Archaeologists from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have unearthed a rare Tetrarchic boundary stone at the site of Abel Beth Maacah, located in northern Israel. This remarkable find sheds light on the administrative practices of the Roman Empire during the reign of Emperor Diocletian, revealing details about the organization of territorial boundaries, land ownership, and settlement patterns in the region.

Additionally, the discovery provides new insights into the historical geography and socio-economic landscape of the Roman Levant, including two previously unknown place names.

The excavation, led by Prof. Naama Yahalom-Mack and Dr. Nava Panitz-Cohen of the Hebrew University’s Institute of Archaeology, along with Prof. Robert Mullins from Azusa Pacific University, has brought to light a basalt slab inscribed with Greek characters. The text, deciphered by Dr. Avner Ecker and Prof. Uzi Leibner, enhances our understanding of the fiscal and territorial reforms implemented by Diocletian in the late 3rd century CE, when he established a system of governance known as the Tetrarchy.

Boundary stone tetrarchic
Aerial view of Abel Bet Maacah looking south-east. Credit: Robert Mullins / Tel Abel Beth Maacah excavations

The marker, originally designed to delineate agricultural boundaries between villages, is a tangible remnant of the administrative reorganization that defined the Tetrarchy. During this period, the Roman Empire was divided into four regions, governed by two senior emperors (augusti) and their two junior colleagues (caesares).

The stone, found in a context of reuse during the Mamluk period, includes references to an imperial censitor or inspector, whose name appears documented for the first time. It also mentions two previously unknown villages: Tirthas and Golgol, potentially linked to sites identified in the 19th century during the Survey of Western Palestine.

Experts suggest that the abundance of similar markers in the Hula Valley and its surroundings points to a high level of administrative control and a focus on standardizing taxation. This control ensured that land was properly demarcated, facilitating the implementation of Diocletian’s fiscal reforms. These measures not only optimized tax collection but also promoted stability in an increasingly vast and diverse empire.

Boundary stone tetrarchic
Map of Boundary stones in the northern Hula Valley. Credit: R. Sabar

The discovery highlights how imperial policies impacted rural communities in northern Israel. During this period, Diocletian’s reforms aimed to ease economic pressures through a more equitable redistribution of taxes, while also placing significant burdens on small landowners.

Indeed, contemporary rabbinic traditions reference the hardships imposed by the emperor in this region, providing additional context for interpreting the inscriptions.

Professor Uzi Leibner emphasized the importance of the discovery, noting that these markers offer a tangible connection to the lives of those who lived under these complex systems nearly two millennia ago. Dr. Avner Ecker also highlighted how the newly identified place names and imperial figures recorded in the inscription significantly expand our understanding of Roman geography and administration in the Levant.

The border marker from Abel Beth Maacah adds to a unique corpus of more than 20 boundary stones discovered in the region, revealing the interaction between imperial policies and local settlement patterns. This particular find reinforces the idea that the northern Hula Valley was home to a dense concentration of small, independent landowners who likely faced unique challenges under the pressures of Roman administrative reforms.


SOURCES

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

Ecker, A., & Leibner, U. (2025). ‘Diocletian oppressed the inhabitants of Paneas’ (ySheb. 9:2): A New Tetrarchic boundary stone from Abel Beth Maacah. Palestine Exploration Quarterly, 1–13. doi.org/10.1080/00310328.2024.2435218


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