Small palace 19 – This palace, situated on the continuation of the path to the south, underwent many changes during the revolt, when residential structures were built around it. Next to it is a public assembly hall with benches along the walls and a kind of constructed table at the center. The Yadin expedition’s excavators nicknamed this structure the "Beit Midrash" – the Torah study house – but it is now believed to have been a dining room and prayer hall for the Essene community. Small palace 20a – Located east of the pool, this palace had rooms surrounding a central courtyard containing a water cistern. The rebels made changes in the building to use it as living quarters. Note: To visit the southern part of the plateau (27–32), turn south. Small palace 20b – Located close to the continuation of the path, this palace also consisted of rooms surrounding a courtyard. Here too, remains dating to the period of the Great Revolt were found. The path will lead you eastward to the casemate wall and a number of buildings dating to the period of the Great Revolt. The “tenements” 21 – This large group of modest structures hugging the inner face of the perimeter wall served as living quarters during the Great Revolt. Artifacts discovered here reveal elements of daily life during the period of the revolt. Among them were textiles, weaving tools and woven baskets, as well as pottery, glass and bone vessels. Leather items were also discovered, together with stone and metal implements and coins. Jewelry and even food items were also found. However, the most outstanding discoveries are ostraca bearing inscriptions in Hebrew and Aramaic, which provide a rare glimpse of community life during the Great Revolt.
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