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In the Publications of the Princeton University Archaeological Expeditions to Syria in 1904-5 and 1909 (Leyden) 1919 IIA, p. 123, 432, H.C. Butler described two tower-like structures (Safiyeh and Dammet al- 'Aliyyah) which he finds very archaic, almost prehistoric. Recent French explorations in southern Syria discovered six other constructions which belong to the same series. They have at least two storeys and consist of an independent carefully built central core, reinforced by a shell built around it during the same construction phase. An entrance at the base gives access to a staircase climbing to the top of the tower. Without excavations, neither the date nor the function of these structures can be ascertained. They are built on a high spot at the limits of a settlement, providing a view across a desert landscape from where one could expect hostile incursions. Are these watch and defence towers or places of worship like monumental altars? Five of these constructions are indeed standing near a sanctuary., Braemer Frank, Dentzer J.-M., Kalos Michael, Tondon Ph. Tours à noyau chemisé de Syrie du Sud. In: Syria. Tome 76, 1999. pp. 151-176.

Kalos Michael. Le site de Saḥr (Syrie du Sud). In: Topoi, volume 7/2, 1997. pp. 965-991.