Byzantine nomadism in the negev: Results from the emergency survey

Recent intensive and systematic survey in the Central Negev Highlands, Israel, has revealed the existence of numerous archaeological sites dating to the Byzantine period. Unlike most previous discoveries and studies of this period in the Negev that relate to urban systems and their associated sophisticated desert agricultural technologies, the sites discussed here appear to be unrelated to agricultural exploitation. It is suggested that they reflect a pastoral system that served to complement the urban and agricultural system of the Byzantine Negev. Parallels with recent Bedouin are utilized to enhance understanding of the relationship between the ancient pastoral nomads and their more settled counterparts.