Yussefiyah's Development in the Patriarchs' Cave Compound.

The Yussefiyah structure, adjacent to the northwestern wall of the Patriarchs' Cave Compound in Hebron, is a complex one, with elements integrated within it dating from Roman times to the present day. In 2016, ground-penetrating radar mapping was carried out to identify hidden cavities and structures. After deciphering the results of the mapping, it became clear that a reservoir with arches from the Roman period had been constructed inside a karstic fissure below the ground floor. During the various stages of the compound's construction, this reservoir influenced the shape of the structure. It appears that due to karstic fissures under the compound area, as well as other factors, the whole compound was constructed at an unconventional angle. These fissures were used as reservoirs during the period preceding the structure's construction, and Herod planned to use them to supply water to those entering the compound. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]