several stone architectural elements in later periods. All around the slopes of this area pottery and other
material remains were exposed when the whole mound was lowered again during the late Roman period.
Stratum 4
In the year 106 CE, during the time of King Rabbel II, the final Nabataean king, the Roman Empire
annexed the Nabataean kingdom. At Tamar a new structure was rebuilt mainly in Areas A and B, creating
a two-tower fortress. The cultural material belonging to this period was uncovered on a few floor levels,
on the slopes of the site, and in the Iron Age stone walls were robbing took place. The Early Roman
occupation of Tamar ended in 221 CE, in the days of Elagabalus Caesar (203-222 CE). At that time, all
the southern sites of the Negev were abandoned, including those of the Incense Trade Route and Negev
trade stations like Memphis, Metzad Yeroham.
After fifty years of instability in the Empire, the Romans once again took control of the eastern provinces.
During this time the Roman military built the southern road across the Scorpion Pass (aka The Aqrabbim
Ascent) along with strategically placed tax stations. It was also at this time that the Romans chose Tamar
to be one of the main establishments along this road. Two large structures were built at the site using the
stones from the earlier periods. Using the remains of the previous Roman fortress as a foundation they
constructed another tower fortress. Below, to the east of the fortress, they built a large military bath
complex attached to military palaestra. This Roman military occupation ended with the achievement of
peace in 361 CE. The structures were destroyed by an earthquake in 363 CE.