Glass use as a reflection of abandonment processes: The 'Abud Refuge Cave, Roman Judea (133/134 C.E.)

In the early second century, from 132 to 135/136 C.E., the Jews in the province of Judea, led by Simeon bar Kokhba, rebelled against the Roman Empire. This revolt was the last of several confrontations between the Jewish population and Roman authorities following the First (Great) Revolt. The Bar Kokhba revolt is well documented in archaeological surveys and excavations, mostly at rural sites, refuge caves, and hideouts, which unearthed numerous and various artifacts of material culture. This article discusses the glass vessels from a single refuge cave ('Abud Cave) as a reflection of site abandonment processes. The 'Abud Cave differs from the other known refuge caves in its location in the region of western Samaria (northern Judean Hills), in the preservation of an exceptionally large quantity of archaeological finds within a composite cave, and in the slightly earlier date of its abandonment in 133/ 134 CE.