Sarepta 2001 Overview

The industrial role of Sarepta (Sarafand, Lebanon) during the Late Bronze Age and Iron Age
Ame1ie N. Beyhum

Although only a relatively small area within the site of Sarepta (Sarafand, Lebanon) has been excavated, the publication of specialized use of the site for industrial enterprises would contribute to Phoenician studies, the archaeology of the east Mediterranean and archeo-metallurgical studies. Unlike many other sites in the east Mediterranean, Sarepta suffered no destruction or abandonment c.1200. Rather, one observes a peaceful transitional period from the Late Bronze Age into the Iron Age, in which the kilns and workshops at the site continued to function.

The site of Sarepta is located some 50 kilometer (31 miles) south of Beirut, Lebanon, along the coastal highway between Sidon and Tyre. The site occupies a low tell on the seashore at Ras al-Qantara, situated just below and to the north of the modern village of Sarafand. Excavations on the site were undertaken by The University Museum of the University of Pennsylvania during five seasons between 1969 and 1974 under the direction of Professor James B. Pritchard, with a study season in 1978.

In 1969-1970 a Roman-Byzantine harbor complex and other later remains were uncovered one half kilometer southwest of the tell, and designated Area 1. Subsequent excavations which took place on the summit of the tell were, designated Area II. Area II is the focus of this study. In Area II, two soundings were made, Sounding X (squares C/D-6/7, 875 m2), and Sounding Y (squares KJL-20-21, 100 m2). Results of the soundings made clear the different uses to which each area had been put: Sounding Y revealed a mainly residential area, while Sounding X exposed an industrial sector.

Sounding X became known as the industrial sector, where dye was extracted form the murex, olives were crushed and pressed for their oil, dryers and metalworkers had practiced their crafts, and pottery was manufactured. The only exception to this commercial use of the district was the construction of a small shrine sometime in the 8th century. It is Sounding X area, the largest area of excavation at Sarafand, which will be the primary focus of my study.