The Samaritan ruins on Mt Gerizim present unusually well preserved remains of a settlement dating from the Hellenistic Period (2nd Century BC), with fine examples of ancient courtyard planning and construction. In this photo, the exterior flagstone paving of the courtyard directs water runoff to a central cistern, while stairs built into the wall lead to a second-story dwelling. House courtyards were used for many domestic activities such as food preparation, here evidenced by a traditional oven (tabun) found in the upper right corner of the courtyard.
House Courtyard
Door Threshold
Cistern Capstone
Courtyard entrance and stairway
