Abstract

This paper describes the material culture of Samaria ìn the Achaemenid and Hellenistic Period. The archeological evidence collected for the Achaemenid period shows a population increase and a development of the more specialized colture crops (olive, vine). The Aramaic papyriof Samaria written from 400 to 333 a.C. witness an elaborate administrative reseau, and a slave trade which follows the Neo-Babylonian Laws as well. The most interesting peculiarities of this period is the presence of a rich coinage which echoes the past religious tradition of Samaria. Any clear evidence of a temple during the Achaemenid Period has been found, although the existence of a sort of "temenos" is likely. On the contrary, the Hellenistic period witnesses an economic decay. Its most striking peculiarity is the great number of Aramaic and paleo-Hebrew votive inscriptions found on Mount Garizim. They are written on stone and are put on the wall of the precint by men and women who express their desire to be remembered for the good. The names of priests in paleo-Hebrew as well as the mention of the “house of sacrificeµ point out to the existence of a temple and a local priesthood still in good relationship with Jerusalem.