Survey, Shovel Tests and Excavations at Tel 'Eton: On Methodology and Site History

Abstract

The article discusses the results of surveys, shovel testing and excavations conducted at Tel 'Eton, a central site in the southeastern Judean Shephelah. Prior to excavations at the site, the mound was mapped and divided into 39 topographical subunits. Each subunit was subsequently surveyed, and this was followed by shovel testing. A comparison of the results of the survey and shovel tests not only to each other, but also to the results of the excavations, gives us a better understanding of the history of the site. In addition, it allows us to examine the accuracy and the reliability of surveying and shovel testing as tools for predicting settlement history.