiv Excavations. Jerusalem, 2000. (worldcat)
  • Mols, S.T.A.M. Wooden Furniture in Herculaneum, Amsterdam, 1999: 139-40. (worldcat)

Keywords

Places