During July-August 2006, a trial excavation was conducted south of Ramla and north-east of Moshav Yashresh (Permit No. A-4858; map ref. NIG 18650-66/64729-42; OIG 13650-66/14729-42), prior to the paving of Highway 431. The excavation, carried out on behalf of the Antiquities Authority and funded by the Department of Public Works, was directed by A. Gorzalczany, with the assistance of O. Segal (area supervision), S. Ya'aqov-Jam and E. Bachar (administration), A. Hajian (surveying), T. Sagiv (photography), the Sky Balloon Company (aerial photography), Y. Nagar (physical anthropology), A. Buchennino and V. Moyel (antiquities inspection), Y. Peleg (hydrological calculations), N. Zak (drafting), L. Kupershmidt (metallurgical laboratory) and R. Kool (numismatics). Additional assistance was provided by A. 'Asav, T. Kanias, R. Lupu, A. Re'em and A. Feldstein.