More on the Roman-era town near Beer Sheva

ARCHAEOLOGY: Ancient Jewish Town Found in Be'er Sheva Solves Decades-old Mystery. Where were the Jews of the city during the Second Temple period, and why did they disappear after 150 years? (Ruth Schuster, Haaretz premium).

The answer to the first question is that at least some of them lived in this town.

The answer to the second is less straightforward. They just left. I suspect the area wasn't very prosperous after the disastrous Bar Kokhba Revolt.

Anyhow, read the article for a detailed discussion of both questions.

Background here.

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