Al-Qaysariyya: A prominent archaeological site attributed to one of the Roman Caesars who inhabited the region in ancient times. It features the remains of an old prison connected to an underground tunnel, in addition to a historical olive press and a large circular millstone. This stronghold was purified by Muslims during the era of Salah ad-Din al-Ayyubi.

The “Al-Qaysariyya” area in the town of Al-Shuyukh (northeast of Hebron) is not merely an old structure, but a fully integrated fortified complex dating back to the Roman period, representing a significant military and religious turning point in the region.

Name and Roman Origin Name attribution: The name “Al-Qaysariyya” is derived from “Caesar,” the title given to the emperors and rulers of the Roman Empire. Historical symbolism: It is believed that the area served as a headquarters for a Roman governor or a military garrison, due to the strategic elevated location of Al-Shuyukh overlooking ancient trade routes and military movements.

The Old Prison and Secret Tunnel Military structure: The remains of the prison reflect the authoritative nature of the site in ancient times, as it was used for several purposes (such as detaining prisoners, punishing rebels against Roman rule, or maintaining security in the area). Underground tunnel: The existence of a tunnel connected to the prison is a well-known Roman military engineering technique. It was used for three main purposes: Secret escape: To ensure the safe exit of rulers or soldiers in case the fortress was besieged. Hidden supply: To bring in provisions and water without being exposed to enemies. Military ambush: To move soldiers from one place to another behind enemy lines.

Economic Facilities (Olive Press and Millstone) The presence of these tools confirms that “Al-Qaysariyya” was not merely a dry military barracks, but also a center for managing agricultural production: Historical olive press: Indicates that the area has been rich in olive trees for thousands of years. The press was used to provide oil for soldiers and residents of the fortress, or to collect agricultural taxes. Circular millstone: A large, heavy basalt or limestone stone, operated by animals (such as horses or donkeys) to crush olives for oil extraction, or to grind grains into flour. Its large size reflects the scale of production at the site.

Islamic Transformation (Era of Salah ad-Din al-Ayyubi) Battle and purification: During the time of the leader Salah ad-Din al-Ayyubi (through the Crusades and the liberation of Jerusalem and its surroundings), these ancient fortresses were reused as military bases. Religious and military significance: Muslims led campaigns to cleanse these fortified strongholds and remove hostile forces. After gaining control, the area gradually transformed from a symbol of foreign domination (Roman/Byzantine/Crusader) into the nucleus of an Islamic community, eventually becoming part of the modern town of Al-Shuyukh that developed around these remains.