Burial Caves from the Roman and Byzantine Periods and an Agricultural Settlement at Ḥorbat Mitla, Mount Carmel

Salvage excavations carried out near the ancient settlement of Ḥorbat Mitla revealed a variety of burial complexes: loculi caves and arcosolia. Based on the pottery finds and glassware, as well as the burial practices in loculi and clay coffins, it seems that these burial caves belong to the Roman period, although some of the caves continued to be used in the Byzantine period. The anthropological study points to a civilian population, while the glassware finds suggest an affiliation with the Roman army. It may be assumed that at least some of these burial complexes belonged to Roman army soldiers and their families.