This volume, first in a series of final reports on excavations at Maresha during the 1980s and 1990s, deals with work undertaken in the 1980s. The excavations and surveys centered in the lower city. Ancient Maresha consisted of a high mound (tell) and a lower city that enclosed the upper area. The impressive remains of the lower city include extensive man-made subterranean complexes. A necropolis consisting of 3 major tomb concentrations surrounded the lower city.