Abstract
The Japanese Archaeological Expedition to En-Gev conducted three seasons' excavation work from 1990 to 1992. The dig centered in the acropolis area in the northern part of the site where two neighboring rectangular buildings were uncovered. The inside sections were divided into three aisles by two rows of limestone pillars.
This type of building is called “tripartite pillared” and more than 15 examples have been discovered in the land of Israel over the past one hundred years.
Archaeologists have proposed various theories concerning the upper structure as well as the use to which the building was put. The En-Gev buildings could be restored with a higher roof over the central aisle. Also, it is thought that these were public buildings in which men, wares and animals were accommodated under the same conditions and for a certain period of time. In short, these were official guest houses where not only Israelite but Aramaean travellers (soldiers, merchants, and officers) journeying between Samaria and Damascus took rest and lodged for the night.
