Punon

-Unlike the rest of the photos on BiblePlaces.com, the photos on this page are recent and are not included in the current edition of the Pictorial Library-

 
Feinan, area of ancient Punon, from west  

Punon area from the west

The area of Feinan is believed to preserve the name of biblical Punon.  The only occurrence of the site name Punon is on the journey of the Israelites toward Moab (Num. 33:41-43).  The incident with the bronze serpent occurred after Israel left Punon and before they came to Oboth (Num. 33:43; cf. Num. 21:4-9).  The location of Oboth is unknown. 

 

 

Roman Reservoir

Feinan was occupied from the Chalcolithic age to the Byzantine period (4000 B.C. – 630 A.D.).  In Roman and Byzantine times, the site was known as Phaino.  The Roman reservoir shown here collected water from springs in the wadi.  Thousands of burials are located in the area, mostly from the Byzantine period.

   Feinan, ancient Punon, with Roman reservoir

 

Feinan, ancient Punon, copper ore  

Copper Ore

Feinan was a site of copper mining throughout its history.  It is one of the largest copper mining sites in the Middle East.  German archaeologists estimated that there are up to 200,000 tons of slag in the Feinan area, which represents up to 20,000 tons of copper production in antiquity.

 

Copper Mine

There are mine shafts in the area today which can still be entered.  Some mine shafts are entered vertically and others are horizontal shafts into the hillsides (shown here and below). 

  Feinan, ancient Punon, copper mine

 

Feinan, ancient Punon, copper mine  

Mine Shaft

The copper mines were mined more or less continuously from the Early Bronze age to the Early Roman period.  Eusebius records that in the Roman period criminals and Christians were sent to these mine shafts for forced labor.

 

Related Websites

Punon (Ancient Routes) Good introductory article on the site, describing its geography and biblical significance.

Punon - Location Profile (Walking in Their Sandals) Lists information regarding the site's location, setting, and significance. Includes a short bibliography.

The Madaba Mosaic Map (Franciscan Cyberspot) Provides a map and a picture of Feinan along with a translation of the relative section on the Madaba Map.