Archaeological Soundings at Betar, Bar-Kochba's Last Stronghold

(Extrait de Res.d'A.). The results of the excavations confirm the identification of Khirbet el-Yahud with Betar, the last stronghold of Bar-Kochba. (...) Betar was a small settlement which existed already in the Iron Age. (...) During the Roman period Betar was a settlement of ca. 1000-2000 people, and contained public buildings constructed of ashlar stones. It's possible that there were fortifications at the site, but there was apparently no circumvallating wall. With the outbreak of the Second Revolt, Bar-Kochba chose Betar as his headquarters (...). The main objective of the Roman army in conquering Betar was to eliminate Bar-Kochba and his men, rather than the conquest of the place. (...) At places along the siege wall remains of structures can be discerned which probably served the gard on the wall. (...) After the conquest (...), Betar was destroyed and never rebuilt.