During July 2006 a survey prior to development was conducted in the region of el-Fureidis (Permit No. A-4825*; map ref. NIG 19527–714/72093–200/OIG 14527–714/22093–200), prior to widening Highways 4, 70 and 652. The survey, carried out on behalf of the Antiquities Authority and funded by the Department of Public Works, was performed by R. Wisen and P. Spivak, with the assistance of L. Yihye (GPS) and I. Berin (final plans).
The survey was undertaken in two areas (1, 2; Fig. 1). Area 1 extended across the northern and northwestern slopes of Giv‘at Eden and in the fields south of the Fureidis Junction and Area 2, southeast of Area 1, was in a region of cultivation plots, west of Nahal Daliya and along the eastern slope of Giv‘at Eden. Caves, sections of a rock-hewn aqueduct, rock-cuttings, hewn installations, a quarry and building remains were documented. The region had been surveyed in the past (Olami, Sander and Oren. 2005. Map of Dor ).
Caves. Sixteen caves were located along the northwestern slope of Giv‘at Eden (4, 5, 11, 12, 14, 21, 22, 24–27, 29–32, 36), mostly on the bedrock terrace that surrounds Giv‘at Eden, their openings facing west or north. Part of the bedrock terrace collapsed, taking with it some of the caves. At least three of the documented caves were hewn (12, 14, 21) and, based on their plans, seems to have been burial caves. Caves 14 and 21 were cut during the modern quarrying of Highway 70. The rest of the caves were mostly natural and served, most likely, for burial as well. The burial caves were apparently part of the Khirbat el-Khaneizira cemetery, located at the top of Giv‘at Eden.
Aqueduct. Sections of a rock-hewn aqueduct channel (1–3, 7, 15, 16, 19) that ran along Highway 70 and the northern slope of Giv‘at Eden were documented. These were parts of the aqueduct that conveyed water from the Tata springs to Tel Dor during the Roman and Byzantine periods. Parts of this aqueduct had been excavated in the past (HA-ESI 115:72*). Its full length was not discovered and in all likelihood, parts of it were destroyed during the paving of Highway 70.
Rock-Cuttings and Hewn Installations. Cupmarks hewn in bedrock outcrops (6, 9, 10, 17, 23; diam. and depth 0.2–0.3 m) were noted in the vicinity of the caves. Rock-cuttings (8, 33–35), including a rectangular cutting (20; 0.5 × 1.0 m, depth 0.5 m) and a circular rock-cutting (18) that were severed during the construction of Highway 70 were recorded. It seems that Rock-Cuttings 18 and 20 were part of more intricate installations. A masonry stone quarry (12; c. 20 × 40 m) was noted, as well as two hewn caves near the quarry, which were probably used for burial.
Building Remains. The fragmentary remains of two fieldstone-built structures (38, 39; each 3–5 sq m) were documented. A stone heap (37) was next to the remains of Building 38. A hill to the east of the building remains seems to be an artificial mound, covered with dense vegetation.
A few potsherds, dating to the Roman and Byzantine periods and several flint implements that can not be dated, were collected in Area 2 and in the channel of Nahal Daliya.