Origins of Nisf Jubeil
The origins of Nisf Jubeil are unclear. However, evidence points to its existence since Chalcolithic period (otherwise known as Eneolithic or Neolithic) and Early Bronze Age, with speculation of population growth in the Early Bronze Age.
Furthermore, there is clear evidence that the area of Northern Samaria was already well-settled in Biblical times. It is believed that the area reached its peak population in the Roman-Byzantine time, and declined thereafter, fluctuating until the increase in the 19th century. Although the evidence doesn’t particularly focus on Nisf Jubeil, there is no reason to believe the village of Nisf Jubeil didn’t follow the same trend – especially given evidence of its earlier existence
Testimonies of the villages, as narrated to them by their forefathers, support the claims above, concurring that the current village of Nisf Jubeil was built on the ruins of a preceding village dating back to hundreds or even thousands of years ago. Villagers furthermore claim that the village was completely destroyed, and vanished at a given time in history.
Destruction of the ancient village:
The area studied is believed to have been destroyed by several natural disasters including earthquakes, torrents and floods. According to oral testimonies of the villagers, the ancient village is believed to have been destroyed and vanished by a flood that ravaged the region. Although villagers do not recall the exact date of the flood, historical narratives of the area refer clearly to the torrent and floods of February 14, 1935 drastically affecting the area.
Furthermore, there is evidence of several earthquakes and floods that destroyed dwellings near Nisf Jubeil – including Nablus.
- The first of which is in 1200AD (597 Hijri), which was a known earthquake that destroyed Nablus completely, which speculations indicate that it also destroyed the village of Nisf Jubeil as well.
- 1824AD (1239 Hijri) and 1830 (1246 Hijri) were two other recorded earthquakes that hit the area, but were recorded as small.
- On December 10, 1836, 10min before sunset (1252 Hijri), another earthquake hit the area and destroyed the village of Burqa and other areas.
- The great torrent and flood of February 14, 1935 hit the country, and specifically the area of Jabal Nablus. This is believed to be the most significant and recent recorded and remembered torrent, but is not the only torrent and flood that hit the area. In Nisf Jubeil, the torrent destroyed where it passed: near the mosque – destroying all the houses on the way. It also possibly destroyed the protestant church in the village.
Other occurrences in which it was possible that the village of Nisf Jubeil was again destroyed were the following dates. Although all of those dates are referring to nearby villages, it is very possible that Nisf Jubeil shared the same fate.
- 722BC when the Asyrian empire took over Samaria under the leadership of King Sargon II, it was believed that the ancient city was heavily damaged at the time.
- 108BC the first known and attested destruction of the city of Samaria by the Maccabean King, John Hyrcanus.
- The great Samaritan revolt during the rule of the astern Roman Emperor Ioustinianos (527 – 565AD), destroying the villages around Nablus.
- Circa 1737AD, Thaher attacked Nablus, destroying the north villages around Nablus as a way to pressure Nablus’ surrender.