During December 2002, a salvage excavation was conducted at Yavne-Yam (Permit No. A-3870; map ref. NIG 1713/6478; OIG 1213/1478), following the discovery of a jar by H. Yihye (antiquities trustee), who alerted the inspetors of the IAA Unit for the Prevention of Antiquities Robbery. The excavation, on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority, was directed by E. Ayash and A. Ganor, with the assistance of A. Klein and A. Hofesh, Y. Bukengolts (pottery restoration), C. Amit (photography) and N. Ze'evi (drawing of finds).