13 Abstract The present thesis aims to answer questions regarding function of many Early Roman fortifications investigated in past decades in the region of Northern Negev, i.e. in the valley of Nahal Beersheva between modern towns of Arad and Beersheva. In past, various interpretations were provided, often conflicting with each other and therefore author sought to look at this topic from different point of view, using GIS based tools to explore spatial relationships between the fortifications and settlements in terms of intervisibility (for military signaling and control) and relation to road-system. Moreover, Early Roman Judaea was unstable region with high prevalence of banditry and thus assumption is that military responded to these threats. The results of viewshed analysis (intervisiblity) and least-cost path (reconstruction of road system) can roughly divide the region in question to the zones. In the first zone, most of the fortifications are intervisible and also exercise control of settlements and roads; while in the second zone forts cannot communicate using signals but are located on important roads providing water, lodging and security to travelers. It leads to conclusion that these forts served as stations of detached military units concerned with policing and administration (in both zones) and...

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