Ancient Caravanserais: An Archaeological View from 'Aroer

The caravanserai formed a typical public institution of trading cultures during the pre-industrial periods. To introduce a preliminary model for the identification of caravanserais in the archaeological record, general characteristics typical of ancient caravanserais will be discussed (function, location, architectural layout) based on a combination of archaeological and ethnohistorical evidence. The preliminary model is based on six aspects: accommodation, animal keeping, existence of trade centres, protection, food preparation and consumption and water supply.The archaeological case-study that will be used here is Tel 'Aroer in the Negev. The architectural remains and the material culture that were revealed outside the fortifications, in a public building from Area A (Stratum II – end of the seventh and the beginning of the sixth centuries BCE) will be described and analyzed in light of the proposed model and in relation to the existence of the long distance South Arabian Trade system during the Late Iron Age.